Murray David Image 2 Leeds City 1907

Description

Cathcart, Glasgow born full back (he played both sides) David Murray began his football career with Busby Rosemount in 1898 and played for Leven Victoria in 1900. He was on Glasgow Rangers’ books but never made the first eleven at Ibrox, before joining Everton for the 1903-04 season, making his Football League debut at left back in a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in November 1903, playing once more for Everton the following week in a similar defeat to Sunderland. He then joined Second Division neighbours Liverpool in August 1904 and made 12 appearances at right back as they won the Second Division Championship in 1904-05, however he only played 3 more times for The Reds in the top flight in September 1905 before signing for Second Division newcomers Leeds City for £150 in December 1905 as The Peacocks sought to strengthen their defence.

He was pitched straight into action, featuring in ten games on the bounce during which he was asked to fill both full back positions. He was also nominated as City’s penalty taker and opened his account for The Peacocks from the spot in a 4-1 defeat of Leicester Fosse on 20th January 1906. Murray missed three games in February, but ended his first season for City with 3 goals from 23 appearances, having established himself as a mainstay of the side.

Murray took over as City captain after John George lost his place early in the 1906-07 campaign, and he continued to give consistent displays, though he missed large chunks of the season between December and April through injury. Murray was a regular choice throughout 1907-08, now being partnered by Harry Kay, and missed just four matches. However he was unavailable for the start of the 1908-09 season with a cartilage injury and had a barren time, not appearing in the first team at all until a match at Derby County on 23rd January 1909. He was only selected twice more after that game and in 1909 he signed for Midland League club Mexborough Town after 7 goals in 85 appearances for Leeds City. He later played for Burslem Port Vale in 1910 before returning to Mexborough Town in 1911, finally joining Frickley Colliery in 1913 before the onset of the First World War.

Murray enlisted with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was a private in the 11th (Service) Battalion and was killed in action at The Battle of Loos on 10th December 1915. He is commemorated at The Loos Memorial.