Kilmarnock sounds familiar for Murray

KILMARNOCK manager Jim Jefferies has made a virtue of his squad being the most settled in the SPL. The comfort of the familiar at the club even extends to the one close-season arrival so far. When Grant Murray was pitched into his first training session with the Ayrshire side, he must have felt like a nodding dog.

The 30-year-old player's formative football years were spent under Jefferies and assistant Billy Brown in a Tynecastle set-up that included Allan Johnston, Gary Locke and Gary Wales. David Lilley, meanwhile, he played alongside at Partick Thistle.

In reacquainting himself with a coaching team and four former team-mates, it is no wonder that Murray has been made to feel welcome. "I think it's good from both sides that I have history with a few of the guys at Kilmarnock," he says. "Jim and Billy know what type of person and player I am, and I know what type of people they are."

Men who command loyalty through an ability to draw the best from players: that's how Murray recognises Jefferies and Brown. Only Kris Boyd and Gary McDonald have moved on from the squad that began last season - a campaign that ended with fifth place in the league, causing many to reassess upwards the Rugby Park operation.

"People looked at other clubs as superior to Kilmarnock last summer, but on talent, merit, hard work and the all-round togetherness Jim and Billy fostered, the squad kept surprising opponents.

"When a team performs as well as Kilmarnock, players tend to be poached away by bigger clubs or want to move on. It says everything about the working environment here that players are happy to stay."

Yet three weeks ago, Murray was quoted as saying that he wanted to stay at Thistle. Offered a one-year extension after helping them to claim a berth in the First Division via play-offs, he elected not to take up the offer before a holiday. By the time he returned, it had been withdrawn. "Murray dumped on the dole by Thistle" headlines inevitably ensued. But a one-season deal offered by Jefferies put top-flight football back on Murray's agenda.

"I was quite disappointed at the way my parting with Thistle was put over in the papers. I remain on good terms with Dick Campbell, and retain good feelings for Thistle after my three years there. I didn't sign straight away, and understood it was later withdrawn because Dick had used up his budget elsewhere."

Murray points out that resettling at Rugby Park provides him with the opportunity to turn out for a fourth club in Scotland's upper tier.

In being signed as defensive cover, the Edinburgh-based performer is unlikely to start the Premierleague opener away to Celtic on Saturday. Yet he has joined a club who are not overflowing with seasoned professionals capable of slotting in anywhere across a back four or back three.

"I hope to force my way into the team as soon as possible, but I know that I will have to be patient. But every team needs a squad. Injuries and suspensions happen in football. When they do to allow me in, I have to grab the jersey and play in a way that makes sure I don't have to let it go."

If Murray does, he could keep a grip on the garment beyond his agreed ten-month tenure. Even if he is one Grant who will never again take contracts for granted.

Taken from the Scotsman