Throw away comments of former GFR boss helped Zander

In September last year while playing for the Borders club Murray became the only current senior Scottish male footballer to come out as being gay.

Amid a whirlwind of media interest less than 24 hours later he was back on the pitch scoring for the Netherdale side in a Scottish Cup tie against Sauchie Juniors and subsequently earned a move to SPFL club Bonnyrigg Rose in January 2023.

On Monday, Murray attended a ‘Changing Rooms: Changing Minds’ event was organised by Gala Fairydean Rovers FC Community Trust, with the support of Live Borders and Borders College. Thanks to funding from Leap Sports it was free of charge to coaches, students and individuals with an interest in developing sporting talent.

Zander Murray leads Edinburgh Pride March (Image: Thomas Brown)

During a question and answer session with Nil by Mouth charity director Dave Scott, he discussed the factors that contributed to his decision to come out and talk with coaches from a range of local sports clubs about what they could do to allow others like him to be themselves while competing in sport.

He also made a point of praising the people skills of former GFR manager Neil Hastings whose sensitivity helped him on and off the park. After a victory Hastings would say to the squad “Go out with your boyfriends or girlfriends and have a good night.”

This seemingly insignificant throw away comment made him aware this players sexuality was irrelevant to the coach.

Murray said: “Netherdale will always have a special place in my heart and I am delighted to be asked back to this event to offer my support and experiences to anyone who feels they can benefit from them.

“I hope we one day reach the point when footballers coming out isn’t news and it’s just accepted as who someone is.

“But to first get there we have a lot better understanding of the reasons so many feel they cannot be themselves all the time. This isn’t unique to football, all sports need to be having these conversations and realise that changing rooms really can change lives.”

Scott said: ‘It was wonderful to welcome Zander back to Gala where he has spent many of his happiest moments in football. He made a huge impact on the pitch but has taken it to another level off it with his work helping people understand the myriad of challenges gay athletes grapple with every day.  This evening we heard a man finally at peace with himself and who wants to help create an environment where others can find that same sense of being allowed and encouraged to be who they really are in their sport. 

It was great to see football, rugby, tennis and athletics in the town all represented in the audience and we were also joined by several local teachers and campaigners keen to hear Zander’s story. We are grateful to Leap Sports, Borders College and Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust for making the event happen and hope Zander will enjoy more trips back to Borders.'

Gala Fairydean Rovers FC trust chair Graeme McIver said: “It is of immense pride to everyone involved with the football club and community trust that Zander felt able to do what he did whilst at Netherdale.”