Archie Gray is another fine example of this Leeds United feat
While Tottenham Hotspur players were celebrating in front of their fans under the late-night skies in Bilbao on Wednesday, Archie Gray went around shaking the hand of every Manchester United player.
The 19-year-old showed an incredible level of maturity after winning his first piece of senior silverware, before later making sure to bask in Europa League glory. It’s been quite a few months for the Gray family.
Great-uncle Eddie, also a Leeds United academy graduate, saw his dynasty continue when great-nephew Harry got onto the Elland Road pitch for his Whites debut on promotion day last month.
Harry held nothing back in the celebrations afterwards and was perhaps more dynamic than brother Archie, who managed to get onto the San Mames pitch last night to see out the final in stoppage time.
To achieve the European feat against the arch enemy made the sights all the more sweeter for Leeds supporters. He becomes yet another academy product to make his mark on a big stage. The club’s record when it comes to producing youth talents is remarkable.
Of course, there are the heroes of yesteryear – the likes of Billy Bremner and Eddie Gray himself – who need no introduction. Gary Speed, a 1992 title winner, will forever be in the hearts of supporters. There are plenty of recent examples too.
Kalvin Phillips became the most lucrative academy product when he joined Manchester City for £45million in 2022. By then, he had played in a European Championship final for England having been a starring figure under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.
Though his time at Manchester City has not gone to plan, he was part of the squad that achieved the treble in 2023. Perhaps the most decorated academy product is James Milner, who is still playing nearly 23 years on from his Leeds debut. Three Premier League titles, a Champions League, two FA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, two League Cups and two Community Shields decorate his illustrious trophy cabinet.
Alan Smith won the FA Youth Cup with Leeds before tarnishing his relationship with the Whites faithful by moving to Manchester United, where he won a Premier League and League Cup.
He, like 2008 League Cup winner Aaron Lennon, was another to play for his country, scoring once in 19 caps. Fabian Delph also played for England, having won several honours at club-level including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups with Manchester City.
There are others who came through the United academy but didn’t play for the first team, including David Seaman, Danny Rose and Micah Richards – again, all England internationals.
There are a number of current United players who graduated from the youth ranks. Gray, Sam Byram, Alex Cairns, Sam Chambers, James Debayo and Charlie Crew have all played their part in helping United to the Championship title this season.
Archie Gray’s success on Wednesday only further highlights one clear truth – that if you’re in the Leeds United academy, you’ve got a great chance of having a successful career.
This is testament to the fabric and culture of the biggest club in Yorkshire, whose production line continues to flourish. Gray is just the latest example of a trend that is showing no signs of stopping.
