Leeds United: Midfielder Murphy takes a pay cut to stay with Whites
Yorkshire Post 14/7/15
Leeds United midfielder Luke Murphy has signed a new four-year deal with the club – and taken a substantial pay cut in the process.
As reported in the YEP yesterday, Murphy, 25, has agreed fresh terms until 2019 with the Elland Road side he joined for £1million from Crewe Alexandra back in 2013.
He is currently sidelined with a knee injury he picked up in pre-season training, but says he is happy at Leeds and never had any intention of leaving.
Murphy, whose contract was due to expire at the end of next season has played 72 times for the Whites and played a big part in their resurgence in the second part of last season – having been out of favour before Christmas.
A statement by the club said the Macclesfield-born schemer had shown his commitment “by taking a considerable wage reduction to sign until 2019”.
Murphy said: “There wasn’t really much to think about – I’m really happy here.
“I’ve obviously had ups and downs but towards the end of last season I really started to feel at home. The atmosphere in pre-season is really positive.
“I started to feel as though I was playing my best football here and hopefully that can continue. I want to repay the faith shown in me by performing on the pitch.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that in the next four seasons and get this club back to where it belongs in the Premier League. The signings that have come in already this summer have shown real intent of what we’re about and what we’re hoping to achieve in the near future.”
Head coach Uwe Rosler said: “I’m a big admirer of Luke, I’ve said that a few times. He finished the season very strongly and we have high hopes for him this season.
“A lot of people don’t see this side but Mr Cellino has stuck by a player who is basically injured and going into the last year of his contract. That is a big statement from the owner.
“He proved his worth to the club before and we’ve offered him a new contract. That’s the way football should work. I’m very happy that he’s signed and I’m looking forward to working with him very much.”
Leeds United midfielder Luke Murphy has signed a new four-year deal with the club – and taken a substantial pay cut in the process.
As reported in the YEP yesterday, Murphy, 25, has agreed fresh terms until 2019 with the Elland Road side he joined for £1million from Crewe Alexandra back in 2013.
He is currently sidelined with a knee injury he picked up in pre-season training, but says he is happy at Leeds and never had any intention of leaving.
Murphy, whose contract was due to expire at the end of next season has played 72 times for the Whites and played a big part in their resurgence in the second part of last season – having been out of favour before Christmas.
A statement by the club said the Macclesfield-born schemer had shown his commitment “by taking a considerable wage reduction to sign until 2019”.
Murphy said: “There wasn’t really much to think about – I’m really happy here.
“I’ve obviously had ups and downs but towards the end of last season I really started to feel at home. The atmosphere in pre-season is really positive.
“I started to feel as though I was playing my best football here and hopefully that can continue. I want to repay the faith shown in me by performing on the pitch.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that in the next four seasons and get this club back to where it belongs in the Premier League. The signings that have come in already this summer have shown real intent of what we’re about and what we’re hoping to achieve in the near future.”
Head coach Uwe Rosler said: “I’m a big admirer of Luke, I’ve said that a few times. He finished the season very strongly and we have high hopes for him this season.
“A lot of people don’t see this side but Mr Cellino has stuck by a player who is basically injured and going into the last year of his contract. That is a big statement from the owner.
“He proved his worth to the club before and we’ve offered him a new contract. That’s the way football should work. I’m very happy that he’s signed and I’m looking forward to working with him very much.”
