Don Cowie says Ross County could not stand in the way of Simon Murray returning to boyhood club Dundee.
As revealed by the Press and Journal, the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the transfer of Murray, who was the Staggies’ leading scorer with 23 goals last season.
A deal was able to proceed after Dundee met County’s valuation of the 32-year-old, who had a year remaining on his contract having joined from Queen’s Park in January 2023.
County were eager to retain Murray, but he was keen to seek a move away from the Highlands this summer, with his family based in Dundee.
Cowie insists the Dingwall outfit were understanding of Murray’s situation.
He said: “Simon has been a brilliant asset for our football club since arriving from Queen’s Park.
“His goal return last season was a big contributing factor in us retaining our Premiership status.
“Simon has a young family whom he needs to be closer to at this time and once our valuation was met, we could not stand in his way of this. We wish Simon and his family the very best of luck for the future.”
Murray says return home came at ‘right time’
Fellow Premiership side Hibernian also showed interest in bringing Murray back for a second spell in Edinburgh, but he will now make the switch to Tony Docherty’s side.
Murray spent six months with the Dark Blues in 2018, on loan from Hibs, during which he netted three goals in 14 appearances.
After completing his move back to Tayside on a three-year deal, Murray said: “It’s amazing. It’s taken a while and it’s something I’ve just wanted to get done and to now be here permanently feels amazing. It’s good to be back.
“After speaking with the manager, it just feels right for me. My family are based in Dundee, I grew up here.
“I grew up watching the club and the club are going places – and I wanted to be part of that.
“I just felt at this time in my career with family and the way the club is, I felt it was the right time to come back.
“This is the club I support and to live that dream is amazing and I can’t wait to get started.”
While the departure of Murray will come as a blow to Cowie, the Dingwall side have already prepared for life after the forward, having completed the signing of Cliftonville striker Ronan Hale on a three-year deal.
After finalising his deal, Hale has returned to Northern Ireland and will miss the Staggies’ Premier Sports Cup opener against Stranraer this weekend, but is due to return to the Highlands on Sunday to link up with his new team-mates.
Josh Sims exits Staggies
Cowie has also confirmed Josh Sims has left Victoria Park.
Winger Sims had been in talks over a new deal at Victoria Park, after his contract expired at the end of last season.
The Englishman joined from Southampton in February 2022 and went on to make 64 appearances, netting five goals.
Among those was a strike in last season’s memorable 3-2 home victory over Rangers in April.
He also netted the decisive penalty in the shoot-out against Partick Thistle in the previous season’s play-off final.
Cowie says the 27-year-old has opted to seek a new challenge south of the border.
He said: “Josh has decided to move on.
“We put an offer to Josh, and like a number of people at this club at times if they’ve got a family, it was important for Josh to move back to England.
“He’s got two boys under the age of two, and they just felt it was important to have that family network around them.
“He’s a fantastic boy, amazing to have around the place, and was part of big moments for this club.
“I would have liked to have tried to keep Josh, because he’s one that really sets the tempo and creates a culture within training.
“Just like Jack Baldwin, we wish him the very best in what happens in the next stage of his career.”
Jordon Garrick deal still a possibility
Cowie is keeping the door open on a deal for Jamaican forward Jordon Garrick – who has finished a trial spell in Dingwall.
Garrick netted in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Brora Rangers, before being forced off with a dead leg.
Although Garrick has now left the club, Cowie says he has not ruled out a move for the former Forest Green Rovers attacker.
He added: “He is no longer here – it was always going to be the case that he was up Wednesday to Sunday.
“He took part in the game, and took his goal really well.
“It’s something we’re actively looking at whether there is potential there for that to become a permanent thing, and we’ll see how those discussions go.
“I’m sure he will have other options, but he’s certainly one we’re looking at.”
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