Hugh Murray (footballer)

Football player infobox
playername = Hugh Murray


fullname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1979|1|8
cityofbirth = Bellshill
countryofbirth = Scotland
height =
position = Midfielder
currentclub = St Mirren
clubnumber = 7
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1997-
clubs = St Mirren
caps(goals) = 345 (15)
nationalyears =
nationalteam =
nationalcaps(goals) =
pcupdate = 1 December 2007
ntupdate =

Hugh Murray (born 8 January 1979, in Bellshill) is a Scottish professional footballer. He came through the youth ranks at St Mirren and is celebrating his testimonial year.

Hugh broke into the St. Mirren side under Tony Fitpatrick towards the end of the 1996 / 1997 season. In the following season, he started the 1st game of the season and didn't look back as he became an established member of the St. Mirren team. At the end of that season, Saints were flirting with relegation to Scottish Division 2 (which would be a financial disaster for the Club) when they travelled to face fellow strugglers Stirling Albion in a crunch match that would be titled as "The Battle Of Stirling" among the St. Mirren faithful. A tense match exploded into life in the 2nd half when "Shuggie" picked up the ball 40 yards from goal & strode forward. Then from 25 yards he unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net for a goal that would prove the winner & keep St. Mirren safe.

In the 1999 / 2000 season, Hugh played a major part in the Scottish 1st Division Title triumph. One outstanding occasion was in the 8-0 drubbing of, soon to be extinct, Clydebank FC. Hugh 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 static defense, then stroke the ball past the keeper.

After a close season spell away from Love Street in 2001, Hugh decided to return to Saints once again for the start of the next season & in the 2005/2006 season his decision was vindicated when he bacame the first ever St. Mirren player to get 3 winners medals in National Competitions when he added the Challenge Cup and another First Division title medal to his medal from 2000.

In the 2007/2008 season, Hugh was made St. Mirrens 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. At the start of the 2008/2009 season, Murray has been featured in a defensive midfield role, with performances earning him some acclaim, showing he may well have a more to offer at St. Mirren.

Hugh was inducted into the St. Mirren Hall Of Fame in 2006 at the age of 27 and in season 2007/2008 he made his 300th start against Falkirk in a 1-0 win at the Falkirk Stadium.

Hugh is a true St. Mirren Legend.

External links

*soccerbase|id=11529|name=Hugn Murray