By Mark Sugar
March 24 2004

Bristol City have failed in a surprise loan move to take Scott Murray back to Ashton Gate.Murray left City to join Reading last summer for £650,000 but since the departure of Alan Pardew to West Ham,Murray has failed to secure a regular place in Steve Coppell's team.

Bristol City has failed in a surprise loan move to take former City winger Scott Murray back until the end of the season. Murray hasn't been a 1st choice under the Steve Coppell regime and has proffered Andy Hughes to the right wing role.

Murray was signed by former Royals manager Alan Pardew last summer in a deal worth £650,000 after a long drawn out price war between Reading and City chairman Steve Lansdown. 

His Reading career started in fantastic form, scoring his 1st goal on his home debut in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The following weekend he hit a double as the Royals beat Derby County 3-2.

But ever since the departure of Alan Pardew to West Ham United, it has proved difficult for Murray to brake into the Royals 1st 11. He last started in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, setting up the 2nd goal for Lloyd Owusu.

Steve Lansdown said on Murray:

"We're making lots of phone calls and having plenty of conversations with managers, players and agents to try and bring in the appropriate person or persons in. At present, as is the case with the Scott Murray enquiry we have been unsuccessful but we will keep on trying."

City currently lie in 3rd place, 2 points behind 2nd place QPR. Bristol City travel to Prenton Park to face Tranmere tonight.