City boss Iain Dowie has added another new player to his ranks, with winger Julian Gray signing for the Sky Blues on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old star was a free agent after leaving Birmingham City at the end of last season and City have fought off other Championship clubs for his signature. He joins on a two-year deal.

A skilful left-sided winger who is equally adept at left-back, he began his career as an Arsenal trainee before making his name under Iain Dowie at Crystal Palace after a £500,000 move to Selhurst Park in 2000.

He clocked up 144 appearances and scored 14 goals as the Eagles earned promotion to the Premiership in 2004 and also spent a productive spell on loan at Cardiff City.



He opted for a switch to Birmingham at the end of his contract and played a key role for Steve Bruce's men in his first season in the top-flight, featuring in 36 games and scoring twice.

Another 27 appearances and three goals followed in 2005/06 but he struggled to hold down a regular place last season after the arrival of former Sky Blue Gary McSheffrey.

City have already snapped-up Arjan De Zeeuw, Ellery Cairo, Gary Borrowdale, Leon Best, Dimi Konstantopoulos, Gary Borrowdale, Michael Hughes, Robbie Simpson and Donovan Simmonds this season.