Adam Murray
{{Short description|Footballer (born 1981)}}
{{For|the defender of Derry|Adam Murray (soldier)}}
{{For|The Mandela Catalogue character|The Mandela Catalogue}}{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Adam Murray
| image = Murray, Adam.jpg
| caption = Murray in 2011
| fullname = Adam David Murray{{cite book | last = Hugman | first = Barry J. | title = The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005 | publisher = Queen Anne Press | year = 2005 | page = 447 | isbn = 978-1-85291-665-7 }}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|9|30|df=y}}
| birth_place = Birmingham, England{{cite web |title=England - A. Murray - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway |url=https://int.soccerway.com/coaches/adam-murray/36265/ |website=int.soccerway.com |access-date=9 February 2021}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}{{Soccerbase}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Kidderminster Harriers (manager)
| youthyears1 = 1993–1998 | youthclubs1 = Derby County
| years1 = 1998–2003
| years2 = 2002
| years3 = 2003
| years4 = 2003
| years5 = 2003
| years6 = 2003–2004
| years7 = 2004
| years8 = 2004–2005
| years9 = 2005–2006
| years10 = 2006–2007
| years11 = 2007–2008
| years12 = 2008–2010
| years13 = 2010
| years14 = 2010–2011
| years15 = 2011–2015
| years16 = 2013
| years17 = 2013
| years18 = 2018
| clubs1 = Derby County
| clubs2 = → Mansfield Town (loan)
| clubs3 = → Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
| clubs4 = Notts County
| clubs5 = Burton Albion
| clubs6 = Notts County
| clubs7 = Kidderminster Harriers
| clubs8 = Mansfield Town
| clubs9 = Carlisle United
| clubs10 = Torquay United
| clubs11 = Macclesfield Town
| clubs12 = Oxford United
| clubs13 = Luton Town
| clubs14 = → Mansfield Town (loan)
| clubs15 = Mansfield Town
| clubs16 = → Rainworth Miners Welfare (loan)
| clubs17 = → Worksop Town (loan)
| clubs18 = Sutton Coldfield
| caps1 = 54
| goals1 = 0
| caps2 = 13
| goals2 = 7
| caps3 = 3
| goals3 = 0
| caps4 = 1
| goals4 = 0
| caps5 = 2
| goals5 = 0
| caps6 = 2
| goals6 = 0
| caps7 = 19
| goals7 = 3
| caps8 = 32
| goals8 = 5
| caps9 = 47
| goals9 = 2
| caps10 = 21
| goals10 = 0
| caps11 = 34
| goals11 = 0
| caps12 = 88
| goals12 = 11
| caps13 = 7
| goals13 = 0
| caps14 = 12
| goals14 = 1
| caps15 = 127
| goals15 = 10
| caps16 =
| goals16 =
| caps17 = 4
| goals17 = 0
| caps18 =
| goals18 =
| totalcaps = 466
| totalgoals = 39
| nationalyears1 = 2002| nationalteam1 = England U20 | nationalcaps1 = 1| nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2014–2016
| managerclubs1 = Mansfield Town
| manageryears2 = 2016–2017
| managerclubs2 = Boston United
| manageryears3 = 2019
| managerclubs3 = Barnsley (caretaker)
| manageryears4 = 2020
| managerclubs4 = Barnsley (caretaker)
| manageryears5 = 2022–2023
| managerclubs5 = AFC Fylde
| manageryears6 = 2024–2025
| managerclubs6 = Eastbourne Borough
| manageryears7 = 2025–
| managerclubs7 = Kidderminster Harriers
}}
Adam David Murray (born 30 September 1981) is an English football manager and former professional footballer who manages {{English football updater|KiddermH}} club Kidderminster Harriers. A creative midfielder, he made over 500 appearances in a 17-year playing career in the Premier League, Football League and Football Conference.
An England under-20 international, Murray turned professional at Derby County, making his Premier League debut in April 1999. He played 62 games in six seasons at Derby, including 32 Premier League matches, but struggled with alcoholism and spent four weeks in recovery at the Priory Hospital. He spent time on loan at Mansfield Town (winning promotion out of the Third Division in 2001–02) and Kidderminster Harriers, before leaving Derby in November 2003. He had brief non-contract spells at Notts County and Burton Albion before seeing out the 2003–04 season with Kidderminster Harriers. He signed with Mansfield Town in June 2004, moving on to Carlisle United in March 2005. He helped Carlisle to win promotion back into the Football League through the Conference National play-offs in 2005 and then to win the League Two title in 2005–06, whilst also reaching the 2006 Football League Trophy final. He joined Torquay United for a £10,000 fee in August 2006 and was sold on to Macclesfield Town for £17,500 in January 2007. He returned to the Conference Premier upon joining Oxford United in January 2008.
He spent two and a half seasons at Oxford and was club captain for many of his 97 appearances. However, he missed the second half of the 2009–10 campaign and the subsequent 2010 play-off final victory due to injury. He remained in the Conference Premier, signing with Luton Town in July 2010. Three months later, he was loaned out to Mansfield Town through a deal made permanent in January 2011. He would spend four and a half seasons with Mansfield, taking his final tally with the club over his four different spells to 211 games and 24 goals. He featured on the losing side in the 2011 FA Trophy final and was named as the club's Player of the Season as Mansfield won promotion into the Football League as champions of the Conference Premier in 2012–13. He had short loan spells at Rainworth Miners Welfare and Worksop Town after falling out of favour in 2013. He retired from playing at the end of the 2014–15 season, though he briefly came out of retirement to play for Sutton Coldfield in 2018.
