ZANDER Murray has left Gala Fairydean Rovers to join SPFL League Two side Bonnyrigg Rose.
The 31-year-old started out his football career in the youth academies of Motherwell and Airdrie, before spells with Broxburn and Pumpherston preceded a move to Lowland League side GFR in September 2019.
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Gala reached new heights with Murray firing in the goals, sealing their highest-ever league finish in 2021 before reaching the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final last season.
The forward became a centurion for the Galashiels outfit three years after arriving at Netherdale, scoring his 100th Gala goal during a Scottish Cup clash with Sauchie Juniors in September.
Murray netted a club record 25 goals in a single season during Gala’s 2021/22 campaign and has tallied up nine goals in 17 appearances already this season.
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Last September he came out as the only current openly gay professional footballer in Scotland and as a result earned widespread praise.
Murray said: “I’ve played against Rose for many, many years so I know the squad, what the club is about, the fans, everyone connected to the club, and the management team.
“I’ve been a long admirer. There have been a couple of occasions that I possibly could’ve had an opportunity to come to the Rose but, for whatever reason, it’s not worked out.
“I’m absolutely delighted to come on board now. I’m just buzzing to join the Rosey Posey. What a club. I’m now looking forward to getting onto that pitch.”
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After fighting off various interested parties to get the deal over the line, Rose manager Robbie Horn said: “Zander is a player we’ve admired for a long time now. We have actually tried to sign him before.
“He’s desperate for a crack at senior football and this is probably his last chance. He’s quick, strong and scores goals.”
Gala boss Martin Scott said: “Zander leaves the club on good terms with everyone’s best wishes and I am personally delighted for him.
“He was a top striker in the Lowland League and I wish him every success with Bonnyrigg.”
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