Murray to be offered an improved contract

Last updated : 31 March 2004 By The Chairman

Paul Murray is to be offered an increased contract by the Latics in an attempt to keep the influential midfielder who could otherwise leave for nothing in the summer. Clubs are lining up to sign him and he has already turned down Crystal Palace, Preston and Rotherham after a fee of £50,000 had been accepted by the club rather than lose him on a free.

Former Latics manager Mick Wadsworth has also been tracking his former protege and he would like to take Murray to Beira Mar in Portugal where he is lined up to take over the club. Wadsworth was in charge at Boundary Park when Murray signed and he also gave him his league debut whilst at Carlisle United.

New owner Simon Corney is prepared to pay to keep Murray and it is understood that personal terms will be improved in an attempt to make him stay. Corney said, “Paul will do what’s best for himself and his family, but we have sat down and discussed things. We are prepared to make an extremely competitive offer – and if we aren’t able to keep him, it won’t be for lack of trying.”