Murray says he’s delighted to commit his future to Rovers

EUAN MURRAY insists he had no qualms about committing his future to Raith Rovers due to the faith manager Barry Smith showed in him.

Murray, 24, has signed a new two-year deal with the Stark’s Park club after impressing in his maiden campaign with the Fifers.

The former Motherwell youngster was tempted to return north by Smith last summer following a spell in England with Barrow and Southport, and readily admits some supporters may not have been initially blown away by his capture.

But he will always be grateful for Smith’s support.

“The gaffer has been brilliant for my career,” said Murray. “There are probably not many people who had heard of me before I came to the club!

“However, he convinced me to come back to Scotland to sign for Raith and he has worked with me every day and put real trust in me.

“Last season was probably the most I’ve enjoyed my football for a good few years.

“I’ve got a lot to be thankful [to Smith] for and I’m delighted to have signed here again.”

As well as securing the signature of Murray, Rovers have handed a one-year extension to veteran defender Iain Davidson.

Next season will be the Kircaldy-born defender’s 12th campaign in a Rovers jersey, split over two spells, and Murray has lavished praise on the influence of the 34-year-old.

“I’ve learned a lot from Iain and it’s been a great experience – apart from having to do all his running down the channels!” said Murray. “He’s been brilliant all season and deservedly picked up the [supporters’ player of the year] award at the end of the season.

“To work alongside him has been superb and has been great for me.

“He’s big and aggressive, which you need in a centre-half, but he has also done a job in midfield so his distribution is excellent. He is vocal as well, so that’s helped me.”

Rovers will return to action next term desperate to secure automatic promotion having missed out on the League 1 crown by one point this season, with a last-day draw against Alloa allowing Ayr United to claim the title.

Raith were subsequently dumped out of the play-offs by the Wasps, who went on to defeat Dumbarton over two legs for a place in the Championship.

“It will be a challenge again. I think last season probably showed a lot of the boys who haven’t played in this league just how difficult it is to get out of,” added the ex-Stenhousemuir defender.