Departing City star Murphy signs Motherwell deal

MOTHERWELL manager Maurice Malpas has welcomed the signing of Danny Murphy from Cork City.

The SPL club have confirmed that the player has signed a two and a half year contract, subject to what appears to be the formality of a medical.

London-born Murphy, an accomplished full-back who earned cult status at Turner’s Cross as ‘The Cockney Rebel’, was recently named in the PFAI team of the season.

Said the Fir Park boss: “I am delighted that we have got things sorted out and Danny has signed, particularly since we missed out in the summer.

“We have been able to sort things out in the last two or three days since the Irish season finished. We don’t envisage problems (with the medical) as he has just completed a season, it should just be ticking the boxes.”

Finn Harps have parted company with player-manager Anthony Gorman, it emerged last night.

It is understood that the First Division club and the manager failed to agree on how the club should go forward next season.

Neither Gorman nor the club was making any comment yesterday, but an official statement from the club is expected today.

Gorman took charge of Harps in 2005 following Felix Healy’s departure, but was unable to keep the side in the Premier Division.

Harps were one of the pre-season favourites to win the Division One title, but they ended up finishing sixth.

On a brighter note, club officials are still hoping to move to a new all-seater stadium in Stranorlar – less than a mile from the present Finn Park ground in Ballybofey – by 2008.

Meanwhile Derry City assistant manager Paul Hegarty has been cleared to take his regular place in the Candystripes technical area for next month’s FAI Cup final against St Pat’s.

Hegarty could have missed the decider after being sent to the stands by ref Dave McKeon during last week’s eircom League win over Cork City.

However, his case will not be heard until a later meeting of the league’s Disciplinary Commission – meaning any touchline ban will not come into effect until the start of next season.

Hegarty is expected to become caretaker manager for the tie with boss Stephen Kenny having stressed his commitment to Dunfermline.