Archie Gray is back at Leeds United on Saturday and received a very warm reception from supporters at Elland Road.
It’s been a promising opening six games for Leeds United, who could be even higher in the Premier League table than their 12th position if it wasn’t for conceding some agonising late goals.
Daniel Farke’s side have a stern test on their hands ahead of the second international break of the season, though, as Tottenham Hotspur have made the trip to Yorkshire for Saturday’s early kick-off.
Thomas Frank has improved his new side but their form has faltered as of late, drawing three of their last four games and only managing to beat League One’s Doncaster Rovers.
With Spurs losing their last seven matches before an international break to boot, Leeds have a real chance to pick up a statement victory and get one over one of their favourite sons.
Archie Gray came up through the club’s academy to shine in the first team and continue the historic Gray dynasty, but left for Tottenham in 2024 when Leeds failed to get promoted after losing the play-off final.
Spurs signed Gray for £30m after triggering a release clause in his contract and now the midfielder is back at Elland Road for the first time since his exit.
It has been a happy reunion.
Archie Gray thanks Leeds fans for warm reception
Gray was named on the bench for the game, while his brother, Leeds’ Harry Gray, didn’t make the squad due to injury.
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Archie was back on the Elland Road turf ahead of kick-off, though, for the warm-ups and Leeds fans could be heard cheering loudly after his name was read out on the tannoy system.
Gray returned the warm welcome in kind by applauding his former fan base.
Once the game had begun, Leeds fans gave Gray another big clap when he went down the touchline to warm up.
Unlike Gray, who remains beloved by fans, Tyler Adams was loudly booed on his return to the club with Bournemouth last week.
Fans even chanted “He’s had enough, he’s had enough” and gave a wild cheer when Adams was hooked early by manager Andoni Iraola.
How Archie Gray felt about Leeds United reunion
Speaking ahead of the match, Gray discussed how he was feeling about returning to Leeds, where he was raised and one which has such close ties to his family.
He told Tottenham’s official website: “I can’t wait. That’s my home, that’s where I’ve been raised and I’ve got so much love for Leeds but I’m playing for Tottenham now. We’ve obviously got a job to do at the weekend and we’re looking forward to that.
“Already, it feels a little bit weird that we’re going to be playing against a team where I’ve spent virtually my whole life.
“I’m so grateful for everything that they’ve done for me and I’m so proud to be from Leeds and be one of their own. Of course, it’s going to be unusual going back there this weekend, but we’ve got a job to do.”