It is with great sadness that we have to record the death of Tommy Murray, a diminutive attacker, who endowed Hearts with energy, passing and dribbling skills. He provided goal scoring opportunities for his colleagues, especially Donald Ford and Drew Busby, and was a regular marksman in his own right.
Tommy Murray was born at Main Street, Caldercruix, near Airdrie, on 1 June 1943. Tommy attended schools in Caldercruix and became a painter to trade on leaving.
He played football with the famous juvenile side, Edinburgh Athletic, and briefly for the junior club, Mount Ellen United, before signing for Airdrieonians in November 1960. During about 230 games Tommy scored 105 goals and this attracted Carlisle United of the English Second Division. Tommy went Brunton Park in March 1967 for a £12,000 fee and continued to assist and score in the second level of English football.
Hearts’ manager, Bobby Seith, required a creative playmaker and Tommy came to Tynecastle on 6 August 1971 from Carlisle United, in exchange for Kevin Hegarty. He brought elegance and skill, and a scoring touch, during four seasons with Hearts, scoring 22 goals in 147 appearances.
Hearts’ best League performance during Tommy’s time at Tynecastle was finishing in sixth position, but there were many exciting nights in the Texaco Cup and Hearts also reached the Scottish Cup Semi-finals in April 1974, only to lose against Dundee United. Nevertheless, Tommy Murray’s positional sense and passing talent played an important part when Hearts qualified for the initial Premier Division at the end of season 1974-75.
He will be best remembered by those Hearts fans who witnessed the only goal of the match against Rangers on 2 December 1972. Tommy cheekily sat on the ball and drew out the Rangers defenders. As they approached, Tommy stood up and fed Jimmy Brown, who crossed the ball for Donald Ford to head into the Rangers net. A truly memorable moment.
Tommy left Hearts on 30 April 1975 and did a fair bit of travelling to play for Eastern FC in Hong Kong and Brisbane City in Australia. He returned to Scotland and signed for Arbroath in November 1977 and later played for Stenhousemuir, Raith Rovers and Bo’ness United.
Tommy Murray brought real skill to Tynecastle and our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.
By David Speed, club historian.
