Adam Murray never wanted to leave Oxford United.

But the former U’s captain, who has joined Luton Town on a two-year deal, respects the club’s decision to stand by their policies.

United announced this week that Murray, who was the club captain, had left the club by mutual consent after failing to commit to settling in the area.

However, Murray was keen to point out that although he had been living locally, and would continue to do so, it was his family that could not settle in the area.

“My wife and two children moved to the area last pre-season,” Murray said. “We moved schools, but my kids found it so difficult without their mates that they were crying most nights.

“My wife had no friends or family down here, and then we had another child and with me away for so long, she had no support.

“I could not keep them in that situation and so they moved back to Derby.

“It says in my contract that players have to be within a certain distance of Oxford, and although I explained the situation, they felt it would not work with me being here and my family in Derby.”

United chairman Kelvin Thomas said of Murray’s departure: “It is with a heavy heart that we have had to come to this decision.

“We feel that our decision to have players live close has been justified.

“Adam has made a decision to put family first, which as a family-orientated club we fully understand.”

Murray admits, however, that the news did come as a shock.

“When I signed a new contract last year I said that I’d love to finish my career at Oxford and would like to go into coaching here afterwards if possible,” he said. “But the club has a policy and I respect that.”

Murray underwent surgery on a back problem last season that forced him to miss the second half of United’s campaign and an apperance at Wembley.

Although he was delighted to climb the Wembley steps and lift the Blue Square Premier play-off trophy with stand-in skipper – and new club captain – James Constable, Murray said the day was difficult.

“I was so thrilled to see the club get promoted, but it was difficult not being able to play any part,” he said.

“I’m sure the lads will tell you that I did my bit by geeing them up in the dressing room, but it’s not the same as being out there on the pitch.

“I have always had a great relationship with the fans at Oxford and have had hundreds and hundreds of messages from them that I really appreciate.”

Murray flew out with the Luton squad on their pre-season trip to Portugal yesterday.

* UNITED will hold a fans’ forum at the Kassam Stadium on Thursday, July 15, starting at 7pm, with Thomas, boss Chris Wilder and owner Ian Lenagan attending.

* THE club yesterday announced special deals for fans buying tickets for home pre-season matches.

Supporters can save £6 if they come to both the Leicester and Manchester United matches.

More information is available from United’s website.