Former Cardiff City captain Don Murray has died at the age of 80. The club confirmed the news in a statement, expressing its condolences to his family, friends and former team-mates.
A Career Spanning Over 500 Appearances
Murray made more than 500 appearances for the Bluebirds during a 13-year spell between 1962 and 1975. Cardiff said that only two other players in the club's history have surpassed that figure.
He also holds the record for the most consecutive league appearances for Cardiff, playing 146 straight matches between May 1968 and November 1971.
Historic Night Against Real Madrid
Murray was part of the side that famously beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners' Cup at Ninian Park in 1971. The club described it as "that historic night" and noted he played in several other notable European fixtures.
During his time in the capital, he helped Cardiff win nine Welsh Cups. He later spent a short stint at Swansea City before going on to play for Hearts, Newport County and Barry Town. Murray was also a Scotland under-23s international.
Club Pays Tribute
In its statement, Cardiff said: "It is with great sadness that the Club has been informed by the family of Don Murray that our former captain has passed away at the age of 80.
"On the pitch, few have or will surpass the contribution given by Don to Cardiff City Football Club between 1962 and 1975.
"With over 500 appearances to his name, a figure surpassed only by two other players in our history, Don holds the record for most consecutive league appearances for the Bluebirds, playing 146 consecutive matches between May 1968 and November 1971.
"He helped City to nine Welsh Cups and played in several famous European Cup Winners' Cup fixtures, including that historic night at Ninian Park against Real Madrid in 1971.
"The Club offers its deepest condolences to Don's family, friends and former team-mates at this very sad time. He will be greatly missed."
