Emulating Dons would be amazing - Dundee's Murray

Simon Murray had a penalty saved in Dundee's friendly win over Arbroath on Saturday

Simon Murray hopes Dundee can emulate Aberdeen's Scottish Cup win and do something "amazing".

The 33-year-old has been made Dens Park captain under new boss Steven Pressley and was jointly second-top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season with 16 goals, 22 across all competitions.

In May, the Dons ended an 11-year wait for a trophy by winning the Scottish Cup penalties against holders Celtic. Dundee last won a major trophy in 1973.

"We all know how hard it is in this country to win something," Murray said.

"Seeing Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup at the end of the year, that's what you want to be a part of. If we could do something like that or bring European football to Dens, it would be amazing."

Former Brentford head of individual development Pressley has replaced Tony Docherty, the manager who brought Murray back to Dundee last summer.

Murray thinks highly of both and said of his new head coach on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound: "It's been really exciting, the ideas that he's got and how he wants us to play.

"He's been down south at Brentford for the last four or five years. He's maybe going to try and implement some of the things that they do with us.

"It's just exciting to maybe learn something new and see where it takes us."

Dundee open their 2025-26 campaign with League Cup games against Airdrieonians, Alloa Athletic, Bonnyrigg Rose and Montrose before a Scottish Premiership opener at home to Hibernian on 3 August.

And, on being captain, Murray said: "I'm just going to keep being me and hopefully that personality is good for maybe some of the younger players and trying to help them on as well as leading on a match day.

"I'm just looking forward to having an even better season. Make sure you get off to a good start and take it from there."

'Dundee is his club'

In Saturday's Sportsound interview, former manager Docherty revealed Murray had turned down a more lucrative offer to sign for his boyhood team last summer.

"Dundee is his club and he's such a driven individual," said Docherty.

"You see the way he celebrates, he's the most passionate and enthusiastic footballer on a daily basis - and that's why I wanted him in the building.

"To work with a player like that is so refreshing."