George Edward Ray (born 13 October 1993) is a former professional footballer who played as a defender. He is a former Wales under-21 international.
Ray started his professional career at Crewe Alexandra and made his first-team debut in the 2013 Football League Trophy final, becoming the first player to make his professional debut in a cup final held at Wembley. He later played for Tranmere Rovers, Exeter City, Leyton Orient (loan), Barrow and Morecambe.
Club career Crewe Alexandra Ray came through the Crewe Alexandra F.C. Academy to sign professional forms in 2011. He was loaned out to Northern Premier League side Leek Town in the 2011–12 season. He made his senior debut for the "Railwaymen" at Wembley Stadium on 7 April 2013, in the Football League Trophy final victory over Southend United – the first player to make his professional debut in a Wembley cup final. On 11 February 2014, Ray signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Crewe Alexandra.
In March 2017, Ray revealed that he had considered leaving Crewe, declaring "the first six months (of the current season) were the worst times of my career," but was now playing for a new contract under Crewe's new manager. David Artell had replaced Steve Davis in January 2017 and he recalled Ray to the first team and then made him team captain following an injury to Danny Hollands in February 2017. On 9 May 2017, Crewe announced that Ray had been offered a new contract by the club,Crewe Alexandra Retained List 2017, CreweAlex.net. Retrieved 9 May 2017. and in June 2017 he signed a two-year deal running to June 2019.
Ray suffered a back injury at the end of the 2016–17 season that required prolonged treatment and kept him out of first-team action until early 2018. He made his first appearance of the season at Lincoln City on 24 February 2018. On 5 May 2018, Ray appeared in a Crewe starting 11 who were all Crewe Academy graduates, one of two players (with Ben Garratt) to feature both times this has been achieved. At the end of the 2018–19 season, he declined a new deal and was set to leave the club.
Tranmere Rovers On 24 June 2019, Ray signed a two-year deal with League One side Tranmere Rovers, becoming Micky Mellon's first signing of the season. He made his debut in an opening day loss to Rochdale. He scored his first goal for the club in an EFL Trophy tie against Aston Villa U21 on 8 October 2019.
Exeter City On 28 June 2021, Ray joined League Two side Exeter City on a free transfer following his release from Tranmere Rovers. He made his debut on the opening day of the season, helping his new side keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Bradford City. He scored his first goal for the club on 27 November 2021, in a 1–1 draw with Rochdale.
Leyton Orient (loan) On 31 January 2022, Ray joined League Two Leyton Orient on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season.
Barrow On 27 June 2022, Ray joined League Two club Barrow on a two-year deal having had his Exeter contract terminated by mutual consent. On 1 May 2024, the club said Ray had been released.
Morecambe Ray was one of 15 free agents that signed for League Two club Morecambe on 12 July 2024, after the club's embargo on registering new players was lifted. Ray announced his retirement at the end of the 2024–25 season.
International career Ray was called up to the Wales under-21 side in March 2013, at the age of 19.
Personal life Following his retirement, Ray moved to Dubai to start a career in real estate.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsLeek Town (loan)2011–12NPL Division One North12100—11132Crewe Alexandra2012–13League One40000010502013–14League One900010001002014–15League One3520020003722015–16League One2201010102502016–17League Two2310020202712017–18League Two1200000001202018–19League Two322100030362Total13752060701525Tranmere Rovers2019–20League One1501010412112020–21League Two111100060181Total2612010101392Exeter City2021–22League Two191301000231Leyton Orient (loan)2021–22League Two9000000090Barrow2022–23League Two3601000304002023–24League Two413201010453Total773301040853Morecambe2024–25League Two2000001030Career total282111009023232413
Honours Crewe Alexandra Football League Trophy: 2012–13
Tranmere Rovers EFL Trophy runner-up: 2020–21
References
External links