Former West Ham, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic man leaves Newcastle United as short statement issued

Newcastle United have confirmed the departure of one of their non-playing staff with head physiotherapist, Danny Murphy, departing the Premier League side just 15 months after taking up the position.

Murphy moved to the north east last season, having previously spent most of his time working in London with West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic while he also worked in the England Under-21s set-up.

A Newcastle statement read: "Newcastle United can announce that Head Physiotherapist, Danny Murphy, has left the club after an extended period of paternity leave.

"The club would like to thank Danny for his hard work, professionalism and development of the service during his 15 months with the first team, during which he has made a significant contribution to the club's success. We wish him and his family well for the future."

His departure comes with Eddie Howe's side enduring a difficult period with injuries, which has saw the Magpies' form slump dramatically. Newcastle have had increased fixture demands this campaign following their qualification for the Champions League.

Their injury list has at times hit the double figure mark, with the added demands of European football straining Howe's squad. The Magpies enjoyed mixed fortunes against London clubs last month as they battled through injury woes. They were beaten 4-1 at Tottenham Hotspur in early December but defeated Fulham 3-0 at home a week later. A few days later, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Chelsea after Mykhailo Mudryk scored a stoppage-time equaliser as the Blues went on to win via penalties.

West Ham sit above Newcastle amid the battle for European football, with David Moyes' side also reaching the last 16 of the Europa League after topping their group with fives wins and just one defeat from their fixtures against SC Freiburg, Olympiacos and Backa Topola.