Murray played through a partially torn ACL last season, risking surgery that could have sidelined him for up to 14 months had the injury worsened.
The Dundee skipper kept the severity of his knee problem secret, determined to help his club through a difficult period on the pitch.
Murray said: “I partially tore my ACL in my left knee. Potentially, I could have needed an operation.”
He explained the full risk he accepted, stating: “That would have meant I would have been out for 12 to 14 months but thankfully it has healed.”
The 34-year-old was candid about the advice he received, adding: “The advice I got was that it was a risk to play but I felt at that time the team needed me.”
Murray admitted his performances suffered early in the campaign, possibly because of the mental burden of competing while managing such a serious injury.
“I never let on that I could potentially have been out for 12 months,” he said, revealing how carefully he kept the situation from public view.
The striker also dealt with additional pain from bone bruising alongside the ligament damage, making his continued appearances even more remarkable throughout the opening months.
“It was a little bit painful because I also had some bone bruising,” Murray said, explaining that things improved significantly from February or March onward.
He confirmed the knee has since fully settled, saying: “Now I don’t feel it at all,” offering encouragement ahead of what he hopes will be a strong new campaign.
Critics questioned whether Murray had lost his sharpness, unaware of the injury nightmare quietly undermining his output across the first half of last season.
Murray fired back at doubters with confidence, stating: “My legs are the strongest they’ve ever been. I was doing gym sessions five times a week in the off-season with proper heavy weights.”
The former Hibs and Ross County forward said the club placed him on a structured programme, and his fitness and strength tests have returned to the levels he has maintained throughout his time at Dundee.
He also revealed a telling physical marker of his recovery, saying: “I hit my fastest speed two or three weeks ago,” dismissing suggestions that his best years are behind him.
“To be fair, I do have questions above my name again because of my age and last season but that’s what gives me the motivation to go and prove people wrong,” Murray stated.
He drew inspiration from elite players around the world, pointing out that even top performers at major tournaments face constant scrutiny over their age and form.
“I love having that little bit between the teeth to just go and prove everyone wrong,” the captain said, making his intentions for the new season clear.
Dundee open their Premier Sports Cup campaign at home against Airdrie, the same side that beat them in Steven Pressley’s first game in charge last season.
Murray acknowledged that moment was a painful starting point, saying: “It was tough. We weren’t in a good space at this time last year.”
He stressed that the squad now has a much firmer understanding of what the manager demands, with greater tactical clarity and a stronger sense of unity throughout the building.
“The fans are backing the manager now. It was tough but we stuck together within the building,” Murray said, pointing to the improved atmosphere around the club.
The skipper also highlighted Dundee’s poor record in cup competitions, expressing a desire to finally give supporters something to celebrate in the knockout rounds this season.
Dundee will be without injured Fin Robertson and Zan Besir, who is still awaiting his visa clearance, though new signing Owen Bevan is expected to feature against Airdrie.
About the Author
