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Grant Robert Murray (born 29 August 1975 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish former professional football player. Murray is currently the assistant manager at Queen of the South.
His versatility saw him play in several positions during his career, such as a defensive midfielder and at fullback, although he was primarily considered to be a centre-back.
Playing career
Murray started his career with Hearts, playing for their first team in six seasons.[1] He was an unused substitute as Hearts beat Rangers 2–1 in the 1998 Scottish Cup Final. Murray moved to St Johnstone in 2001,[1] but they were relegated from the Scottish Premier League (SPL) in 2002. He then signed for Partick Thistle in 2003, but they were relegated from the SPL in 2004 and the First Division in 2005.[1] Murray signed for Kilmarnock in 2006, where he linked up again with Jim Jefferies, who had been his manager at Hearts.[1] He agreed a new two-year contract with Kilmarnock in April 2007.[2]
Murray moved into coaching while playing for Raith Rovers, earning UEFA qualifications.[4] On 3 July 2012, Murray was appointed their player-manager.[5] Murray signed an extended contract with Raith Rovers in December 2013.[6] He guided Raith Rovers to victory in the 2013–14 Scottish Challenge Cup, winning in the final against Rangers at Easter Road. It was his first trophy as a manager and Raith's first cup win since the 1994–95 Scottish League Cup. Murray was sacked by Raith in April 2015, after a run of five successive defeats.[7]
On 19 February 2022, Queens interim player-managerWillie Gibson, had Murray as his assistant manager, as Queen of the South earned a 0–0 draw at Palmerston versus Arbroath, league leaders in the Scottish Championship. [14] On 21 February 2022, Gibson and Murray were announced as the Doonhamers management team until the end of the 2021-22 season.[15]
On 4 May 2022, Gibson and Murray were appointed Queens management team until the end of the 2022–23 season. [16]
On 21 December 2022, after Gibson departed the Dumfries club by mutual consent, Murray was placed in interim charge of the Doonhamers. [17]
On 10 January 2023, Marvin Bartley announced after Queens Quarter Final win over Kelty Hearts in the SPFL Trust Trophy that Murray would be remaining as the Doonhamers assistant manager, having worked with him previously at Hibernian. [18]