He was appointed as Mansfield Town's assistant manager whilst still a player and became caretaker manager in November 2014. He got the job permanently the following month, aged 33, and kept the club in League Two with a 21st-place finish. A 12th-place finish followed in the 2015–16 season before he quit the club in November 2016. He was appointed Boston United manager the next month, taking the club to a 15th-place finish in the National League North at the end of the 2016–17 season. He resigned in October 2017 and was named assistant manager at Guiseley the following month. He left Guiseley in February 2018 and went on to coach at Burton Albion, Barnsley, West Bromwich Albion, Port Vale and Beşiktaş. He served Barnsley as caretaker manager in October 2019 and October 2020. He took charge at AFC Fylde in November 2022 and led the club to the National League North title at the end of the 2022–23 season before being sacked in October 2023. He joined Cheltenham Town as assistant manager in October 2023 and was appointed manager at Eastbourne Borough in January 2024. He spent 18 months at the club before switching to Kidderminster Harriers.
Playing career
=Derby County=
Born in Birmingham, West Midlands, Murray began his career as a trainee with Derby County at the age of 11.{{cite news |title=4/9/03 Murray: I just want to play |url=https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7480851.4903-murray-i-just-want-to-play/ |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=Worcester News |date=17 November 2004 |language=en}} He turned professional in August 1998. He made his Premier League debut on 17 April 1999, coming on as a second-half substitute for Mikkel Beck in Derby's 5–1 defeat away to West Ham United.{{cite web | url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/west-ham-united-v-derby-county-17-april-1999-24035/ | title=West Ham 5–1 Derby County | publisher = 11v11.com | access-date=6 December 2014}} He made a further three substitute appearances in what remained of the 1998–99 season. Manager Jim Smith would hand him his first start on 6 May 2000, in a 0–0 draw with Newcastle United at Pride Park. This was his only start from eight appearances in the 1999–2000 campaign. He featured 18 times throughout the 2000–01 season. Derby were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2001–02 season, and Murray featured irregularly under both Smith and Colin Todd.
On 25 February 2002, Murray joined Third Division club Mansfield Town on loan. He scored his first goal in professional football in his second appearance for the "Stags", a 2–1 win over Scunthorpe United at Field Mill on 2 March. He went on to score seven goals in 13 games for Mansfield, leading manager Stuart Watkiss to say that "his goals have been invaluable to us" as Mansfield secured promotion with a third-place finish.{{cite news |title=Stuart Watkiss Reaction |url=https://www.stagsnet.net/news/newsdetails.php?newsid=51 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=www.stagsnet.net |date=6 April 2002}} Back with Derby in the First Division for the 2002–03 season, Murray gradually established himself in John Gregory's first-team. He received the first sending off of his career on 12 October, getting shown the red card for a reckless challenge late into a 0–0 draw at Bradford City.{{cite news |last1=Milledge |first1=Adrian |title=Division One: Bradford City 0 – 0 Derby County |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/oct/14/match.bradford |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=13 October 2002 |language=en}} He featured a total of 24 times that season, bringing his final tally at Derby to 62 appearances.
=Transition period=
His career stalled whilst he struggled with alcohol addiction problems whilst only 21-years old.{{cite news |last1=Sengupta |first1=Kim |title=Tony Adams to provide safe haven for alcoholic and drug-addict |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/tony-adams-to-provide-safe-haven-for-alcoholic-and-drug-addict-footballers-710805.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316225659/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/tony-adams-to-provide-safe-haven-for-alcoholic-and-drug-addict-footballers-710805.html |archive-date=16 March 2016 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=The Independent |date=18 April 2009 |language=en}} Murray was able to gain treatment at the Priory Hospital in 2003. He made a swift return to football after four weeks of treatment.{{cite web|title=Murray confronts his demons |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/sport/2003/11/murray_alcoholic.shtml |publisher=BBC Derby |date=November 2003 |access-date=28 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031225110955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/sport/2003/11/murray_alcoholic.shtml |archive-date=25 December 2003 }} He started the 2003–04 season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the Third Division.{{cite web |title=Adam Murray Profile {{!}} KidderminsterHarriers.com {{!}} St@tto's Kidderminster Harriers Site |url=https://www.kidderminsterharriers.com/player/Adam_Murray |website=www.kidderminsterharriers.com |access-date=11 February 2021}} However, he was released from Derby County in November 2003 after having already been transfer-listed in the summer by new Derby manager George Burley.{{cite news |title=Murray leaves Derby |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/3265701.stm |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=12 November 2003}} Murray joined Notts County in 2003 after leaving Derby County, during this transition period he played twice in a one-week non-contract spell with Conference club Burton Albion, before returning to Notts County. In January 2004, Murray rejoined Kidderminster Harriers and was a regular in their side until the end of the season. He was released by Kidderminster because of what director of football Jan Mølby said were "financial reasons".{{cite news |title=30/6/04 – Murray off to Mansfield |url=https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7509346.30604-murray-off-to-mansfield/ |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=Worcester News |date=2 August 2004 |language=en}}
=Mansfield Town=
In June 2004, he joined Mansfield Town following "lengthy talks with Stags boss Keith Curle". However, Curle departed in November, and Murray later admitted that he "didn't really get on with [Curle's successor] Carlton Palmer at all".{{cite news |title=There's no place like Mansfield Town for Adam Murray |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/theres-no-place-mansfield-town-adam-murray-270713 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=31 July 2018 |language=en}} He scored five goals in 37 games.
