Stewart Murdoch has tasted success at both Hampden and Wembley and now he wants to bring the winning habit to Dundee United.
The midfielder, who has signed a one-year deal with the Tangerines, was part of the Fleetwood Town side that beat Burton Albion 1-0 at the home of English football on May 26, 2014, to win the Football League Two play-off final.
Fast forward to March 13 of this year and he was at Scotland’s national stadium to play a part as a sub for the Staggies as they beat Hibs 2-1 to lift the Betfred League Cup – the Dingwall’s club’s first major trophy.
Now Murdoch would love nothing more than to make it a happy hat-trick by helping United to the Championship title next May.
He said: “I had no hesitation coming here.
“I consider Dundee United to be a Scottish Premiership team.
“They are, unfortunately, in the wrong division at the moment.
“However, I am coming here having been successful in the past few seasons of my career.
‘I have achieved promotion with Fleetwood at Wembley and I won the League Cup at Hampden with Ross County, while also finishing in the top six.
“Hopefully, that is something that I can bring to the club and I can achieve even more success.
“Winning the cup against Hibs was an unbelievable experience.
“You target those things at the start of the season but when you actually win a cup it is a special moment.
“A lot of people might not do that over their whole career.
“I have left Ross County now but I have done so with a winner’s medal and the supporters have already sent their best wishes to me.
“It is something that I will remember forever and from my time there but I am moving on to another chapter.”
Murdoch has been paid the handsome compliment of being Ray McKinnon’s first signing as manager, with keeper Cammy Bell following in his footsteps yesterday.
Not only that but he has also been boosted by the knowledge that his new gaffer’s interest in him dates all the way back to his time at Falkirk.
Murdoch added: “Yeah, it’s one of those where he has shown how much he wants me.
“Now he’s done that it’s down to me to prove why he has made me his first signing.
“And hopefully I can get the fans onside as quickly as possible.
“Knowing he has tracked my progress is important to me.
“That shows it’s not just a knee-jerk reaction where I have become available and he has snapped at it.
“He has done his homework and he told me he spoke to people about me.
“I think he talked to (former Fleetwood boss) Graham Alexander down south and a few other people I have worked with.
“He has received good feedback from everyone.
“And I think what I have always done is behave impeccably professionally.
“That’s something I will continue to do whether I am in the team or out.
“I will never cause a manager a problem.”
Murdoch (26) is keen to meet his new teammates – including latest arrival Bell – when the squad gathers for pre-season training.
“I’m really excited and just really want to get going now,” he said.
“Last season was a bit of an in and out season for me so hopefully I can come here and be more of a mainstay and play a lot more football.
“At my age I have to be playing football.
“It will be great to see the other lads.
“Obviously Cammy is a great signing and it’s important you get a goalkeeper in with a bit of experience.
“He is in a position where he sees the game and is a good set of eyes.
“So, yes, it’s coming together now and hopefully a few more will be coming in.”
