October 2 2003

Julian Gray

Contract-rebel Julian Gray will re-sign for Crystal Palace on Wednesday on a weekly basis after failing to secure a Premiership move, and insists he will do his best for the Eagles, by Joseph O'Shea.

Gray, 24, walked out on Palace in July after refusing to sign a contract extension, because he was confident he could secure a move to the top flight.

He had trials with Leeds United, Charlton Athletic, Bundesliga side Hannover 96 and Blackburn Rovers in recent months but none of the clubs were willing to meet Palace's £500,000 compensation valuation, due under FA rules for out-of-contract players under 24.

Leeds boss Peter Reid and Charlton’s Alan Curbishley tabled bids, but they were not prepared to match the £500,000 Palace paid Arsenal in August 2000.

Now Gray will return to training with Palace, who have continued paying his wages since July to retain compensation rights, but will remain available for transfer should another interested club come forward.

Speaking to the Guardian on Tuesday, Gray said: "I'm going to sign tomorrow (Wednesday) on a week to week basis and take it from there. I can still speak to other clubs but I can play first team football for Crystal Palace.

"Obviously I'm disappointed that none of the moves came off, but now I just want to get back to playing football. If I am asked to play for the first team I will do my best for the club."

Despite walking out on the club to further his own ambitions, Gray does not expect any animosity from within the club, although he may not be so fortunate with the fans.

He said: "I haven’t got a problem with anyone at the club, and hopefully they won’t have a problem with me. I have spoken to the manager and he is happy for me to come back. He understood my reasons for wanting to leave."

Gray’s protracted transfer situation has hampered manager Steve Kember’s bid to bring in a left sided player, but he now appears ready to welcome him back to fill the gaping vacancy on the left side.

Kember said: "Julian has not got himself a club and will be rejoining us on a week-to-week basis.

"He's exercised his right to come back so we'll have to look at the situation over the next week or so and take it from there. He says he's got no problem with anyone here and we've all got on with him."

Gray is hoping to recapturing the form which brought him eight goals last season, help a stronger Palace squad climb up the table and no doubt attract Premiership interest.

Gray added: "From the outside I have been keeping up to date and spoken to my friends at the club. They have brought in some good players and I’m looking forward to getting back to playing football."