ZANDER Murray has rejoined Gala Fairydean Rovers from SPFL League Two side Bonnyrigg Rose.

And he goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Lowland League fixture against Gretna 2008 at Netherdale.

He said: “It's a homecoming. Signing for Gala was a no brainer. I loved my time here before and I have so many friends at the club. It’s full of good people.

“And I’m fit and raring to go. I played last Saturday against Stenhousemuir and in a friendly against Bo’ness on Tuesday but Bonnyrigg were looking to free up some wages to bring in a new player so a few of us were freed.

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“So fair play to them. Bonnyrigg Rose are a fantastic club and I enjoyed my time there but I can’t wait to get back playing in front of the Netherdale stand and the Young Team.

“Hopefully there will be a decent crowd tomorrow. Gala have been doing well so I don’t expect to start but I’m looking forward to teaming up with Semps (Jamie Semple) and I’m sure we will compliment each other.”

The 31-year-old started out his football career in the youth academies of Motherwell and Airdrie, before spells with Broxburn and Pumpherston preceded a move to the Borders in 2019.

Since then has scored more than 100 goals for the Borders outfit, including a club record 25 goals in a single season during Gala’s 2021/22 campaign.

That year he helped Gala seal their highest-ever league finish and reach the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup final.

GFR Chairman Ryan Cass said: “Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Zander back to Netherdale. And I’m sure our supporters will feel the same.

“I never thought we’d be able to get him back because of our limited resources but it’s not about the money for Zander. He’s coming back because he enjoys playing his football here.

"That gives us three top strikers at the club Zander, Jamie Semple and Nicky Reid and with Danny Galbraith behind them it could be frightening.

“So this is great news for the club, the town of Galashiels and for the Lowland League to be able to attract a player of Zander's ability. Hopefully the fans turn out in number for the Borders derby against Gretna tomorrow.”

In September 2022 Murray became the first openly gay player in the men's professional ranks in Scotland since Justin Fashanu with Airdrie and Hearts in the mid-1990s.

Since then he has led the Pride March in Edinburgh, been the subject of a BBC Scotland documentary and become a role model for young gay footballers throughout the country.

And his Gala Fairydean Rovers jersey now has pride of place in the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park.

Welcome home Zander.

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Gretna 2008 Saturday September 30: Kick off 3pm