26th June 2019

The 28-year-old signs a two-year deal at Huish Park after a prolific 2018/19 campaign which saw him net 28 goals and catapult Chelmsford City to the National League South play-offs.

Claiming the Clarets’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Away Player of the Year awards, Town’s boss was quick to capture Murphy’s services ahead of a host of other clubs.

Commenting, Darren Sarll said: “Rhys had a very successful season last season and arrives with that hunger to do the same again.

“He’s a fantastic finisher and will add that out-and-out goal threat to our squad and I’m looking forward to working with him.

Starting out at Arsenal, the former England and Republic of Ireland youth international spent time on loan at Brentford and Preston North End before a prolific time abroad with Telstar in the Dutch Eerste Divisiein in 2012.

Returning to England to join Oldham, he found goal scoring form on loan at Crawley with nine goals in 15 games prior to similarly successful stints with AFC Wimbledon – where he won promotion from Sky Bet League Two – and Forest Green Rovers.

Spells at York, Torquay and Gillingham followed before linking up with Chelmsford last season where he averaged a goal every 125 minutes in the league.