Irish League striker: Podcast has helped me through injury nightmare - I don't know yet if I'll return to playing

It was last March when McMurray, who famously scored Crusaders’ dramatic extra-time winner to seal Irish Cup glory against Ballymena United in 2022, had surgery on a ruptured knee, saying “my MCL, PCL and LCL were completely wrecked and my knee dislocated at the same time”.

While certainly not ideal, that much-needed pause gave McMurray a chance to take stock, assess options and redirect his energy towards an avenue which had always piqued his interest.

After joining Ballymena United, McMurray and Alan Kirk, the owner of ARK Media, had joked about the potential of starting a podcast, the striker turning from interviewee to interviewer, but on-pitch commitments meant it wasn’t feasible.

However, with extra time on his hands during a long recovery process, ‘On The Spot Football Podcast’ was born and a host of Irish League icons have since passed through their studio doors, starting with Jackie Fullerton.

Since then, the show has continued to grow in popularity, and on February 7 will host a live event at the Waterfront Hall with special guests David Jeffrey, Lee Tavinder and Liam Beckett joining host McMurray on stage with proceeds donated to charity.

Their rapid success has came as a surprise to even McMurray himself, but it’s provided a chance to remain connected to the sport he loves – and even helped change a few minds.

"Alan and I had spoken when I signed for Ballymena and he threw it out there 'would you ever do a podcast?',” said McMurray. “I love podcasts but I didn't know if it would suit me while I was playing...I didn’t want to lose focus.

"The injury happened and I knew I had 18 months where I wasn't going to be playing, so how was I going to fill that gap?

"Within about three weeks I was in the studio and Jackie was beside me, it was surreal. I was sweating and Jackie was trying to calm my nerves!

"There was nobody better to have as the first guest and I feel I have come a long way since then.

“The podcast has given me a bit of light. People are able to see that you can offer something different than just being an angry striker who wants to kick and shout at people!

"A lot of people have come to me and said that I come across differently...people are seeing the actual person, not just the footballer."

Alongside podcast hosting, McMurray has also got a taste for commentary, working as part of the NIFL TV team at Wednesday’s BetMcLean Cup semi-final between former club Ballymena and Linfield.

Throughout his career, McMurray has scored crucial goals and celebrated silverware success, enjoying immense highs alongside some crushing lows, and will soon have to make a big decision on whether he wants more of it.

“I don't feel I have a burning desire to go back and win a league or scratch any itch,” he added. "I don't know (if I’ll return to playing), it depends on what happens in the next six or seven months.

"I'm trying to manifest myself into a place where I don't have to go back. I've came away from it, got used to life without the financial gains of playing and settled myself.

"If I was able to go back and work towards something different, I would probably enjoy that more than going back as a player.

"It's the thought of going back and doing another knee, then what do you do? I don't want to struggle with my kids, I want to run around with them and do different things.

"The idea of going back to compete because I want to win something, that's not there at all."