Newcastle United prospect makes European qualification predication for former club Galway United
League of Ireland side Galway United have made a storming return to the top-flight this season - but that hasn’t surprised player-turned-supporter Alex Murphy.
Galway United have been tipped for European qualification by their former defender Alex Murphy.
Murphy swapped the League of Ireland side for Premier League giants Newcastle United in July 2022 - but he has kept a close eye on their progress over the past two years.
They won promotion back to the top-flight last season and, far from being happy to consolidate their position, they climbed higher and higher up the table.
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Currently in fifth place, the Tribesmen are just one point behind reigning champions Shamrock Rovers, with a game-in-hand over the Hoops.
Knowing that fourth place could secure European football next year, Murphy has tipped his former side, who are in action against Bohemians on Thursday night, to cause an upset.
He has spent the summer back at home, training at Scully Fitness, a small rural gym near his home.
“I don’t think anyone expected them to do as well as they have, well to be fair I knew they would do well,” said the Ireland Under-21 international.
“Going up they were unbelievable last year. John and all of the coaching staff have all the boys so well drilled this season. So, it’s no surprise how well they are doing.
“Everyone is just getting so excited at the thought of it here in Galway. It’s an exciting time for the club. They’ve a great buzz round the place.
“If they keep doing what they are doing they have a great chance of getting into Europe.
“It would mean everything. Galway haven’t been where they should have been for the last few years but now they are right in among it.
“With the size of the club and the fan base behind them they can do great things.
“They are where they should be at the moment. It’s great to see.”
Murphy made his Premier League debut for Newcastle in last November’s 4-1 win over Chelsea, while he signed a new long-term deal in May.
“I didn’t realise the size of the club and how big it was until I actually went over,” he said of his new home.
“It’s a one club city so everybody supports Newcastle. You can’t go out of your house without seeing a Newcastle shirt, someone who supports Newcastle, or talking about Newcastle. It’s a massive club and a huge fanbase.
“Hopefully I do well and keep progressing because I have been happy with the two years I have had there.”
# Scully Fitness this week celebrate their ninth anniversary, with just over 200 members and six staff, led by Gary Scully.
It was initially set up when Gary Scully offered to run a spin class for a group of local footballers who were keen to boost their fitness levels.
Murphy said: “It’s unreal, the gym is only about ten minutes from my house so it’s ideal.
Whenever I’m home, even if I have a few days off I will always come here to get a session and keep me ticking over.
“Now I’m home for the summer it’s important to keep doing the programme and keep fit until we go back.
“This gym is perfect for me and Gary has been a great help to me every time I have come home he has let me use the gym at will, so yeah it’s perfect for me.”
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