Leeds United legend Eddie Gray feels the Whites really miss starlet Sam Byram when he does not play.

Byram missed out for Leeds against Brighton last night with an injury niggle and the Yorkshire giants slipped to a 2-0 away defeat in a Championship game in which they failed to get going.


Season Position
2024–25 14th
2023–24 9th
2022–23 14th
2021–22 7th
2020–21 6th
West Ham United’s last five league finishes

Season Position
2024–25 16th
2023–24 14th
2022–23 13th
2021–22 10th
2020–21 13th
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ last five league finishes


Boss Neil Redfearn bemoaned a lack of midfielders at his disposal after the game and Gray feels Byram was a big miss for Leeds. Indeed, the club legend feels that in the system Redfearn currently plays, Byram is indispensable.

 


"I think Sam Byram has been a big player for us in the system we play because he can carry the ball", he told LUTV, when asked by Leeds were off-colour against the Seagulls.

"He can run with it, 20, 30 yards and get by people.

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"That makes a big difference because it pulls defenders around. We never really had that [against Brighton]", Gray added.

Leeds look set to be boosted by Byram's return for their weekend clash against Watford at Elland Road.

Redfearn confirmed after the Brighton defeat the Byram could have played against the Seagulls, but to do so would have meant risking losing the starlet for a prolonged period.

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Season Position
2024–25 9th (Championship)
2023–24 5th (Championship — lost in play‑off semi‑finals)
2022–23 9th (Championship)
2021–22 10th (Championship)
2020–21 19th (Premier League)
West Brom’s last five league finishes
Season Position
2024–25 16th
2023–24 14th
2022–23 13th
2021–22 10th
2020–21 13th
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ last five league finishes