Jamshedpur FC signed Australian forward Jordan Murray to add more flair and bite to their attack, as the club continues to build its squad for the upcoming ISL 2021-22.
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Indian Super League (ISL) side Jamshedpur FC have roped in Australian striker Jordan Murray for the upcoming 2021-22 season. The 25-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the club and is the fifth signing of the Men of Steel. Murray began his football career with the youth team of New South Wales-based Bulli FC. Later, he joined Wollongong Wolves, who feature in the National Premier League (NPL), the second division league in Australia. Meanwhile, in the last ISL campaign, he played for Kerala Blasters FC.
“I am very excited to be part of Jamshedpur FC. To stay in the ISL was a big part of my plan to develop as a player. We have a strong squad and along with them, I want to give my everything to win silverware here and help the club and the fans with the success they desire and deserve,” Murray said.
The 25-year-old also spoke about the role of Owen Coyle in his move to Jamshedpur.
“The Gaffer played a big part in the move. He was keen to get me on board, and obviously the experience he has of coaching in the top leagues is something very few can boast about, and I am keen to learn from him,” he said.
Murray’s stint with Wollongong Wolves started with their youth team before getting promoted to the senior team in 2014. That year he netted 10 times before moving to Sydney to join APIA Leichhardt. It was with Leichhardt that he rose to limelight as he scored 43 goals in 64 appearances during his two seasons with the club, and also won the Golden Boot in 2018.
Later that year, in August, A-League side Central Coast Mariners came calling. He ended up making 43 appearances for them in two seasons scoring a mediocre seven goals and registering four assists. Meanwhile, during his time with Mariners, Murray shared the pitch with Usain Bolt, the fastest human being, when the latter joined the club for trials during the pre-season in 2018.
In October 2020, ISL side Kerala Blasters signed the forward and he went on to make 19 appearances for them. Murray started 14 games and netted 7 times for the Kochi-based side during the 2020-21 ISL season. Although Blasters had a poor season finishing 10th in the table, Murray was a bright spot in the squad. However, Blasters are reviving their squad under new boss Ivan Vukomanovic and Murray hasn’t been retained.
Jamshedpur FC had a decent ISL 2020-21 season finishing 6th in the 11-team tournament and actively stayed in the race for the play-offs till the end. Owen Coyle’s side missed the top four by just four points. Hence they are keen to do better this time around and have been very active in the transfer market.
Owen Coyle was all praise for Murray as he completed his move.
“Goals and more goals! With Jordan being part of our attack now, you can now see the quality of the Jamshedpur strikers whose intention is to score lots of goals. He is a great finisher and good with hold-up play as well to allow others to score too. Jordan is someone who keeps improving with each game and a great teammate to have. I am sure the Jamshedpur supporters will be smacking their lips to see such a fiery frontline this season,” he said.
Jamshedpur FC have already brought in FIFA U-17 World Cup player Komal Thatal, while defender Peter Hartley and striker Nerijus Valskis have extended their stay at Jamshedpur for one more year. Meanwhile, the biggest domestic signing has been Indian international Ishan Pandita from FC Goa. The promising striker is touted to be the next big thing in Indian football. The 23-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him at the club till 2023.
