Murphy had Hegarty backing

Published on Saturday 4 July 2009 11:20

FORMER Livingston manager Paul Hegarty encouraged the man who replaced him at Almondvale to accept the job.

Hegarty brought Jim Murphy to the club in March as goalkeeping coach, but was dismissed in April. Now Murphy, 42, has taken on the task of trying to motivate the team amid a financial crisis which threatens to plunge the club into administration.

Murphy said: "It was a surprise to be made head coach and it's not why I came here in March. I worked with Paul Hegarty and Graeme Robertson and enjoyed it very much.

"It was Paul who brought me in and I really appreciate that. I couldn't help but learn from someone like that. I'm a pretty ambitious guy but it has never gone beyond my relationships and friendships.

"For me Paul is a legend. What he has done as a player and a coach speaks for itself.

"I spoke with him this week and he wished me well. I feel very strongly about Paul but if I did not feel strongly about the club as well I would not have taken the job.

"I know I am young for a manager but the only way you get experience is by doing it."

Murphy spent four years as Steve Nicol's assistant at New England Revolution in his home city of Boston then spent five years at Colorado Rapids in charge of player development.