Everyone associated with Falkirk Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tommy Murray, a member of our historic 1957 Scottish Cup-winning side, at the age of 93.
Tommy’s contribution to that unforgettable cup triumph, particularly across the two matches against Kilmarnock, ensured his place in Falkirk folklore.
The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Falkirk Football Club are with Tommy’s wife Eleanor, his family and friends at this very sad time.
Club Historian Michael White paid tribute to Tommy and reflected on his life and career:
Tommy Murray, one of the last connections to the 1957 cup-winning team, passed away on Wednesday August 19th in the nursing home in Glasgow where he had been for the past eighteen months. Tommy was a great family man and was always pleased to recall his career, especially the unforgettable events of 1957 and Falkirk’s amazing cup run. Even in his 93rd year he could recall his former team-mates and the sequence of games that brought glory to the club and the town.
Tommy Murray was likened to Stanley Matthews after his outstanding displays in the 1957 Final against Kilmarnock, and it was difficult to remember that this was a 24 year old in his first season as a Senior. Throughout that Final, the ball was fed out to Tommy, and he teased, tormented and harassed the Kilmarnock defence. His crosses were pin-point in their accuracy, and he produced the ammunition for big George Merchant on many occasions.
Tommy Murray was born on January 14th 1933, and first came to prominence in the Junior ranks with Dalry Thistle. He signed for Falkirk in 1956/57 and made his league debut on October 20th 1956 at Methil against East Fife. Falkirk drew 1-1, with Alex McCrae scoring the goal. Falkirk had two good wingers in Billy Sinclair and Eddie O’Hara, and Tommy had to fight to get his place in the team. It was the arrival of Reggie Smith that gave Tommy his breakthrough. He took over from Billy Sinclair and never looked back. Apart from the Raith Rovers game, he played in every match of the run in to cup success and League survival, scoring four goals in the process.
It was fitting that the last game of the season, a 4-1 win at Brockville, saw Tommy in his element and scoring twice. His skills as a dribbler and crosser of the ball were straight out of the “tanner ba’” school of football, and he was unlucky to be that wee bit too old for Under-23 International honours. Falkirk were well served with wingers, and the Sinclair, Murray, and O’Hara permutation saw plenty of fast attacking football. John McCole also benefited from the service supplied from Tommy Murray on the right wing.
All in all, Tommy played in 103 games for Falkirk and scored on sixteen occasions. His last game as a Bairn was against Queens Park at Brockville on December 16th 1959. Falkirk lost 1-0, and the arrival of Jim Oliver had given the manager, Tommy Younger, the options of new players.
Tommy was a great favourite at Falkirk, and many were sorry to see him leave. He moved to Dumfries to join Queen of the South where he hit a rich vein of form. He scored six goals in nine matches and was then signed by Leeds United. He spent a season at Elland Road, before moving to Merseyside and joining Tranmere Rovers. Tommy returned to Scotland, and rejoined Queen of the South until his Senior career ended in April 1963.
He was once signed for Celtic, but the Glasgow club didn’t call him up. Ironically he was in same mould of a Jimmy Johnstone, with the same mesmerising ball control, dribbling skills, and ability to tie defenders in knots.
His contribution to the cup success was enormous, and his play in the games against Kilmarnock earned him universal acclaim. One headline ran, “M Plan Wins The Day”. It featured the plan to have Murray get the ball on as many occasions as possible. Falkirk felt that the Ayrshire side found Murray a right handful, and he hugged the touchline, inviting tackles. In a flash, he was away and invariably sent over a cross which centre-forwards loved.
He was only 5 feet 5 inches tall, but he had great pace, especially over a short distance, and was a very difficult opponent. Newsreel film shows his key role in the opening goal in the replay. He won a free kick after MacKay swiped at his legs. The Killie defence cleared, but Alex. Parker returned the ball out wide to Murray. He teased, tantalised and then swept past two defenders and crossed for George Merchant to head past Jimmy Brown. A typical Tommy Murray move
He was the most likeable of individuals, a humble and appreciative man. The gathering in his house for his 75th birthday in 2008 was a great celebration of his life and he was surrounded by his large family. He was presented with a special souvenir book of the 1957 cup triumph and he loved looking at the photographic record of the final itself. In his final year, those memories were still vivid and he was so fond of his time at Falkirk and spoke so highly of his colleagues and manager. The return home to Falkirk was unforgettable in 1957 and it was mirrored fifty years later when the anniversary reunion was held in Falkirk. Tommy and Eleanor Murray were given a rousing reception when they entered the room and older fans remembered the vital role he had played in the final itself.
All Falkirk fans will wish to send deepest condolences to Eleanor and her family and would want to put on record their appreciation of Tommy’s immense contribution to what was the greatest game in the history of the club. On a personal level, I felt privileged to have shared time with Tommy, especially in the nursing home, and see at first hand just what Falkirk F.C. had meant to him. It was hard to keep your emotions in check but it was so good to find out that your football heroes were such nice, humble and genuine people. Rest in peace Tommy, and thank you for all you did for our club.
