Glenorchy Knights have a new man at the helm this season.
The reigning champions appointed Brian Murphy, 42, to replace James Sherman and the club is currently third on the NPL Tasmania standings.
I spoke to Murphy yesterday about his task at Knights this season.
Walter Pless: How do you think the Knights are going this year as the reigning league champions?
Brian Murphy: Considering we’ve lost eight players and are working with a squad that averages just 21.5 years of age, I believe we’re tracking quite well. We’ve recorded four wins and were 2-0 up against South Hobart before losing 4-2—an outcome that reflected some understandable naivety. Last week’s match against Launceston City was the first time I felt we were truly outplayed. We’ve also been hit with a number of soft tissue injuries, and losing Tyson [Barrett] for the season last weekend was a major blow. Taking all of these hurdles into account, the group’s effort and progress so far has been commendable. This weekend marks the end of round one and we are still very much in the hunt and have been competitive.
WP: Does being the champions raise supporters’ expectations?
BM: Absolutely it does. What James and the squad achieved last season was incredible, and naturally, it raises expectations. But as mentioned earlier, we’ve lost eight players, a new coach with different philosophies and playing styles, and the players are still adjusting and trying to gel as a completely new group. That said, we’ll always step onto the pitch with the intent to meet those expectations and give everything we’ve got.
WP: What is your playing and coaching background?
BM: I’ve played in the League of Ireland, as well as at Step 1 and Step 2 levels in the UK’s non-league system. I was also involved in the Victorian Premier League (before it became the NPL) with Springvale White Eagles, and had a stint with Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand, which was unfortunately cut short due to injury. That setback led me into coaching. During my time in New Zealand, I achieved back-to-back promotions with two different clubs and won a league title - so you could say I’ve picked up a bit of knowledge about the game along the way. But I am always learning and I am currently completing a Masters in Advanced Performance Football Coaching at the university of South Wales.
WP: What attracted you to the Knights?
BM: After stepping away from senior coaching to explore youth development with the Manchester City Soccer School at Parade College and leading the Under-18 NPL side at Caroline Springs in Victoria last season, I realised how much I missed the senior level. When the opportunity to coach in the NPL with Glenorchy Knights came up, it was an easy decision. The club’s recent success—having completed the double the year before (so might say it’s a poisoned chalice for that reason) — However, it meant there was a strong foundation in place, and the challenge of building on that as head coach was something I was excited about. Tasmania also presented a great lifestyle fit for my young family, making the move a natural and well-rounded choice.
WP: People are critical of the behaviour of some Knights supporters. What is your take on this?
BM: In football, it’s natural to encounter differing opinions and perspectives—that’s part of what makes the game so passionate and widely loved. From my experience, 99.9% of Knights supporters have been outstanding and incredibly supportive of the direction we’re taking. Of course, like in any club, there will always be a small minority who may view things differently. As for matters beyond the pitch, I believe it’s best for the club to address those directly. My focus remains on the players, our performances, and representing the club in the best way possible, which last week I let the players and the club down getting sent off. As they saying goes: ‘’Those in glass houses should not throw stones’.”
WP: Why were you suspended? Do you think it was fair?
BM: Yes, I believe the suspension was fair. I take full responsibility for my actions—I let my emotions get the better of me and, in doing so, I let down the players, coaching staff, and the club. Emotions were running high after a tough week for the club and I’ve become very protective of my players as a result. My reaction followed a particularly harsh tackle on one of our players, and unfortunately, I directed my frustration toward the opposing player involved. The referee, Nathan [Coad], had no choice but to issue a second yellow. It was a poor moment on my part and a hard but valuable lesson. It was actually the first time I’ve been sent off as a coach. I’m a passionate person, and sometimes that intensity spills over—something that’s perhaps more common in European football cultures, but I understand that here, I need to channel that energy more constructively. So, massive apologies to the club, supporters who were watching on, and the players. But, also the officials as without them we cannot play or coach the beautiful game.
WP: What is your coaching philosophy?
BM: People often speak about having a set coaching philosophy, but at this level, I believe adaptability is far more important. We don’t have the luxury of an open cheque book to bring in players to suit a rigid philosophy, so it’s crucial to build a strong culture and shape a playing style around the attributes of the squad you have.
