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New Hibs striker Simon Murray insists Dundee United’s painful play-off final defeat hurt him just as much as the team-mates he left behind.
The 25-year-old was forced to issue an apology to the club’s supporters after a picture of him smiling in a Hibs training top did the rounds on social media less than 24 hours after last month’s second leg loss to Hamilton.
Murray’s move to Neil Lennon’s side was finally confirmed the following day but the marksman, who notched 18 goals last season, insists he was still gutted that he was not able to play his part in taking the Tannadice club straight back to the Premiership.
Murray said: “Obviously we didn’t win the league but we were in the play-off final and we had the chance to get the team back to the Premiership, and I wanted nothing more than to do that.
“My mates are still there and I wanted to do it for them and being from Dundee, my friends and family members are Dundee United fans.
“So I was gutted, but when the opportunity came to come to Hibs there was only one place I wanted to be.
“It would be totally unfair to say it didn’t hurt me as much. People who know me know that.
“My manager at Dundee United (Ray McKinnon) knew I was coming here so if he thought that I didn’t care, he wouldn’t have played me.
“People who know me know I give 100 per cent every time I play. Some people might say that but I know myself that isn’t the case.”
Murray finished last season strongly with four goals in his final six matches but the forward is disappointed he didn’t score more.
He added: “I picked up a wee injury against Hibs when we played them and that done my ligament, and I was also getting played out of position a lot in right mid, left mid – and that affects you as well.
“When I got back playing thankfully we were playing two up front.
“That’s what I prefer and that’s when I was getting my goals. I just wished he had realised that a bit sooner.
“We have not really spoken about it at Hibs although I know the gaffer played two up front a lot last year so I’m hoping I can fit in there.
“As a striker that is what your job is, to score goals and I’m just looking to go out there and hit a good figure every season and contribute that way.
“We are all here to win games and the manager is obviously very passionate about what he does, and that’s the way I feel I play as well so I’m sure we will get on just fine.”
