Leeds United
Harry Gray. Credit: Imago
Harry Gray leaving Leeds United in January came as a surprise to almost everyone at the club. Most fans expected him to continue with the first team with an eye towards a few cameos as the season went on.
Daniel Farke made it clear from the start of the campaign that Gray needed patience to develop. So he was limited to matchday squads, and only played for the U21s and U18s. It came as a bit of a shock when the Leeds United youngster joined Rotherham United on loan till the end of the season.
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Per reports, Gray pushed for the move as he wanted a taste of first team action. He made the right move, as his other option was to sit on the bench for the first team till he got a chance at the end of the season.
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Gray started out well, scoring two goals in his first four appearances. There were rave reviews about the young striker, who was a highly rated prospect across the country. However, his first few games for the club were followed by a long barren run. Rotherham were also in poor form, explaining the striker’s lack of goals. The club decided to sack their old coach Matt Hamshaw, replacing him with former Sunderland player Lee Clark.
Clark is yet to take charge of his first game, but will be without Gray, who is back at Thorp Arch rehabbing a hamstring problem. The new Rotherham boss says he is looking forward to the striker returning to action soon.
“He’s a very exciting young player who comes from great pedigree,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to Harry returning with, hopefully, a few others after the weekend. Injuries have blighted the season. When I came in this morning, I saw probably as many players in the medical room as there are available for selection. We know the personnel for Saturday. Hopefully, players can come back for the remaining eight games after that and then help us get the job done.”
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This season has been great experience for Harry Gray
Despite his current goalless streak, Leeds United can classify this as decent season from the youngster. At this age, Harry Gray is not expected to light the world on fire. But getting consistent starts and minutes under his belt will go a long way to aid his development. Playing at senior level also gives the Leeds chiefs something to look at with an eye towards next season. If they believe Gray is good enough to make the jump to first team football at Elland Road, it will depend on what happens during this rest of this loan period. The most important thing now is for Harry Gray to get back in action and recover from his injury.