Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Great Escape hero hits comeback trail
FORMER Cherries star Rob Murray is planning to embark on a sponsored comeback in a bid to raise funds for the Dorset club.[LNB] Murray, who was capped by Scotland under-21s, was an influential figure in Cherries' original Great Escape under Mel Machin in 1995.[LNB] A former Cherries trainee, he made more than 170 appearances for the club between 1992 and 1997 before his playing career was cruelly cut short by injury.[LNB] Now 35, Murray is hoping to regain his fitness with a view to possibly making a playing return and to help swell the Dean Court coffers at the same time.[LNB] He is in the process of setting up a website to promote his challenge and is hoping the club's supporters will follow his progress over the summer.[LNB] Murray is targeting a run-out in one of Cherries' pre-season friendlies and has already spoken to boss Eddie Howe about the prospect of again pulling on the club's colours.[LNB] This is a bit of fun, stressed Murray.[LNB] I would love to play again and would love to be fit enough. I believe I could play, it is just whether the knees will let me![LNB] To be honest, I am more concerned about trying to do my bit to help the club. I went to watch the Barnet game a few weeks ago and found out quite a lot about their financial situation.[LNB] I racked my brain trying to think of an idea of how I could help and someone asked me whether I was planning a comeback.[LNB] The seed was sewn and it developed from there.[LNB] Murray is keen to stress his scheme would see supporters sponsor him in the form of donations that would not be repaid, regardless of whether he makes his comeback.[LNB] He added: If I don't make it, they will still have supported the club. I'm just trying to drum up awareness and keep the club's financial situation on the front burner through the summer.[LNB] People can follow it through the website and look at other people's challenges as well. I'm hoping to produce videos and interviews with ex-players.[LNB] Social networking is huge so, hopefully, we could reach a big market. I also want to try to do some events over the summer to keep the momentum going into next season.[LNB] People can click on the sponsor-donate button and that will take them straight to the club website where they can donate.[LNB] The club has just opened an excellent new gym and I am working with their personal trainers. The facilities are excellent.[LNB] For more information on Murray's challenge, visit afcbchallengeyourself.com[LNB]
