By Jason Harris
May 14 2002

Saracens and Scotland lock Scott Murray has revealed that he is desperate to leave Saracens and return to his native land, probably with his home-town team Edinburgh Gunners. Speaking after receiving the Famous Grouse player of the year award, the 26 year old made it clear that playing in England, and at Saracens in particular, was not a good move.

Sarries fans have bemoaned the fact that despite his outsdanding displays for his country, Murray regularly failed to perform for his club since joining from Bedford, this season in particular.

Murray himself had come choice words for Sarries as he spoke openly about the probability that he'll sign a deal that will take him to Edinburgh by the end of the week and the fact that he himself admits that his club form was poor during what he called a "nightmare" season.


The 6'6" second fow claimed that nobody in the team knew what they were supposed to be doing and that he never go the chance to recover from persistent knee problems as he claims there was no cover int Sarries squad for him to recover fully before returning to action.


"I've had a tough couple of seasons with injuries, not been able to take the proper rest because we have not had the back-up at Saracens and I had to come back injured, before I was fully fit." he said.

On returning to Scotland Murray said "At least I know I'll get looked after, there's good medical staff and I'm keen to return."

The chance to get some much needed R&R will be freely available in Scotland. With the three professional outfits not competing in a national league, the maximum number of games Murray can expect to play next season is about 30. Contrast that with a possible 45 in England and it's easy to see why the tall fella wants to go home.

All this despite stating in Februay that he was happy at Saracens and was keen to extend his contract when it expired at the end of the season. With the arrival of Craig Quinnell and Abdel Benazzi under contract for one more season, it was just at matter of when, not if, Murray was going to depart. It's just a shame that it seems that he and the club are not parting on amicable terms.