[3][4] Murphy was born in Stockton-on-Tees but started his career in Scotland with Benburb, then joined Scottish League Second Division club Hibernian, where he made 70 appearances scoring twelve goals in four seasons.
[2] They entered the end of season test matches with Newcastle United and Burnley.
[2] He played nineteen times during 1898–99 scoring once and left the club in January 1899 to join Woolwich Arsenal.
[2] He joined Raith Rovers in October 1900,[8] moving on to Cowdenbeath the following year.
[11] In December 1902, he played with Hearts of Beath against Cowdenbeath in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final.