Julian Gray is one of Steve Bruce's 'famous five' signings over the summer. Muzzy Izzet, Mario Melchiot, Emile Heskey and Jesper Gronkjaer have all been bought into St. Andrew's to try and help kick the club on to a European place. While Gray is probably the least well known it doesn't mean he will be any less effective. The 24-year-old suffered the heartbreak of missing Crystal Palace's crucial play-off final win against West Ham due to suspension and he admitted that his last day at Palace proved to be a surreal experience. Ian Clarkson asks the questions.
Q:HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT FOR YOU NOT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PLAY-OFF FINAL?
A:It was hard for me as we went to the stadium on the Friday and that is when it really hit home to me that I wasn't going to be involved. On the day, Iain Dowie wanted me to join in with the warm-up but I couldn't do it. To know that I would have had to get changed and then back again was too hard for me. It was difficult afterwards too, even though I was happy for the fans, lads and club, because I wasn't involved in the game.
Q:YOU WORKED WITH STEVE BRUCE AT CRYSTAL PALACE - DID THAT HAVE A BEARING ON YOUR DECISION TO SIGN?
A:Steve Bruce was a big factor in my decision. Also, the club seems to be improving every year and I felt I needed a new challenge. Before he came to Selhurst Park I wasn't playing regularly, but he made me more consistent and gave me a regular opportunity.
Q:WAS IT A WRENCH TO LEAVE CRYSTAL PALACE?
A:It was a hard decision and after everything that happened last season I felt that I needed a change. I came through it and I am looking forward to the future with Birmingham City. Clinton Morrison and Mikael Forssell both told me what a good club it was.
Q:YOU MUST BE EXCITED ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF PLAYING IN THE PREMIERSHIP?
A:You want to play against the best players in the world and the majority of players in the Premiership are internationals. I want to test myself.
Q:WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO BIRMINGHAM?
A:My game is based on going forward and taking people on. Hopefully I can please the crowd as I am a flair player and I don't mind where I play. I can play behind the front two as well but we play a 4-4-2 so wide left is fine for me. The most important thing for me is to be playing. Once I enjoy my football everything will follow.
Q:YOU STARTED LIFE AT ARSENAL - WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE THERE?
A:Silvinho, Marc Overmars, Freddie Ljungberg were all there and Ashley Cole was coming through. The manager was about to sign Robert Pires too. I made my debut the season before but there were so many international players in front of me I couldn't see how I was going to get a game. I needed first team football.
