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This summer’s transfer deadline day saw Fulham sign Julian Gray on loan from Coventry City. With many of Fulham’s players away on international duty, Gray’s first training sessions presented the player with a good opportunity to get used to his new surroundings – and reacquaint himself with some familiar faces.
“I know a few of the Fulham lads already,” he said. “I don't know them really well, but the likes of Paul Konchesky I know from being on trial Charlton. I know Bobby Zamora as well. That always makes the transition easier.
“Obviously I know AJ [Andrew Johnson] very well. We were at Crystal Palace at the same time and played together in the 2003/04 season when we got promoted to the Premier League. He scored a lot of goals and quite often I was the one giving him the delivery, so I can't wait to rekindle that relationship. Hopefully it will be just as successful.”
Looking back on the move, Gray explained how the switch to Craven Cottage came about.
“Chris Coleman pulled me to one side. He said that there had been an approach made for me from a Premier League team. It was completely out of the blue so it came as a bit of a shock.
“I went down to London on transfer deadline day; had my medical and was offered an initial one-year loan deal. Because of the late timing of everything it's just a loan at the moment, then we'll see what happens.
“Roy Hodgson is a really nice man. He is very pleasant and it was great to meet him. He is a good manager and has managed some big clubs, in England and in Europe. He's achieved some big things and comes with a fantastic reputation. He's got good ideas and I'm really looking forward to working with him and the rest of the team.
“He said that I'm different to the players he has got. I think my natural strengths will add to the squad that's here already. I like to run at people, take them on and cross the ball – doing all the things that I do best. I've also got Premiership experience and that can only help.”
However, Gray is anticipating a lot of hard to earn a place in the starting line-up.
“I'm not expecting the gaffer to start changing an Arsenal-beating team around,” he said. “If I went straight into the team it would be a bonus but I'm going to work really hard and wait for my opportunity. If I do go in it will be fantastic and I will grab the opportunity with both hands.
“It's an exciting time for me and I'm delighted to be back in the Premier League. I'm from London and my family all live down here. So being home makes it all even better.”
