'Whole league was in for him': Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray praises loan signing Zak Rudden for choosing Rovers over rivals

Raith Rovers gaffer Ian Murray has praised loan signing Zak Rudden’s decision to join Rovers until the end of the season despite rival clubs offering the Dundee player ‘significantly better wages’ to go elsewhere.
Ian Murray (left) at Airdrieonians v Hearts on Sunday (Pic Mark Scates/SNS Group)Ian Murray (left) at Airdrieonians v Hearts on Sunday (Pic Mark Scates/SNS Group)
Ian Murray (left) at Airdrieonians v Hearts on Sunday (Pic Mark Scates/SNS Group)

Rudden, 24, was a highly sought after player in the January transfer window, having effectively been ‘frozen out’ of the first team picture by ’Dee manager Tony Docherty. And Kirkcaldy boss Murray was delighted to pounce and fend off the advances of several other clubs.

"I think Zak's obviously done really well at Dundee and we were all a wee bit surprised when we had the opportunity to sign him,” Murray told the Fife Free Press.

"Zak's hunger to come to Raith was incredible.

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"I think every team in the Championship just about was trying to get him.

"We definitely didn't have the highest finances to get him but he was very, very sure that he wanted to come and play at Raith Rovers.

"I think he knew a few of the lads, the Shaun Byrnes and Kyle Turners of the world. They were probably in his ear a little bit.

"Zak's from Edinburgh, he has a great attitude, he's strong, he's powerful, he's got better movement than people realise and he scores goals.

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"It's good to hear he'd be open to staying at Raith beyond this season as he's only been here a short time.

"He obviously picked up that little hamstring injury against Airdrie but I think the environment that the club has created for players to come in, players are coming here now and realising pretty quickly that it is a pretty good place.

"Of course form and results have dipped since the turn of the year but that is a short time.

"I think the overall package that we're offering for players at Raith Rovers is pretty good."

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