The 25-year-old was released by the Central Coast Mariners on Monday amid speculation that he will join an Indian Super League club.

While unable to discuss his next move due to contract obligations, Murray told the Mercury that he had enjoyed his stint at the Mariners.

"It's been a great experience, it's obviously been a dream come true to play professional football," he said.

"I've learned so much on the field, and off the field too. I've made terrific friends for life and I'm obviously very grateful to the Central Coast Mariners for giving me my first professional contract."

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Murray's journey to the Mariners started back in his junior days at Bulli FC. The Woonona junior then spent two seasons with the Wollongong Wolves before he was picked up by fellow NPL club APIA Leichhardt.

"The Wolves, Bulli FC and APIA are the clubs got that got me to where I am today. They're just as much to thank for my success, if you want to call it that - they've been terrific," Murray said.

"My family still lives in Woonona so I try and see them as much as I can. I try to get down and watch Bulli when I can, and I also watch NPL games."

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When the Mariners came knocking in 2018, Murray jumped at the opportunity to play professional football.

And while he made an immediate impression, the move coincided with the club hitting rock bottom - Central Coast has collected the past two wooden spoons.

Murray now departs the Mariners after playing 41 games, scoring seven goals.

"Obviously the last couple of years, the Mariners haven't been where they should be. But the club has a special place in my heart and they've been a very successful club in the past," he said.

"Every club goes through something like this, just look at Manchester United for example. But I'm sure that the Mariners can bounce back and be back where they should be, at the top of the league."

One man who hasn't been surprised by Murray's meteoric rise is his former Wolves coach Jacob Timpano.

Murray was on the fringes of the club's under 20s when Timpano took over the reins of the first grade side in 2015.

But Timpano saw something special in the teenager, giving him his break in the top Wolves side - and he didn't regret the move.

"I played him in the back half of the season and I think he scored maybe a goal a game, and he grew in confidence. I saw a lot in him," Timpano said.

"Due to his form, APIA picked him up and he kicked on. He had a few good seasons there before moving onto the Mariners. It's good to see he's finally got the opportunity to play in the A-League and to go overseas."

Wherever Murray ends up next, Timpano said he would be an asset for that club.

"He's an athlete, he's good in the air. He had a good attitude, always willing to work and do the extras, and has an eye on goal. He's more of an older style striker, strong in the air, can hold the ball up pretty quick, score a goal and causes problems for defences," Timpano said.

"We always thought he had a bit about him and could go on to have a career for himself. It probably took him a bit longer to crack it as a professional, but he did the hard yards in the NPL and got rewarded for it."