<div><p>ST LOUIS (Reuters) - The St Louis Blues have fired coach Andy Murray and named minor leaguer Davis Payne as his successor on an interim basis, the team said on Saturday.</p><p>The Blues, beaten in their last four games, have the worst home record in the NHL (6-13-3) and began the day in fourth place in the five-team Central Division with a 17-17-6 record.</p><p>Their latest home loss came on Thursday when they were beaten by the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 after leading 3-0 in the second period.</p><p>Murray compiled a 118-102-38 record after taking over in December 2006. Last season he led the Blues to their first playoff berth in five years.</p><p>"He was an integral part in turning the St Louis Blues around," president John Davidson said in a statement on the team's website (http://blues/nhl.com).</p><p>"He is a true professional and I wish him the best of luck in the future."</p><p>Payne, 39, has been coach of the Peoria Rivermen, the Blues's American Hockey League affiliate, since 2008. His team has a 19-13-1-2 record this season.</p><p>"Davis is very knowledgeable of the players in our organization and we feel he is the best candidate to coach our team," said Davidson.</p><p>"He has nine winning seasons at minor league level which includes an ECHL Championship in 2006."</p><p>(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina)</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=66228292&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

Copyright 2010  <a href="http://www.reuters.com/finance">Reuters US Online Report Sports News</a></div></div>