Murphy joined Huddersfield Town as a scout in 1988 but was soon involved with the club's youth set-up, where he coached with Bob Wallace and was also the physio.

In March 1993, Murphy deputised as the first team physio while regular medical man Wayne Jones was absent due to his wife giving birth.

[2] Following Peter Jackson's contract termination on 6 March 2007, Murphy was put in temporary charge of Huddersfield Town's first team affairs,[3] a role that lasted for six games until 11 April 2007.

[4] Following Andy Ritchie's contract termination on 1 April 2008, Murphy was put in temporary charge of Huddersfield Town's first team affairs for the second time.

In Murphy's three terms in charge, he has led the team to victories over Town's West Yorkshire rivals, Bradford City (2–0 on 10 March 2007) and Leeds United (1–0 on 15 April 2008 and 2–1 on 15 November 2008).