Hartlepool United and Darlington mourn former manager Alan Murray

Hartlepool United have expressed their sadness over the passing of former promotion-winning manager Alan Murray.

The Newcastle Upon Tyne-born boss played for the likes of Middlesbrough, York City, Brentford and Doncaster Rovers during his playing career before embarking on a career in management at Victoria Park in 1991. Murray stepped into the lead role in the dugout after the legendary Cyril Knowles had taken ill and guided Pools to promotion just months later as the goals of Joe Allon inspired Murray’s men to third place in Division Four. Murray was also in charge when Pools caused a major FA Cup shock in January 1993 as an Andy Saville penalty helped them see off a Crystal Palace side that would be relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.

Murray departed just months later and was appointed as Darlington manager in October 1993 before going on to work with future Liverpool manager Graeme Souness at Southampton after they had played together during their time at Middlesbrough. After working with the Scot at Benfica and Blackburn, Murray returned to the North East when Souness was named as successor to Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United in September 2004 and remained in place until the Magpies parted company with the former Scotland midfielder in February 2006.

Murray’s passing was confirmed over the weekend and Pools were one of the first clubs to pay tribute to their former manager. A statement released via the club’s official social media channels 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.”

Darlington also released an emotional statement on Sunday as they remembered one particular fixture at their old Feethams home.

It read: “The club is very sad to learn about the passing of former manager Alan Murray at the age of 76. Alan, who had previously been manager at Hartlepool and had helped them to promotion, was appointed our manager in October 1993 when we were struggling near the bottom of the old Fourth Division table, and he played a major part in saving us from relegation that season.

“One of his early games was a memorable 7-3 win over Colchester United at Feethams - one of the best games ever seen at the old ground - after which he said "I only felt comfortable when we were four goals in front". He brought several players to the club, including Bernie Slaven, Paul Cross, Paul Olsson, Andy Crosby and Matty Appleby. He stayed with the club until March 1995, and returned briefly as commercial manager in 2009. Everyone at Darlington FC would like to pass on their sincere condolences to Alan's family and friends. “

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