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      EFL cult hero, 39, brutally sacked by non-league minnows after 48 days as he says ‘not what I wanted or worked for’

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      EFL CULT HERO David Stockdale has been brutally sacked as manager of non-league outfit Blyth Spartans AFC.The former Premier League goalkeeper, who was only appointed 48 days ago, has turned to social media to announce his dismissal.David Stockdale has been sacked by non-league side Blyth Spartans AFCCredit: https://www.instagram.com/yorkcityfc/The former goalkeeper took up his first role in management just 48 days agoCredit: GettyStockdale posted on X: “Gutted to have been SACKED. Not what I wanted or worked for.”It’s been a great time and worked with some great people. Hopefully I can try somewhere else. I wish @Blyth_Spartans all the best.”But more so the staff and players I had while there. Truly great people ❤.”The 39-year-old joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to the newly appointed former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano on August 5.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStockdale was then appointed caretaker manager after Solano was sacked 22 days later on August 27.But he was later given the job on a permanent basis on Friday 13 September after reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.However, the Green Army have endured a horrible start to the Northern Premier League Premier Division season.The Northumberland outfit sit rock-bottom, having lost seven and won just two of their opening 12 games following their relegation from the National League North last term.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn fact, Stockdale was winless in the league during his seven-game spell as permanent gaffer.The club’s two victories came against Campion and Workington during the former goalkeeper’s fortnight as interim boss.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Blyth Spartans have also announced that local businessman Martin Trinder will take over the club from Friday 1 November.Earlier this month, the club’s chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were underway.The non-league side had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.Meanwhile, Stockdale became a cult-hero during his playing career in England.He started at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008. The stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.He left the West London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESStockdale returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment, but was released in April.He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England’s top division.Stockdale was promoted to the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday in 2023Credit: Rex More

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      Inside Tottenham star Archie Gray’s incredible family with dad, uncle, grandad, brother and cousins all Leeds royalty

