Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.
Yesterday we covered Merlin and his direct lineage to Eddie Howe which has allowed him to work magic with Miguel Almiron. Today I have another story of magic and midfielders.
In July 2017 Newcastle United completed the signing of a young lad called Jacob Murphy from Norwich City. Jacob was a lifelong Newcastle fan and was so pleased to be joining the club he followed as a boy.
His excitement and passion were clear to see when he made his debut for the club and it was typified by his relentless energy as he ran up and down the wing. There were flashes of brilliance along the way and some top class, clutch goals too.
However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It quickly became apparent that Murphy was lacking something – a footballing brain. You see, he had all the enthusiasm and all the energy, but no idea what to do with it.
Murphy since found himself relegated to a bit-part player for the Toon, even being sent out on loan to West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday. Many people thought his time at St James’ Park was up, but Murphy has stuck around and is now relied upon regularly by Eddie Howe.
Does Murphy Keep His Place On Sunday?
Yes
Nope. Maxi is back!
It seems that during the latest international break, Murphy used his time to visit a magical land called Oz where he followed a yellow brick road to the Emerald City to meet with a wizard.
Well, as it turns out, that wizard was none other than Edward John Frank Howe, descendent of Merlin and all-round good guy. Eddie Howe, unlike the fictionalised version in the film, was able to grant Jacob Murphy the footballing brain he was missing.
So pleased was Howe with his work, that he put Murphy into the starting eleven for the Toon’s last two games where he was much improved and even found himself on the scoresheet. Now Howe finds himself in a pickle with the imminent return of Allan Saint-Maximin, part man, part mummy. Does the descended of Imhotep regain his place automatically, or does Howe stick with Murphy the Scarecrow?
We will find out on Sunday.
THE END
(Special thanks to Chris Currie of the brilliant Ever More YouTube Channel for letting me steal his Scarecrow analogy and run with it)