That said, if I were to define my core footballing beliefs, they centre around fluid transitions, flexibility in formation, and a clear set of principles—breaking lines with both movement and passing, ensuring support underneath the ball, and maintaining defensive solidity. I believe in simplicity. Football can often be overcomplicated. At the end of the day, the objective is clear: score goals and don’t concede. Personally, I’d take a 1-0 win every week over a high-scoring shootout. Clean sheets are a big part of how I measure success. In saying that, we’ve only had two this season. So, we have a bit of work to do defensively.
WP: It’s only a third of the way through the season, but can Knights retain the title?
BM: Absolutely. I believe we can retain the title. We’ve already shown what we’re capable of with some strong performances and positive results. Of course, there have been games that slipped away from us, but that’s part of the journey—those moments are where growth and learning happen. We’re not going to be perfect every week, but I have real belief in this group. Like any team chasing silverware, we’ll need a bit of luck along the way, especially when it comes to keeping players fit. If we can do that, I’m confident we’ll be right there at the business end of the season, challenging for the title.
WP: Which other NPL teams have impressed you?
BM: Launceston City has certainly caught my eye. They’ve clearly invested heavily in rebuilding their squad this season, and credit to them—they’ve assembled a talented group. Their coach deserves recognition for how he’s got them playing an attractive, attack-minded brand of football, with some clever tactical rotations, particularly between fullback Kazuki Hashimoto and winger Angus Taylor. They’re the team everyone’s talking about at the moment, and with the resources they’ve put behind the project, I’d say anything less than a title push would be a disappointment for them.
WP: Are you happy with the squad that is available to you?
BM: Yes, I’m very happy with the squad. We’ve built a strong group while staying within the points cap, and I think we’ve done some excellent recruitment. The quality is there, and on our day, I believe we can match up with anyone in the league. Naturally, with a few players out through injury and others managing commitments outside of football, we’ll be looking to strengthen where possible once the transfer window opens—just like many clubs will be doing.
You're doing wonderful things Brian! Keep up the great work mate. I strongly suggest that the usual suspect bullying abusers need to be removed from the ground by police and banned for life. That would set an example to all that verbal abuse and bullying of any kind is not to be tolerated. It's horrible to think that this behaviour is being seen by young players & spectators and deemed to be acceptable if no action is taken. An example needs to be made. The mental health of players, referees, coaches and spectators needs to be at the forefront of all our minds.
ReplyDeleteThe mental health of players coaches referees…….? You must be joking . All sport needs to eliminate supporters whether they are supporting or criticising. Mate it’s not a perfect world. Our politicians can’t abstain from abuse criticism public ridicule.. they are supposed to be the example to the rest of the nation and you are suggesting that supporters at a sporting event cannot criticise players etc? What are you on?
DeleteOnly abusing I have seen so far at Knights is the coach to referees
DeleteWhat the hell does this have to do with politics? Mental health is a big thing these days. Grow up. There is a difference between criticism and abuse. These “supporters” are abusive and it should be stopped. What an example they are to our young ones - absolutely disgusting.
DeleteAnd he got red carded for it. What happens to the so called “supporters” - nothing. They also need to be held accountable. There is no need for it. You obviously need hearing aids mate - or you are one of the abusers trying to justify your actions. Disgraceful.
DeleteMental health is a big thing. I gave the example of politicians as an example of what goes on in a competitive environment of which politics and sport both are and their behaviour Including criticising , name calling etc which is similar to what occurs in a sports environment. When the game is over all is forgotten , as in politics when all arguments and name calling is done, it is off to lunch together until next time.
DeleteThe coach is the one to be looking at himself is behavior touch line is very poor foul language and behaviour.
DeleteClearly you haven't played at a professional level where criticism both from Media and Supporters is part of the game in any sport and has nothing to do with mental health.
DeleteSpoken like a true ignorant bully. Criticism is different to abuse.
DeleteGive us an example of this supporter abuse then?
DeleteAre you for real, there's criticism, and then there's verbal abuse and all the obscenities that come with it. Match Managers have a role in this, it is a part of the role to control your own spectators and have people removed from the ground if they are in breach of the FA Spectators Code of Behaviour. Refs can also play their part and not accept it, stop a match until offenders are removed. What comes out of their mouths is not appropriate for anyone to have to listen to never mind the children about. What's more, they think they are funny!
DeleteInteresting comments on Launceston city in their so called heavy recruiting, from last season maybe they have signed 3 new players ?? I could be wrong and wouldn’t be the first time, but seems like a similar squad to last season. . .
ReplyDeleteHaving watched the riverside v knights game where he was sent off. I do feel for Murphy as the level of refereeing that day would leave anyone frustrated. I no it’s not good behaviour but he is human.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Brian. Ignore those 1%, they aren’t worth it.
