Tributes have been paid to Alan Murray, the former Hartlepool United and Darlington manager who has sadly passed away aged 76.
Murray was Pools manager when the club won promotion from Division 4 in 1991, moving up from assistant in the second half of the season when Cyril Knowles took ill.
He was also in the hotseat when Hartlepool pulled of a major shock in the FA Cup in January 1993, beating Crystal Palace 1-0 with an Andy Saville penalty.
A Hartlepool statement read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Hartlepool United manager, Alan Murray.
“Alan managed the club between 1991 and 1993, memorably guiding Pools to promotion during his time at Victoria Park.
“Everyone at Hartlepool United sends their heartfelt condolences to Alan’s family, friends and all those who knew him.”
Eight months after leaving the Victoria Park club, Murray was appointed by Darlington after what had been a tough start to the 1993-94 season under Billy McEwan.
Murray was assisted by Eddie Kyle during his 16-month reign at Feethams, and their first home game was remarkable: a 7-3 win at home to Colchester United - Quakers had scored just seven goals in their first 13 league matches of the campaign.
He was the club’s boss for 68 matches until March 1995, guiding Darlington away from the bottom of Division Three, and some of his signings, such as Matty Appleby, Andy Crosby and Paul Olsson, went on to be part of the team which reached the play-offs in 1995-96.
A Darlington statement read: “The club is very sad to learn about the passing of former manager Alan Murray at the age of 76.
“Everyone a Darlington FC would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Alan’s family and friends.”
Murray had been a young player at Boro in the 1970s, before moving on to York City, Brentford and Doncaster Rovers.
During his time at Ayresome Park he became a close friend of Graeme Souness, and was among the Scot’s backroom staff at clubs such as Southampton, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
Murray also had a spell as Darlington commercial manager in 2009, a role he had also held in the 1980s at Middlesbrough.
Former Darlington player Neil Maddison said: “So sad to hear Alan Murray has passed away. Alan was assistant to Graeme Souness at Southampton and also worked with him at Darlo. Just a lovely man. RIP Muzza.”
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