Ex Hibs full back David Murphy forced to retire

It was revealed yesterday that ex Hibs defender David Murphy has been forced to retire through injury.

The 30-year-old has just returned from 8 months out due to a knee injury, but has struggled to regain form, and has decided the time is right to end his career.

Speaking on the official Birmingham website, the defender said:

“All of my rehabilitation went as well as it could have done and I managed to return to playing for a brief spell.

“However, I wasn’t able to sustain the heights of my previous form and as a result I have no option but to retire.

“Having sought advice from the surgeon and medical staff at the football club, I had to make sure in my own mind that I was ready to retire.

“I have reached that decision and will look forward to the next chapter in my life.”

Murphy has been plauged with knee injury's his whole career, and after nearly two years of struggle with his latest one, has decided enough is enough.

Sadly, Murphy has become the second member of Hibs 2007 Scottish League Cup winning side that has had to retire early through injury, following last months news that Chris Hogg has also had to end his career.

Murphy joined the Hibees from Middlesbrough in 2004 after an impressive trial against Leeds United at Easter Road.

The Hartelepool born full back is widely regarded as the best left back to wear the green and white since the days of Eric Schaedler of the famous "Turbull's Tornadoes" side of the 70's.

Murphy was part of an excellent Hibs side under Tony Mowbray and John Collins, that consistantly qualified for european competition, reached the later stages of cup competitions and finished high in the SPL, playing some outstanding football.

The 30-year-old was, of course, part of the Hibees 2007 League Cup winning side and played 135 games for the club, scoring 7 goals.

His form at Easter Road earned him a £1.5m move to then Premiership side Birmingham City in 2008.

Murphy gained huge respect when he left Edinburgh, by donating his signing on fee from his move to the Midlands to the Hibs youth system.

He will always be highly regarded at Easter Road, and there was always a hope amongst the support that we might see him back in green and white before he retired, sadly that won't be the case.

Murphy gained cult status at St Andrews in his 6 years at the club, and was part of Birmingham City squad that won the English League Cup in 2011.

Hibernian-Mad would like to wish "Murph" all the very best for the future, and hopefully we will see him back at Easter Road in the future.

A true modern day Hibernian legend.