Archie Gray explains Ange Postecoglou role after sealing £30m Tottenham transfer
Archie Gray claims he joined Tottenham from Leeds because he “loves” Ange Postecoglou.
Gray and his family are huge Celtic fans because of his footballing grandad Frank’s Glasgow roots and he admires Postecoglou for winning five trophies in his two seasons at Celtic Park. The 18-year-old claims continuing his education under Postecoglou at Tottenham was a huge draw in his move from Leeds.
Gray has joined Spurs for £30million with Joe Rodon heading in the opposite direction to Elland Road for £10million. “I’m not going to lie to you,” Gray said in his first interview on the Tottenham website. “I’m a massive Celtic fan, so I love him, my whole family love him.
“I haven’t really said this to be fair, but he’s a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well. I’ve still got loads to learn because I’m only 18 so that’s really important.
“It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest and I don’t think it will for the next few days and until we’ve played a few games and I’ve got to meet everyone.
“I’m just really excited and looking forward to it. It’s massive opportunity for me and I’m really excited.
“When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and the Europa League this year, you know I couldn’t really say no.” Gray, who has signed a six-year deal at Spurs, insists he is ready for the Premier League, despite just one season of first-team football when he made 52 appearances for Leeds.
“I think there are loads of things I’ve got to learn and I think parts of the Premier League would would suit me more than maybe the Championship would,” he said.
“I think I’m ready for it. I think the fitness side of it, suits my game so much and the technical aspects of it, really suits me. I think quite a lot of it suits me, but there’re obviously loads of things I need to start learning and I need to do that in pre-season.
The midfielder impressed with Leeds last season
“I need to get ready for that, obviously it’s a different league and I need to get ready for that. But I’m hoping that I’ll be able to learn really quickly and perform to my best in every game.”
Midfielder Gray was used mainly at right-back by Leeds last season and he claims he will lay anywhere for Spurs.
“Obviously, I see myself as a midfielder, that’s my ideal position,” he said. “But I don’t put myself down to one position and I think I’m a versatile player and I can play in a lot of positions on the pitch, which is really effective when you’ve got so many competitions and so many games this year.
“You don’t want to have too big of a squad and I think it can be really, really helpful for the team to be really versatile and I’m not bothered about where I play.”
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