Edinburgh City appoint ex-Hearts Scottish Cup winner and Hibs coach Grant Murray as assistant

Grant Murray has been appointed as Edinburgh City's new assistant manager. Picture: SNS

It is the latest tweak to the club’s management staff with former boss James McDonaugh having moved into a sporting director.

Gary Naysmith was recently appointed manager and he has brought his former Hearts team-mate Murray to the club to assist him, replacing Colin Jack.

The pair won the Scottish Cup in 1998 at Tynecastle with Murray going on to play for St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock before managing Raith Rovers to Challenge Cup success over Rangers and working with the academy and U20s at Hibs.

“I’m delighted to be on board and looking forward to working with Gary, the staff and the squad,” he told ECFC TV.

"Edinburgh City as a club has an ambition that I would like to be a part of.”

Naysmith has expressed his joy at being able to add 'Bert’ to his staff ahead with the appointment a coup due to Murray’s vast experience in the game.

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring Grant to the club as my new assistant manager,” he said.

"He is someone that I have known for over 25 years after coming through the youth ranks together at Hearts. We were very close during those years at Hearts so much so that Grant is actually my oldest daughter Nicole’s godfather.

“After a very good playing Career at clubs such as Hearts, St Johnstone, Partick, Kilmarnock and Raith, “Bert” as he is known in the footballing world, moved into management at Raith Rovers. He spent three years in charge at Stark’s park and the highlight was when they beat Rangers in the Scottish Challenge Cup Final.

“For the last 5 seasons, Bert has been coaching at Hibernian working closely with both the U20s and first team squads under managers such as Neil Lennon and Alan Stubbs.

"I think it is a real feather in the club’s cap that we have been able to bring such a qualified coach to the club and I’d personally like to thank the board for their efforts in bringing both Bert and Eck to the club as part of my backroom staff.”

McDonaugh's paid tribute to Colin Jack who moved on as part of the backroom alterations.

Jack, who was at the club for three and a half years, performed the assistant role when the sporting director was boss.

McDonaugh said: ”Colin was a huge help in my reign as manager on and off the pitch and on behalf of the club I’d like to thank him publicly for everything he done for the club, myself and the players. We all wish him good luck for the future.”

Edinburgh City return to action this weekend with a trip to Elgin City following a hiatus which stretches back to January and a Scottish Cup win over Airdrieonians.

Football below the top two tiers was postponed in January but has been given the green light to begin again with City eyeing a play-off spot.