Former Irish League striker predicts 'easily the best' David Jeffrey will succeed in 'shock' Portadown return

Jeffrey signed McMurray from Cliftonville during his first summer transfer window as Sky Blues boss and the pair enjoyed significant success at The Showgrounds, winning Ballymena’s first League Cup crown in 2017.

The Co Antrim club also recorded their best Premiership finish in decades under Jeffrey, ending the 2018/19 campaign in second, seven points adrift of Linfield – but still secured a European return.

McMurray left for Larne in 2019 and broke his old manager’s heart when scoring a last-gasp Irish Cup final winner for Crusaders, but they have remained close – Jeffrey was a special guest when the 31-year-old hosted a live special of his ‘On The Spot Football Podcast’ earlier this year.

Having discussed the potential of a return to Irish League management many times, McMurray was surprised to see Jeffrey revealed as Niall Currie’s successor, but believes he will make an impact at Shamrock Park.

"I'm really happy to see him back, I think it's good for the league,” he said. “You've the likes of David, Stephen Baxter, Jim Magilton, David Healy, Ruaidhri Higgins, Rodney McAree - those are fantastic names to have involved with the Irish League, the best of the best.

"We're quite close and we've had multiple conversations about it (return to management)...I didn't have a clue he was even really interested.

"Did I think he would go back? Maybe about 10-15% of me because every conversation was about enjoying his time with the grandkids, him and Rosemary (Jeffrey’s partner). It shocked me when I saw it.

"Over the last couple of years, you heard inklings that David was linked with jobs, but speaking to him you always knew it was lies.

"Portadown have come up a few times in the last few years...he wouldn't have taken it on if he didn't get what he wanted.

"I think he will flourish. It's a very enjoyable time for everybody at Portadown and I'm sure they're all buzzing.”

Having collected 31 trophies during his 17-year stint at Linfield, including nine Premiership titles and seven Irish Cup crowns, it’s unsurprising to hear Jeffrey is held in such high regard by former players, but it’s also clear his impact extends far beyond just silverware and statistics.

"He's easily the best (manager I worked with),” added McMurray. "He's the best I have ever had in terms of man-management and getting the best out of you.

"He commands a dressing room, gets a dressing room on board very quickly and the respect everybody has for him helps.

"I'd say when he has walked into that dressing room, it will have given the players a huge lift knowing David is their new manager.

"Anybody who is out of contract will now want a new one, anybody lucky enough to be there is in for one of the best experiences they'll get.

"I had the most enjoyable time under him. We won the League Cup, got into Europe and challenged for the league...I have a lot to thank him for.”