MARTIN Gray has rocked relegated Oxford United by slapping in a transfer request.

The 27-year-old midfielder has recently become a father and has asked for a move because he wants to return north for personal reasons.

United have agreed to his shock demand, though with some reluctance. When Gray leaves, manager Malcolm Shotton will be down to just 15 fit players.

It is believed Shotton learned of Gray's desire for a transfer when attending the Football League Centenary exhibition game between Sunderland and Liverpool which the Merseysiders won 3-2 at the Stadium of Light last night.

Former U's boss Denis Smith brought Gray to Oxford from Sunderland for £100,000 in March, 1996.

And although he took some time to win over the fans, the Stockton-born ball-winner proved an invaluable member of the team as he covered every blade of grass with a determination and commitment that was sorely missed whenever he was absent.

The Martin Gray-David Smith partnership, so admired by Denis Smith, was broken up midway through this season when David Smith joined Stockport on a free, bringing in Paul Tait from Birmingham as a replacement.

UNITED defender Mark Watson has been called up by Canada for three internationals.

The matches are against Guatemala on May 29 and June 2, against Iran on June 4 and against Ecuador on June 6.

The games will alternate between Toronto and Edmonton, with the first game being played in Toronto.

Watson won his 52nd cap for Canada in the 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, last month.

Story date: Wednesday 19 May

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