Yorkshire Post 24/3/07
Gray returns to help Leeds beat the drop
By Richard Sutcliffe and Ian Appleyard
MICHAEL GRAY has revealed he turned down a move to another Championship side to help Leeds United in their fight to avoid relegation.
The former England left-back joined United for a second time on loan yesterday from Blackburn Rovers just a few hours before the transfer deadline elapsed.
Gray spent the final three months of the 2004-05 campaign at Elland Road and admits to being surprised at Leeds' current position at the foot of the Championship.
He said: "I really enjoyed it here last time so I jumped at the chance. It is a challenge but a challenge I am looking forward to.
"I could have gone to a mid-table Championship side who had nothing to play for, but this is Leeds isn't it? We have got to get out of this mess we are in.
"It surprises me where Leeds are but I have only seen them from afar. A lot has changed since the last time I was here, but there are still a few of the lads still around.
"It helps when you know some of the lads. I am sure we will have a chat next week and I will catch up on things."
Such has been the rate of change among the Elland Road playing staff in the past two years, there are only a handful of Gray's former team-mates at the club.
Of those David Healy, Ian Moore and Frazer Richardson have all been in the side during recent weeks, but Gary Kelly has been out injured since late last year.
However, Kelly is among a few injured players who could be available for Preston North End's trip to Elland Road a week tonight along with Tore Andre Flo, who has been out since late January, and Alan Thompson.
Gray's arrival will also mean Eddie Lewis, the best deliver of a ball in the squad, can return to his preferred role on the left wing.
The Blackburn full-back is eagerly looking forward to his second 'debut' in Leeds colours. He said: "I had a good rapport with the fans. Everyone was good to me last time, from the staff to the fans, and that was in the back of my mind.
"Things like that stick with you and I just hope it can be a successful end to the season.
"In situations like this we all have to stick together and you have to fight for everything. When I was here last time, the crowds were terrific and they have a part to play."
Meanwhile, Dennis Wise was last night still waiting to hear if he faces an FA charge after being sent to the stands in last week's draw at Southend.
Kelly closing in on Leeds return
Leeds defender Gary Kelly could soon be back in first-team action following long-term injury.
The 32-year-old former Republic of Ireland defender has made only three appearances under manager Dennis Wise due to persistent back and ankle injuries, with his last appearance in the 3-2 defeat at Barnsley in early November.
"When you look at the injuries we have, the international break has come at a good time," assistant manager Gus Poyet told the club's official website. "Tore (Andre Flo), Thommo (Alan Thompson), Gary Kelly, and Robbie Elliott are all getting nearer and they're good players we can have in a week or so.
"Gary should be training next week which is good news, Tore has been running and is close and Thommo as well."
Kelly's prolonged absence had prompted some Leeds fans to speculate the full-back's distinguished Elland Road career was effectively over with his lucrative contract due to expire in the summer, but he could yet make a timely return to boost their survival chances.
Former Chelsea striker Flo has been out since breaking a bone in his foot at the end of January after just two appearances for Leeds, while Thompson and Elliott have both been sidelined with hamstring injuries.
Gray returns to help Leeds beat the drop
By Richard Sutcliffe and Ian Appleyard
MICHAEL GRAY has revealed he turned down a move to another Championship side to help Leeds United in their fight to avoid relegation.
The former England left-back joined United for a second time on loan yesterday from Blackburn Rovers just a few hours before the transfer deadline elapsed.
Gray spent the final three months of the 2004-05 campaign at Elland Road and admits to being surprised at Leeds' current position at the foot of the Championship.
He said: "I really enjoyed it here last time so I jumped at the chance. It is a challenge but a challenge I am looking forward to.
"I could have gone to a mid-table Championship side who had nothing to play for, but this is Leeds isn't it? We have got to get out of this mess we are in.
"It surprises me where Leeds are but I have only seen them from afar. A lot has changed since the last time I was here, but there are still a few of the lads still around.
"It helps when you know some of the lads. I am sure we will have a chat next week and I will catch up on things."
Such has been the rate of change among the Elland Road playing staff in the past two years, there are only a handful of Gray's former team-mates at the club.
Of those David Healy, Ian Moore and Frazer Richardson have all been in the side during recent weeks, but Gary Kelly has been out injured since late last year.
However, Kelly is among a few injured players who could be available for Preston North End's trip to Elland Road a week tonight along with Tore Andre Flo, who has been out since late January, and Alan Thompson.
Gray's arrival will also mean Eddie Lewis, the best deliver of a ball in the squad, can return to his preferred role on the left wing.
The Blackburn full-back is eagerly looking forward to his second 'debut' in Leeds colours. He said: "I had a good rapport with the fans. Everyone was good to me last time, from the staff to the fans, and that was in the back of my mind.
"Things like that stick with you and I just hope it can be a successful end to the season.
"In situations like this we all have to stick together and you have to fight for everything. When I was here last time, the crowds were terrific and they have a part to play."
Meanwhile, Dennis Wise was last night still waiting to hear if he faces an FA charge after being sent to the stands in last week's draw at Southend.
Kelly closing in on Leeds return
Leeds defender Gary Kelly could soon be back in first-team action following long-term injury.
The 32-year-old former Republic of Ireland defender has made only three appearances under manager Dennis Wise due to persistent back and ankle injuries, with his last appearance in the 3-2 defeat at Barnsley in early November.
"When you look at the injuries we have, the international break has come at a good time," assistant manager Gus Poyet told the club's official website. "Tore (Andre Flo), Thommo (Alan Thompson), Gary Kelly, and Robbie Elliott are all getting nearer and they're good players we can have in a week or so.
"Gary should be training next week which is good news, Tore has been running and is close and Thommo as well."
Kelly's prolonged absence had prompted some Leeds fans to speculate the full-back's distinguished Elland Road career was effectively over with his lucrative contract due to expire in the summer, but he could yet make a timely return to boost their survival chances.
Former Chelsea striker Flo has been out since breaking a bone in his foot at the end of January after just two appearances for Leeds, while Thompson and Elliott have both been sidelined with hamstring injuries.
