Reflecting on the euphoria that followed the agony is a topic for Josh Murphy, a former Wigan Athletic loanee.
Following his spectacular brace against Bolton Wanderers to propel Oxford United into the Championship, former Wigan Athletic winger Josh Murphy looked back on a “tough few years.”
Ten years ago, when he was still at Norwich, the 29-year-old played a stint on loan with Latics. He was literally the difference in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Oxford secured their spot in the second division for the first time in 25 years thanks to his first-half brace.
It also marked the culmination of an amazing journey for him at Oxford, where just a year prior to this, he was jeered by the supporters and advised to “find another club.”
“I’ve always believed in myself,” Murphy, who relocated to Oxford in 2022 after joining Cardiff from Norwich in 2018, stated. It was either sink or swim for me after a difficult few years, which included a difficult year last year and a difficult few years prior. Fortunately, I was able to swim today. I’m merely giddy.
“There has been a noticeable improvement, since I recall being jeered off last season.
“I’m at a loss for words because my brother texted our family group chat, saying, ‘This last time last year I got told to find another club.'” Now that the club has as its goal getting promoted, it’s absurd.
“I can’t stop smiling for the fans and the boys. Next year, all of us will be participating in championship football.
Murphy’s contract expires this summer, so it’s possible that his time in office is up.
“On BBC Radio Oxford, I want to play as high as I can,” he continued. It is something I believe I owe to the club, to my family, and to myself.
“I simply wish to distract myself from all that’s happened; this season has been arduous and lengthy, and I yearn to savor my summer.”
After being signed by Malky Mackay near the end of the 2014–15 season, Murphy made five appearances for Latics before going back to his parent club, Norwich.
