Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United coach Brian Murphy to bring championship-winning experience

While the Magpies Crusaders are being relegated next season, things are looking up for the club after its new appointment. Meet the new coach here.

The path back to the National Premier League will be a difficult one for the Magpies Crusaders, but the club has announced the man to lead them in 2022.

Former Irish footballer and new Mackay and Whitsundays coach Brian Murphy enjoyed drought-breaking success at his former club, Onehunga Mangere United, winning the club’s first silverware in 22 years last season.

Murphy said his philosophy on football was different to most coaches, and was hoping his approach would work with the younger squad at Magpies Crusaders.

New Mackay and Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders coach Brian Murphy. Picture: Contributed

“I’m a bit more of a modern coach, a lot of old-school coaches yell a lot and put fear in players,” he said.

“I’m a bit different to that, my mindset is about building a good culture, keeping the players focused and driven.

“That’s what led Onehunga Mangere United to success last year, that culture and giving players ownership of the season and the avenues we set to reach our goals.”

Taking on a relatively young squad after recent relegation comes with its challenges, but Murphy said he was excited to work with the group and ride the bumps with them.

“All the players sign contracts, but they also work during the day and have families at home, so you’ve got to be mindful of their lives outside of football,” he said.

New Mackay and Whitsunday Magpies Crusaders coach Brian Murphy. Picture: Contributed

“They’re not always going to turn up to training with the right mindset so we need to be aware of that and make a comfortable environment for them to speak with coaches.

“If you’re understanding and you help the players on and off the field you’ll build success, and that’s what I want to bring in the player-centric approach.”

Murphy’s stint in Mackay will not be his first taste of Australian football, with the new coach spending time playing in NPL Victoria for Springvale Sea Eagles in 2007.

He said he fell in love with the country, and was excited to return 15 years later.

“I had a wonderful experience in 2007 as a player, I fell in love with the country and the people,” he said.

“Australia was always somewhere I wanted to come back to but my playing career came to a bit of a sudden end.

“So to get the chance to come to Mackay is a dream, I’m really looking forward to getting to know the community as well as the players at the club.”

Originally published as Mackay and Whitsundays Magpies Crusaders United coach Brian Murphy to bring championship-winning experience