Simon Murray says he’s in better shape to hit the ground running this season than he was this time last year.
A year ago today, Murray was still a Ross County player and wouldn’t seal the return to his boyhood club until July 10.
That meant he was behind in terms of pre-season and had to play catch up.
Despite that he went on to score 22 goals in all competitions, including five in the League Cup group stage and 16 across the Premiership campaign.
That’s a figure he wants to beat and is getting himself in the best possible shape to do just that.
“To be honest, I feel like my fitness levels at this time now are really high compared to what I was last year,” he said.
“I know the League Cup is coming up soon but last year I had barely trained before we played Bonnyrigg in the first game.
“I basically just came in the day before.
“So, I missed the full pre-season last year.
“There’s a big period now to get the fitness in before the Premiership starts.
“I’m buzzing to get more fitness, more sharpness and just hopefully start the season quicker than what I did last year.
“I didn’t do much over the time off. Towards the end of last season I had a bit of tendonitis so I took time off and have just been in the gym strengthening those injuries.”
Simon Murray goal target
On his goal target, he added: “That’s been two seasons on the bounce where I’ve hit very similar numbers.
“I got 16 in the league last year, which was good.
“So it would be great to match that or maybe get 17.
“But ultimately, I just want to be a good team-mate and win more games this season.
“So, if that means me not scoring as many, but the team winning more games, then I’ll take that as well.”
‘Big man’
Murray also hopes the new-look Dundee squad will help him realise that ambition.
Last season much of the work was left to the Dundonian with periods of the season where he was the only striker available.
This time around he will have Emile Acquah to team up with. And he’s looking forward to it.
“The big man’s came in. I think he had a bit of a hard run before the Arbroath game,” Murray added.
“He obviously has that physique, that strength and over my career, that’s something that I’ve really worked well with. A bigger man.
“Obviously, I had Jordan White at Ross County.
“It’s just about getting that connection and playing with somebody, training with somebody every day.
“We’ve only had a few sessions together.
“It’ll be good to get on the pitch together and get that partnership going.”
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