Elgin City pull off “massive coup” by signing Highland League player of the year Jack Murray from champions Buckie Thistle
Elgin City have made a statement signing by bringing in Highland League player of year Jack Murray on a three-year deal.
So says City boss Allan Hale, who has lured the 23-year-old centre back from Buckie Thistle to Borough Briggs on the same day that he confirmed the signing of Fraserburgh forward Ryan Sargent.
Former Ross County defender Murray was a key player in Jags’ title success last season, scoring 26 goals from central defence.
Hale was thrilled to win the chase for the player’s signature and said he was stunned higher league clubs weren’t on his trail.
“For Elgin City it’s a massive coup, managing to attract Jack to the club,” he said.
“It’s a sign of our intent that he’s the type of player we want to bring in. If I’m being honest I’m surprised that teams from higher levels haven’t been looking at him or at least had him in training because I think he is that good.
“He’s 23 and he’s only going to improve, but if you look at his numbers and stats over the past two or three years he’s been an absolute stand-out in the Highland League.
“He’s someone that’s going to come in and do extremely well for us.
“When I took this job, he was at the very top of the list of players that I wanted to sign.
“We couldn’t do anything in January but when the close season came it was about how we could restructure the budget to be in a position where we could try and look to make it happen.
“Fortunately for us, the stars have aligned and we managed to get an offer accepted and be in a position where we could talk to him.
“The pleasing thing for me was Jack’s enthusiasm to come in and try and be part of what we are trying to do. That really shone through and once you get that enthusiasm from a player, you try and do everything you can to then bring it to a conclusion and we’ve been able to do that.
“It’s a statement signing for Elgin and one we are really excited about. I’m sure the supporters will recognise how important and how big a signing it is for us.”
