Simon Jordan unleashes on Demarai Gray after Everton transfer developments
TalkSPORT host Simon Jordan has unleased a scathing criticism of Everton winger Demarai Gray after the war of words between him and Sean Dyche.
Jordan praised Dyche’s character, calling him fair and equitable, while bashing Gray’s as he stated he would not trust him to be relied upon if he was really needed, saying the proposed move to Al-Ettifaq is purely for the money.
The former Crystal Palace owner also hit out at the power players are given over their contracts, labelling them – Gray in particular – entitled and stating the behaviour should not be encouraged.
Speaking live on talkSPORT, via the Liverpool Echo [6 September] Jordan hit out at Gray, stating: “If you’re not being picked in the side or not being given what you think you’re entitled to, that is not tantamount to a lack of respect.
“Dychey is a strong character and I don’t think he’ll be for everybody, and that’s fine, but what he is I think is a pretty equitable, fair bloke who will give you enough rope. What you do with it is up to you.
“It would strike me that Demarai Gray probably is someone when you really need somebody, who is not one of those I’d go in the trenches with and say, ‘I know what I’m going to get from him’.
“It doesn’t surprise me that there’s a disconnect. The boy wants to go to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career because he’s going to get paid.”
He then went on to discuss player power, as he said: “Should it be encouraged? This is the society we live in, a sense of entitlement. We’re entitled to know what goes on involving refereeing decisions rather than accepting them and now players are entitled because we have created this economic landscape and they are islands of their own.”
An ultra-critical view, but perhaps a correct one
While Jordan’s verdict on the situation surrounding Gray’s move is one from the outside and appears to be ultra-critical of the player who is well within his rights to seek a move away from the club regardless of his conduct in doing so, his stance on player power rings true.
As of last week, Dyche had stated Gray looked likely to remain at Goodison Park for the upcoming season [Joe Thomas, 2 September] after the transfer window closed in England. This would have seen him used in an important role as depth for the Premier League squad.
Instead, Gray opted to go against his Everton contract, and against his current manager, in forcing a move through in the most public way he could – via his social media platforms.
While Gray’s statement went out of its way to show appreciation to the Everton fans, it would still have left a sour taste in their mouths as a player who was once so highly-regarded at Goodison Park has ultimately turned his back on the club in search of a big payday.
In other Everton news, a £24m development has emerged in Gray’s Everton future.