Blues legend Murphy leaves Annan for Queen of the South

Carlisle United legend Peter Murphy has left Annan Athletic to take the Queen of the South job.

The former Blues favourite has departed Annan after seven years in charge.

He has replaced Marvin Bartley at Palmerston Park.

The ex-Brunton Park star has impressed at Annan, having last year led them to promotion to Scottish League One for the first time in their history - and then guided them to survival in 2023/24.

The 43-year-old has been in charge at Annan since 2017 but the prospect of taking the helm at full-time Queens has attracted the Dubliner.

No2 Colin McMenamin is set to follow him to the Doonhamers, who parted company with Bartley after a disappointing seventh-placed finish in Scotland's third tier.

The move leaves Annan facing their first managerial change since Murphy replaced Jim Chapman.

It is understood one individual of interest at Galabank could be the former Workington Reds boss Danny Grainger, who had also been linked with the Queens post.

Grainger stepped down as Workington manager at the end of last season and said he would be taking time to consider his next move.

Murphy, United’s record outfield appearance holder, has made little secret of his managerial ambitions and, in an interview in 2022, told the News & Star he wanted to embark on a long career in the profession.

Queens director Jim McLinden - whose North Lakes Energy firm also sponsors Carlisle United,l - said in a club statement: “With Marvin leaving it was important that we moved quickly to find a replacement.

"By bringing Peter in it gives him the summer to build and prepare for the next campaign.

"He has achieved success at Annan guiding them to League One, the highest in their history.

"We are delighted to have Peter on board, kick starting the preparations for next season”.

Murphy said the chance to manage in full-time football has been "a dream of mine".

He added: "I would like to say a big thank you to Annan Athletic in the way they have handled everything in both my time at Galabank and since the decision that I will be moving to their football neighbours.

"It’s been a bit of a whirlwind with the season just finishing on Saturday to now getting ready to build a squad that will represent my style of football on the park. And to meet my ambitions, the ambition of the club and supporters.

"It’s an exciting time for everyone and a challenge that I’m relishing”.

Annan said in a statement: "The club are disappointed in this decision but would like to thank Peter for everything he has done for the club during his time as manager at Galabank.

"The board will now start the process of finding a suitable replacement to lead us into the 2024/25 season."