Gray gets free transfer

Sunderland’s longest serving player Michael Gray has completed a free transfer to Blackburn Rovers. Gray who joined Sunderland as a trainee in July 1990 after being released by Manchester United has made 411 appearances for Sunderland scoring 17 times.

Blackburn Rovers have taken over the remainder of his contract, which has two and a half years to run. This means that Gray joins the list of high earners no longer on the wage bill at Sunderland.

Sunderland Chairman Bob Murray who personally negotiated the move said of the former captain’s departure, “We wish Michael all the best for the future. He has been a loyal servant of the club for many years and this move gives him the opportunity to kick start his career with a new challenge.”

Gray had spent the first half of this season on loan to Celtic where he gained Champions League experience and Martin O’Neill’s club expressed further interest in Michael along with Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, but Blackburn came in and beat them to his signature.