After a sensational performance which propelled Oxford United back up into the Championship, there are question marks over Josh Murphy’s future with the club.
Des Buckingham, the Ox’s manager, is very hopeful of retaining such a key asset from their promotion bid. His two clinical strikes proved to be the difference in a 2-0 victory over strong favourites Bolton Wanderers, at Wembley Stadium, in this year’s League One Play-Off final.
The 29-year-old has been a stand-out performer for Oxford this season, and with his contract expiring in the summer, all those around the club will be doing their best to keep the winger. Murphy has scored six goals and contributed four assists in the regular League One campaign.
The South East side have reached the second division now for the first time in 25 years, and the former Mumbai City head coach has spearheaded the charge back up the leagues.
Speaking to the Football League Paper, Buckingham offered his post-match opinions as well as his desire to keep the former Cardiff City man:
”It was wonderful to see Josh get his two goals, he has been a delight to work with since I walked through the door.
”We will do as much as we possibly can to keep Josh. We want good people at the club. But he is a very good footballer and fits our style of football.
“If we can keep him and he wants to stay, we will do everything we can and it won’t be for the lack of trying.
“This club means so much to so many people. To take it back to the Championship after such a long period of time and to do it the way we did against an excellent Bolton side, I am delighted with.”
“The last time I was here I watched James Constable, Matt Green and Alfie Potter score the goals that brought us back into the Football League in 2010 as a fan.
”So, to experience what I just have as a manager is a very special moment.”
Writer’s View
Josh Murphy has had a resurgence in his career thanks to this brilliant spell at Oxford. Having underperformed at Cardiff City recently and not been given a proper go at Preston North End, this could be a perfect extension for the Englishman.
The winger has certainly earned his plaudits for the newly-promoted side. Having stepped up to the mark and shining in the final, doubts of whether the 29-year-old is Championship calibre have surely been put to bed.
