Nicky's happy to let his football do the talking. His father Eddie was a Leeds United legend, uncle Frank won the European Cup and cousin Andy has played for the likes of Forest, Bradford City and Sheffield United.
But new Town signing Nicky Gray is determined to make a name for himself in his own right.
Throughout his entire life, football has been a major factor and he started his own career as a junior at Elland Road, rising through the ranks to the reserves side before being allowed to leave. Today he was set to make his senior debut in midfield for Halifax Town with Martin Foster suspended and fellow new boy Tom Kearney injured. And while the comparison with family members is almost inevitable, he is not bothered by it.
"I don't let it affect me. Obviously everywhere I go I get the Eddie's son tag. And people are bound to start wondering whether I am as good as him. But it is something I have had all my life, from playing Sunday League, and I don't let it bother me. You get used to it. The whole family is involved in the game, father, uncle, cousins so football has always been there. It is all part and parcel of what I am about."
An attacking midfielder by trade, Gray ended up at right back in his
But new Town signing Nicky Gray is determined to make a name for himself in his own right.
Throughout his entire life, football has been a major factor and he started his own career as a junior at Elland Road, rising through the ranks to the reserves side before being allowed to leave. Today he was set to make his senior debut in midfield for Halifax Town with Martin Foster suspended and fellow new boy Tom Kearney injured. And while the comparison with family members is almost inevitable, he is not bothered by it.
"I don't let it affect me. Obviously everywhere I go I get the Eddie's son tag. And people are bound to start wondering whether I am as good as him. But it is something I have had all my life, from playing Sunday League, and I don't let it bother me. You get used to it. The whole family is involved in the game, father, uncle, cousins so football has always been there. It is all part and parcel of what I am about."
An attacking midfielder by trade, Gray ended up at right back in his
second substitute appearance for the Shaymen against Kidderminster on Tuesday night. Injury to Gus Uhlenbeek, and the fact that Town had used all three of their available substitutions, forced the issue. But Gray says he is not too worried about where he is asked to play - as long as he is asked!
"You have to fill in wherever you are needed. Gus got injured and I was asked to play at right back. I don't mind. Wherever the Gaffer asks me to play, I will be happy to play there." He was expected to get a chance in more familiar midfield territory at Exeter City this afternoon.
And he will be keen, having signed on non-contract terms, to make the most of his opportunity. "I just need to play football. I will continue to work hard in training and when I get a chance I will be ready to take it, hopefully. I am not focusing on contracts or anything like that."
"You have to fill in wherever you are needed. Gus got injured and I was asked to play at right back. I don't mind. Wherever the Gaffer asks me to play, I will be happy to play there." He was expected to get a chance in more familiar midfield territory at Exeter City this afternoon.
And he will be keen, having signed on non-contract terms, to make the most of his opportunity. "I just need to play football. I will continue to work hard in training and when I get a chance I will be ready to take it, hopefully. I am not focusing on contracts or anything like that."