Ronan Murray

Ronan Michael Murray (born 12 September 1991) is an Irish footballer who plays as a forward for Irish side Drogheda United. Born in County Mayo, he has previously played in the Football League for Ipswich Town, Torquay United, Swindon Town, Plymouth Argyle and Notts County. Murray was capped by the Ireland from under-16 to under-21 level.

Club Career

Early years

Murray started playing for the Erris United youth system at the age of 12. After being spotted by former Ipswich Town player Robin Turner, he had a trial with Ipswich in the summer of 2007 and agreed to join the club the following year.

Ipswich Town

Having joined the club's academy, Murray scored a total of 36 goals in 56 appearances for the youth team in his first two seasons with Ipswich. He also scored 13 times in 29 reserve team games. Murray signed his first professional contract in 2010 after being among seven academy players offered terms in April. He scored on his first team debut in a 3–2 League Cup win at Exeter City in August. Murray came on as a second-half substitute, with Ipswich trailing, to equalise with a "looping header" and was then involved in both David Norris goals to win the game in extra time. "Of all the strikers at our club, he is probably the most natural goalscorer we've got," said manager Roy Keane. Describing Murray's goal, he said "it wasn't even a chance and that's what good strikers do."

Murray made his first appearance in the Football League four days later against Burnley, but found first team opportunities limited for the rest of the 2010–11 campaign. He continued to be prolific for the reserves, scoring 11 goals in 16 appearances that season, and joined Torquay United on loan in March 2011. He scored once in seven appearances, a "clinical finish" against Cheltenham Town, and was then recalled by manager Paul Jewell in April. "I really enjoyed my time at Torquay but I'm an Ipswich Town player and want to play games here," said Murray after signin