It’ll be a Gray day if Dimmy leaves

After Koby Arthur committed himself to the club for a further two years, it is Demarai Gray`s turn next. The wide-man has been seeking assurances on the long-term plan of the club and the direction it`s heading. Quite a sensible approach from a young man, it has to be said. Another deep lying root of Dimmy`s enquiry is his own contract. His agent will be spouting for a higher wage for his client and who can honestly blame him?

Gray has been Blues` stand-out youngster over the last couple of years and the club have to offer him fresh terms to match his status. Arthur obviously liked what Gary Rowett had to say, so now the manager must work his charm on Gray. It has been reported by several sources that Gray wants to stay if his ambitions are matched by the club. By ambitions, I don`t think he necessarily means money, well that certainly isn`t the main issue. Gray wants to know that he can play in the top flight of English football. It seems as if he would love to do that with Blues but wants to ensure the club are on the up and preparing to challenge for a place in the promised land.

Unlike many youngsters (see Mr. Grealish down the road) Gray has never made the headlines for the wrong reasons, he has such an old head on his young shoulders. Aside from his footballing ability, his attitude makes him an important asset to Blues. Rowett and the Blues hierarchy have made it an absolute priority to sign him up for the next few years. Inevitably, the signing of Jacques Maghoma was met by some ‘he is Gray`s replacement` comments. That is not the case. Retraining the services of players like Gray and Clayton Donaldson could be the deciding factor in whether Blues finish in the top-six or bottom six. Between the two of them, they offer 20 odd goals and numerous assists. Blues would be daft not to throw everything in to the pot in order to keep hold of them both, especially Gray.

So, Mr Rowett, not only offer Gray a pay rise, throw in one of your world famous jumper / shirt combos too. He`ll be putty in your hands.

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