=Carlisle United=
Murray moved on to Brunton Park in March 2005 after Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson succeeded in his fourth attempt to sign him.{{cite news |last1=Chronicle |first1=Evening |title=Simpson gets his man at last |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/simpson-gets-man-last-1570506 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=ChronicleLive |date=25 March 2005 |language=en}} He played ten games in what remained of the 2004–05 season, helping United to qualify for the Conference National play-offs in third-place. He was an unused substitute in the play-off final as Carlisle returned to the Football League with a 1–0 victory over Stevenage Borough at the Britannia Stadium. Murray scored three goals in 42 appearances during the 2005–06 season, including the equalising goal in the 2006 Football League Trophy final against Swansea City at the Millennium Stadium. However, his side went on to lose 2–1.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4865270.stm|title=Carlisle 1–2 Swansea |publisher=BBC |date=2 April 2006 |access-date=24 February 2013}} Carlisle won promotion as champions of League Two. On 10 August 2006, Murray handed in a transfer request to new manager Neil McDonald,{{cite news|title=Treated Like Any Other Player |url=http://www.carlisleunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10361~879801,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070616180251/http://www.carlisleunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10361~879801,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 June 2007 |publisher=Carlisle United F.C. |date=10 August 2006 |access-date=10 August 2006 }} after he failed to appear in Carlisle's opening two League One games of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news | title = Carlisle's Murray joins Torquay | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/5301958.stm | work = BBC Sport | date = 31 August 2006 | access-date = 7 August 2009}}
=Torquay United=
On 31 August 2006, summer transfer deadline day, Murray joined Torquay United for a fee of £10,000; manager Ian Atkins said that "I must admit I'm surprised that the chairman (Mike Bateson) has stuck his neck out financially... but Adam will make a big difference to us".{{cite news | title = Murray joins Silkmen from Torquay | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/6249485.stm | work = BBC Sport | date = 10 January 2007 | access-date = 10 January 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070115090158/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/6249485.stm| archive-date= 15 January 2007 | url-status= live}} He was a key player for Atkins and his successor Luboš Kubík, and played 25 games in the first half of the 2006–07 season, but opted to leave Plainmoor after what new club chairman Chris Roberts described as "quite severe family problems to deal with nearer his home in the Midlands".{{cite news |last1=Buckingham |first1=Mark |title=Torquay to lose Murray |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2401763/torquay-to-lose-murray |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=Sky Sports |language=en}}
=Macclesfield Town=
On 10 January 2007, Murray joined fellow League Two side Macclesfield Town, after being signed by manager Paul Ince for a fee of £17,500 on a two-and-a-half-year contract.{{cite news |title=Murray joins Silkmen from Torquay |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/6249485.stm |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 January 2007}} He made eight starts and three substitute appearances in the second half of the 2006–07 season. He played 25 matches under the stewardship of Ian Brightwell in the first half of the 2007–08 season.
=Oxford United=
Murray joined Oxford United on 4 January 2008.{{cite news |title=McAllister and Murray join Oxford |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/7171592.stm |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 January 2008}} He signed a new two-year contract in May after being a consistent first-team player at the Kassam Stadium as Oxford ended the 2007–08 season with nine wins in eleven games.{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Mark |title=UNITED: Murray signs new deal |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/2300302.united-murray-signs-new-deal/ |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=Oxford Mail |date=28 May 2008 |language=en}} He was named as captain in July after manager Darren Patterson said that "he looks incredibly lean and has obviously looked after himself well during the close season".{{cite news |title=Murray named as Oxford's captain |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/7506076.stm |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2008}}{{cite news |title=Murray looking lean and hungry |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/2362079.murray-looking-lean-hungry/ |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=Oxford Mail |date=24 June 2008 |language=en}} He scored seven goals in 51 appearances across the 2008–09 campaign, and was an ever-present in the league as the "U's" posted a seventh-place finish as they missed out on the play-offs after being deducted five points.
Following an operation on his back, Murray missed the second half of Oxford's 2009–10 campaign, in which they were promoted into the Football League via the play-offs. He was released from the club at the end of the season after his family failed to settle into the Oxford area and subsequently returned to Derby. Chairman Kelvin Thomas told the club's official website: "Unfortunately Adam wasn't involved in the final promotion push due to injury, but we do feel that our decision to have players live close has been justified. Adam has made a decision to put his family first, which as a family orientated club we fully understand and appreciate."{{cite news|title=Murray leaves Oxford |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6245971,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports News |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=6 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708201518/http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C19528%2C12875_6245971%2C00.html |archive-date=8 July 2010 |url-status=live }} Speaking in November 2015, Murray said that he had resented manager Chris Wilder for releasing him, but now saw him as one of the best managers in English football and that "when I look back now I respect that decision because I would have done the same thing".{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Adam |title=Murray remembers mint time with ex-boss Wilder |url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/football-league-division-two/2914/murray-remembers-mint-time-with-ex-boss-wilder/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The League Paper |date=13 November 2015}}
=Luton Town=
On 7 July 2010, Murray joined Conference Premier side Luton Town on a two-year contract.{{cite news | title = Luton Town sign ex-Oxford United midfielder Adam Murray | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8796585.stm | work = BBC Sport | date = 6 July 2010 | access-date = 7 July 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100710201614/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/8796585.stm| archive-date= 10 July 2010 | url-status= live}} He made only seven appearances for Richard Money's side and departed Kenilworth Road early in the 2010–11 season.
