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Born in Camberwell, the 5' 10" striker rose through the ranks with the Dons, making his Premiership debut as a 19-year old during 1999-2000. However starting opportunities were always hard to come by, and his 15 First Division starts last term was Gray's largest appearance return.
Wayne failed to make the scoresheet during an awful Don's campaign in 2003-04 until April - he struck four times - but had previously netted 3 times in 14 starts and 35 substitute showings.
Four loan spells, at Swindon Town (8+4 apps, 2 gls), Port Vale (2+1 apps), Leyton Orient (15+2 apps, 7 gls) and Brighton & Hove Albion (3+1 apps, 1 gl), mean however that Gray has good experience of the lower leagues. Hopefully he'll come into his own for Southend United.
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com