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      ARCHIE GRAY may have made the painful decision to leave Leeds in the summer.But he is well aware his family will forever be intertwined with Elland Road.Archie Gray may have left Leeds but is part of a family dynasty at Elland RoadCredit: RexFour relatives across three generations have pulled on the famous white shirt, including Archie’s great-uncle Eddie GrayCredit: RexAnd Whites fans may not have to wait too much longer for the next member of the Gray dynasty in the first team – and even more set to follow suit. That is because while Archie, 18, completed a £30million transfer to Tottenham, he still has a brother and two cousins making their way in the Leeds academy.Last season, the midfielder-turned-right-back instantly won fans over when he broke into the senior side and was crowned Championship Young Player of the Year before heartache in the play-off final. But there was never any doubt the Elland Road faithful would take to him given his surname.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBecause Archie was the fourth Gray across three generations to pull on the famous white jersey.His dad Andy came through the academy and made 28 first-team appearances – including 22 in the Premier League – between 1995 and 1997.But when it became clear he was not going to dislodge Tony Yeboah, Rod Wallace, Brian Deane and then Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in attack, he left the club in 1998 to join Nottingham Forest. The two-cap Scotland international’s career was largely spent in the EFL – including a return to Leeds for the 2012-13 campaign where he scored his only goal and ten games to his tally.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut that was a fraction of the totals his dad and Archie’s grandad Frank achieved.Left-back Frank broke into the first team in 1972 and totalled 35 goals in 396 games in two spells either side of two years at Forest.Archie Gray is determined to prove him self at new club Tottenham He helped Leeds win the First Division in 1973-74 alongside his brother Eddie and was a runner-up in the FA Cup, Charity Shield, European Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.Ironically, he won the European Cup when reunited with Brian Clough at Forest before actually playing under manager and brother Eddie following his return to Yorkshire. But it was Eddie – Archie’s great-uncle – who is the biggest Leeds legend of the family. The one-club man racked up a staggering 577 appearances and 68 goals for his beloved team between 1965 and 1984. A two-time First Division winner, he also won the FA Cup in 1972 as well as the League Cup and Charity Shield – plus two Fairs Cups. The Scottish winger, who earned 12 caps, was voted as the club’s third-greatest player of all time in a 2000 vote, behind only Billy Bremner and John Charles.Gray family’s Leeds dynastyEDDIE GRAY One of the club’s greatest-ever players – voted third in 2000 vote. Spent entire career from 1965 to 1984 with Leeds, scoring 68 times in 577 appearances and winning two league titles. A true Elland Road legend.FRANK GRAYPlayed both with and under his brother Eddie at Leeds. Came through at Leeds to win 1973-74 First Division, headed to Forest where he won European Cup then returned to Elland Road. 35 goals in 396 games across two spells. ANDY GRAYLike his dad Frank, had two stints with Leeds and also played for Forest. Far less distinguished Leeds career with one goal in 38 matches at either end of his career largely spent in the EFL. NICK GRAYEddie’s son starred in the Leeds academy before a career elsewhere, struggling to make it into the first team. Enjoyed stint at Halifax. STUART GRAYBrother of Nick, son of Eddie. Didn’t play for Leeds but starred for Celtic before spells with Reading, Rushden & Diamonds and Oxford United. ARCHIE GRAYBurst through as a teenager and immediately adored as the son of Andy and grandson of Frank. Only had the 2023-24 season in the first team and missed out on promotion, racking up 52 appearances. Joined Tottenham for £30million in 2024. HARRY GRAYArchie’s younger brother is impressing in the Leeds academy. Aged just 14, he was already in the Under-18s, scoring a host of wondergoals and even featuring for England at youth level. CHARLIE & JACOB GRAYCousins of Archie and Harry and grandsons of Eddie, Charlie and Jacob are also shining in the Leeds academy. Charlie was born in 2012 with Jacob arriving the following year. Not only that but the second of his two famous strikes against Burnley in 1970 is widely regarded as the best goal in Leeds’ history. The Hall of Famer and MBE even had two stints as manager at Elland Road, too.While his nephew Andy played for Leeds, Eddie’s own sons did not as Nick starred in the academy before a career elsewhere while Stuart appeared for Celtic. However, there are more Gray kids who are marching on together through the Leeds academy right now.Archie’s younger brother Harry, born in 2008, is an exciting, highly-rated forward who has been hailed for his heaps of potential.By 14, he had already broken into the Leeds Under-18s side and is part of the England youth set-up, too.Video footage from earlier this year showed the teenager’s montage of wondergoals, sparking plenty of excitement among fans.Obviously he is a guy with lots of talent… he is full of potentialDaniel Farke on Harry GrayAnd the supporters got a glimpse of Harry when Daniel Farke gave him a run-out with the seniors in a pre-season friendly – but the manager quickly cooled excitement of an imminent breakthrough. Farke said: “Obviously he is a guy with lots of talent but I don’t like to praise the young lads too much and to put them too much into the spotlight. “We can’t expect to see him pretty, pretty soon right now at Elland Road.”He is full of potential. Here and there he will get a chance to smell a bit how it is with the first team and to adapt to senior football but we will stay patient.”We won’t put too much load on his small shoulders.”Before leaving Leeds, Archie even revealed his desire to play alongside his brother – meaning the final chapters on his own Leeds story may not be written just yet.Gray endeared himself to the Leeds crowd instantlyCredit: GettyHe was left gutted as his boyhood club lost the play-off finalCredit: GettyGray is settling into life at TottenhamCredit: AlamyHis brother Harry Gray is also in the Leeds academy and starring for EnglandCredit: GettyHe told the Guardian:  “I wouldn’t tell him this myself, but it’s my dream to play with Harry one day.“I just don’t know how we’d get along in training as we’re so competitive in everything we do and always have been. We’d have to be on the same team but as brothers we’re really close.”Harry is not the only Gray left at the Thorp Arch training ground, though. Because Archie and Harry’s cousins Charlie, born in 2012, and Jacob, born the following year, are also involved in the Leeds academy and desperate to try and emulate their own grandfather Eddie.Unlike the previous generations, Archie and Harry have opted to play for England at international level – rather than Scotland. Three Lions U21 ace Archie told the Daily Mail in April: “Ever since I was young I used to watch my dad [Andy] play and I heard about my uncle playing and my grandad Frank, I’ve always had to live up to it.”My dad’s been really good with me for advice, but I’ve been very lucky that everything has come together for me.”Ever since I was 15, things have come at me so quickly, but I’ve just got to be grateful for what I’ve got and keep improving.”He added: “Hopefully I can [get England recognition], but I’ve just got to take it step by step and keep focusing on my club football, which can hopefully attract the attention of whoever it is, whether it’s the [England] U21s or it’s the first team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’d be really happy just to play for my country. My hopes are to play for England, definitely. It’s where I’m from and where I’ve grown up. “I’m three-quarters English, so that’s where I’m at. My dad is totally happy for whatever makes me happy, even though Eddie supports Scotland. But I’m the same as him, I’m happy as long as he’s happy.”Archie and Harry’s dad Andy had two stints with LeedsCredit: AlamyAndy’s dad Frank was also a first-team star at Elland RoadCredit: PAFrank Gray, front row second from right, played in the European Cup for the clubCredit: GettyEddie had two spells as Leeds manager as wellCredit: GettyHe is considered one of the greatest players in Leeds’ rich historyCredit: ReutersWho are these famous footballers? More

