Jordan Murphy learning with new Walsall deal
Walsall striker Jordan Murphy today vowed he'll continue to be a student of the game after signing a new one-year deal at the Banks's.
The 19-year-old was considering going to university this time last year, before the League One Saddlers came calling in September to take him on full-time.
After joining from Stourbridge, he's since enjoyed a fruitful loan spell back in non-league with Worcester City and made two substitute appearances for Walsall's first-team.
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He also lifted the Walsall Senior Cup with the Saddlers' reserve side, scoring twice in the final as they overcame Chasetown 4-3 at the Banks's.
Murphy is devoted to his football and thinks it's "brilliant," saying: "I'm really looking forward to next season and can't wait to get started.
"It's all been an amazing experience and I can't wait to kick on with my progression and have an even better season than I have this year.
"My loan spell with Worcester was incredible. It was the perfect time for me to go out and get games and to gain that experience was very special. It's really stood me in good stead.
"My career has moved so quickly! Thinking about this time last year, I was looking at going to university. Now, there's nowhere else I'd rather be than here playing football.
"I went on a nice little run of scoring goals towards the end of last season for the reserves, including a couple here in the Senior Cup final.
"I'm now looking to do the same, not only for the development squad but also for the first-team."
Murphy is confident he's in manager Dean Smith's plans, adding: "The loan did its job.
"It was a massive confidence boost when the gaffer decided to keep me here with the group rather than send me out again.
"It was reassuring to know that I wasn't just being sent out for the sake of it and there was intent for me to come back and play. That definitely made me a better player.
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"I have to be pushing for a place in the first-team next year. I know I'm only young, but I'm hungry for it and I want to be playing here regularly and scoring goals.
"Everyone gets a chance here and they know if they perform they'll be rewarded. There's a great team spirit, everyone wants each other to do well.
"I've been with the lads for almost a year and I know what we're capable of. Everyone starts on no points come August and I think we should be eyeing a top six spot, for sure."
