Newcastle United loaned out several players in the January transfer window.
The Magpies have taken a different approach to their youth players this season, opting to loan several promising stars out instead of continuing their development under Diarmuid O’Carroll’s tutelage.
Young defender Alex Murphy joined Bolton Wanderers on loan in January after personally requesting a move away to Eddie Howe in pursuit of more game time. Things didn’t get off to the best of starts for the 20-year-old, however, Ian Evatt was sacked shortly after Murphy joined putting his chances of playing in doubt.
The Trotters appointed Steven Schumacher who seems to be a big fan of the Irishman – any doubt over minutes quickly went away – Murphy has made eight appearances for Bolton so far, scoring once and keeping a single clean sheet against Wrexham.
Schumacher called Murphy ‘brilliant‘ after a recent performance against Burton Albion, but after his recent work against Bristol Rovers, Bolton fans have seemingly turned on him.
Bolton fans berate Alex Murphy for recent performances
Bolton’s six-game unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday night when they were beaten by League One strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Things got off to a poor start when Murphy gave away a penalty after just four minutes. He was then taken off after 68 minutes with the Trotters 2-1 down.
Bolton fans took to X to make their feelings clear about his performance.
“Said on here many times. Murphy is NOT good enough.” said one Bolton fan, while another added: “Take him back, the lad is shocking. Not even league one standard.”
This Bolton fan highlighted Murphy’s desire to play Premier League football, saying: “Fact Murphy wants Premier League football. Imagine the poor lad against Salah, Son or Haaland.”
“I can’t stress enough how bad Murphy is by the way, cost us last night, nearly cost us at Wrexham and was absolutely awful against Orient…how did this bloke get picked up by Newcastle? He’s a massive massive liability for us and has a mistake in him each game.” said this frustrated Bolton fan.
Another Bolton fan added: “Murphy can go straight back to Newcastle for me. Woeful player.”
Finally, this Bolton fan said: “I always want loan players to do well, but I have a horrible feeling Alex won’t make it. He’s been awful so far.”
- READ MORE – Newcastle United loanee already earning rave reviews from new manager after ‘outstanding’ display
Alex Murphy could’ve been of use to Newcastle United
While Bolton fans haven’t been very pleased with Murphy as of late, he still has time to prove that he can be successful for them.
Bolton are still in the race for the playoffs thanks to their unbeaten run and are in with a chance of promotion to the Championship if they stay there.
Murphy has played at left-back for most of his appearances for Bolton, with the defender predominantly a left-sided player. Newcastle are currently struggling for depth on the left side of defence, with Lewis Hall and Sven Botman both out injured.
Hall underwent surgery on an ankle injury which will keep him out of action until the end of the season – Botman could return in May after having a knee operation.
Newcastle loaned Lloyd Kelly to Juventus, so Murphy would’ve been in with a chance of playing Premier League football had he opted to stay on Tyneside.
Murphy made his Premier League debut for Newcastle in November 2023, coming on in the last minutes of a 4-1 win against Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
