Jimmy Murphy

From Ffaith

James (Jimmy) Patrick Murphy was born in Pentre, Glamorgan Noted more for his managerial qualities than as a player he nevertheless played more than 200 times for West Bromwich Albion and figured in the 1935 FA Cup final.

He was Matt Busby's assistant at Manchester United at the time of the Munich air disaster and took over the reins while Busby recovered from his injuries. He steered the team to the 1958 FA Cup final but Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Nat Lofthouses' Bolton Wanderers.

Jimmy managed Wales to the team's first and only World Cup Finals in 1958. Wales reached the quarter finals but were beaten by the mighty Brazil. Wales did well to limit Brazil to a single goal but in the end a strike by a young unknown called Pelé put an end to Welsh hopes.

Jimmy is an inductee of the Welsh Sporting Hall of Fame.