Andy Gray (footballer, born 1977)

Andrew David Gray (born 15 November 1977) is a former professional footballer who last managed Leeds United's under-18 team.[3]

Andy Gray
Gray playing for Barnsley
Personal information
Full name Andrew David Gray[1]
Date of birth (1977-11-15) 15 November 1977[2]
Place of birth Harrogate, England
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Striker, winger
Youth career
0000–1995 Leeds United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1995–1998 Leeds United 23 (0)
1997–1998 → Bury (loan) 6 (1)
1998–2002 Nottingham Forest 64 (1)
1999 → Preston North End (loan) 5 (0)
1999 → Oldham Athletic (loan) 4 (0)
2002–2004 Bradford City 77 (20)
2004–2005 Sheffield United 58 (25)
2005–2006 Sunderland 21 (1)
2006 → Burnley (loan) 9 (3)
2006–2008 Burnley 60 (25)
2008 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 1 (0)
2008–2009 Charlton Athletic 45 (9)
2009–2012 Barnsley 96 (21)
2012–2013 Leeds United 7 (1)
2013–2014 Bradford City 15 (1)
Total 491 (109)
National team
2003 Scotland 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

He is the son of the former Scotland defender Frank Gray and nephew of Leeds United legend Eddie Gray. His cousin Stuart Gray was also a pro footballer. He started his career as a midfield player but later moved into a forward position. Gray began his career with Leeds United, and has also played for Nottingham Forest, Charlton Athletic, Bury, Preston North End, Oldham Athletic, Barnsley, Bradford City, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley. He has also won two caps for Scotland, against Lithuania and New Zealand in 2003.

Career

Leeds United

Gray was born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. He signed for Leeds United which carried on the family tradition of his father Frank Gray and his uncle Eddie Gray. One of Gray's first senior appearances came for Leeds United in the 1996 League Cup final, when he was 18 years old. Leeds lost 3–0 to Aston Villa, Gray was one of the standout performers on the day for Leeds despite a 3–0 defeat.

After failing to displace the likes of Tony Yeboah, Rod Wallace, Brian Deane and then Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Gray had a loan spell at Bury to get regular first team football before leaving the club permanently in 1998.

Nottingham Forest

Gray joined fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal. Signed as a winger, Gray endured a frustrating time at the City Ground where he was deployed at full back for a portion of his time there. He managed to net his only goal for the club in a game against Wolverhampton Wanderers,[4] in 64 appearances. He also had loan spells at Preston North End and Oldham Athletic.

Bradford City

Gray left Forest for a spell at Bradford City where he converted to the role of Striker. He earned the Bradford City Player of the year Award in 2003. His form at Bradford earned him a call up to the Scotland national team. In total Gray scored 20 league goals in 77 games for Bradford.

Sheffield United

His form at Bradford also alerted Neil Warnock who signed Gray for Sheffield United. One of the highlights of Gray's career came when he scored a last minute equaliser against Arsenal in the FA Cup in 2005.[5] After scoring 25 goals in 58 games for United, Gray joined Sunderland in the Premier League in a multimillion-pound deal.

Sunderland

In August 2005, Gray returned to the Premier League after he signed for Sunderland. He had a goal-scoring record of 28 goals in 65 games at Sheffield United, prompting the £1.1 million transfer to the Black Cats. However, his second stint in the Premier League was unprofitable as he scored only once in 22 appearances; that goal coming on his debut against Charlton Athletic.[6]

Burnley

On 17 March 2006, after prolonged interest from a number of clubs, he signed on loan for Burnley until the end of the season, after he was placed on the transfer list by manager Niall Quinn. His former club Leeds United were favourites to sign him but his switch to Burnley became permanent when the transfer window reopened in the summer of 2006 for around £750,000. His early form at Burnley at the end of the 2005–06 season and the start of the next suggested that he would again prove an effective goalscorer in the Championship. His 2006–07 season was disrupted by a broken metatarsal, incurred against Leeds United, but both before and after the injury he scored regularly. Burnley's long winless run that season coincided with Gray's absence through injury, demonstrating his importance to the team as a source of goals. He returned towards the end of the 2006–07 season, scoring four goals in three games as Burnley won five of their last six games. This goal-scoring form continued into the 2007–08 season.