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      I trained with Thierry Henry and he ruined my Arsenal career… it took me two years to go back over to the first team

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      FORMER Arsenal youth player Luke Ayling has revealed the reason he never made it in North London – Thierry Henry.The Middlesbrough full-back joined the Gunners youth setup at the age of 8. Luke Ayling (left) was part of Arsenal’s successful youth side in the mid-2000sCredit: Getty – ContributorBut an encounter with Thierry Henry in training opened his eyes to top-level footballCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAfter leaving the Gunners, Ayling has carved out a successful career and currently plays for BoroCredit: AlamyAyling spent over a decade with the club, signing his first professional contract in July 2009. The ex-Leeds star rubbed shoulders with Jack Wilshere and Kyle Bartley during his rise through the academy ranks.But after being asked to mark Premier League legend Henry in a training game as a 16-year-old, reality hit home. He told Joe Wilkinson on hit podcast My Mate’s A Footballer: “I trained with Henry.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The first training session, I was about 16. “He absolutely destroyed me in that first training session. “It took me about two years to go back over there to train [with the first team]. Because he’d done me that much.”Ayling made it just once onto a first-XI teamsheet during his Arsenal career.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis call came in the 2009/10 season when he appeared on the bench against Olympiacos in a Champions League game.The full-back signed for Yeovil Town that summer, ending his decade-long association with the club. Former Premier League star forced to answer awkward question live on Sky Sports ahead of huge EFL clashAyling jokingly added with a grin: “Henry ruined my Arsenal career. Cheers T.”Despite being let go by the Gunners, Ayling has gone on to enjoy a successful career.Arsenal ratings vs PrestonARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.Tommy Setford – 6A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.Jurrien Timber – 7Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-timeWilliam Saliba – 7Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.Jakub Kiwior – 8Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.Jorginho – 7Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.Mikel Merino – 7A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.Ethan Nwaneri – 9Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.Raheem Sterling – 7The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.Gabriel Jesus – 8Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.SubsThomas Partey – 6Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.Kai Havertz – 8Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.Bukayo Saka – 6More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.Ayden Heaven – 6Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.He played over 140 times for Yeovil before earning a move to Bristol City and then Leeds.Ayling became a firm fan favourite at Elland Road, helping them return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years in 2020. He is currently on the books at Championship side Middlesbrough and has appeared 12 times for Michael Carrick’s promotion hopefuls this season. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals nine-word message to Plymouth stars that inspired stunning comeback from being 3-0 down

