Leeds United loanee Harry Gray given two-word Sheffield Wednesday advice by Hillsborough favourite
The 17-year-old left Leeds United for Sheffield Wednesday on loan this summer.
Out-on-loan Leeds United youngster Harry Gray has been given a simple but valuable piece of advice by a Sheffield Wednesday legend.
Gray will spend the 2026/27 campaign at Hillsborough after joining Wednesday on loan earlier this month. It will be the 17-year-old’s second temporary Leeds exit and his second move into League One, albeit for a team eyeing promotion instead of fighting - and ultimately failing - to survive.
Three goals in that relegation battle for Rotherham were evidence Gray can handle the pressure but expectation levels will be higher at Hillsborough. Wednesday fans are rediscovering the feeling of excitement following a tumultuous period under much-derided owner Dejphon Chansiri.
Gray will have to shoulder those expectations but should also be part of a more attack-minded team who can create more chances than Rotherham. And Chris Waddle, who played 147 games across four years with the Owls, hopes to see the on-loan Leeds man thrive at his former club.
Asked what advice he’d give Gray, Waddle told The Star: “Enjoy it. Wednesday have great fans, I had a great relationship with them. They like skill, they like creativity, they like players with imagination. I saw him play for Rotherham last year - he was in a team that was struggling and probably lost a bit of confidence.
“If he comes out the blocks with Barry Bannan around him giving him experience and pointing him in the right direction, we know he's got a lot of talent. The main thing at that age is to go there and enjoy it. Turning out in front of 30,000 fans - amazing."
Gray should have little problem handling those expectations, with the 17-year-old not short of confidence. He’s already joined up with his Wednesday teammates for pre-season and should be in line for some friendly minutes soon enough.
One former player to have walked out regularly at both Elland Road and Hillsborough is Mel Sterland. And the 1991/92 First Division title-winning full-back told the YEP he expects Gray to shine in South Yorkshire.
“Seriously, the kid can play,” Sterland said. “He's a good footballer. He can play up front, he can drop into midfield. He's got that bit of nastiness in him, you know, he doesn’t mind putting his foot in, and he's 17 years old.
“He'll do well at Hillsborough and the fans will love him because he puts himself about and he can score goals. It will be amazing for the kid, and he can play 100 per cent. For a 17-year-old kid, he's got plenty of potential, and I think for Sheffield Wednesday, he'll be superb.”