Morecambe boss Bentley: Murphy is a winner and a leader

The Wycombe midfielder will join the Shrimps on July 1 having agreed a two-year deal, becoming their third capture this summer.

Bentley believes he will bring goals and steel in the middle of park.

The Shrimps boss said: “He’ll be a good signing for us.

“We tried to get him in the past on loan when he fell out of the Wycombe side and it didn’t happen.

“For one reason or another things haven’t worked out as well as he’d like down there.

“He’s keen to get back up to this neck of the woods.

“He knows a few of the players already and has had a few battles with them.

“He’s got good footballing ability, he’s a winner, he’s a leader, he’s aggressive, he likes to battle and he has the knack of getting goals.

“He’s got 16 in the last two years at this level and hopefully he’ll continue to improve, he’s still at a good age.”

Murphy’s Wycombe exit, 12 months into a two-year deal, has come as a surprise to some as he featured in their play-off final defeat to Southend.

Coming off the bench he scored the opening kick for his side in their penalty shoot-out loss.

Bentley said: “You could see he was the first over to the manager when it went to penalties.

“He stood up and took the first one which is usually the most nerve wracking one so it just shows you what type of character he is.

“He knows the division and has got good experience.”

Murphy is familiar to Shrimps fans having been a stalwart at Accrington before joining Wycombe.

He also clashed with Jamie Devitt when the Morecambe man got sent off when Wanderers visited the Globe Arena last October.

Bentley said: “He brings that aggression and that little bit of niggle into the team in central areas.

“He can tackle, a few of our players have come off worse against him.

“He knows the game, he’s streetwise.

“He played a big part in getting Jamie Devitt sent off against Wycombe but that’s the type he is and that’s the type you want.

“It’s about winning and he’s a winner.”