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      WAYNE ROONEY revealed his nine-word message that inspired Plymouth to their stunning comeback.Rooney saw his Pilgrims fall 2-0 behind at home to Preston in the first half on Saturday.Wayne Rooney revealed how he motivated his Plymouth stars to their comebackCredit: X @SkySportsFootballThen things got even worse when North End grabbed a third three minutes after half-time. But Plymouth came roaring back.They got their first on 55 minutes and equalised in the 82nd minute.Then Home Park erupted in the second minute of injury time when Morgan Whittaker fired into the back of the net.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe appeared to hobble off during his celebration but the home fans didn’t care as they celebrated a simply incredible effort from their team.And Rooney revealed his half-time rocket was enough of a threat to fire his stars into action – but not until they conceded the third. He said: “I told them you’ve got five minutes otherwise I’m making five changes.”And then we went three goals down.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the impressive fighting spirit, Rooney was still not happy with what he saw.He added to Sky Sports: “I am angry because that performance is nowhere near good enough. We were easy to play against. Obviously I am pleased we drew the game but I can’t accept that performance.Former Man Utd star Wayne Rooney thinks Arteta is copying his management skills “I am frustrated but even at 3-0 you can turn a game and I tried to get more attackers into the box, but we didn’t do that at first.“The last three games we have hit a bit of a blip but we need to get out of it. The one thing I never question with the players is their character. We need to learn the little nuances of the game.“It could have been worse if it wasn’t for Dan (Grimshaw, goalkeeper). I felt for him today because of how easy it was for them to get through us and get shots off. It was schoolboy defending really.“I think the fans had every right to boo at half-time but then when they saw us pushing and making changes and getting more balls in the box you could feel the atmosphere growing. I was delighted for them we got a point.”Plymouth sit 21st in the Championship table, one point and one place above the relegation zone with three wins and three draws from 12 matches.Their last victory came when Whittaker again struck in injury time to grab a last-gasp winner against Blackburn – after Rooney had already been sent off. Morgan Whittaker scored in injury time to make it 3-3Credit: RexThe goal sparked wild scenes at Home ParkCredit: Rex More

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      Wolves lining up £20million transfer for Watford Euro 2024 star to help rescue them from Prem relegation

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      WOLVES will make Watford’s Georgian star Giorgi Chakvetadze a top target in January as they seek a Premier League saviour.Gary O’Neil’s men need new attacking inspiration and lively Chakvetadze, 25, has been on top form this season.Wolves are eyeing a January move for Watford midfielder Giorgi ChakvetadzeCredit: RexScouts watched the midfielder against Leeds on Tuesday and he is short-listed as a buy if the Molineux club can wheel and deal in the window.Wolves have been sellers recently but a purchase may save their top-flight skins.Watford would want up to £20million for a player who signed a fresh five-year deal only a month ago, however, and other Prem clubs have an eye on Chakvetadze.The Georgian international initially joined the Hornets on loan from Gent last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis loan move was then made permanent in February for around £2million.As well as penning a new deal, he has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Championship appearances this term.Meanwhile, the midfield ace also has nine goals in 33 caps for Georgia.He made his international debut in 2018 aged just 18 and was part of the Crusaders’ Euro 2024 squad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWilly Sagnol’s side were one of the surprise packages of the tournament in Germany during the summer.Chakvetadze played in all four of their matches as they reached the last 16, losing to eventual winners Spain.I watched Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al-Nassr, the atmosphere and standard had me shocked… but he didn’t seem botheredHis arrival would boost Wolves’ survival hopes after a difficult start to the season.O’Neil’s side are currently 19th following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Brighton.However, they have yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League fixtures. More

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      Championship stars get early shower as sprinklers turned on mid-match leaving players fuming

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      SUNDERLAND and Oxford players were caught off guard as sprinklers turned on mid-match.The incident happened quickly after kick-off with sprinklers going off all over the pitch in the first minute.Sprinklers going off caused a break in play at Sunderland vs OxfordCredit: GettyOxford players were not happy as it incident happened as they were on the attackCredit: GettyOxford were not too pleased as they were on the attack at the time, with the referee calling a halt to play.Players were seen with their arms up in the air – Oxford striker Mark Harris was seen gesturing towards the dugout area.Their frustrations were made worse 15 minutes later as Jobe Bellingham headed in the opener for the hosts.The Black Cats then doubled their lead after half-time through Wilson Isidor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans found the incident amusing with one saying: “Turning the sprinklers on while Oxford are on the attack is prime s***housery.”Another added: “Seems like Sunderland playing dark arts with sprinklers now.”It was a dramatic day in the Championship as Coventry’s clash with Luton was also stopped for a bizarre reason.The game was halted because somebody was seen paragliding over the Coventry stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the 81st minute of the game, cameras stopped filming the match action to watch the peculiar flight path above them.Coventry made use of the break in play as they scored moments later to win 3-2, having trailed 2-0 at half-time.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?! More

