The young Leeds United star has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at League One Rotherham.
Leeds United star Harry Gray’s instant impact on loan at Rotherham helped them secure deadline-day loans from other Premier League clubs, according to manager Matt Hamshaw.
Following the Leeds loanee’s latest goal in a 4-0 weekend thrashing of Exeter City, Rotherham secured deadline-day loan deals for Gabriele Biancheri and Lino Sousa, on loan from Manchester United and Aston Villa respectively. And Hamshaw believes the two parent clubs have been encouraged by Gray’s instant impact.
“We can give these players a platform,” he told the Yorkshire Post. “Harry Gray has had a big impact. Teams have seen him come in here and what he’s done, how he’s improved even in this short period, and I think that helps.
“When I first took over nobody wanted to come here, and all of a sudden a lot more do because they’ve seen the success and the development within that. The big thing is the feelgood factor around it with the fans, hopefully we can get a few more back down to the stadium and get behind the boys and get us through this bumpy period.”
Gray’s instant impact is of great benefit to Rotherham, who before his arrival went nine League One games without a win. The teenager’s debut ended in defeat to Stockport County but they’ve now enjoyed a draw and two wins in their last three, with the Leeds loanee scoring in both victories.
Daniel Farke’s verdict on Harry Gray instant loan impact
Leeds are also set to benefit from the youngster’s form, with a first-ever loan move into senior football a key step in his development. Gray said last month he pushed for a loan and the opportunity to play against first-team opposition, and having wished for regular minutes and the chance to score goals he’s getting exactly what he wanted.
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With Dominic Calvert-Lewin in scintillating form, Lukas Nmecha providing capable cover and the likes of Joel Piroe and Noah Okafor also able to play upfront, first-team football at Leeds was unlikely. And Farke admitted on Wednesday the decision to send the teenager out on loan has so far proven a good one.
“We proactively sent Harry Gray out on loan and so far, so good, touch wood the perfect start, exactly what we were wishing for,” Farke said of the decision. “Lots of game time and good performances.”
Gray will have the chance to make it three goals in as many games when Rotherham host Cardiff City at the New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A point or three could pull the Millers out of the relegation zone, based on results elsewhere, but it will be no easy task given they are facing the current League One leaders.
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