Birmingham City have re-signed former winger Julian Gray to take on a coaching role within their expanding academy. Gray, 44, previously played for the Blues from 2004 to 2007, where he scored in the Second City derby against Aston Villa, experienced relegation, and then won promotion from the Championship under Steve Bruce.

After his playing career, which included stints at Crystal Palace, Coventry City, and Walsall, Gray moved to Cyprus before retiring in 2014. He then transitioned into coaching and rejoined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 as an under-18s assistant coach.

Now, Gray is back at Birmingham City, where he will lead the under-15s team as part of the club’s academy overhaul under Knighthead. With a UEFA A License, Gray joins a roster of former players returning to Wast Hills as Birmingham aims to regain Category One status.

Mike Scott, who has returned to his boyhood club as the academy head of coaching, will work alongside academy director Mike Rigg and academy manager Liam Daish. Scott emphasized Gray’s selection, noting his exceptional coaching skills, ability to share valuable insights from his playing career, and his role as a mentor for young players aspiring to become professionals.

Scott also highlighted that Gray’s forward experience will benefit players aiming to reach the Premier League, reflecting Gray’s own journey from the club’s past top-flight status.

In addition to Gray, Birmingham City has also welcomed former players Marcos Painter and Jonathan Grounds into coaching roles, with Painter working with the Under-16s and Grounds joining the coaching staff.

Scott remarked on the advantage of having former players like Gray and Painter in the academy, noting that their professional experience across various leagues enhances the coaching environment and helps both players and current coaches develop further.

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