- Jul 7, 2003
- 47,501
Hmmm. I did like him as a player when he was us, and I always thought his footballing brain and touch was considerably above the level we played at at the time. I'd have loved to have seen how he got on in the Championship, but it wasn't to be. From what various people are saying, he had a few financial worries, which were only alleviated by the prospect of a contract at another club, with a decent signing on fee and higher wages. The Albion offered him an improved contract from his original deal, but he was then made aware that Palace wanted him, and were prepared to pay the wages he was after. The Albion weren't, because they didn't want to break their wage structure for a player they perceived was good, but not so good he deserved that. Palace came in, he had no option but to sign for them (one assumes that because he signed for Palace, no other clubs came in for him).
Poyet understood that, and let's be honest, any of us would do the same in Murray's situation, especially with a family to look after. No bridges were burnt. When Murray set up one and scored one at the Amex, he never showed even the slightest hint of celebrating, in spite of all the booing and abuse he'd (understandably) taken from Albion fans. I thought that showed class, whatever his motives for it, and I bet that Palace fans were ever so slightly disappointed that he didn't accept the chance to give it the biggun and rub it in (their only disappointment of the entire night I guess).
No, he's not proven at this level, and had a miserable season at Selhurst, but in mitigation, they were a poor side who barely created a chance, and most of their fans were supportive of his efforts, recognising that he was fighting a losing battle against Freedman's negative tactics. We, on the other hand, know what he's about and what he's capable of. Poyet evidently knows how to get the best out of him.
Presumably he'd command a fee at this stage, which would be my only reservation about signing him back. I would not want to see us pay money (or at least any decent sum of money) to Palace for a player who essentially failed for them last season. If Murray was available on a free, or for a cheeky fee, then game on, he'd be the ideal bargain basement pick-up and we'd have nothing to lose by bringing him back. If Palace wanted £500k, say, I'd tell them to jog on, as it would be too much for us to risk.
I should add that all of the above only applies on the basis that we also sign a "proper" proven Championship striker as well.
Poyet understood that, and let's be honest, any of us would do the same in Murray's situation, especially with a family to look after. No bridges were burnt. When Murray set up one and scored one at the Amex, he never showed even the slightest hint of celebrating, in spite of all the booing and abuse he'd (understandably) taken from Albion fans. I thought that showed class, whatever his motives for it, and I bet that Palace fans were ever so slightly disappointed that he didn't accept the chance to give it the biggun and rub it in (their only disappointment of the entire night I guess).
No, he's not proven at this level, and had a miserable season at Selhurst, but in mitigation, they were a poor side who barely created a chance, and most of their fans were supportive of his efforts, recognising that he was fighting a losing battle against Freedman's negative tactics. We, on the other hand, know what he's about and what he's capable of. Poyet evidently knows how to get the best out of him.
Presumably he'd command a fee at this stage, which would be my only reservation about signing him back. I would not want to see us pay money (or at least any decent sum of money) to Palace for a player who essentially failed for them last season. If Murray was available on a free, or for a cheeky fee, then game on, he'd be the ideal bargain basement pick-up and we'd have nothing to lose by bringing him back. If Palace wanted £500k, say, I'd tell them to jog on, as it would be too much for us to risk.
I should add that all of the above only applies on the basis that we also sign a "proper" proven Championship striker as well.
