He inherited NPL Tasmania's bottom club and transformed them. Now Brian Murphy has a new challenge

Brian Murphy inherited a Clarence Zebras side sitting bottom of NPL Tasmania with just four points in 2025. A year later, they finished fifth. Now, the Irishman has been handed the reins at one of Tasmania's biggest clubs.

Devonport Strikers have appointed Murphy as head coach for 2027, replacing Tom Ballantyne, who has departed to pursue a professional coaching opportunity in Asia.

Murphy arrives following an impressive turnaround at Clarence, but faces a different challenge at Devonport.

The Strikers finished runners-up in 2026, four points behind South Hobart, before suffering a 5-1 Grand Final defeat to their rivals.

“For me, Devonport is the biggest club in Tasmania, with the ambition to challenge for titles and compete in the Australian Championships,” Murphy said.

“The club has come close in recent years, and I'm excited by the challenge of helping bring a winning mentality back to Devonport.”

Murphy, who has also coached Glenorchy Knights, recently completed a Master of Science in Advanced Performance Football Coaching at the University of South Wales.

His appointment follows a period of significant personal and professional development, having balanced family, work and study alongside his coaching commitments.