We’d like to wish Fulham’s assistant coach Stuart Gray a very happy 65th birthday.

It has been quite a decade for Gray, who was handed the poisoned chalice as caretaker manager almost as soon as he joined Fulham in 2015 after Kit Symons had been sacked. The former Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Aston Villa midfielder was part of three different managerial set-ups that earned promotion to the Premier League but has been a key member of Marco Silva’s backroom staff as the Whites have firmly established themselves back in the top flight.

At a time when many might be thinking about winding down, the proud Yorkshireman is integral in Fulham’s preparations for a run-in that might bring European football back to the banks of the Thames for the first time since 2012. Gray, who scored his only goal for Southampton at Manchester United as the Saints became the first top tier side to win on penalties at Old Trafford, also helped Silva’s side triumph on spot-kicks at Old Trafford earlier this year.

His meticulous planning, breadth of knowledge and discretion have made him an indispensable member of the backroom staff at Motspur Park. He has always been approachable and generous with his time to the team who run this website and immensely appreciative of the Fulham fanbase.

Happy birthday, Stuart – and here’s to many more magnificent memories!