James Gerald Murray (born 27 December 1958) is a Scottish retired professional footballer who played as a left back in the Football League for Cambridge United, Brentford and Sunderland. He was described by Cambridge News as "one of the greatest left backs to have featured" for Cambridge United.
Career
Cambridge United A full back, Murray joined Fourth Division club Cambridge United from non-League club Rivet Sports in September 1976. He quickly became an important player in the club's rise from the Fourth to the Second Division and made 147 consecutive appearances between 1980 and his departure in 1984. As of November 2014, Murray is 11th on Cambridge United's record-appearances list.
Sunderland (loan) In March 1984, Murray joined First Division club Sunderland on loan with a view to a permanent move. He made just one appearance, in a 1–1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 7 April, before returning to the Abbey Stadium.
Brentford Murray joined Third Division club Brentford for a £30,000 fee in July 1984. He was an ever-present during the 1984–85 season and missed just one match in 1985–86. He continued his virtual ever-present status through the 1986–87 season, before departing Griffin Park in September 1987. Murray made 166 appearances and scored four goals in just over three years with Brentford.
Return to Cambridge United In September 1987, Murray returned to Cambridge United for a £5,000 fee. Now playing in the Fourth Division, he appeared sparingly and left at the end of the 1987–88 season.
Soham Town Rangers Murray closed out his career with a spell at Eastern Counties League club Soham Town Rangers.
Coaching career Murray briefly served as assistant to Steve Fallon at Histon during the 2000s.
Personal life Murray's son Antonio is semi-professional footballer.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSunderland (loan)1983–84First Division10———10Brentford1984–85Third Division4604040706101985–864531040215241986–873903010404701987–8840—20—60Total1343801101311664Career total1353801101311674
Honours Brentford Associate Members' Cup runner-up: 1984–85
References