TOP Premiership stars have inundated Gerry Murphy with fantastic memorabilia in support of his testimonial year.
Town’s Academy manager has been receiving footballs, shirts and other keepsakes from all the top names and clubs in the country.
It’s a measure of how much the 64-year-old Irishman is respected in the game and the items will be auctioned at various events throughout the next 12 months.
Murphy’s year is being launched on Sunday, September 30, and Town fans still have the chance to be involved.
TV presenter Harry Gration and musical entertainer Simeon Wood are guests when the testimonial kicks off with a luncheon at the Galpharm Stadium.
Around 275 seats have already been sold for the event, which starts around 12.45 and features a three-course lunch, and there is the chance for supporters to meet manager Andy Ritchie and the first-team squad, who will all be present.
The event is being sponsored by Galpharm International and tickets, priced £25, are available from George Binns (01484 428530), Ian Whitehead (01484 543980) or from Linda Myers at the Galpharm Stadium on 01484 484152. After the launch, Murphy’s committee have planned a Sports Quiz at the Galpharm on Thursday, November 1, which some of the biggest names in Town’s history have agreed to take part in.
These include Denis Law, Ray Wilson, Andy Booth and Terry Yorath – so it promises to be a night not to be missed. Tickets for this event are £20 (including supper) and are available from the same contacts. It is being sponsored by G W Bodyshop Ltd.
Meanwhile, three of Murphy’s Academy products are doing themselves justice on the international stage.
Goalkeeper Alex Smithies is just back from the Under 17 World Cup in South Korea, where he helped England reach the quarter finals (they were eventually knocked out 4-1 by Germany). Smithies played in every match, including a memorable victory against Brazil.
James Berrett played (the first half) for the Republic of Ireland Under 19s in their 1-0 defeat by Portugal at Belfield, Dublin, on Tuesday and is in the squad for tonight’s re-match at United Park, Drogheda (7.30).
Michael Collins, of course, is in the Republic Under 21 side to face Portugal in Cork tomorrow night in a vital UEFA qualifier.
Town’s Academy side beat Blackburn 1-0 yesterday with a goal from Stephen Brook.
