SKIPPER Michael Gray gave managerless Sunderland a much-needed boost yesterday when he signed a new four-year contract.

The former England international began discussing a fresh deal before this week's dismissal of Peter Reid.

Sunderland-born Gray, 28, said: "I'm delighted to have the new contract sorted out.

"Negotiations have been going on for a little while now and it's great to have it done and dusted.

"When you are in talks it is always in the back of your mind. Now I just want to concentrate on my football and do well for the next four years.

"In this day and age, it is uncommon for players to stay at one club for as long as I've been at Sunderland, but it's an honour for me to do so. I'm proud of my record.

"If you look at Manchester United, their players have been loyal, but apart from that it doesn't happen too much in football.

"I don't know anything different to Sunderland and I love it here, especially as it's my home-town club."

Left-back Gray is the only survivor on the current playing staff from the pre-Reid era at Roker Park.

Reid spent days consoling him after his penalty shoot-out miss in the Wembley play-off final defeat by Charlton.

"Peter gave me the captain's armband a couple of seasons ago and it was a special moment for me,'' said Gray.

"I was very close to the gaffer and it's strange that he's gone. I had a great relationship with him.

"I was absolutely devastated when I got the news that he'd gone. I called him as soon as I heard.

"We've all spoken since he went and agreed that we want to do the job right for him and for Sunderland, which is the most important thing.

"I owe a lot to Peter and he'll always be the most important person in my career."

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