| Eddie Gray was without doubt the most gifted player ever to play for Leeds United, he was better than George Best but did not get the same recognition because he played for Leeds. When Eddie first came to Leeds he played in a practice match against the first team, after the game Jack Charlton told Don Revie that Leeds had better sign him as he did not want to have to play against him twice a season. He scored the greatest goal ever when he beat 6 players in the space of 20 yards using his shoulder drops to throw the opposition off balance then rolling the ball back, leaving the defenders on the floor totally perplexed before cool as you like passing the ball into the net. Incidently he lobbed the keeper from 35 yards in the same game. Eddie returned to Elland Road to help with the development of the youngsters during the summer of 1995, under Howard Wilkinson and in his first full season saw the youth team lift the FA Youth Cup in 1996, as he worked alongside Paul Hart. Then after the departure of Dave Williams to Manchester United in 1997, he became reserve team coach, guiding the second string to the Pontins Premier Division title in his first season in charge. He was an immediate choice to support David O'Leary as his No.2 when the Irishman became Leeds boss in October 1998. Eddie is a Leeds legend after an 18 year playing career with the club between 1965-1983, playing 559 games and winning 12 Scottish caps, and then managing the club between 1982 and 1985. He later had managerial and coaching experience at Hull City, Rochdale and Middlesbrough UNITED legend Eddie Gray has revealed his disappointment at the news that he and head coach Brian Kidd are to leave Elland Road. Speaking to Leedsunited.com, Gray said: "I have only just heard the news this morning, but obviously I am very, very disappointed. "I don't know what I am going to do next, and that's really all I want to say at this stage." Made assistant manager under David O'Leary, Gray joined United as a trainee in January 1965 and made his league debut for the Whites a year later. He was part of the Leeds team that won the League Cup, The FA Cup and enjoyed success in Europe at the height of the club's success. He became a legend after an 18 year playing career with the club between 1965-1983, playing 559 games and winning 12 Scottish caps, and then managing the club between 1982 and 1985. He returned to Elland Road to as a youth coach in summer of 1995 under Howard Wilkinson and worked alongside Paul Hart in establishing the Leeds United Youth Academy. His first full season saw the youth team lift the FA Youth Cup in 1996. He later became reserve team coach, with his first season then also being rewarded with the Pontins Premier Division title. He was appointed as David O'Leary's No.2 when the Irishman became Leeds boss in October 1998 Unfortunately O'Leary decided to bring Brian Kidd in ,this was clearly the point when Leeds United troubles all began. Leeds United football got gradually worse, Leds were losing games they should have drawn and drawing games they should have won. This meant that Leeds didnot qualify for the Champions League and all the financial problems became an issue. |
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Eddie Gray |
| A Legend |
| Eddie Gray Leeds United |