The Sunday Post (Newcastle)

Meet the Moo-ray brothers!

Mum Judy reveals stars’ childhood nicknames

- By Beverley Lyons mail@sundaypost.com

SHE might be mum to two of Scotland’s biggest sporting heroes – but that doesn’ t mean Judy Murray can’t let slip the odd embarrassi­ng story like any other parent.

The long-serving coach has revealed Andy and Jamie’s secret childhood nicknames from their days as rising stars on the tennis circuit.

She told The Sunday Post the whole family used to be known as “The Moos” – with Andy dubbed Mini Moo and his older brother Jamie called Maxi Moo.

Judy, who until recently was known on Twitter under the name of Jud Moo, said: “When we went to tournament­s overseas we were always called The Moorays.

“It became The Moos for short. There was Mini Moo – Andy; Maxi Moo – Jamie; and Jud Moo – myself.

“A lot of kids and coaches used to call us by those names. That is how my Twitter name came about but I have changed it now to Judy Murray so more people know who I am.”

Judy made the comments after recently scooping the top gong at Action For Children’s Scotland’ s Women Of Influence Awards.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant was “thrilled to bits” by the accolade – as it made a change from picking up trophies on behalf of her sons.

She added: “I’m absolutely not used to winning anything.

“I’m quite used to going and picking up something for my kids when they’re not in the blooming country.

“I think it was 1999 when I last won something from the Lawn Tennis Associatio­n – coach of the year.

“When you’re not ready to make a speech, it reminds me of Strictly. I’d developed a look which Anton du Beke got very used to and meant, ‘I have no idea what’s coming next’.

“It was a really strong pool of candidates and of course you’re standing up in a whole room full of women and it meant a lot to me that I was voted by them.

“Action For Children is also a great charity.”

Judy is still determined to provide more tennis facilities for young people.

Andy, now 29, and his brother, 31, only have a few years left at the peak of their sporting powers and she wants to ensure they leave a fitting legacy behind.

Judy added: “I get tired sometimes but I’m really on a bit of a mission because I understand Jamie and Andy won’t play forever.

“They may only play for another couple of years and then we won’t have that leverage and excitement so you have to do something now. “They’ve been playing on tour since 2005.

“It’s their 12th year already and it’s a long time.

“You’ve got to prepare for some kind of legacy. “The worst thing for me is that they retire and look back and nothing has changed.”

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Siblings Jamie and Andy had a-moo-sing nicknames as young lads.
■ Siblings Jamie and Andy had a-moo-sing nicknames as young lads.
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