Brisbane City’s English striker Antonio Murray has told of his delight at being awarded the NPL Queensland Golden Boot Award following an outstanding season that brought him to the attention of Brisbane Roar.

The 29 year old Murray scored an impressive 27 goals in 21 regular season appearances for the Newmarket-based City, pipping season-long rival Tim Smits of Olympic FC by a single goal for the honour.

Speaking from the United Kingdom where he has returned to his former club Cambridge United, Murray said he was pleased with his return in the first season of NPL Queensland.

“It's always a great achievement for a striker to win the golden boot because, at the end of the day, as strikers, we get paid to score goals. So I'm delighted to have had a good season in the scoring department,” he said.

Murray missed the season opener with injury, however made an immediate impact on the league to score 17 goals in his first nine appearances.

Murray’s personal haul’s included hat-tricks against Palm Beach Sharks and Northern Fury, and a five goal haul against CQFC Energy in the fourth round of the season.

He cited his away goal against Redlands United in Round 10 as his personal favourite goal of the season - a classy dipping finish from outside the box that left United's home crowd speechless (view the video below, article continues beneath)

His returns brought him to the attention of Brisbane Roar manager Mike Mulvey, with Murray playing a regular role in Roar’s preseason; however, to the striker’s disappointment, the A-League club couldn’t find room in their squad for the attacker for the upcoming campaign.

“The Roar was a great experience for me,” Murray explained. “To train everyday with players like Thomas Broich, Liam Miller and Matt McKay was fantastic, especially when they were on my team supplying me with great service to score.”

“I felt personally that I had done well in my time there, and after spending ten weeks training and playing with the squad, and after several conversations with Mike Mulvey, I really thought I had a great chance of signing.”

“But the powers that be decided against it. Still I have no regrets about my time there, training was fantastic and got my fitness levels the highest they have been for years, and like I said I loved training with the top players there.”

Murray trailled with Roar while continuing to lead the City formation in the back half of the season, a heavy workload that eventually took its toll as the star striker sat out the NPL Queensland Grand Final against Olympic with a knee injury.

“I played 21 consecutive games without injury, and then I picked up a knee injury in the semi.” Murray lamented.

“I was gutted to miss the final against Olympic. Not only because it was a final, but also because the fans that came out to watch the game were awesome. It would have been a great game to play in.”

Despite his disappointment, Murray said he would like a chance to take City one step further next year, but was careful not to commit so far out from next year.

“It would be great to win the league with City, but I'm not sure what the future holds yet,” he admitted.

Murray also congratulated City on a fantastic first year in the National Premier Leagues, “I'd just like to thank everyone at City for a tremendous year. To have the Under 18's, Under 20’s and first team in the finals is massive for any club.”

“Also I’d like to thank Mike Mulvey for giving me the opportunity to train with the Roar. And would also like to thank you guys at NPL Queensland for the great support and coverage you supplied this season.”

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Brisbane City FC