Gray on the move again

Last updated : 01 June 2003 By Tony Scholes

He claimed Burnley were damaging his international chances with Northern Ireland and was only too keen to get away to Oxford. He has since played for Boston United, Stevenage Borough and Chelmsford and has, believe it or not, faded from the international scene after struggling to get a game with any of them.

His former Luton (and more recently) Stevenage team mate John Dreyer has just taken over as manager of Maidenhead United and ‘Tippy’ has accepted the role of Player/Assistant Manager at the Ryman League club.

Gray played in only five games in the whole of last season and it is unlikely to change much with Dreyer saying, "Phil’s coming along as my assistant. "But it also kills two birds with one stone because at the ripe old age of 34 he can still play.

"He gives us another option. He's not as quick as he used to be but he still possesses a good touch and can hold people off.

"First and foremost he’ll be my assistant. But, like myself, he’ll be registered and used when needed. I'm delighted to have him on board."

Club chairman Jon Swan was said to be delighted to have such a quality player joining the York Road club, adding: "Phil coming on board is going to give us a big boost He’s had 30 international caps for Northern Ireland and scored 34 goals in 108 games for Sunderland, which is a pretty good strike rate.

"He’s the sort of player who can hold the ball up for the lads with a bit of pace and the prospect of Gray winning the ball up front and laying it off for Adrian Allen and Lawrence Yaku on the break would put a chill down most defences' backs."