Another shade of Gray!
Archie follows in footsteps of dad, uncle and grandad at Leeds
WHEN Marcelo Bielsa summoned prodigious Leeds United talent Archie Gray to a notorious ‘murderball’ session, vindication was emphatic. Gray had begun training with the first-team squad and remarkably, aged 15, was named on the bench for a Premier League game against Arsenal in December 2021.
Mark Jackson, who nurtured Gray in Leeds’ vaunted academy and as his Under 23s manager, watched the midfielder in the gruelling training-ground game which sees the ball continually in play.
‘Marcelo’s murderball sessions were so intense, but Archie was fearless and had no apprehension whatsoever,’ says Jackson.
‘The way he used his physicality to protect the ball and get out of certain situations had me thinking “wow, he’s a bit special”.
‘Marcelo subsequently wanted Archie in more frequently with the first team even though he was still at school doing his GCSEs.
‘I was managing the Under 23s at the time and our challenge was to coordinate his school life with his training. The club was really good at putting together a programme which continued his education but exposed Archie to training with the first team, which allowed him to progress so quickly.’
Gray’s dad Andy, grandfather Frank and legendary great-uncle Eddie all played for Leeds.
It is now 17-year-old Archie’s time, with a firstteam debut beckoning following an impressive pre-season under new boss Daniel Farke.
‘If Archie does get an opportunity it would be fantastic for the whole family and a bit surreal,’ says the teenager’s father, ex-Leeds striker Andy.
‘He missed a large chunk of last season through injury until March and was then on the bench a few times without getting on. He’s just got to work hard every day and prove that he warrants a place.’
At 6ft 2in and ‘probably still growing’ according to his father, the imposing Gray has yet to find his best position.
Jackson added: ‘What really accelerated Archie’s progression was when he had a growth spurt and began to navigate his way around the pitch and dominate it. That’s a real strength of Archie’s now — he can go box to box and that’s what modern midfielders need to do.
‘I played with his dad at Leeds and Andy was always very fit, as was Eddie during his career. Archie’s fitness has allowed him to keep moving up the ladder and I think it’s a given that he’ll make his debut this season. I certainly envisage Archie impacting Leeds’ squad this year.’
Gray senior believes his son will gradually settle as ‘a No8 or No10.’
The 45-year-old played for Leeds over two spells, adding: ‘Archie’s quite mature for someone so young and doesn’t dwell on things — he’s pretty single-minded.
‘Having someone like Bielsa as your first manager, when you’re still at school, was unbelievable.
‘I was telling Archie at the time “this isn’t actually real, this shouldn’t really be happening, so take it all in”. I think he did, as much as young lad can do, and really appreciated how fortunate he was.’
Farke spoke well this week of Gray, whose brother Harry, 14, is also on Leeds’ books along with 11year-old Jacob, Eddie’s grandson.
‘Physically Archie’s in a good condition,’ said Farke, whose side travel to Hearts today for their final friendly before next Sunday’s Championship opener at home to Cardiff.
‘He has shown some really good performances in pre-season but also where he has to improve. What I like about him is he’s willing to learn. He’s on a good path.’
Several players have jumped ship since Leeds’ relegation and, while Ethan Ampadu has arrived from Chelsea, Farke has stressed the need for several more signings.
Gray’s fellow-academy graduate Charlie Cresswell, 20, who spent last season on loan at Millwall, similarly appears ripe for a breakthrough campaign.
Cresswell’s father Richard played for Leeds between 2005 and 2007 and Jackson adds: ‘It’s time for Charlie to shine and really fight for one of those centre-half spots.
‘He’s a great communicator and was showing his leadership skills when playing for me in the Under 18s at Leeds as a 15 or 16-year-old.
‘At Millwall last season he was very highly regarded as a firstteam starter. I’m sure Charlie will be chomping at the bit to earn Farke’s trust and show what he’s made of. I believe he’s got a great chance of doing that.’
Beyond Gray and Cresswell, Jackson pointed to several other young talents in Farke’s squad.
‘Crysencio Summerville, Cody Drameh, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood all played in the Under 23s and then progressed through under Marcelo,’ he said.
‘Mateo Joseph has huge potential and all the attributes to make an impact — Darko Gyabi is another.
‘Yes, players have left Leeds this summer and I’m sure others will arrive. But there are young lads there with enormous talent and some with Championship experience.
‘It’s a case of saying “now the club needs you, it’s your time to shine”.’