Euan Murray lifts Newcastle Falcons' spirits
Dec 27 2010 The Journal
WHILE many over the weekend were delighting in what was in their stocking, Falcons boss Alan Tait has a smile the length of Hadrian’s Wall after unveiling his big transfer swoop, Euan Murray.
The prop forward joined the club just before Christmas on a two-and-a-half year deal after being released by Northampton Saints.
That was in large part due to his religious beliefs which ensured he would not play on a Sunday and after resisting any attempts to compromise his Christian views, both parties parted, leaving Tait to snap up the 34-capped Scotland star who has also represented the British Lions.
Falcons have no such issues with Sunday fixtures with Friday and Saturdays dominating their own calendar, making the decision to go for Murray an easy one.
Now that he’s got his man, Tait is understandably delighted and, like the fans, can’t wait to see him in action, starting with today’s crunch relegation tussle with Leeds at Kingston Park.
He told The Journal: “Signing Euan is a big shot in the arm for everyone connected at Newcastle Falcons. Myself, the board, the players and the fans – we’re all delighted.
“The fact that a British Lion and a player of Euan’s standard has decided to come and join us is fantastic news because there were a lot of other clubs chasing his signature. It was a case of just holding my breath and awaiting Euan’s final decision.
“I think when you’re a coach and you see players become available your ears automatically prick up and think it would be great to have a guy like that in your squad.
“So I just enquired as I know his agent and told him that there was plenty in for Euan on the pitch if you want to offer this move to him. I do know he was offered more money elsewhere but I also know what kind of man Euan is and he came up and had a look. I told him what I’m after and what this club is going for so I’m delighted he’s signed.”
The meeting between the Premiership’s two bottom clubs was originally scheduled for yesterday, but a delay in getting the heated dome pitch protector to the North East saw the club given an extra day to make Kingston Park’s frozen surface playable.
The Falcons would certainly not want the game to be postponed, having seen that fate already befall their scheduled home date with Bath three weeks ago.
Last weekend’s ‘home’ date with Exeter Chiefs was even moved over the Scottish border to avoid a fine from Amlin Challenge Cup organisers. But with the biggest crowd of the season expected for this afternoon’s Christmas cracker it has been all hands to the pump to ensure the 3pm kick-off gets the nod.
As well as being the nearest thing the Falcons get to a derby match in the Aviva Premiership, the significance of the match is huge for both sides.
Winless Leeds find themselves rooted to the foot of the league table, with second-bottom Newcastle just seven points ahead.
