Murr good news for Cork City

Cork City have today announced the re-signing of Dan Murray for the 2015 season.

 

In his second spell at the club, the 32 year old rolled back the years this season with commanding displays at the heart of a stingy Cork City defence that kept 17 clean sheets.

 

With the Rebel Army heading for Europe this season, John Caulfield will be able to call on Murray, the club’s all time top scorer in European competition, to bring experience at that level to his side. Of course the former Shamrock Rovers captain also has experienced Europa League football at the group stage and speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, Murray spoke of his happiness to be signed up for 2015.

 

 “I’m delighted to have signed back for another year. I was hopeful that John wanted to keep me for another year, after last year which was great. It was great to be a part of the team in 2014 and I am looking forward to being a part of it again next year.

 

“It’s the most exciting time at the club that I can remember, certainly since I came back. I think the club is going in the right direction and hopefully we can do as well as we did last year, if not go one better. When I came back to the club, the aim from the start was to get back into Europe and now that we have got it, it is something to look forward to for next year.”

 

In an interview with the club’s match programme, City Edition, earlier this season, Murray was quick to point to the influence of manager Caulfield in bringing the “buzz” back to Leeside.

 

“Since I came back for the second time, John Caulfield has changed the mentality of not just the players but the whole club really. Before there was a bit of a mentality of ‘oh we’re happy to be back in the Premier Division’, whereas now John has probably changed the mentality from the top to bottom where we want to be challenging for trophies and qualify for Europe. We don’t want this year to be a one off, we want to be up there challenging for years.”

 

Rebel Army boss has been rightly praised for helping Murray to juggle work and football while simultaneously helping the English born defender back to his previous high standards. Also speaking to CorkCityFC.ie, Caulfield insists that it is not just experience and presence the former club captain brings, but also is a vital member of the starting eleven.

 

 “When I took over last year, Dan had sort of been written off and things had not gone right for him for the previous season or season and a half, but arguably you could nearly say that he was our best  player this season.

 

“It was important for me to make sure he stayed on. I told him we needed him and wanted him at the club. He has huge leadership qualities, he’s very good for the young players, but more importantly, he is a top player on the pitch.

 

“He has huge experience, he has won league and cup titles with this club. This is a huge year, with Europe and the Setanta Sports Cup and a lot of extra games, so I need a bigger panel and more experience, and it was vital for me to keep Dan.”

 

The re-signing of Murray brings to 14 the number of players signed up at Turner’s Cross for next  year, with more of last year’s squad expected to follow suit.