Ian Murray/Raith Rovers

[Unseen work]

Firstly, this is not a “bring in Murray” thread.

More of a how good is he and Raith?

1 point behind Dundee United at the top of the league after 23 games, you would think they’d be good.

However their form of late has been poor losing their previous 5 games (including Livi in the cup).

Alot of their wins/draws have came from last minute goals too.

It it luck or are they a genuinely good team? I see some raith fans moaning about them having no structure defensively.

I saw the open goal interview where Murray more or less said he wants to get his best players on the pitch, get them on the ball and attack the other teams. Is this how they play?

They also play in an artificial surface, is that part of their success?

Just wondering if anyone has anymore insight as it seems a bit of an odd one looking from the outside

[CropleyWasGod]

I watch a lot of Rovers games.

It's fair to say that their defence can be poor. They haven't managed to settle it this season, partly due to injuries. Dabrowski is a good shot-stopper, but he's like Dracula with crosses.

They've spent a lot of money this season, so have a big squad. That means that, perhaps too often, Murray has chopped and changed his starting line-up. However, it has its advantages. The other night, he brought on 4 subs who may have been starters (Easton, Brown.... the captain, Connolly and Hamilton). Their energy, IMO, changed the game. United didn't have the legs or the players to deal with them.

The size of their squad, and the means to bring on good players, is the main reason for the late goals this season. That, and the belief and habit that comes with doing it once or twice... that continues.

Having said that, the recent poor run coincided with the loss of Sam Stanton. Whilst he wasn't at his best the other night, he's so important to the team as a playmaker and defender.

The pitch is a bit of a red herring IMO. Many of the teams in the league have plastic pitches.

[tonyrougier123]

One thing I’ve noticed is how tiny his squad is. For over a year now rarely has 5 subs or more.
Talks really well,done wonders at airdrie before raith,scored a lot of goals there and they seem to have still benefited since he left by his set up.
If the hibs job ever came up again he’d have to be seriously considered now.
But let’s get behind Montgomery fully and collectively because we’ve got a lot to do to the squad in the summer and we need to kick on in the mean time.

[CropleyWasGod]

One thing I’ve noticed is how tiny his squad is. For over a year now rarely has 5 subs or more.
Talks really well,done wonders at airdrie before raith,scored a lot of goals there and they seem to have still benefited since he left by his set up.
If the hibs job ever came up again he’d have to be seriously considered now.
But let’s get behind Montgomery fully and collectively because we’ve got a lot to do to the squad in the summer and we need to kick on in the mean time.

Had 9 on Friday. That's probably the result of injuries clearing up. But probably 5 or 6 of them are, or have been, fairly regular starters.

[blackpoolhibs]

I watch a lot of Rovers games.

It's fair to say that their defence can be poor. They haven't managed to settle it this season, partly due to injuries. Dabrowski is a good shot-stopper, but he's like Dracula with crosses.

They've spent a lot of money this season, so have a big squad. That means that, perhaps too often, Murray has chopped and changed his starting line-up. However, it has its advantages. The other night, he brought on 4 subs who may have been starters (Easton, Brown.... the captain, Connolly and Hamilton). Their energy, IMO, changed the game. United didn't have the legs or the players to deal with them.

The size of their squad, and the means to bring on good players, is the main reason for the late goals this season. That, and the belief and habit that comes with doing it once or twice... that continues.

Having said that, the recent poor run coincided with the loss of Sam Stanton. Whilst he wasn't at his best the other night, he's so important to the team as a playmaker and defender.

The pitch is a bit of a red herring IMO. Many of the teams in the league have plastic pitches.


One thing I’ve noticed is how tiny his squad is. For over a year now rarely has 5 subs or more.
Talks really well,done wonders at airdrie before raith,scored a lot of goals there and they seem to have still benefited since he left by his set up.
If the hibs job ever came up again he’d have to be seriously considered now.
But let’s get behind Montgomery fully and collectively because we’ve got a lot to do to the squad in the summer and we need to kick on in the mean time.
:confused:

[green day]

I know a couple of RR fans, in fact I am seeing one later tonight - will get his opinion, think he was there the other night.

