Murray signs for Bristol City!

By Mark Sugar
March 25 2004

Scott Murray has sensationally signed for Bristol City for an undiclosed fee.This comes hours after Steve Coppell rejected a loan move for the ex Royals winger.What the hell is going on Coppell?

Scott Murray has shocked all Royals supporters by rejoining Bristol City after leaving them in the summer to join Reading for £650,000. The Scottish winger has signed a 3 year deal with the Bristol club. Steve Coppell has described the offer as "too good to turn down".

So what has happened to the player that was wanted not only by Reading, but also by Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City. Lets look at the facts.

Ever since the departure of Alan Pardew things haven't been right between Reading and Scott. He started his Royals career very brightly, scoring 3 goals in 4 games. But after Pardew left well well things didn't go to plan. Steve Coppell was appointed Reading manager and appears to have very good knowledge of the Nationwide Leagues, after all how long has been managing now? Over 10 years definitely. So you would think he could spot a quality player.

But Murray struggled to settle under the Coppell regime which has seen many many changes. Coppell put the Murray drop in form due to his travelling to and from Bristol everyday.

He then lost his place to Andy Hughes, who quite simply isn't a winger but I won't get started on him now.

Then yesterday, Wednesday 24th March Bristol City made a loan bid rejected by Steve Coppell. Hours later, Danny Wilson is back on the phone to Steve Coppell making him an offer and Coppell accepts. No chance Murray will say no, he loved Bristol City. Next thing you no he has signed for Bristol City.

My personal opinion is of anger. How Coppell has sold him I don't no. What did he ever do wrong? He appeared to be back to form playing very well in the wins over Nottingham Forest and the draw with Crystal Palace. Bristol City has confirmed that the agreement struck with Reading has covered off the fee paid last season.

Murray said on the move to the Official Bristol City website:

"Its great to be back and I can't wait to meet up with the lads again at training tomorrow. My mobile phone hasn't stopped ringing today with messages from them. The Reading fans were great to me, even when I was in and out of the team, and I have nothing but praise for them. First I heard City wanted me on loan and Reading had turned that down. Then Steve Coppell rang me this morning to say there was a chance of a permanent deal. He made it clear I wouldn't be getting much first team football if I stayed so I took the hint."

On the same day, former Royals players Tony Rougier and Darren Caskey have signed for City on a non contract basis until the end of the season.

WE WISH SCOTT MURRAY ALL THE BEST AT BRISTOL CITY. WHY WE HAVE SOLD HIM I DON'T NO BUT THE FACT REMAINS IS HE WAS A GREAT PLAYER FOR US, A TOP BLOKE WHEN WE INTERVIEWED HIM FOR THE WEBSITE. GOOD LUCK SCOTT

GOOD LUCK ROUGE AND DARREN CASKEY AT BRISTOL CITY AS WELL.