Spiderman Simon could haunt Dens

Simon Murray will be back playing at Dens Park next season after agreeing a new one-year deal with Queen’s Park.

The former Dundee and Dundee United striker played a pivotal role in the Spiders’ Championship play-off success.

The 30-year-old scored the winner in the semi-final victory over Dunfermline before netting in both legs of the final against Airdrieonians – including the goal that sent the club up.

That will see Queen’s Park compete in the second tier for the first time in 40 years, where they will face Murray’s old club Dundee following the Dark Blues’ relegation.

The boyhood Dee spent six months on loan at Dens Park from Hibs where he scored three Premiership goals in 14 games.

Murray also netted 25 times in 75 appearances for Dundee United earlier in his career.

He left Hibernian for South African side Bidvest Wits but a serious knee injury cut short his time in Johannesburg.

And he has thanked Queen’s Park for supporting his comeback from injury as he penned the extension.

“I am delighted to extend my stay at the club,” he said.

“They have supported me since coming back and now I am looking forward to pre-season and the challenge ahead.

“We have had great success in the last two years and now hopefully we can build on that.

“Thank you for all your support”

Queen’s Park, Scotland’s oldest club, will have a new manager at the helm as ex-St Johnstone boss Owen Coyle takes the reins following a successful time with Indian club Jamshedpur.

And Coyle is delighted to get Murray signed up for the Championship challenge.

“In the last part of the season Simon has showed the important role in a team he can have,” the former Dundee United striker said.

“Not only with causing danger and scoring, but also his involvement in pressing is of a high quality.

“That will be an important thing in the way of playing we are looking for.”

Simon has showed the important role in a team he can have