Charlton Athletic

Gray left Burnley on 18 January 2008, when he sealed an emergency loan deal with Charlton Athletic prior to a permanent move the following week.[7][8] He made his debut when came on as a second-half substitute the following day in Charlton's 1–1 draw away at Watford.[9] His £1.5 million move to Charlton was finalised the following week[10] and he made his first start for his new club on 29 January 2008 in a 1–0 victory over Stoke City.[11] His first goal for Charlton came in his 13th game, when he scored an equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Southampton on 12 April 2008.[12] Gray followed this up with goals in successive home games with the second goal against Coventry City in a 4–1 win, a goal against Swindon in a 1–1 draw and a penalty in the impressive 4–2 defeat of newly relegated Reading.[13]

Barnsley

Gray signed for Championship side Barnsley on 21 August 2009 for an undisclosed fee[14] and made his debut the following day at Leicester City. Gray scored his first goal in 3–1 loss to Reading on 28 August 2009. Gray was part of a Barnsley side that beat Yorkshire rivals Leeds United 5–2 in a famous victory.[15] Gray scored a double against Leicester City on 13 January 2012 to help earn Barnsley a win.[16]

After scoring 21 goals in 96 games for Barnsley, he was released at the end of the 2011–2012 season following three years with the club.[17]

Return to Leeds United

After being linked with a move to Bradford City,[18] Leeds United manager Neil Warnock stated that Gray had started pre-season training with the club and that they were looking to sign the striker on a short-term contract, to cover for injured striker Davide Somma.[19] On 20 July, Gray scored two goals in a 5–2 win for Leeds United in pre-season against Farsley.[20]

On 23 July, Gray rejoined his first club Leeds on a one-year contract, 15 years after leaving the club previously.[21] Gray was allocated the number 18 shirt for the 2012–13 season on 3 August[22] Gray made his second Leeds début as a substitute in the 2–1 victory over Peterborough United on 25 August.[23] Gray made his first start back at the club on 28 August 2012 in a League Cup match against Oxford United.[24] Gray scored his first ever goal for Leeds United in a 3–2 defeat to Hull City on 18 September.[25]

Return to Bradford City

After being released by Leeds United on 9 January 2013, Andy Gray rejoined his old club Bradford City on an 18-month contract.[26] He made his debut on 12 January, when he started in the home game against Oxford United where they lost 1–2.[27] On 21 December he scored his first goal since re-joining the club in a 2–1 defeat against Peterborough United.[28]

On 1 May 2014, Gray had his contract cancelled by mutual consent and left the Bantams with immediate effect.[29]

Coaching career

On 30 July 2015, Gray re-joined Leeds United as the Under 16s academy coach.[3]

On 24 June 2016, Gray was promoted to co-Under 18s manager at Leeds alongside Mark Jackson as part of Leeds' academy structure.[30] Jackson would manage the Under 18s solely for the 2017/18 season.

International career

Born and raised in England, Gray represented Scotland at international level like his father Frank Gray and uncle Eddie Gray. He received his first caps from Bertie Vogts. In total Gray won two caps for Scotland, with his debut coming against Lithuania on 2 April 2003 and his second and final cap was against New Zealand on 27 May 2003.

