Rushian Hepburn-Murphy will 'absolutely' be at Swindon Town next year - Jody Morris

Jody Morris said that Rushian Hepburn-Murphy will “absolutely” be a part of the Swindon Town squad next season after a strong debut season. Total Sport’s Joe Acklam spoke to the head coach ahead of Swindon playing Stevenage.

Hepburn-Murphy has seven goal involvements from 20 appearances this season after finally recovering from an injury which kept him out of football for almost two years.

Morris said he was really excited to continue working with the 24-year-old once Swindon trigger the optional extension in his contract.

He said: “I absolutely want to work with Rush [Hepburn-Murphy] next year and I have been really pleased with him, I like him as a kid.

“I think when you look at the injury background of what he has gone through, talking to him and George [Keen] in the sports science department, there has had to be caution around him with training and minutes.

“But I want him to push him physically to make sure that he does get a little bit more robust and prepared.

“I think he has worked hard to get prepared to withstand the rigours of playing regular first team football, he deserves a lot of credit himself as well as people like George [Keen].

“I think there is still a lot to come with him, I was talking to him about it a couple of days ago and he said he was really looking forward to pre-season, it has been a hell of a long time since he has been able to say those words.

“You wouldn’t be amiss to think there is a lot more to come from him when you think about what he has been through and the confidence he is starting to get.

“I believe with him there is an option ready to kick into gear and that is one we will absolutely take.”

However, there was less positive news surrounding the contract of club top goal scorer Jonny Williams, who Morris said was unlikely to stay beyond this season.

He said: “We have not had any talks about any of the out-of-contract players yet.

“Hepburn-Murphy, George [McEachran], and [Tom] Brewitt are the ones who have the options [to extend their contract] on them, but as far as anything else there has been no movement.

“I spoke with Jonny [Williams] quite a lot before the January window closed and without going into detail, I think he has to make the best decision for him and where he is at in his career.

“I like him, but whether there is anything to be done there or not I am not too sure.

“There are a few conversations that are going to be had this week that will make it a bit clearer about what is going on next year.”