The image of Eddie Gray, neck disappearing into his shoulders, dribbling towards a hapless full back was one of the indelible ones of Revie-era Leeds. Just about the nicest man in football, Gray might have been a global legend but for injuries. "If Eddie had been blessed with any sort of luck at all, he would have been a bigger name than George Best," Revie said. He then added: "When he walks on snow he doesn't leave footprints." Gray ruptured a thigh muscle aged 16 in Leeds reserves. "There were complications and, as a result, I never had the opportunity to play to my full potential," he said. "The thigh injury restricted me in every way, whether it be pace or striking the ball. I was always aware of it."
Which is quite something given that he was wonderful and made close to 600 appearances. Periodically shafted by the hierarchy afterwards, being sacked as manager on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run a particular low, Gray remains one of the good guys.
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Edwin Gray | |
| Date of birth | 17 January 1948 (1948-01-17) | |
| Place of birth | Glasgow, Scotland | |
| Playing position | Winger | |
| Senior career1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1965-1983 | Leeds United | 454 (52)[1] |
| National team | ||
| 1969-1977 | Scotland | 12 (3) |
| Teams managed | ||
| 1982-1985 1986-1988 1988-1989 2003-2004 | Leeds United Rochdale Hull City Leeds United (caretaker) | |
1 Senior club appearances and goals | ||