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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Peter Fitzpatrick

Archie Gray reveals how Ange Postecoglou played key role in family wanting him to join Tottenham

Archie Gray has opened up on decision to join Tottenham in the summer, including his family’s excitement at the chance for him to play under Ange Postecoglou.

The 18-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, made the switch to north London from his boyhood club Leeds in the summer in a deal worth in the region of £40m.

Speaking on Spurs’ official YouTube channel, Gray said: “I felt the time was right. When a club like Tottenham comes in, you might not get that opportunity again.

“I felt like I had to take that opportunity. I am obviously really grateful for the chances I got at Leeds, and the memories I made will always be with me.”

Gray is part of a famous football family, most notably his great-uncle Eddie, who is a Leeds legend, and his grandfather Frank, who won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest among other honours.

Both came to Leeds from Glasgow at a young age, growing up as Celtic fans, and the chance to work with former Hoops manager Postecoglou was something he and his family was very enthusiastic about.

That will grow in the coming weeks, with Spurs travelling to Glasgow to face Rangers in the Europa League next month.

“I’m definitely very excited to play Rangers,” Gray said.

On whether Postecoglou being in charge at Spurs was an added motivation to join them, Gray added: “Yeah, and all my family were like that as well, especially Eddie and Frank and my dad, they were really excited that I’ve got the opportunity to work under him.”

Gray is likely to start at Ibrox on December 12, having played every minute of Spurs’ four European games this season so far.

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