Wednesday Nov 09 2005 00:00
Nationwide South club Sutton Uniteds midfielder Matt Gray has revealed his ambition to play in the Football League despite signing a new contract to stay at the club until 2007.
Both manager and player are realistic about the deal, which would help Sutton get a good price for Gray (pictured) if he decides to leave in the close season.
The 21-year-old is one of Suttons longest-serving and most loyal players, but he admits that he would like to follow in the footsteps of his former schoolmate Nicky Bailey.
He said: "I think if everyone had stayed from last season we would have had the chance to do well this year, but a lot of them wanted to play at a higher level and I am no different.
"Things have turned out well for people like Nicky, but I am happy to stay at Sutton, play well and hopefully get my chance."
But Gray is still mindful how much he owes his hometown club.
He signed for Sutton when he was just 15 after unsuccessful trials with big London clubs.
He left Chelsea as a schoolboy because he "didnt like it" and then broke his leg three months into a spell at Fulham.
In 2001, aged 16, Gray was one of the youngest players to pull on a Sutton shirt and has since made 208 appearances for the club.
He said: "Sutton gave me my break and I am grateful for all the help they have given me.
"I know I owe them a lot, but the ambition is still there to play as a professional. If a club offered me a trial tomorrow, I would take it."
Sutton manager John Rains has learned the harsh lessons of last season, when Sutton lost a number of first team players on free transfers.
"The deal is in both our interests," said Rains.
"The player knows where he is going to be for the next two or three years and we know that, if he is going to be put in the shop window of first team football, we are going to be protected."
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