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      Karren Brady: Football isn’t broken and Keir Starmer’s plan to fix it will create many more problems than it solves

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      TO change, and to change for the better, are two different things.And the Government’s plan to change football is more likely to create many more problems than it solves.Keir Starmer’s Government will introduce the Football Governance Bill this weekCredit: GettySunSport columnist, and West Ham vice chairman, Karren Brady thinks the bill will only cause more problemsCredit: PAI remain wholly unconvinced about the role of regulators, both in and out of football.Just look at some of our leading industries and the way regulators have worked. Or not.Water is the obvious one as our beaches and rivers have been transformed into a toxic dumping ground while the companies rake in millions in wages, bonuses and shareholder dividends — almost always of little or no benefit to the UK.And don’t get me started on the trains. We have the most expensive railway network in the Western world, and best-paid train drivers, yet actually getting trains to run on time has been well-nigh impossible.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSo, please, when politicians preach about how the Football Governance Bill introduced in the House of Lords this week will make everything rosy in football’s garden, don’t believe the hype.There is no need for another layer of administration and regulation. And I’ll tell you why…The Premier League has been one of this country’s major success stories of the past three decades.It has taken a game which was crumbling and collapsing around our feet to the best and most-watched football league in the world. It is the global Big One.Most read in FootballThere are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.In the last three years the Premier League has given a world-leading £1.6billion to the EFL, National Leagues, grass-roots football and the women’s game. Nowhere else in the world can even get close to matching that.Jose Mourinho makes cheeky dig at the referee after being sent off against old club Manchester UnitedThe PL give nearly £8m on average to every EFL Championship club, £1.4m to each League One club and £900,000 to each League Two club.Politicians tell you the regulator will make clubs more fan-friendly but it is already being done.The Premier League instigated a Fan Engagement Standard, meaning there has to be a Fan Advisory Board at every single club.An away ticket price cap was introduced years ago, which ensures supporters pay a maximum of £30 when they travel.At the rate we’re going you’ll get about half a bathtub for that from our regulated water companies.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.Karren BradyI’ll give you some other numbers. The Premier League annually hands over £4.2bn in tax to the Treasury and directly employs 90,000 people, a third of whom are in the North West, an area which sadly has pockets of high deprivation.A total of 51 clubs have reached the Premier League, which surely underlines the fact that the financial distributions do broadly work.And while going into administration is a worrying time for fans, the likes of Crystal Palace, Luton, Bournemouth, Southampton and Leeds all reset and got to the Premier League — with three of them still in it.What happened to Bury and others like them was terribly sad but you cannot blame the Premier League for their financial mess.I’ve heard it said, mainly by ill-informed politicians, that parachute payments are fundamentally wrong. Not so. They allow clubs to remain financially sustainable should they suffer relegation from the top flight.The regulator will have to consider INCREASING parachute payments as that is the only way established relegated clubs can be more sustainable.There are critics who say the Premier League just looks after the hotshots, the Manchester Uniteds and Arsenals. Rubbish.Karren BradyThey give clubs the security to be able to invest in competitive squads, sign players and coaches on multi-year contracts and invest in world-class stadia and fan experience, with the knowledge that there will be some financial protection in the event of relegation.When you are relegated you still have to pay all the staff, including the players, and have all the same overheads, so if you don’t have the parachute payment you are effectively bust.The numbers are what makes the Premier League the world’s leading domestic club competition.Over 15million fans go to games every year and internationally OUR Premier League is watched annually by 1.5bn supporters from 189 countries.In every sense of the word it is a success, with not a regulator in sight.The Bill will change the way football operates, impacting supporters and clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIESA regulator that delivers stronger oversight of fan engagement and club heritage — and prevents breakaway leagues — is welcome.But one that significantly impacts the competitive balance of the league is not. More

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      I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

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      MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? 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