Quote: Cruncher "I don't wish to permanently play devil's advocate today, but, though Murph was a thorn in the side for Wiganers for much of his playing and coaching career, quite a few credit him with being the spark that began our revival.
I remember an interview with Shaun Edwards, in which he fulsomely praised the likes of Graham Lowe and John Monie, but said that Alex Murphy was the first coach he played under for whom losing was "not an option". For the first time in ages, the idea was reintroduced into the Wigan dressing room that anything less than being the best was unacceptable. Murphy's Wigan team were the only side in Britain who came close to beating the Aussie 'Untouchables' of 1982.'"
I'd back you up on this Cruncher. he transformed the attitude at the time. Though his methods might look dated now, at the time he was a motivator supreme and the catalyst for the 1983 JPS win that was the forerunner to the later run of trophies. I still recall Anthony H. Wilsons piece on Granada Reports prior to the 1984 Cup Final - 'Alex Murphy has not just woken a sleeping giant at Wigan - he's kicked it out of bed!'