SportsFullCircle

The St. Louis Blues have fired Andy Murray after starting the season 17-17-6 with 40 points. The Blues are 6-13-3 at home, worst in the league.

In place of Murray, Davis Payne will be the interim head coach. Payne was promoted from the AHL’s Peoria Rivermen, St. Louis’ AHL affiliate.

“Davis is very knowledgeable of the players in our organization and we feel he is the best candidate to coach our team,” said team president John Davidson. “I would like to thank Andy Murray for the job he has done here the past four seasons. He was an integral part in turning the St. Louis Blues around. He is a true professional and I wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Murray started coaching the Blues in 2006-2007 after spending six years as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He led the Blues to the playoffs last year for the first time since the lockout.

Payne was in his second season of coaching the Rivermen after seven seasons in the ECHL. He led the Alaska Aces to the 2006 Kelly Cup and was named the league’s coach of the year in 2006-2007.