Peter Murphy signed for United in the summer of 2001 from Blackburn Rovers and is part of an exclusive club of players that have made over 400 appearances for the Cumbrians.

Beginning his career as a schoolboy at St Josephs Boys AFC in Dublin, he joined Blackburn Rovers on a youth contract before signing a professional deal with the Lancashire club.

A loan spell at Halifax Town followed before being released on his return to the Ewood Park outfit. He then joined up with United on a short-term contract at the start of the 2001/02 season and impressed enough to sign a long-term deal with the club.

Murphy's first full season with the club saw him quickly establish himself as a first team regular with 45 appearances, mostly from left-back. His versatility became a key assett over the next few seasons, playing in a number of positions including left-back, centre-back, centre midfield and left midfield.

He was a part of the team that made it to the Football League Trophy final in 2003, losing 2-0 to Bristol City at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Following relegation to the Conference in 2004, Peter was given a midfield role and excelled, scoring eight goals including the only goal in the play-off final against Stevenage at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.

Upon the club's return to Football League, Murphy retained his midfield role and was again instrumental as The Blues went on to be crowned League Two champions, with Murphy's goal in a 2-0 win at Rochdale helping secure the title for United. There was also another trip to the Millennium Stadium for the Football League Trophy final against Swansea City, with United suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Welsh side.

After United's promotion to League One and the appointment of Neil McDonald as manager, Murphy reverted back to his preferred centre-back role, making the position his own over the next few seasons and forming good partnerships alongside first Kevin Gray and then Danny Livesey.

His impressive performances for The Blues helped to earn him his first full international cap for the Republic of Ireland, playing in a 1-1 draw with Bolivia during a tour of the USA in May 2007.

In 2010 he was again part of the United side that played in the Football League Trophy final but it wasn't third time lucky as United were beaten 4-1 by Southampton at Wembley.

A year later and it was back to Wembley again as United faced Brentford in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. This time it was a weekend to remember for Peter, as he became a father for the first time on the Friday before scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Bees on the Sunday.

Currently the club's longest serving player as he begins his testimonial season and a big fans favourite, Peter is a cultured defender capable of bringing the ball out of defence and with decent aerial ability that makes him a big thread on set-pieces.