Ian Murray, manager of Raith Rovers, shares a deep-rooted love for Arsenal, a passion that has significantly influenced his career in football.

From his childhood admiration to memorable encounters, Murray’s connection with Arsenal is a compelling story.

In an interview with the Fife Free Press, Ian Murray, the manager of Raith Rovers, has opened up about his long-standing admiration for Arsenal, revealing how the Gunners have influenced his football journey.

Currently leading Raith Rovers at the top of the Scottish Championship, Murray has a personal connection with Arsenal, dating back to his childhood.

“I was a boyhood Arsenal fan,” he said, reflecting on the pivotal moment that sparked his support. It was Arsenal’s dramatic title win in the 1988-89 season that caught young Murray’s attention. The unforgettable victory at Anfield, where Arsenal snatched the title from Liverpool with last-minute goals by Alan Smith and Michael Thomas, left a lasting impression on him. “That was how it came about,” Murray recalled.

“I had no affiliation towards Arsenal, certainly my family didn’t, until I started supporting them,” he explained. The televised victory on a Friday night was a turning point for Murray, leading him to become a dedicated Arsenal supporter.

“I think I had all the Arsenal strips when I was a boy. It was always a treat for me to get a football top,” Murray reminisced.

Murray’s bond with Arsenal also featured a memorable encounter in 2008 during a friendly match between Hibernian, his former club, and Barcelona. “When I played in a friendly match for Hibs against Barcelona in 2008 – Barca won 6-0 with goals by Eidur Gudjohnsen (2), Lionel Messi, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Yaya Toure – the strip I wanted was Thierry Henry and I managed to get it, so I was quite happy,” Murray revealed.

Despite a period of detachment from actively following Arsenal, the connection was rekindled through his family. “I kind of went away from it (supporting Arsenal) a wee bit in the last 10, 15 years but then my eldest (son Lewis) came along and we actually headed down to Villa Park recently to watch Aston Villa v Arsenal,” he said.

Murray’s admiration for Arsenal was further strengthened by his testimonial match at Easter Road in 2011. The game saw guest appearances from Arsenal greats Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, an experience Murray cherishes.

“It was great of Vieira and Pires turning out for that game,” he said, expressing gratitude for their participation and the contribution to the charity associated with Vieira.