“I certainly felt ready when I moved down south. Reynolds added: “I think as youngsters Jamie and I were both spoiled at Motherwell because not many kids our age get the opportunity to rack up so many first-team games. That’s why Reynolds believes Murphy will prove himself among the band of Scotland’s successful exports south of the border such as Steven Fletcher, Charlie Adam, James McCarthy, James McArthur and Robert Snodgrass.Īnd he’s adamant he’ll dodge the same fate as those who moved too soon such as Danny Wilson, Scott Allan, Fraser Fyvie and Jack Grimmer. That, Reynolds insists, is a hard thing to do when the bigger fish start circling.Īfter all, he should know having seen Well reject a £750,000 bid from Rangers for hisīut the mental strength gained from blanking talk of a move to stay and complete his education in Scotland stood him in good stead when things got tough in Sheffield. Instead of letting his head be turned by the promise of riches the kid kept his eye on the ball and has grown into a far better player for making more than 200 appearances for Well. The same can be said of Murphy who wisely ignored speculation over his future during every transfer window of the last three years. For a start he was the innocent victim of a chairman’s decision to axe his manager but more crucially he had served his apprenticeship as an SPL regular before leaving Motherwell behind. Scottish football is littered with tales of promising kids who jumped at their big move south too soon only to sink into obscurity or return home with their tail between their legs.īut Reynolds’ story doesn’t fit that profile. He has done everything he can to prepare himself for the next step and he is more than ready to take it now.” “But I don’t see Jamie having to come back any time soon. “I had to come back north to do that and I’m enjoying how things are going at Aberdeen. “A lot of people in that position would have been broken by it but I kept believing in myself and always stayed focused on trying to get back playing week in, week out. “I have always been quite tough mentally but that experience made me a stronger player. The manager had wanted me for a while and it was just unfortunate for me he was sacked and the new man came in with other ideas. “The same thing was made clear to me before I left Motherwell. “The most important thing for any player is to know he is wanted and that he will be given a chance so it’s significant Murph said the club had wanted to sign him for a while. “And while things didn’t work out for me how I would have hoped, if I was given the choice again I’d still go to Sheffield Wednesday. “It’s a great club to be involved with – even if United are the second team in the city! They really are sleeping giants in England and Jamie is going to United at a time when they look in good shape to get promoted to the Championship. “That showed me how big these two clubs are. It’s just a massive game with an atmosphere in a similar vein to Rangers and Celtic matches. “I was involved in the squad for one of them and the stadium was absolutely rocking. He said: “I’m delighted for Murph because Sheffield is a massive football city and nowhere is that clearer to see than in the derby. So the similarities weren’t lost on Reynolds when he saw his friend Murphy leaving Well for Sheffield United this week, intent on following his dreams of making it big in England.īut while there are clear parallels in their career paths, Reynolds is convinced Murphy’s adventure won’t lead him back to the SPL. Reynolds’ frustration at his lack of first-team football forced him to return to Scotland 12 months ago to join Aberdeen on loan where the 25-year-old has flourished again. Unfortunately, the move turned sour as Alan Irvine, the man who signed him in a £100,000 deal, was sacked a month later and Reynolds was frozen out by new boss Gary Megson. The pair came through the youth ranks together to establish themselves in the Fir Park first team before Reynolds chased his dream in England by making the switch to Sheffield Wednesday two years ago. MARK REYNOLDS watched Jamie Murphy follow his path from Motherwell to Sheffield then insisted his pal won’t be forced to head back north like he was.
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