=Return to Mansfield=
Murray rejoined Mansfield Town, only {{convert|20|mi|km}} from his home in Derby, on a three-month loan deal on 1 October 2010, with a view to a permanent move taking place in January.{{cite news|title=Adam Murray joins Stags |url=http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10372~2171546,00.html |publisher=Luton Town F.C. |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=1 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003102320/http://www.lutontown.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10372~2171546%2C00.html |archive-date=3 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Luton's Murray rejoins Mansfield |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/9053538.stm |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 October 2010}} On 5 January 2011, Murray made his transfer permanent despite manager David Holdsworth having been replaced by Duncan Russell.{{cite news |title=Murray completes Stags transfer |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/9341550.stm |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 January 2011}} He ended the 2010–11 campaign with seven goals in 41 games for Mansfield, who went on to reach the final of the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium. Murray was substituted 18 minutes into extra-time of the final, with the only goal of the game being scored by Darlington with just one minute left to play. He was appointed club captain in August 2011 and signed a new contract three months later.{{cite news |title=Murray named as Mansfield captain |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14445103 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 August 2011}}{{cite news |title=Murray signs new Mansfield deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15924591 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 November 2011}} Mansfield won 13 of their last 15 matches of the 2011–12 season to qualify for the play-offs.{{cite news |title=Murray plays down favourites tag |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17906558 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 May 2012}} They went on to lose to York City in the play-off semi-finals despite Murray and Gary Roberts dominating much of the midfield play.{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Phillips |title=Mansfield Town 0–1 York City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890870 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2012 |access-date=27 December 2016}}
In June 2012, Murray became assistant manager at Mansfield following Micky Moore's decision to leave.{{cite news|title=Murray completes permanent switch |url=http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2255559,00.html |publisher=Mansfield Town F.C. |date=5 January 2011 |access-date=5 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325021835/http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10325~2255559%2C00.html |archive-date=25 March 2012 }}{{cite news |title=Murray named Stags assistant boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18549665 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 June 2012}} He signed a new one-year deal in November 2012, combining first-team duties with coaching the youth team.{{cite news |title=Murray signs new Mansfield deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18594796 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2012}} This came a month after he criticised sections of the supporters for dishing out "personal" abuse following a four-match run without a win.{{cite news |title=Abuse getting personal – Murray |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19900408 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 October 2012}} At the end of the 2012–13 title-winning season, The Non-League Paper described how "Muzza the magician grabbed games by the scruff of the neck whether playing in an advanced or deeper role".{{cite news |last1=Hammonds |first1=Stuart |title=A Winners XI – What A Side This Would Be |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/national-league-step-one/5977/a-winners-xi-what-a-side-this-would-be/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news |date=21 May 2013}} Promotion was confirmed with a 1–0 victory over Wrexham on 20 April, after which Murray stated that "this is the best without doubt. It's the best thing I've ever done".{{cite news |last1=Hammonds |first1=Stuart |title=Mansfield Town Skipper Murray Sick Of Success! |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/5391/mansfield-town-skipper-murray-sick-of-success/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news |date=20 April 2013}}
Murray fell out with manager Paul Cox early in the 2013–14 season. He was loaned out to Rainworth Miners Welfare of the Northern Premier League Division One South. He had an eventful spell at Rainworth, with manager Kevin Gee resigning after Murray was red-carded in a 3–1 home defeat to Brigg Town on 10 September.{{cite news |last1=Coney |first1=Steven |title=Gee Hands In Resignation At Rainworth |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/northern-premier-league/7963/gee-hands-in-resignation-at-rainworth/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news |date=11 September 2013}} On 8 November, he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Worksop Town on a two-month loan.{{cite news |title=Murray exits Mansfield in loan deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24869779 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 November 2013}} His loan spell was cut short and he returned to Mansfield on 3 December after making peace with Cox.{{cite news |title=Murray set for Stags return – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2013/december/murray-set-for-stags-return/#qlyicUIDrlR1JEpV.99 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=3 December 2013 |language=en-gb}} Upon becoming player-manager at Mansfield, he announced that he would step back from playing to concentrate on management.
On 21 March 2018, he came out of retirement and signed a short-term contract with Sutton Coldfield Town.{{cite news |last1=Murrall |first1=Neil |title=New signing and major coup for the Royals |url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/suttoncoldfieldtownfc/news/new-signing-and-major-coup-for-the-royals-2225805.html |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=www.sctfc.com |date=21 March 2018 |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/suttoncoldfieldtownfc/teams/24509/match-centre/1-2863810|title=Sutton Coldfield Town 1 vs. 2 Grantham Town – 28 April 2018 – First Team – Sutton Coldfield Town – The Royals|website=www.pitchero.com|language=en|access-date=4 June 2018}} Town finished the 2017–18 season bottom of the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Style of play
Described in the Worcester News as a creative midfielder with energy and tenacity in September 2003, Murray earned an England U20 cap the previous year.{{cite news |title=ADAM MURRAY – Midfield. 30/9/81. 5ft 9ins. Squad number 22. |url=https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7605716.adam-murray-midfield-30981-5ft-9ins-squad-number-22/ |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=Worcester News |date=10 September 2003 |language=en}} His vision and range of passing was acknowledged to be largely unparalleled in non-League football.
