Club Career
Gray was born in Lewisham, in south London. He began his football career with Arsenal as a trainee. After a few seasons he made the switch across London to join Crystal Palace for £500,000 in 2000. He is an attacking left winger, can also play as an auxiliary striker, and has learnt full back duties so he can help out in defence. Following his move to Palace Gray was instrumental in The Eagles' success and played a major part in helping them achieve promotion in the 2003–04 season, despite missing the play-off final through suspension. In addition to his successes during that season he spent a month on loan with Cardiff City. One of Gray's most memorable games for Palace was when he scored as Palace surprisingly knocked Liverpool out of the 2002–03 FA Cup at Anfield.
Gray's contract expired in June 2004, allowing him to sign for Birmingham City on a free transfer. He played a number of games in his first season in the Midlands and remained a key part of manager Steve Bruce's plans up until the 2005–06 season, but found himself out of the first team after the Blues' promotion, and was released in May 2007.
He joined Coventry City on 10 July 2007. He signed for Fulham on a season-long loan on 1 September 2008, and despite not playing a single league game for the club, the move was made permanent for an undisclosed fee on 2 February 2009. He made only one substitute appearance for Fulham, and was released at the end of the season.
In July 2009 Gray went on Sheffield United's pre-season tour of Malta as part of a trial with the club, and the following month he had a trial with former club Cardiff City.
On 15 September 2009 Gray joined Barnsley on a free transfer, initially on a monthly contract. He was released after two months, during which he made seven appearances in all competitions and started only one Championship game.
He joined Walsall in February 2010, and was offered a new deal by the club at the end of the season. He scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season in the 2–1 victory over Brentford with a volley from a Darren Byfield cross.
Read more about this topic: Julian Gray
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