Source: Team_Talk
Murray reveals respect for Hughes
Hibs utility man Murray is the only survivor of the team Hughes left in 2000 before returning as manager this summer.
Murray, 28, was in his first season at Easter Road when Hughes' playing career there came to an end but the 45-year-old left a real impression on the then teenager.
"He was quite a scary guy; you always felt like if you didn't do something right, he would let you know pretty early on," Murray said.
"He had that aura about him that you knew he was in the room.
"It's the same as a manager; you can feel his eyes on you when your back's turned."
Asked the difference between Hughes the player and Hughes the manager, Murray added: "The way he played is probably different from the way he wants us to play.
"The way he trained as a player was always very, very professional as well, which he demands of his team at the very least: what you lack in ability, you make up for in heart.
"As far as a man you can approach, have a laugh and joke with, you can do that as well.
"But you also know when it's time to knuckle down and get on with it."
Murray followed Hughes out of Easter Road in 2005 when he joined Rangers before signing for Norwich two years later.
And he came close to signing for Falkirk while Hughes was in charge before opting to rejoin Hibs in January last year.
The pair were reunited this summer although they had to wait a while to work together in a competitive match as Murray was suspended for the first three SPL games of the season.
He admits he feared he might struggle to break into the side but Hughes recalled him at the earliest possible opportunity.
"I played a lot of the pre-season games, which surprised me," Murray said.
"I thought I was the obvious choice to be left out due to the suspension.
"The boys started well, beat St Mirren, beat Falkirk.
"Obviously, the gaffer has the temptation to keep the same team.
"Luckily for me he changed it, so hopefully I can keep myself in there."
So highly does Hughes rate Murray that he has made him captain for the last two games after dropping skipper Chris Hogg.
Murray has also taken Hogg's place in the centre of defence but knows he must improve after Tuesday night's Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat to St Johnstone if he is to hold onto the position.
"Defensively, we were a wee bit all over the place at times," said Murray, who admits Hughes' emphasis on attacking football can leave Hibs' defence exposed at times.
"Of course it does, there's no getting away from it.
"It's hard but we should be able to cope with that as well."
Hibs travel to Motherwell tomorrow with both sides locked together on nine points behind the Old Firm.
Hughes' men were expected to challenge for third this season but Motherwell's form has surprised many, including Murray.
He added: "I think anybody outwith Motherwell who says they aren't surprised is maybe telling a little bit of a lie."