Coaching career
=Mansfield Town=
Murray became caretaker manager of Mansfield Town after Paul Cox left the club 19th in the League Two table on 21 November 2014.{{cite news |title=Paul Cox leaves Mansfield Town – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2014/november/paul-cox-leaves-mansfield-town-/ |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=21 November 2014 |language=en-gb}}{{cite news|title=Paul Cox: Mansfield Town part company with manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30153020|website=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=21 November 2014|access-date=17 January 2016}} He rejected advice to take an older mentor as his assistant and instead retained existing coaches Richard Cooper and Micky Moore, who he said were "as hungry as I am for coaching".{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Adam |title=Big Interview: Young Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray |url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/featured/2938/big-interview-young-mansfield-town-boss-adam-murray/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The League Paper |date=18 November 2015}} Murray's first game as manager, a day later at Field Mill, was a 1–0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.{{cite web|title=Report: Mansfield 1–0 Plymouth|url=http://www.mansfieldtown.net/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3734536|website=Mansfield Town official website|publisher=Mansfield Town FC|access-date=22 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224075634/http://www.mansfieldtown.net/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3734536|archive-date=24 December 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Mansfield Town 1–0 Plymouth Argyle |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30065405 |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2014}} After a spell as caretaker manager, Murray was given the job on a permanent basis on 5 December, becoming the youngest manager in the top four divisions of English football.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30343280|title=Adam Murray: Mansfield Town name midfielder player-manager|work=BBC Sport|date=5 December 2014|access-date=5 December 2014}} He made four free transfer signings in the January transfer window: defenders Junior Brown, Michael Raynes and Matty Blair, and midfielder Ricky Ravenhill.{{cite web |title=Latest Mansfield Transfers {{!}} Full Transfer History {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1723&teamTabs=transfers |website=www.soccerbase.com |access-date=10 February 2021}} He sold Rob Taylor to Tranmere Rovers after the versatile player sought a move closer to his home.{{cite news |title=Rob Taylor sold to Tranmere Rovers – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/january/rob-taylor-sold-to-tranmere-rovers/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=13 January 2015 |language=en-gb}} He also made use of the loan market, bringing in Billy Kee, Callum Elder, Lenny Pidgeley, Jeffrey Monakana, Adam Smith and Terry Hawkridge.{{cite news |title=Stags sign Seagulls' wingman |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/february/stags-sign-seagulls-wingman/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=20 February 2015 |language=en-gb}}{{cite news |title=Stags sign left-back on loan – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/january/stags-sign-left-back-on-loan/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=8 January 2015 |language=en-gb}}{{cite news |title=Boss fights off interest to capture striker Kee – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/january/boss-fights-off-interest-to-capture-striker-kee/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=5 January 2015 |language=en-gb}}{{cite news |title=Stags snap up Hawkridge from Scunthorpe – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/march/stags-snap-up-hawkridge-from-scunthorpe/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=20 March 2015 |language=en-gb}} Murray signed a new two-year contract in May.{{cite news |title=Murray signs new Mansfield deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32829588 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 May 2015}} Mansfield ended the 2014–15 season in 21st place, seven points above relegated Cheltenham Town, and Murray released seven players in the summer, saying that "I feel the whole club needs a fresh start".{{cite news |title=Retained list confirmed – News – Mansfield Town |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/may/retained-list-confirmed/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=5 May 2015 |language=en-gb}} Ollie Palmer was also sold to Leyton Orient.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/33412167 |title=Leyton Orient sign Mansfield striker on two-year deal |website=BBC Sport |date=6 July 2015 |access-date=3 February 2017}}
The club underwent a rebuild of the squad for the 2015–16 season, with 15 new players arriving at the club.{{cite news |title=No new Mansfield signings – Murray |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34075447 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2015}} These free transfer signings included: goalkeepers Brian Jensen and Scott Shearer; defenders Mal Benning, Lee Collins, Nicky Hunt and Krystian Pearce; midfielders Adam Chapman and Mitch Rose; and forwards Chris Beardsley, Matt Green, Nathan Thomas, Craig Westcarr and Adi Yussuf. A positive start saw the team win six and draw four of their opening 12 games to sit fourth in the table in October.{{cite news |title=Mansfield Town 3–0 Newport County |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34431626 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 October 2015}} However, their promotion challenge fell away and Mansfield ended the season mid-table in 12th place.{{cite news |title=Mansfield Town 0–0 Cambridge United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36176371 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2016}} Murray released three players in the summer.{{cite news |title=Retained list update {{!}} Three players released |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2016/may/retained-list-update--three-players-released/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=13 May 2016 |language=en-gb}}
Murray strengthened the team for the 2016–17 season, paying an undisclosed fee for Bury striker Danny Rose. He also made free transfer signings of defenders Rhys Bennett and George Taft; midfielder Kevan Hurst; and forwards CJ Hamilton, Ashley Hemmings, Patrick Hoban and Darius Henderson. Kyle Howkins and Alex Iacovitti also came in on loan. He was nominated for the EFL League Two Manager of the Month award after his team picked up ten points from their opening five fixtures in August.{{cite news |title=Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month nominations – August 2016 |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/september/sky-bet-league-two-manager-of-the-month-nominations---august-2016/ |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=www.efl.com |date=6 September 2016 |language=en-gb}} Mansfield fell away after this good start however, and Murray was booed by supporters, though denied reports that he was considering quitting the club on 3 November, stating "I'm not going anywhere for a long while."{{cite news |title=Stags boss Murray scotches quit rumours |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37858281 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2016}} Murray resigned 11 days later after a 4–0 defeat at Portsmouth left Mansfield 18th in the table.{{cite web|title=Mansfield Town: Adam Murray quits as manager of League Two club|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37979402|date=14 November 2016|website=BBC Sport|access-date=14 November 2016}}{{cite web|title=Adam Murray leaves Mansfield Town|url=http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/breaking-news-adam-murray-leaves-mansfield-town-1-8238125|website=Chad|date=14 November 2016|access-date=14 November 2016}}
