In Conversation With… Kevin Murray

Ray Scott talks to the Blues skipper

(first published in the May 2010 Cork City FORAS Co-op programme)

Watching Kevin Murray watching Waterford United’s game with Wexford Youths, the frustration is evident on his face. For Captain Dependable, the anguish is not so much about the way the game is developing but rather the fact that he is sidelined by a stupid injury that keeps him off the field.

Would he make a difference to the side out on the park, given the way the game has developed? You bet! Because Kevin Murray is a player whose passion, drive and commitment resonates with fellow players and fans alike. He breathes confidence into a team and his towering leadership is not just down to his height – it is down to his attitude, his will to win and his honesty of effort.

Kevin on the ball against Wexford Youths

Kevin Murray joined the Blues last season as one of Stephen Henderson’s first signings. “Initially I came to Waterford as I felt it was a good footballing opportunity. I knew Stephen Henderson as a good manager and I have great time for him. He is a superb manager who had time for me and I like the way he plays and sets up his teams. But having been here, I have developed a great relationship with the Chairman and the Board and the fans have been great as well!”

Thirty-three league games, two cup finals and a semi final later, Murray had achieved a rarity – a 100% appearance record and he also contributed a couple of goals along the way. Fast forward to May 2010 and he has already missed games at Longford, home to Athlone, Shelbourne and Wexford as well as the EA Sports Cup defeat of Tralee. “It has been very frustrating for me at the moment, especially as I played every game last year,” said Kevin. “ I don’t know how many more I’m going to miss and to make it worse it happened in training. I’m itching to get back ‘cos watching these games is just so frustrating. But I’m working with the physio and I am back in the gym so hopefully I’m not too far away!”

For Kevin, the frustration is palpable and he makes no bones about how it’s affecting him! “It’s unbelievably frustrating to be on the sideline. Don’t get me wrong, this squad has dealt unbelievably well with the injuries and the win against Shelbourne was one of the best results for the club since I’ve come to Waterford. But then you come to Wexford and while I thought we were a bit lacklustre in the first half we picked it up in the second half but I wanted to be out there. I wanted to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and you feel that you could change things if you could just get out on the field!”

And while injuries may be impacting the performances on the field, Murray remains in no doubt as to the potential in the squad. “I honestly believe that our squad this year as a whole is better. It will count for us as the season progresses. Lads like Paul Carey who has come in and done a great job. We are playing two games a week at the moment and a bigger squad is needed and it has shown – lads have come into defence to do a job. So we have the depth.

And when you press Kevin on what this season is all about he doesn’t even think. The words are out immediately! “Promotion! Promotion is the only thing that counts for Waterford this season. Cup runs are nice here and there but promotion is what we want. The bottom line is Premier Division football in Waterford next season!”