When Newcastle United face Coventry City on Monday evening, it will bring back fond memories for Magpies winger Jacob Murphy, who returns to the CBS Arena for the first time in over a decade.
Murphy is now in his tenth season with Newcastle since joining from Norwich City in the summer of 2017. Head coach Matthias Jaissle fought to keep him at the club amid transfer interest from Nottingham Forest, believing the 31-year-old's experience would be key in the young squad assembled at St James' Park this summer.
Loan spell that launched a career
It was with Monday's opponents, however, that Murphy's career truly kickstarted. After previous loan spells with Southend United, Scunthorpe United and Colchester United, he joined Coventry on a season-long loan from Norwich during the 2015/16 campaign. He took League One by storm, scoring 10 goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions.
Returning to Carrow Road for the 2016/17 season, his nine goals and eight assists not only earned him regular England under-21 recognition but also convinced Rafa Benitez to spend £12.5million to bring him to St James' Park.
No surprise to those who watched him
After initial struggles, Murphy has become a key member of the Newcastle squad, helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup, reach two cup finals and twice qualify for the Champions League. His success has come as no surprise to those who watched him at the CBS Arena 11 years ago.
"Jacob was part of a really exciting forward line assembled by then City manager Tony Mowbray," Andy Turner, Coventry City reporter for the Coventry Telegraph, told Chronicle Live. "A three-pronged attack with him of the left, Liverpool’s rapid Ryan Kent on the right and Newcastle United’s Adam Armstrong leading the line down the middle."
Armstrong scored 20 goals for the Sky Blues during his season-long loan from St James' Park, while Murphy bagged 10 (nine in the league) as they took League One by storm during the first half of the campaign. "Sadly, Coventry couldn’t maintain their momentum and there was a drop-off in results after Christmas and the club finished 8th in the end, just missing out on the play-offs despite having looked favourites for promotion contenders," Turner added. "Jacob looked a really promising talent during his time at City and it’s no surprise he’s risen to the heights he has done since."
Warm reception expected
Murphy is expected to start on the right-hand side of Newcastle's front three and will surely get a warm reception from the home supporters. Coventry themselves have come a long way in that time, being relegated to League Two before working their way back through the divisions to finally win promotion to the Premier League, ending a 25-year absence from the top flight.