=Boston United=
On 9 December 2016, Murray was appointed as manager of Boston United, who were 15th in the National League North table.{{cite news |title=Murray is new Boston United manager |url=http://www.bostonstandard.co.uk/sport/football/boston-united/murray-is-new-boston-united-manager-1-7725731 |newspaper=Boston Standard |date=9 December 2016 |access-date=9 August 2017}} Murray said that "the possibility of it being more of a project than a job, that's what pulled me to it".{{cite news |title=Club Needs Some Passion Back In It Says New Boston Boss {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/club-needs-some-passion-back-in-it-says-new-boston-boss/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302025913/https://nonleaguedaily.com/club-needs-some-passion-back-in-it-says-new-boston-boss/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2 March 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=13 December 2016}} Boston went on to finish the 2016–17 season in 15th place. Murray released four players in the summer.{{cite news |title=Murray begins Boston clear-out {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/murray-begins-boston-clear-out/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117210738/https://nonleaguedaily.com/murray-begins-boston-clear-out/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=17 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=25 April 2017}} In April 2017 he told the media that he was planning to move the club's training base.{{cite news |last1=Coney |first1=Steven |title=Boston United boss Adam Murray moving club's training base to help boost recruitment |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/conference-premier/19044/boston-united-boss-adam-murray-moving-clubs-training-base-to-help-boost-recruitment/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news |date=27 April 2017}} He said that there was an "unbelievable" number of players eager to join the club, with summer signings including goalkeeper George Willis; defenders Bradley Beatson, James Clifton, Jack Cowgill, Taron Hare and Jordan Keane; midfielder Jamie McGuire; and forwards Ashley Hemmings, Pearson Mwanyongo, Kabongo Tshimanga and Tyrell Waite.{{cite news |title=Pilgrims hope new addition is worth the Waite {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-hope-new-addition-is-worth-the-waite/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122161159/https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-hope-new-addition-is-worth-the-waite/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=22 June 2017}}{{cite news |title=Pilgrims complete Clifton capture {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-complete-clifton-capture/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120223401/https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-complete-clifton-capture/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=23 June 2017}}{{cite news |title=Pilgrims make it eight with Hare addition {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-make-it-eight-with-hare-addition/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123012140/https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-make-it-eight-with-hare-addition/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=27 June 2017}}{{cite news |title=Boston boost attacking options with Mwanyongo deal {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-boost-attacking-options-with-mwanyongo-deal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120224853/https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-boost-attacking-options-with-mwanyongo-deal/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=22 June 2017}}{{cite news |title=Boston bring in Hemmings {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-bring-in-hemmings/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120102231/https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-bring-in-hemmings/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=28 June 2017}}{{cite news |title=Tshimanga coup for Pilgrims {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/tshimanga-coup-for-pilgrims/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124131541/https://nonleaguedaily.com/tshimanga-coup-for-pilgrims/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=2 July 2017}}{{cite news |title=Pilgrims continue to build with Keane capture {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-continue-to-build-with-keane-capture/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122124531/https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-continue-to-build-with-keane-capture/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=7 July 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Coney |first1=Steven |title=Adam Murray: "Unbelievable" number of players interested in signing for Boston United |url=https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/conference-premier/19266/adam-murray-unbelievable-number-of-players-interested-in-signing-for-boston-united/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The Non League Football Paper – Daily football news |date=23 May 2017}} He compared his team to a baby deer after a difficult start to the new season, stating that "they're a little bit wobbly when they're born", whilst also saying that "[recruitment has] not been good enough and we take ultimate responsibility for that".{{cite news |title=Boston United have 'baby deer' squad {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-united-have-baby-deer-squad/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411194910/https://nonleaguedaily.com/boston-united-have-baby-deer-squad/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=11 April 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=27 September 2017}}{{cite news |title=Pilgrims manager unsatisfied with recruitment 'gambles' {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-manager-unsatisfied-with-recruitment-gambles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622035102/https://nonleaguedaily.com/pilgrims-manager-unsatisfied-with-recruitment-gambles/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=22 June 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=18 September 2017}} On 28 October 2017, Murray left his position as manager of Boston United after a run of one win in 11 games left the club in the bottom two.{{cite news |title=Murray stands down from Boston United {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/murray-stands-down-from-boston-united/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303021401/https://nonleaguedaily.com/murray-stands-down-from-boston-united/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=3 March 2021 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=1 November 2017}} Upon departing York Street, he said that "they need a shot of confidence and a centre forward, everything else is in place";{{cite news |title='They need a shot of confidence and a centre forward,' – departing Pilgrims boss Murray {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/they-need-a-shot-of-confidence-and-a-centre-forward-departing-pilgrims-boss-murray/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119140848/https://nonleaguedaily.com/they-need-a-shot-of-confidence-and-a-centre-forward-departing-pilgrims-boss-murray/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=19 January 2021 |access-date=11 February 2021 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=31 October 2017}} the "Pilgrims" went on to finish the 2017–18 season in ninth place. He later admitted it had been a mistake to take the Boston job.{{cite news |title=Adam Murray admits it was a mistake taking over at Boston United after leaving Mansfield Town |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/adam-murray-admits-it-was-mistake-taking-over-boston-united-after-leaving-mansfield-town-203027 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=26 November 2018 |language=en}}
