Micky began his career as a schoolboy in the Manchester United academy, playing alongside what became known as “The Class of 92” including Beckham, Scholes and the Neville brothers, before signing professionally for Sunderland.
In 1995-96 Micky was ever-present as Sunderland returned to the Premier League as champions. They were relegated at the end of the following season but were soon in contention again, reaching the play-off final in 1998 against Charlton Athletic at Wembley. The match would be remembered as one of the greatest games ever seen at the old Wembley stadium, finishing 4-4 after extra-time. Six penalties apiece couldn’t separate the teams either and it was Micky’s great misfortune to miss the decisive penalty.
This setback spurred Micky, and Sunderland, on to greater things, storming to the title the following season and finishing 7th twice, still the club’s highest finishes in the Premier League.
Triumphing over adversity, Micky’s form was so good that he became Sunderland’s club captain and one of the few players from outside the top flight to be picked for England, winning his first cap against Hungary in April 1999, making further appearances that year against Sweden and Bulgaria.
As well as over a decade at his boyhood club, Micky also enjoyed spells with Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday.
In an eventful career he played alongside and against some of the greatest players of his generation, from Eric Cantona to Henrik Larsson to Alan Shearer. A player who wore his heart on his sleeve, he was a popular fan favourite.
Micky’s private life has been just as colourful, being romantically linked to Melanie Sykes and Patsy Kensit. He is well known for being a fitness fanatic, keeping himself in shape, dressing well and looking after his appearance (including openly talking about his hair transplant surgery).
Micky is now an equally popular pundit, covering matches each weekend for Sky Sports and talkSPORT, where he also co-hosts the Sports Bar programme on Friday nights.
Beyond football, Micky is also an obsessive fan of Formula 1 motor racing and golf, becoming an investor in Golf Punk Magazine.
For punditry, corporate work, motivational speaking and media appearances please contact Micky Gray’s agent andrew@cloud9management.co.uk