Murray steps out of the wild

THE Wurzels have a new rival in the West Country popularity stakes. While the rest of the country concentrates on their cornflakes, Bristol City's Scott Murray will take to the field in the FA Cup second round against lowly Harrogate Railway Athletic, with the coveted West Country Footballer of the Year prize, which he won last Sunday for the second time in three years, nestling on his mantlepiece at home. The main line to Knaresborough will be swapped for Mainz, Germany, where Murray will join Berti Vogts' Scotland future 11 which will take on their German counterparts next Tuesday. The band at Ashton Gate is commonly associated with songs about combine harvesters and cider, but has perfected Flower of Scotland in his honour.

Such musical mentions are merited. Even discounting a disputed effort in the 3-2 win against Notts County in midweek, Murray has stolen 15 goals from 23 appearances this season. It is an impressive haul from a player who generally plays on the right-wing - and indeed started some of those games at right-back. He even has a trademark celebration, haring off with his strip over his head, even if there are no biblical soundbites marker-penned beneath. "I am white enough without having a white T-shirt underneath," Murray says.

It does mean the 28-year-old has already outstripped his previous season's best of 11, even before tomorrow marks the player's fifth anniversary at the club. His goals, and bountiful assists, have taken the side managed by former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Wilson to within touching distance of automatic promotion in the Nationwide Second Division.

Such vital statistics are bringing the player to wider attention than just that of the SFA. Murray, born in Mintlaw, started off with Fraserburgh (his brother Ian is a striker for Highland League leaders Deveronvale) and is one of the West Country's adopted sons, even marrying a local girl in the summer, but it hasn't stopped others trying to prise him away. He was subject of two offers from English first division clubs at the start of the season, both thought to be around (pounds) 250,000. His contract expires in summer 2004, but City sneered at such valuations.

Yet, having tasted promotion (and subsequent relegation) with Bristol City, not to mention a defeat in the Auto Windscreens Shield final against Stoke, Murray remains ambitious, and sometimes agonises over whether he can achieve those ambitions with City. "I would definitely like to play in the first division again at least," he said. "Obviously every player would like to play at the highest level and I am no different. But if I end up staying here then I end up staying here, I will be happy with that."

For Murray, an Aberdeen fanatic whose hero was Gordon Strachan, financial imperatives mean a move to Scotland is unlikely, if not impossible. "Coming back hasn't really crossed my mind," he said, "and I think the standard down here is probably a lot higher than it is back home. But if I got the chance I would probably think about it." Murray was signed from Fraserburgh for Aston Villa by big Ron Atkinson - who "it was always funny watching in training" - even if the four games he played in the Premiership under Brian Little at Villa stick clearer in the mind.

The impact of his growing reputation is starting to be felt. A slight player with blinding pace, and good touch, who is prepared to do dirty work, opposition managers are making sure he is getting man- marked. "Nowadays, the other team usually ends up sticking a couple of players on me, but that leaves more room for everybody else," he said.

Murray had 45 minutes at right back in the Scotland practice match against Dundee United at Forthbank, but is hoping for more to make an impact. "Obviously playing down here in the second division has hindered me, but the only time I spoke to Berti was at the Dundee United game," Murray recalls. "He just came up to me and said 'well done', and that is the only time I had really spoken to him. Hopefully, he will know who I am more this time, and can give me some advice. It would be nice to have a chat."

After years toiling in the wilderness of the English game, City are beginning to believe an automatic promotion place can be theirs. As they prepare to take on Northern Counties Eastern Premier Division opposition - City have experience of non-league opposition in the last round, having beaten Heybridge 7-0 - Murray and his high-flying team must still take every precaution to prevent going off the rails.

Copyright 2002 SMG Sunday Newspapers Ltd.
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