Individual end-of-season reports: Michael Gray

Last updated : 24 June 2009 By C. Morris

Michael Gray only joined the Owls in the January transfer window but in his short time at the club he became popular with the Hillsborough faithful and his team mates alike.

The former England man made his name as an up and down full-back but slotted into the Owls side in a wide midfield berth, with the ability to operate on either flank.

He only made 13 appearances for Wednesday but in this time he won man-of-the-match awards and contributed a number of assists. His defensive knowledge also helped the side to become a better unit, particularly away from home where results had previously been hard to come by.

His season was cut short by a shoulder injury that saw him miss the nearly all of the final 2 months of the season but he had done enough in the games he did play to earn a new deal for the forthcoming season.

When the 2009/10 campaign gets underway he will be 35 years of age and may not have the pace that he once did and so in certain home matches where the onus is on the Owls to go out and take the game to the opposition there are perhaps more attacking options available.

That said, Gray has the ability to bring a calming assurance to the team and looks reliable in his role in the team. With the loss of Steve Watson his experience on and off the field will also be an asset in the team.

Overall verdict: 7.5/10.