=Coaching spells=
On 10 November 2017, Murray was appointed as assistant manager to Paul Cox at National League side Guiseley.{{cite news |title=Murray joins Guiseley as assistant boss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41950012 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 November 2017}} He left the club when Cox was dismissed on 14 February 2018.{{Cite news|url=http://nonleague.pitchero.com/headlines/guiseley-part-company-management-team/|title=Guiseley Part Company With Management Team – Pitchero Non-League|date=14 February 2018|work=Pitchero Non-League|access-date=31 May 2018|language=en-GB}} He went on to work as Lead Youth Development Phase coach at Burton Albion.{{cite news |last1=Kitson |first1=Jack |title=Next Barnsley Manager: Three options to replace Daniel Stendel at Oakwell |url=https://www.thesackrace.com/news/8th-october-2019/next-barnsley-manager-three-options-to-replace-daniel-stendel-at-oakwell |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=The Sack Race |date=8 October 2019}} Later in 2018 he was appointed as the Barnsley U18 manager and stepped up to assist the first-team the following year.{{cite web |title=Adam Murray – Staff – First Team – Barnsley Football Club |url=https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/staff/adam-murray/ |website=www.barnsleyfc.co.uk |access-date=10 February 2021}} He became caretaker manager after Daniel Stendel was sacked on 8 October 2019.{{cite news |title=Barnsley part company with boss Stendel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49966021 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 October 2019}} He took charge of five games – three draws and two defeats – until Gerhard Struber was appointed manager on 20 November.{{cite news |title=Barnsley appoint Struber as head coach |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50487784 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=20 November 2019}} On 6 October 2020, Struber left Oakwell and Murray stepped in again to serve as caretaker manager.{{cite news |title=Gerhard Struber Leaves Oakwell |url=https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2020/october/struber-departs/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=www.barnsleyfc.co.uk |date=6 October 2020 |language=en-gb}} Valérien Ismaël was named as the club's new manager 17 days later.{{cite news |title=Valerien Ismael: Barnsley appoint new head coach to succeed Gerhard Struber |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54663010 |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2020 |language=en-gb}} Murray followed Ismaël to West Bromwich Albion in July 2021, and left The Hawthorns following Ismaël's sacking seven months later.{{cite news |last1=Masi |first1=Joseph |title=West Brom appoint Adam Murray as assistant boss |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2021/07/02/west-brom-appoint-adam-murray-as-assistant-boss/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=Express and Star |date=2 July 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jon |title=Ex-Blues: Former Carlisle United title winner leaves Championship post |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/19896056.former-carlisle-united-midfielder-leaves-west-bromwich-albion-role/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=News and Star |date=3 February 2022 |language=en}} He joined the backroom staff at Port Vale in February 2022 in order to support acting manager Andy Crosby during manager Darrell Clarke's extended period of bereavement leave.{{cite news |title=Clarke remains on compassionate leave |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60515730 |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 February 2022}} He moved to Turkey the following month to assist Ismaël at Süper Lig champions Beşiktaş.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Adam Murray joins Besiktas after Port Vale spell |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-besiktas-adam-murray-6867896 |access-date=28 March 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=28 March 2022 |language=en}} He left the club after three months when Ismaël was sacked.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Peter |title=Dean Whitehead sends message to Besiktas as 'incredible chapter' ends |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dean-whitehead-besiktas-vale-stoke-7753320 |access-date=27 October 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=27 October 2022 |language=en}}
=AFC Fylde=
On 14 November 2022, Murray was appointed manager of National League North club AFC Fylde on a contract until June 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.afcfylde.co.uk/adam-murray-appointed-first-team-head-coach/|title=Addam Murray Appointed First-Team Head Coach|website=www.afcfylde.co.uk|date=14 November 2022|accessdate=14 November 2022}} He oversaw an upturn in form that led to him being awarded the league's Manager of the Month award for January 2023 having won four out of his six games in an unbeaten month.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/murray-and-mchale-get-their-hands-on-the-norths-aw-74633|title=Murray And McHale Get Their Hands On The North's Awards!|website=www.thenationalleague.org.uk|date=15 February 2023|accessdate=15 February 2023}} Fylde went on to secure promotion into the National League as champions of the National League North at the end of the 2022–23 season, describing it as "another small step on my journey".{{cite news |title=AFC Fylde secure title and National League return |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65438661 |access-date=30 April 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2023}} He was sacked on 8 October 2023, with Fylde bottom of the National League.{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Callum |title=Club Statement {{!}} Adam Murray |url=https://www.afcfylde.co.uk/club-statement-adam-murray/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=AFC Fylde |date=8 October 2023}}
=Cheltenham Town=
On 20 October 2023, Murray joined League One club Cheltenham Town as assistant to newly-appointed manager Darrell Clarke.{{cite web|url=https://www.ctfc.com/news/2023/october/adam-murray-appointed-new-robins-assistant-manager/|title=Adam Murray appointed new Robins assistant manager|website=www.ctfc.com|date=20 October 2023|accessdate=21 October 2023}}
=Eastbourne Borough=