That was absolute box office at the end, and what a strike from Brown !

[CropleyWasGod]

:confused:

20 players in the squad on Friday :greengrin

[Keith_M]

Not quite on the Murray theme, but that was a cracker of a goal the other night.

https://youtu.be/gS37_3AOQzo?t=494

[KdyHby]

Not quite on the Murray theme, but that was a cracker of a goal the other night.

https://youtu.be/gS37_3AOQzo?t=494

I was in the Archibald Leitch stand, was bedlam when that goal went in

[Keith_M]

I was in the Archibald Leitch stand, was bedlam when that goal went in


:aok:

It looked mental

[Musselbound]

Imo it's not luck when it has happened as often as it has. Firstly you need to put yourself in a position to be able to win the game and it shows strength of character to get over the line. How often have we seen big successful teams grind out a result when not playing particularly well? They are sometimes described as lucky too but they find a way.

I don't know if Raith will win the league this season but I've been very impressed with them and Ian Murray.

[Bakerman]

Imo it's not luck when it has happened as often as it has. Firstly you need to put yourself in a position to be able to win the game and it shows strength of character to get over the line. How often have we seen big successful teams grind out a result when not playing particularly well? They are sometimes described as lucky too but they find a way.

I don't know if Raith will win the league this season but I've been very impressed with them and Ian Murray.

:agree:

I've really enjoyed the Friday night games on BBC Raith v Dundee Utd. My Father in Law's team Raith Rovers, he came from Kirkcaldy originally, then moved to Gilmerton Dykes, where my wife was from. The added dimension with Ian Murray being boss has been brilliant. Good football matches.

[IberianHibernian]

Was a fantastic winning goal on Friday but also undeserved . DU were the better team and should have won which would have extended terrible RR recent run .

[cabbageandribs1875]

Dundee United will win the league, Ross co will beat Raith in the play-off



there, put a £1 on it

[Musselbound]

:agree:

I've really enjoyed the Friday night games on BBC Raith v Dundee Utd. My Father in Law's team Raith Rovers, he came from Kirkcaldy originally, then moved to Gilmerton Dykes, where my wife was from. The added dimension with Ian Murray being boss has been brilliant. Good football matches.

Agree from what I've seen. I usually watch the Friday night Championship game on telly but unfortunately missed it last Friday. Cracking winning goal as others have said.

[Bakerman]

Agree from what I've seen. I usually watch the Friday night Championship game on telly but unfortunately missed it last Friday. Cracking winning goal as others have said.

:agree:

It was a cracking winning goal. Dundee utd were by far the dominant team, but Raith withstood the constant pressure, and it was a goal worthy of winning most matches. Good atmosphere, and good game overall. Its a good watch on a Friday night. One of the BBC successes.

[Bakerman]

I watch a lot of Rovers games.

It's fair to say that their defence can be poor. They haven't managed to settle it this season, partly due to injuries. Dabrowski is a good shot-stopper, but he's like Dracula with crosses.

They've spent a lot of money this season, so have a big squad. That means that, perhaps too often, Murray has chopped and changed his starting line-up. However, it has its advantages. The other night, he brought on 4 subs who may have been starters (Easton, Brown.... the captain, Connolly and Hamilton). Their energy, IMO, changed the game. United didn't have the legs or the players to deal with them.

The size of their squad, and the means to bring on good players, is the main reason for the late goals this season. That, and the belief and habit that comes with doing it once or twice... that continues.

Having said that, the recent poor run coincided with the loss of Sam Stanton. Whilst he wasn't at his best the other night, he's so important to the team as a playmaker and defender.

The pitch is a bit of a red herring IMO. Many of the teams in the league have plastic pitches.

Why don't we just enlarge the league to share the wealth, and have great days out to places like Raith, Dunfermline, Dundee Utd etc? Vote against Falkirk though :greengrin

[CropleyWasGod]

Why don't we just enlarge the league to share the wealth, and have great days out to places like Raith, Dunfermline, Dundee Utd etc? Vote against Falkirk though :greengrin

The Pars are going down again :greengrin

[Bakerman]

The Pars are going down again :greengrin

Hope not, I have a soft spot for the Pars, despite my late faither in law, being a Raith man. :rolleyes:

:greengrin

[Since452]

Rovers have been on a horrendous run but they've pulled it out the bag in their biggest game of the season just as they did at Tannadice. With one game they've kept themselves in the title race. That's the sign of a good manager.

