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Bloom, Barber, Potter and Dunk pay tribute to Murray

Former Albion striker has announced his retirement from professional football.

By BHAFC • 31 May 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Glenn Murray and Lewis Dunk played key roles in Albion's promotion to the Premier League.

Albion's chairman, chief executive, head coach and captain have paid tribute to Albion legend Glenn Murray, after he announced his retirement on Monday.

Lewis Dunk

 

By Paul Hazlewood
Lewis Dunk looked up to Glenn Murray when he was coming through the youth ranks.

When I first came into the side as teenager, Glenn was always one of the players I looked up to because he always led by example – which is something I’ve since tried to do as captain of the team. He was a key player in our League One-winning side and although we were sorry to see him go soon after, he returned even better for his experiences away from the club.

He was instrumental in our promotion to the Premier League and one of my most vivid memories from that season is the 95th- minute winner he scored at Birmingham City before Christmas. It wasn’t the goal that necessarily sticks in the mind but the 70-yard sprint, running the full length of the pitch, to celebrate with our fans. I’d never seen him run that far or that fast in my life!

Once we got into the Premier League, he was a real influence on the players, having already played at the highest level. His goals proved to be vital in our first two seasons in the top-flight and he was always a sounding board, both to the more senior players like myself and also the youngsters coming into the squad for the first time.

He leaves us as an Albion legend, having become the club’s greatest post-war goalscorer.

I know I speak for all my team-mates old and new when I say, thank you for those great memories.

Glenn is welcome back any time, when all the players, staff and supporters will, I know, like to say a big thank you for your commitment, dedication and, of course, all the goals. I know all the fans will treat you as one of their own, so please don’t leave it so long as we would all love to see you here back at the Amex.

Tony Bloom

 

By Paul Hazlewood
Tony Bloom presents Glenn Murray with his Championship promotion winning medal.

Glenn’s goals fired us into the Championship in time for our move to the Amex and six years later into the Premier League.

He also played a crucial role in helping the club retain its top-flight status during our first three years in the Premier League. As chairman, and on behalf of all Albion fans, I would like to thank Glenn for all he has done for the club.

Glenn has enjoyed a wonderful playing career, scoring goals at all levels of the game. I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do next, and we all look forward to welcoming him back to the Amex soon.

Paul Barber

 

By Paul Hazlewood
Paul Barber embraces Glenn Murray at the promotion party in 2017.

Glenn has been a fantastic player for our club, and he scored many important goals for us, not least during our Premier League promotion season.

He’s also been a great person to have around, offering guidance and support to young players as well as to me on behalf of the players.

During the early part of the pandemic, working closely with Lewis as captain, Glenn was a massive help in representing the players’ views to myself and the chairman, and also to the Premier League. Glenn’s always been very supportive to the club and I am now looking forward to working with him in the future.

Graham Potter

 

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter praised Glenn Murray's professionalism.

Glenn has been outstanding for this football club, a great pro and a pleasure to work with. He has quite rightly earned legend status here for what he has achieved and his professionalism.

He will always be welcome back at Brighton, whether that’s at the training ground or the Amex, and I am sure the fans will look forward to showing their appreciation for Glenn at some point in the future.