Career statistics
As of match played 25 March 2014.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Leeds United 1995–96[31] Premier League 150202000190
1996–97[32] Premier League 700020—90
1997–98[33] Premier League 000000—00
Total 220204000280
Bury (loan) 1997–98[33] First Division 610000—61
Nottingham Forest 1998–99[34] Premier League 801030—120
1999–2000[35] First Division 2203020—270
2000–01[36] First Division 1801000—190
2001–02[37] First Division 1610020—181
Total 6415070—761
Preston North End (loan) 1998–99[34] Second Division 5000000050
Oldham Athletic (loan) 1998–99[34] Second Division 4000000040
Bradford City 2002–03[38] First Division 44151010—4615
2003–04[39] First Division 3351110—356
Total 77202120—8121
Sheffield United 2003–04[39] First Division 1490000—149
2004–05[40] Championship 43155122—5018
2005–06[41] Championship 110000—11
Total 58255122—6528
Sunderland 2005–06[41] Premier League 2111000—221
Burnley 2005–06[41] Championship 930000—93
2006–07[42] Championship 35140010—3614
2007–08[43] Championship 25111022—2813
Total 69281032—7330
Charlton Athletic 2007–08[43] Championship 1620000—162
2008–09[44] Championship 2771000—287
2009–10[45] League One 2000100030
Total 4591010—479
Barnsley 2009–10[45] Championship 3061000—316
2010–11[46] Championship 3470000—347
2011–12[47] Championship 3281000—338
Total 96212000—9821
Leeds United 2012–13[48] Championship 810010—91
Bradford City 2012–13[48] League Two 7000001[lower-alpha 1]080
2013–14[49] League One 8100000081
Career total 49010819220410530114
  1. Appearances in Football League Trophy

Honours

Individual

See also

References
  1. "Professional retain lists & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. May 2013. p. 55. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  2. Hugman, Barry J. (ed) (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-324-8.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  3. "Leeds United: We've no plans to scale back Thorp Arch academy – Pearson". Yorkshire Evening Post. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  4. "Forest hold Wolves". BBC. 6 March 2002. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  5. "Arsenal 1–1 Sheff Utd". BBC News. 19 February 2005.
  6. "Sunderland 1–3 Charlton". BBC. 13 August 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
  7. "Gray 'loan' deal done". Burnley Official Website. 18 January 2008. Archived from the original on 20 January 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  8. "Burnley accept Addicks' Gray bid". BBC Sport. 18 January 2008. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  9. "Watford 1–1 Charlton". BBC Sport. 19 January 2008. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2008.
  10. Geldard, Suzanne (21 January 2008). "Flood stands by Gray departure". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
  11. "Charlton 1–0 Stoke". BBC Sport. 29 January 2008. Archived from the original on 31 January 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
  12. "Charlton 1–1 Southampton". BBC Sport. 12 April 2008. Archived from the original on 14 April 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  13. "Charlton 4–1 Coventry". BBC Sport. 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 6 May 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2008.
  14. "Barnsley sign Gray from Charlton". BBC Sport. 21 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  15. "Barnsley 5 – 2 Leeds United". BBC. 14 September 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2010.
  16. "Leicester 1-2 Barnsley". BBC Sport. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  17. "Striker Andy Gray amongst six released by Barnsley". BBC. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  18. "Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson waits on Andy Gray response". BBC Sport. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  19. "Leeds United: Andy Gray is training with Whites LATEST". Yorkshire Post. Leeds. 12 July 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  20. "UNITED KICK-OFF WITH FIVE AT FARSLEY". Leeds United. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  21. "Gray and Ashdown to join up permanently..." Leeds United. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  22. "New squad numbers announced". Leeds United A.F.C. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  23. "LUCIANO DOUBLE SECURES SUCCESS". Leeds United A.F.C. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  24. "OXFORD LIVE". Leeds United A.F.C. 28 August 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  25. "Tigers take the points at Elland Road..." Leeds United A.F.C. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  26. "Gray agrees to City move". Bradford City A.F.C. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  27. "Bradford 1 – 2 Oxford Utd". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  28. "Peterborough United 2–1 Bradford City" BBC Sport. 21 December 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  29. "GRAY LEAVES CITY". Bradford City AFC. 1 May 2014.
  30. "ACADEMY: 2016/17 STRUCTURE CONFIRMED". Leeds United official site. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  31. "Games played by Andy Gray in 1995/1996". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  32. "Games played by Andy Gray in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  33. "Games played by Andy Gray in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  34. "Games played by Andy Gray in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  35. "Games played by Andy Gray in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  36. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  37. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  38. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  39. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  40. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  41. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  42. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  43. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  44. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  45. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  46. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  47. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  48. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  49. "Games played by Andy Gray in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  50. Bradford City official website – Andy Gray named Player-of-the-Year Archived 5 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine
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