Despite being on the books at Everton between 1950 and 1951, Furphy was a lower league player with Runcorn (1951–53) Darlington (1953–62) and then Workington (1962–64).
In 1964, as Workington's player-manager, he led them into the Third Division and left to become player-manager at Watford where he remained for several years, winning promotion to the Second Division for the first time in the club's history in 1969, and reaching the FA Cup semi-final a year later.
Despite financial difficulties due to the building of the new South Stand, he led United to sixth place in the First Division; a 0–0 draw away to Birmingham City on the last day of the 1974–75 season left them just one point short of a UEFA Cup place.
He also worked for BBC Radio Devon's sports department, commentating on local football matches.
He coached his son, former NASL and MISL player Keith Furphy, while both were in Detroit.