Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have both been allowed to go in recent years, while Michael Owen may follow Murphy out of the Anfield revolving door this summer to Madrid.

Murphy, who won nine England caps during his time on Merseyside and made 249 appearances – scoring 44 goals – admits he sealed a £2.5million move to Charlton because he wanted to play for an English manager again.

“If you are working at a club that has stability it gives you peace of mind, and that is the case here,” said Murphy.

“Liverpool has lost some camaraderie with more English players leaving and different players coming in. How do you replace Fowler and (Neil) Ruddock? You can’t. I wanted to come to a club that was not perhaps so cosmopolitan.

“I wanted to work under an English manager who I could have a crystal clear relationship with. Alan Curbishley has the things I look for in a manager.

“As soon as I met the chairman and manager I could see they had a good relationship, which is not all that common.”

Murphy is adamant Charlton – who offloaded veteran forward Paolo di Canio on a free transfer to Lazio on a hectic day yesterday – possess sufficient firepower this season to challenge for a UEFA Cup spot.

After enjoying a number of memorable European nights on Merseyside, he wants a return with Charlton.

“This club has progressed a lot each time I have played against them,” he said.

“They have got better and better, and I am really looking forward to working with Alan. I hope my attributes will make Charlton a better team.

“I know it is a step down from Liverpool but I wanted a different challenge and I think it is achievable for us to get into Europe this year.”

Murphy has fallen out of favour with Sven-Goran Eriksson in recent months, missing out on a place in England’s European Championship squad in Portugal over the summer.

Scott Parker and Chris Powell both earned England caps while plying their trade at The Valley, so Murphy refuses to give up on his dream of adding to his nine international caps.

“It was a huge wrench to leave Liverpool,” he added.

“It has always been my club, and I will always support them. But this is a new chapter.

“England was not really a factor in my move – that is secondary at the moment.

“This was a football decision – I just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing.

“If you are working under somebody like Alan Curbishley then it gives you peace of mind to go out on the pitch and play without thinking that losing two or three games on the run might put the manager under pressure. I think this really could help me.”

Curbishley, meanwhile, was also able to celebrate the arrival of Jeffers and is looking to revive the career of the 23-year-old striker who scored for England on his senior international debut against Australia in February 2003.

The Addicks boss told his club’s official website, www.cafc.co.uk: “We are delighted that Francis has agreed to join Charlton.

“Arsenal paid a lot of money for him a few years ago. But he found it difficult to claim a first-team place because of the competition at Arsenal.

“He needed a change and he is exactly the sort of player I like to sign because I feel he is angry and hungry after the last couple of years. I am hoping that we can put his career back on track.”