Ray Wallace (footballer)

Football player infobox
playername = Ray Wallace


fullname = Raymond George Wallace
nickname =
height = height|ft=5|in=6
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1969|10|2
cityofbirth = Lewisham
countryofbirth = England
currentclub =
position = Full back
youthyears = 1986–1988
youthclubs = Southampton
years = 1988–1991 1991–1994 1992 1994 1994–1999 1999 1999 1999–2000 2001
clubs = Southampton Leeds United → Swansea (loan) → Reading (loan) Stoke City Hull City Airdrie United Altrincham Witton Albion
caps(goals) = 035 0(0) 007 0(0) 002 0(0) 003 0(0) 176 (15) 007 0(0) 001 0(0) 001 0(0)
nationalyears = 1989
nationalteam = England U21
nationalcaps(goals) = 004 0(0)|

Raymond George (Ray) Wallace (born in Lewisham on 2 October 1969) is an English footballer who played for Southampton, Leeds, Stoke and latterly Witton Albion.

Playing career

outhampton

Ray signed for Southampton Football Club as an apprentice in 1986 along with his twin brother Rod Wallace. Elder brother Danny Wallace had already become an established member of the Southampton first team. In the early part of his career Ray was regarded as promising talent, if slightly lightweight, playing as right fullback or right defensive midfield.

On 22 October 1988, Ray made his debut for Southampton at The Dell against Sheffield Wednesday alongside his two brothers Danny and Rod; this was the first time three brothers had played in the same team in English professional top-flight football. Ray was a virtual ever-present until September 1989, when he was suspended, losing his place to Jason Dodd, after which he made only 1 further appearance for the Saints.

Leeds United

Ray gained 4 England Under 21 caps before, in May 1991, an unusual transfer took place to Leeds United who signed both Ray and his twin brother Rod in the same transaction, with Ray being valued at £100,000. Rod Wallace became an instant success at Leeds, securing a successful strike partnership with Lee Chapman; however Ray, only made 7 appearances for the Whites.

toke City and after

After loan spells with Swansea City and Reading Ray went on to enjoy a much more successful time with Stoke appearing 179 times. Playing in defence or defensive midfield, Ray scored an impressive 15 goals and is remembered with much adoration by the Potters fans for his impressive work ethic.

At the end of the 1999-2000 season Ray drifted out of professional football after brief loan spells with Hull City and Airdrie United. He continued to play with minor league sides, notably Witton Albion and Altrincham F.C..

External links

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