Jacob Murphy 'delighted' with new role at Newcastle United as boyhood Toon fan leads his team out for first time
Jacob Murphy has sported the captain's armband a couple of times recently at Newcastle United, but Saturday at Stamford Bridge was the first time the Toon joker led the team out from the start.
The boyhood Newcastle fan told reporters he was grinning all day after being told by Eddie Howe that he would be skipper for the huge game against Chelsea.
Under Murphy's watchful eye, the Magpies put in a strong performance against the London side and delivered a win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2012.
It was a good day all round for the team, but even better for Murphy, who said he was 'delighted' to wear the armband.
Jacob Murphy said it was 'amazing' to be named Newcastle United captain
Eddie Howe was clearly pleased with his choice too, shoving Murphy to the front of the group to celebrate with the crowd at full-time. Murphy holding the captain's armband aloft to rapturous cheers.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, Murphy spoke about receiving the news from Eddie Howe.
"Amazing. Yeah, I got told this morning and I was grinning for a long time.
“I’m delighted, a lot of hard work. The loyalty and the trust that the manager showed in me to give me the armband means a lot. Delighted to be able to lead these men out to war.”
Jacob Murphy deserves every bit of praise he's receiving
In an interview with NUFC TV, Murphy also joked that he told Dan Burn, "I am the captain now, so you'd better listen".
Murphy has been on a journey since his arrival at Newcastle nine years ago. A bit like Joelinton, he looked to be out of his depth for so long, but Eddie Howe spotted his potential and managed to bring out the best in him.
As well as improving his game, Murphy has grown into a huge influence at the club and has become a massive fan favourite along the way.
