Reds Seal Gray Deal

Last updated : 22 August 2009 By @blades_mad1889

gray during his lane days
Gray, 31 made the move from the Valley to Oakwell yesterday afternoon for an undisclosed fee and is expected to make his debut today in their trip to Leicester City.

The Harrogate born striker started his career with Leeds United in July 1995, and played in the League Cup final defeat to Aston Villa (0-3). On that day there were several ex-Blades players to feature, these included; Alan Wright, Ugo Ehiogu, Paul McGrath, John Pemberton, Brian Deane and Gary Speed.

He spent time on loan at Bury before moving onto Nottingham Forest in August 1998 but failed to make an impact in the Reds first team; he also spent time away on loan at Preston North End and Oldham Athletic whilst at the City Ground. He next moved onto Bradford City in August 2002.

In February 2004 he made the move to Sheffield United (along with Simon Francis); he made and score on his debut in a 2-1 defeat at Reading and continued to score in the following two fixtures in wins against Millwall (2-1) and Watford (2-0); he also netted braces against Milton Keynes Dons (2-1) and at Preston North End (3-3).

The following season he managed 18 goals in what was a pretty average side that failed to make the top six; their major achievement that season was in the FA Cup; after disposing of Aston Villa and West Ham United the Blades faced Arsenal in the FA Cup 5th round at Highbury - it was to be the last time the two sides met at the old ground with the game finishing 1-1. Gray converted from the spot kick in the final minutes of the game to force a replay.

United lost the replay on penalties after a 0-0 draw whilst Gray would later net twice against old club Leeds in a 4-0 win at Elland Road.

He kick started the 2005/06 season with a bang; scoring a penalty against Leicester City in a 4-1 win in front of the Sky cameras; but a few days later he was transferred to Sunderland after a clause in his contract allowed him to leave for a Premier League club.

Gray joined the Black Cats in a £1,100,000 deal having made a total of 63 (+2) appearances whilst scoring a cool 28 goals in the process. He later made appearances for Burnley and Charlton Athletic before signing for the Tykes yesterday in an undisclosed fee.