Hugh Murray (footballer)

Not to be confused with Hugh Murray (rugby union).
Hugh Murray
Personal information
Full nameHugh Murray
Date of birth8 January 1979
Place of birthBellshill, Scotland
Height1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing positionMidfielder
Club information
Current team
Clyde
Youth career
St Mirren
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1996–2012St Mirren424(15)
2012–2014Partick Thistle16(0)
2013Dumbarton (loan)11(0)
2014Dumbarton5(0)
2015-Clyde4(0)
National team
Scotland U214(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 2/1/2015.
† Appearances (Goals).

Hugh 'Shuggie' Murray (born 8 January 1979 in Bellshill, Scotland) is a Scottish professional footballer who is currently playing for Clyde. He came through the youth ranks at St Mirren and celebrated his testimonial year in 2007.

Club career

Murray broke into the St Mirren side under Tony Fitzpatrick towards the end of the 1996–97 season. The following season, he soon became an established member of the side. At the end of that season, Saints were flirting with relegation to Scottish Second Division (which would have been a financial disaster for the club). The team travelled to face fellow struggler's Stirling Albion and Murray netted a goal in the top corner to win the match.

In the 1999–2000 season, Murray played a major part in the Scottish First Division championship win. One outstanding occasion was in the 8–0 drubbing of Clydebank, who were soon liquidated. Murray ran towards the edge of the 18-yard box to control the ball with his head. He not only did this, but managed to juggle the ball on his head past the defence, then stroke the ball past the keeper.

After a close season spell away from Love Street in 2001, Murray decided to return to Saints once again for the start of the next season and in the 2005–06 season his decision was vindicated when he became the first ever St Mirren player to gain three winners medals in national competitions when he added the Scottish Challenge Cup and another First Division title medal to his 1999–2000 medal.

In the 2007–08 season, Murray was made St Mirren's club captain following the departure of Kevin McGowne. Unfortunately though, some below par performances saw him drift from the team somewhat, though he did still start 30 games over the season. Murray lost the captain's armband to John Potter for the 2008–09 season. During the season, Murray has played in a defensive midfield role, with performances earning him some acclaim, showing he may well have more to offer at St Mirren.

Murray was inducted into the St Mirren Hall of Fame in 2006 at the age of just 27 and in season 2007–08 he made his 300th start against Falkirk in a 1–0 win at the Falkirk Stadium. On 24 October 2009, he scored his first 2 goals in over 2 years against Motherwell. He holds the record of most appearances for a St Mirren player, currently at 462 appearances.

On Monday 14 May 2012 he signed a two-year deal with Partick Thistle. Murray was sent off three times for Thistle in one season,twice against Greenock Morton and his suspensions left him out of favour. Injury and suspension limited his contribution on the park in the second half of the season and he had spent the vast majority of the 2013/14 season on loan with Championship side Dumbarton. On 6 January 2014, Murray's contract with Partick Thistle was cancelled. He returned to the club he had spent the majority of the season on loan for,Dumbarton and signed permanently for the sons on the 9th of January. Murray extended his time with the Sons on June the 4th, penning a new 1-year deal.[1] He left the club on December the 30th 2014, joining Clyde on a free transfer.[2][3]

International career

Murray has never been capped by the Scotland national team but did play three times at U21 level.

Career statistics

Correct as of 215 April 2011 !! 399 !! 15 !! 30 !! 1 !! 24 !! 1 !! 8 !! 0 !! 462 !! 17

Club Season League Cup League Cup Challenge Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
St Mirren 1997–98 28 3 1 0 2 0 0 0 31 3
1998–99 29 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 32 0
1999–00 29 5 2 0 1 0 1 0 33 5
2000–01 23 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 28 1
2001–02 32 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 35 0
2002–03 16 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 19 0
2003–04 30 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 32 2
2004–05 31 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 35 2
2005–06 29 1 3 0 2 0 5 0 39 1
2006–07 31 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 33 1
2007–08 29 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 33 0
2008–09 30 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 37 0
2009–10 33 2 3 0 4 0 0 0 40 2
2010–11 22 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 26 0
2011–12 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Career total 399 15 30 1 24 1 8 0 462 17

Honours

St Mirren
2000, 2006
2005
Partick Thistle
2012-13

References

  1. http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/news/?mode=view&id=1386
  2. http://www.dumbartonfootballclub.com/news/?mode=view&id=1643
  3. http://www.clydefc.co.uk/news/2014/12/30/4808/#.VKNHn3srrsA

External links