WEST Bromwich Albion’s squad includes former Barnsley players Alex Mowatt, Devante Cole, Daryl Dike, Callum Styles and now Jack Bray.
The 18-year-old striker was born and raised in Darton and started playing at North Gawber FC from the age of four before signing for the Reds aged eight. He was released at 16 then spent two years at Harrogate Town in their under 18s before moving to the Championship Baggies.
On being released by Barnsley, Bray told the Chronicle: “It was tough.
“I always followed Barnsley and used to go to pretty much all the games.
“Barnsley was all I really knew so it was a weird feeling. But I just kept going.
“I signed up with Harrogate and had to move away from home and experience different stuff.”
Bray played twice for Harrogate’s first team – coming off the bench in the EFL Trophy at Crewe then in League Two at Grimsby on Boxing Day last year.
“I loved being at Harrogate. At first it was struggle being in digs away from your family.
“But once I got used to it, I developed a lot.
“I enjoyed playing my first senior games.”
Bray caught West Brom’s eye last season by scoring twice against them in the FA Youth Cup in December. He was set to sign for them in January but picked up an unfortunate foot injury which delayed the move until the summer.
“I have finally got here.
“It’s very exciting. It’s a massive club and I’m going up in levels. I just can’t wait to get playing.
“I have signed for three years so I need to make the most of it. Hopefully I can break into the first team and get Championships games then build from there.”
The Baggies have a series of former Barnsley players such as strikers Cole and Dike, Hungarian international Styles and former Reds captain Mowatt.
“I remember ball-boying for all of them and watching them in the stands. It’s surreal to be in the same building as them every day.”
West Brom academy manager Richard Stevens said: “It’s great to have Jack here.
“He’s a great person, has a lovely family behind him, loves his football and he will be a good acquisition to the group.
“In the FA Youth Cup, you play teams from different leagues, categories, and players get the chance to stand out. We watched Harrogate’s previous two matches before we played them last season and Jack stood out.”
