Southend striker Wayne Gray is the latest player to be linked with Athletic. According the the Chronicle, the 25 year old is being watched by “six or seven” clubs. With Luke Beckett still not committed to the club the Latics boss is somewhat hand-tied in what he can do. Beckett has been linked with Darlington, who are in a position to meet his demands, but it all depends if Luke is prepared to step down a division or not. Gray scored nine goals in 23 games for the Shrimpers and is at the end of his contract. Southend manager Steve Tilson has given Gray the option of staying at Roots Hall although there will be no guarantee of first team football as he was used as sub for long periods of last season. Gray has experience at Wimbledon , Swindon, Port Vale, Leyton Orient, Brighton as well as Southend.
The opinion of the Southend supporters is that he is an exciting player at times although he can be frustrating due to him spending so much time on the ground during games. "Get up Wayne" is probably the most used phrase at Roots Hall when he is on the field. Not renown as the most intelligent of players, but he takes a mean penalty, Gray represented England in sprinting and high jump before he became a footballer and it sometimes shows that he is a natural athlete before being a natural footballer.
When his agent discusses terms it will probably be the same old story of "we have to move players out before we can bring them in." We'll have to wait and see if anything materialises from this enquiry but don't hold your breath.