Andre Gray signs for Argyle
Argyle have signed free agent Andre Gray on a short-term contract until January.
The striker, whose last club was Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro-League, has signed in time to be available for Saturday’s home game against Blackburn Rovers, subject to international clearance.
The 33-year-old comes equipped with a wealth of experience of England’s top two divisions and has scored nearly 200 career goals.
After beginning his career with Shrewsbury Town, and having loans to various non-league clubs, it was in 2011/12 when Gray’s career began to take off, as he scored five in nine in a loan spell at Luton Town, leading to a permanent move. Two years later, having scored 57 in 111 for the Hatters in the National League, Gray was signed by Brentford, in the Championship.
After scoring 18 in his first season with the Bees, Gray moved to Burnley, and scored 23 times as the Clarets were promoted to the Premier League in 2015/16. Scoring nine Premier League goals the following year, Gray moved to Watford where he spent four seasons, playing regular top-flight football.
In 2021/22, Andre had a loan spell with Queens Park Rangers in the Championship and scored 10 goals. He then spent a year in Cyprus, playing for Aris. He was top goalscorer with 13 goals, and played in the UEFA Europa Conference League, before spending last year in Saudi Arabia.
Gray also has 13 caps for Jamaica, for whom he played for the first time in 2021. He has three goals for the Reggae Boys.
Upon the signing of Gray, Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney said: “Once we knew the severity of Muhamed’s injury, we moved quickly to bring in a striker to replace him.
“Andre is a striker of real quality and has played and scored goals at the highest level. He will provide competition in forward areas as we head into a busy period of the season, and I am really happy to have him here.”
Argyle Director of Football Neil Dewsnip added: “It was a real shame to lose Muhamed for a lengthy period, but we are delighted we’ve been able to move so quickly to bring in a player of Andre’s quality to strengthen the forward line.
"Andre is a player of real pedigree and has been a natural goalscorer throughout his career.
“He has trained with the group for the last couple of days, looked sharp and shown the quality he has.
“I want to welcome him to Argyle and wish him well for his time with the club.”
The deal is subject to EFL approval and international clearance. Andre will wear squad number 19.
