Leeds United Football Club - Blackwell Captures Gray
United have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers left-back Michael Gray on a three month loan deal today.
The three times capped former England international will arrive at Thorp Arch later whilst Blackwell is also working on bringing in an attacking player to bolster the squad, but as yet no agreement has been reached.
Gray has made 23 appearances since joining Rovers last January, nine this season, and is vastly experienced with over 400 appearances for former club Sunderland, where he experienced the high of helping the Black Cats to promotion as well as the low of missing the vital penalty that saw them miss out on promotion to the Premiership in the play-off finals against Charlton.
United boss Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have captured the 30-year-old.
He said:"We have had a shortage at left-back since Stephen Crainey's been out, but it's not been that much of a problem because we've had Frazer Richardson, Danny Pugh and even Matthew Kilgallon able to play there.
"But I think now is the time to get some experience in there, one or two of the youngsters are looking tired and they can get a rest now and provide competition in other areas.
"Michael at 30-years of age is still the right age for us, he's very competitive and is very fit. He's here for three months so he will get plenty of opportunities and have time to settle in."
Blackwell already has one eye on building towards next season, but is not in a position to say whether Gray could form part of the long term future.
"We've got Stephen Crainey to come back yet, he's progressing well, so at the moment we're just looking at Michael and another we will hopefully bring in for this season, but we will look at it with an open mind."
Once Gray's loan expires in April, Leeds would not be able to extend it until the end of the season under current league rules, which would include the final league fixture against Rotherham United and the play-offs should United get there.
United have completed the signing of Blackburn Rovers left-back Michael Gray on a three month loan deal today.
The three times capped former England international will arrive at Thorp Arch later whilst Blackwell is also working on bringing in an attacking player to bolster the squad, but as yet no agreement has been reached.
Gray has made 23 appearances since joining Rovers last January, nine this season, and is vastly experienced with over 400 appearances for former club Sunderland, where he experienced the high of helping the Black Cats to promotion as well as the low of missing the vital penalty that saw them miss out on promotion to the Premiership in the play-off finals against Charlton.
United boss Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have captured the 30-year-old.
He said:"We have had a shortage at left-back since Stephen Crainey's been out, but it's not been that much of a problem because we've had Frazer Richardson, Danny Pugh and even Matthew Kilgallon able to play there.
"But I think now is the time to get some experience in there, one or two of the youngsters are looking tired and they can get a rest now and provide competition in other areas.
"Michael at 30-years of age is still the right age for us, he's very competitive and is very fit. He's here for three months so he will get plenty of opportunities and have time to settle in."
Blackwell already has one eye on building towards next season, but is not in a position to say whether Gray could form part of the long term future.
"We've got Stephen Crainey to come back yet, he's progressing well, so at the moment we're just looking at Michael and another we will hopefully bring in for this season, but we will look at it with an open mind."
Once Gray's loan expires in April, Leeds would not be able to extend it until the end of the season under current league rules, which would include the final league fixture against Rotherham United and the play-offs should United get there.