Simon Murray ‘living the dream’ after joining Dundee from Ross County

Simon Murray declared he was “living the dream” after completing a move to boyhood heroes Dundee.

Murray has signed a three-year contract after joining from Ross County for an undisclosed fee.

The former Arbroath and Dundee United striker previously made 14 appearances for the club in 2018 on loan from Hibernian, who were also reportedly competing for his signature this time round.

The 32-year-old has since played for South African side Bidvest Wits, Queen’s Park and then County and arrives on the back of a season in which he netted 23 goals.

Dundee revealed they “fought off a number of clubs to secure Murray’s signature” and the forward outlined his reasons for returning to Dens Park.

“It’s amazing,” he told the club’s official website. “It’s taken a while and it’s something I’ve just wanted to get done and to now be here permanently feels amazing. It’s good to be back.

“After speaking with the manager it just feels right for me. My family are based in Dundee, I grew up here, I grew up watching the club and the club are going places and I wanted to be part of that.

“I just felt at this time in my career with family and the way the club is I felt it was the right time to come back.

“This is the club I support and to live that dream is amazing and I can’t wait to get started.”

County manager Don Cowie was disappointed to see his top goalscorer depart but understood his reasons for leaving.

“Simon has a young family whom he needs to be closer to at this time and once our valuation was met, we could not stand in his way of this,” he told the club’s website.

“We wish Simon and his family the very best of luck for the future.”

There was another departure from Dingwall with Josh Sims moving on after 64 appearances and five goals, including a winner against Rangers this year.

County explained the winger had “taken the decision to move onto new challenges following the expiry of his contract”.