AS a keen observer of Town affairs, I have read with interest recent articles and correspondence featuring chairman elect Dean Hoyle and current owner Ken Davy, not to mention the iconic standing of new club ambassador Andy Booth.

I am puzzled, though, as the weeks have gone by and the season having ended in some disappointment but, nevertheless, with renewed optimism under fledging manager Lee Clark.

What I cannot understand is why the club has seemingly ‘forgotten’ Academy guru Gerry Murphy who retired so abruptly after 20 years’ sterling service.

During his stewardship of the club’s youth system which has sometimes included impassioned pleading for its very survival and, I believe at one perilous stage, Gerry himself stumping up cash to maintain its viability,

Town have benefited by the nurturing of talent which has seen players such as Andy Booth, Jon Stead, Andy Holdsworth, Jon Worthington, Michael Collins, James Berrett and Joe Skarz make their mark.

In Town’s 2004 play-off triumph at Cardiff, eight of the players on duty that day had graduated through the ‘Murphy Academy of Football.’

And when previous manager Stan Ternent seemed intent on spending big money on goalkeeping cover it was Murphy, in one of his successful stints as caretaker boss, who knew the time was right to give rising star Alex Smithies his chance.

Smithies hasn’t looked back since and his value to the club has been demonstrated by a £1m-plus rating as well as highlighting Murphy’s shrewd judgement.

The ambassadorial role for Andy Booth is a master stroke to be applauded, but there are those who would have advocated some continued involvement for Murphy, perhaps utilising his technical and man-management skills and, not least, his uncanny ability to spot potential talent in would-be professional footballers at a very early age.

These attributes won him glowing testimonials and respect from leading Premiership clubs – he was the inaugural winner of the Football League’s Contribution to Football award, but above all he was looked up to by fans and players young and old for his wise (though sometimes vociferous!) counsel.

Puzzling? Yes, and also the fact that apparently Gerry Murphy wasn’t invited to the club’s end-of-season Academy presentation evening which would have given him the opportunity to say ‘thank you and goodbye’ to all the parents and grandparents of the products who may become future Town stars.

Decisions on ‘retirement’ are often fraught with difficulties and emotions run high, but just as I believe it is right to acknowledge Ken Davy’s achievements in rescuing the club from the knacker’s yard, I and others are astounded that there has been no formal presentation to mark Gerry Murphy’s dedicated service and no opportunity for Town’s faithful to show their appreciation in the time-honoured manner.

Maybe the opening day of an eagerly-awaited 2009-10 season will be a suitable occasion and not detract from what is hoped will be the start of an exciting new era for our much loved club.

Over 50 years a Town follower

Huddersfield