ReplyDeleteCan someone actually clarify what this abuse towards the Knights players actually is?
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing better than the under-performing players and coaches receiving some feedback. Maybe it's actually good for their mental health!
ReplyDeleteJust because there's some firm words it doesn't constitute abuse. Harden up and get on with it. If you don't like the heat, get outta the kitchen.
Wow Anon 9.54am. Making a joke about mental health. Says a lot about you. No wonder you don’t put your name to that comment. Shame on you.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s me but reading all this their seem’s to be a massive divide at Knights and a powerless committee !
ReplyDeleteThe Question is how come Football Tasmania allow this behaviour to go unpunished surely fines.
Are in order
Because the behaviour is not worth punishment
DeleteWhat behaviour needs to be punished? No one seems to be able to give any examples of this behaviour. People are just getting on a band wagon to throw mud at people
ReplyDeleteReferee attacks are the normal from the new balcony attacks on players also it’s sad that action’s are being defended.
DeleteWorse still the club is powerless accusing referees of being paid off and it goes on !
This is not the first time that these issues have been raised - what was accepted as normal 20 years ago is no longer accepted in society and our game needs to move with that and be led by our governing body but also by the clubs, frustration and questions ( criticism ) are acceptable when done in a non threatening manner unfortunately white line fever ( alcohol fueled on occasions ) is hard to control but there is no place in any sport for personal attacks or threats on individuals.
ReplyDeleteBP …. How the hell fi you expect unacceptable behaviour be managed. Football in Tasmania is so amateurish and the governing body are invisible. Look at the AFL system and the promotion of unacceptable behaviour from supporters to players and all concerned at various levels. Having said that the AFL can be very hypocritical in what they may say and do but it is better than saying and doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteBP - Might be a few people you need to apologise to then!
ReplyDeleteWell said
DeleteI recon more then a few honestly !!! the other issue is a lot of us have gone through the decades when certain behaviour has been accepted and then we are told it’s no longer ( which can be difficult )
DeleteBut again in todays environment abuse ( personal ) is not right
You can't ban lifelong supporters for critiquing a coach who has blown in and will ultimately be at the club 2 years max. Clubs would have no supporters left if you banned them for that.
ReplyDeleteKnights are on the edge of a cliff and have tied themselves to the bloke holding the anchor
DeleteMental health?? Really? Are you joking? When you sign up for within the white lines of a football pitch referee or player it is game on. This is part of sport. You should not be so precious, and you will cope abuse. Been going on forever. Get used to it and move on. Outside of the pitch yes mental health concerns 100% ok and should be spoken about and never ignored.
ReplyDeleteMy personal view, abuse is not acceptable. I have been guilty of inappropriate behaviour in the past and have taken my lumps. That said, Tassie aspires to be a semi-pro NPL comp with payments to players and coaches. Paying players and coaches creates a performance expectation. When the perception of value of performance vs money paid is not met frustration creeps in and inappropriate behaviour surfaces from coaches, players and supporters. On the frustrations with referees, again payment creates expectations. When I was involved at club level the amount invoiced to the clubs for referees for NPL senior games was the equivalent of approximately $100 an hour. In business if I was paying that hourly rate the expectation of professionalism would be much higher than the standard of professionalism we are asked to accept from our referees. This expectation gap creates an intolerance for mistakes and procedural errors which leads to frustration and inappropriate behaviour.
ReplyDeleteWell said, the lack of professionalism and intent to develop from the ref department also shows concern.
DeleteIf the money is that good, why is there always a shortage of referees?
DeleteWell - not sure how you calculate 100 per hour? Travel time - arrive prior to game for ground inspection - 45-60 mins prior to kick off - 2 hours from kick off to final whistle - post match reporting - travel time after. That is without allowance for attendances at meetings, tribunal hearings, …
Deleterespectfully disagree, refs need to be incentivized and properly respected otherwise people won't do it, it can be an absolutely shit job and I think at the top level in Tassie its not that bad, just not a lot of depth . Find it a bit weird some people on here always worried about what players/refs/coaches/media are being paid - seems to smell a bit of jealousy and or lack of understanding about what actually goes into what they do and put in.
DeleteNot sure the Knights are doing that well.
ReplyDeleteThey have played in total 4 games against the teams above them.
1 win and 3 losses.
Those 3 losses they have conceded 5 goals twice and the other game was 4.