Returning wide-man relishing Saddlers' chance...
HAVING signed a deal at the club initially until January at the end of last week, Julian Gray, is hoping to be involved in the squad that plays host to Bradford City on Saturday (kick-off 3.00pm).The 34 year-old has been involved in several reserve team games recently and is now looking to make his mark on the first-team.
"I'm very happy to be back here," he said. "I have a good relationship with Dean Smith and enjoyed my previous time here and was keen to return.
"There are a lot more younger lads here now, but the set-up is the same and it is a nice environment in which to work.
"To be honest I'm raring to go and ready for selection when called upon. I've played a few reserve team games and my fitness levels are back towards where I want them to be."
Having spent the past couple of years playing in Cyprus, Gray is looking to use that experience to his advantage. "The standard over there was much higher than I first expected," he admitted. "It was good to be able to experience a different culture and I learned a lot over there.
"Similarly, there were a lot of younger lads in the team, so I had to help them by using my own experiences in the game and hopefully I can do similar things here.
"I'm here to play football and if my performances can extend my stay, then I will be delighted."