On 4 January 2024, Murray accepted an offer to join Eastbourne Borough as manager, with the club sitting in 21st in the National League South table following the sacking of previous manager Mark Beard.{{cite web|url=https://ebfc.co.uk/2024/01/murray-appointed-new-boss/|title=Adam Murray appointed new boss|website=www.ebfc.co.uk|date=4 January 2024|accessdate=4 January 2024}} Borough finished the 2023–24 season two places and six points above the relegation zone.{{cite web |title=Tables - The Vanarama National League |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/tables?table_id=d-9900645 |website=www.thenationalleague.org.uk |access-date=25 April 2024 |language=en}} He left the club at the end of the 2024–25 season to spend more time with his family in Derby after having led the club to a third-place finish, one point short of the league title.{{cite news |title=Club Statement |url=https://ebfc.co.uk/2025/05/club-statement-4/ |access-date=16 May 2025 |work=Eastbourne Borough FC |date=16 May 2025}}
=Kidderminster Harriers=
On 20 May 2025, Murray was appointed as manager of National League North club Kidderminster Harriers.{{cite news |last1=Paddock |first1=Matty |title=Adam Murray appointed Manager |url=https://harriers.co.uk/news/2025/05/20/adam-murray-appointed-manager/ |access-date=23 May 2025 |work=Kidderminster Harriers FC |date=20 May 2025}}
Management style
Murray describes himself as a manager with an eye for detail to get the most from the resources available by working on 'marginal gains' to get the extra one per cent advantage to improve his player's and teams' performances. At Mansfield, Murray developed a passing game adopted from the Dutch total football model but tailored to lower league players.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/featured/2938/big-interview-young-mansfield-town-boss-adam-murray/|title=Big Interview: Young Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray|work=The League Paper|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en-GB}} Murray is known to be an advocate of sports science, sports analysis, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology within football to achieve maximum gains on the field.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31752635|title=Adam Murray: Mansfield Town look to 'wash hands' of relegation|date=6 March 2015|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 June 2018|language=en-GB}} Murray has often spoken about the importance of building the right infrastructure for his teams including the importance of a strong academy system for young players to develop into the first-team environment. His success with developing young talent includes such players as Ryan Tafazolli, who cites Murray as the biggest influence on his career as a young player and credits him with "developing him from a boy to a man".{{cite news |last1=Percival |first1=Ryan |title=Ryan Tafazolli: Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray is best in The Football League |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/march/ryan-tafazolli-mansfield-town-manager-adam-murray-is-best-in-the-football-league/ |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=www.efl.com |date=31 March 2016 |language=en-gb}}
Personal life
Murray's wife, Lyndsey, gave birth to his fourth child in October 2015.{{cite news |last1=Charlesworth |first1=Ricky |title=VIDEO: Mansfield Town boss hails 'incredible' wife |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/video-mansfield-town-boss-hails-incredible-wife-2196670 |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=22 October 2015 |language=en}} Former Derby County youth team teammate Karl Hawley was the best man at his wedding.{{cite news |last1=Ellis |first1=Adam |title=Hawley to mentor Stags forwards |url=https://www.theleaguepaper.com/latest-news/football-league-division-two/4627/hawley-to-mentor-stags-forwards/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=The League Paper |date=31 March 2016}}
Career statistics
=Playing statistics=
{{notelist}}
=Managerial statistics=
{{updated|match played 26 April 2025}}
| class=wikitable style="text-align: center"
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure | ||||
| rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From !rowspan=2|To !colspan=5|Record !rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref|Reference}} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|P|Matches played}} | {{abbr|W|Matches won}} | {{abbr|D|Matches drawn}} | {{abbr|L|Matches lost}} | {{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}} |
| align="left"|Mansfield Town
|align="left"|21 November 2014 |align="left"|16 November 2016 {{WDL|103|32|27|44|decimals=1}} |{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} | ||||
| align=left|Boston United
|align=left|8 December 2016 |align=left|16 November 2017 {{WDL|42|11|10|21|decimals=1}} | ||||
| align=left|Barnsley (caretaker)
|align=left|8 October 2019 |align=left|20 November 2019 {{WDL|5|0|3|2|decimals=1}} | ||||
| align=left|Barnsley (caretaker)
|align=left|6 October 2020 |align=left|23 October 2020 {{WDL|3|0|3|0|decimals=1}} | ||||
| align=left|AFC Fylde
|align=left|14 November 2022 |align=left|8 October 2023 {{WDL|49|24|9|16|decimals=1}} | ||||
| align=left|Eastbourne Borough
|align=left|4 January 2024 |align=left|16 May 2025 {{WDL|66|33|18|15|decimals=1}} | | ||||
| align=left|Kidderminster Harriers
|align=left|20 May 2025 |align=left|Present {{WDL|0|0|0|0|decimals=1}} | | ||||
| colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|268|100|70|98|decimals=1}} !— |
Honours
=As a player=
Mansfield Town
- Football League Third Division third-place promotion: 2001–02
- FA Trophy runner-up: 2010–11{{cite news |title=Darlington 1–0 Mansfield Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13296719 |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2011}}
- Conference Premier: 2012–13
Carlisle United
- Conference National play-offs: 2005{{cite news |last1=Milledge|first1=Adrian|title=Conference play-off: Carlisle United 1 – 0 Stevenage Borough |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/16/newsstory.sport3 |access-date=9 February 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=16 May 2005 |language=en}}
- Football League Two: 2005–06
- Football League Trophy runner-up: 2005–06
Individual
- Mansfield Town Player of the Season: 2012–13
=As a manager=
AFC Fylde
- National League North: 2022–23
Individual
- National League North Manager of the Month: January 2023
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Premier League player}}
{{Kidderminster Harriers F.C. squad}}
{{National League North managers}}
{{Mansfield Town F.C. player of the season}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list1 =
{{Mansfield Town F.C. managers}}
{{Boston United F.C. managers}}
{{Barnsley F.C. managers}}
{{Eastbourne Borough F.C. managers}}
{{Kidderminster Harriers F.C. managers}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Murray, Adam}}
Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Derby County F.C. players
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Burton Albion F.C. players
Category:Carlisle United F.C. players
Category:Torquay United F.C. players
Category:Macclesfield Town F.C. players
Category:Oxford United F.C. players
Category:Luton Town F.C. players
Category:Rainworth Miners Welfare F.C. players
Category:Worksop Town F.C. players
Category:Sutton Coldfield Town F.C. players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:English football managers
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. managers
Category:Boston United F.C. managers
Category:Eastbourne Borough F.C. managers
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. managers
Category:English Football League managers
Category:National League (English football) managers
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Burton Albion F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Barnsley F.C. non-playing staff
Category:West Bromwich Albion F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Port Vale F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Beşiktaş J.K. non-playing staff