I don't think he'll end up at Easter Road. I think we'll try and be too clever again when Montgomery goes. Murray wouldn't be my number one target but i wouldn't be unhappy with him.

[Billy Whizz]

The Pars are going down again :greengrin

Hearing all’s not well down Halbeath Rd
Injured players having to pay for their own scans, as owners not willing to fund them

[Jones28]

Hearing all’s not well down Halbeath Rd
Injured players having to pay for their own scans, as owners not willing to fund them

Really poor if this is happening.

[HIBERNIAN-0762]

Ian Murray will be our next manager 👌😎💚

[DH1875]

He's apparently in the running for the Aberdeen job for next season.

[scm70nyd1973]

He's apparently in the running for the Aberdeen job for next season.

Ok -he goes to Aberdeen - does really well there but wants to come back to his beloved Hibees and makes us into a dream team - has that pathway ever happened before - I am still a dreamer - RIP Eddie you gave us something special 🥲

[IberianHibernian]

Ok -he goes to Aberdeen - does really well there but wants to come back to his beloved Hibees and makes us into a dream team - has that pathway ever happened before - I am still a dreamer - RIP Eddie you gave us something special 🥲So if history repeats itself , Murray goes to Aberdeen , does well there and decides to come to Hibs . Wins a LC and a few games in Europe then team starts to decline until first relegation in many years . Alternatively Murray does ok with Aberdeen and / or us then goes to another of his ex clubs , Rangers .

[scm70nyd1973]

So if history repeats itself , Murray goes to Aberdeen , does well there and decides to come to Hibs . Wins a LC and a few games in Europe then team starts to decline until first relegation in many years . Alternatively Murray does ok with Aberdeen and / or us then goes to another of his ex clubs , Rangers .

I’m 61 now so I’ll take the hit if it means the same as the early 70s thrill ride - just being selfish here 🤭

Re your user id are in Spain per chance - I’m in the south .

[BILLYHIBS]

I’m 61 now so I’ll take the hit if it means the same as the early 70s thrill ride - just being selfish here 🤭

Re your user id are in Spain per chance - I’m in the south .

Feel sorry for the youngsters that never saw that wonderful team

We had overlapping full backs before wing backs every man knew his job his position and more importantly what his team mate would do as soon as they received the ball and would be off their mark

I despair nowadays at the lack of basics simply to control the ball or even pass to a green jersey

[Musselbound]

One thing I'd say about the Murray to Aberdeen rumours is that he's done enough to earn a go at being a manager in this division, whether that's with Raith, Aberdeen or someone else.

As others have alluded to, it seems quite rare to drop a division in search of a manager now. Teams seem to prefer to cast the net wide or go for rookies. Not that you shouldn't cast the net wide, but some of the more obvious and safer options might be right in front of you. Certainly both Aberdeen and Hibs have got this badly wrong a number of times of late.

[Betty Boop]

Cannae imagine Aberdeen fans would be best pleased with Ian Murray as manager

[VoltaireHibs]

Cannae imagine Aberdeen fans would be best pleased with Ian Murray as manager

Not at all sure who they would be pleased with. Odd bunch. Delusional in fact.

[CropleyWasGod]

One thing I'd say about the Murray to Aberdeen rumours is that he's done enough to earn a go at being a manager in this division, whether that's with Raith, Aberdeen or someone else.

As others have alluded to, it seems quite rare to drop a division in search of a manager now. Teams seem to prefer to cast the net wide or go for rookies. Not that you shouldn't cast the net wide, but some of the more obvious and safer options might be right in front of you. Certainly both Aberdeen and Hibs have got this badly wrong a number of times of late.

If United continue to do well, maybe their manager would be worth someone (Aberdeen, say?) having a look at him.




:cb