Putterill, Ray

[TLW]

RAY PUTTERILL PROFILE by Dave Usher Date of Birth - 2/3/89 Nationality - English Position - Striker/Winger Squad Number - 39 Cost - Club Hons (Lpool) - FA Youth Cup 2007, Premier Reserve League North 2007/08 Intnl Hons - England u15 Other Clubs - None

'Razor' is a very skilful winger who has had a lot of injury problems during his fledgling career so far. As a schoolboy he was a regular for his country, and was regarded as a player of some promise.

He missed a lot of 2005/06 through injury, and missed out on the youth cup success as a result. When he did play he showed glimpses of his talent, but was unable to force his way into the side on a regular basis.

2006/07 was a different story however. Putterill nailed down a regular starting place for the u18s, usually on the left wing, and was been one of the finds of the season. He really caught the eye in the youth cup games, scoring goals at West Brom and Sheffield United, and also at the Kop end in the 2-0 win over Chelsea. Ray was a key player for Steve Heighway's side as they retained the trophy, catching the eye in both legs of the final against Manchester United, even shushing the Stretford End after successfully converting a penalty on the shoot out!

He also made an immediate impression at reserve level, scoring three minutes into his debut after coming on as a late sub against Newcastle. Ray is skilful and direct, and looks to be developing nicely. Along with youth cup team-mate Jay Spearing, Ray was promoted from the Academy in the summer of 2007 to join the reserve squad at Melwood.

Ray started the 2007-08 in great form, and he scored from the penalty spot in the opening game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside. Bizarrely, after finding the net he went and planted a kiss on the lips of Boro defender Tony McMahon. It transpired that the full back had tried to put him off his spot kick by making derogatory comments about Ray's mum. Ray kept his cool, found the net, planted a kiss on McMahon and said 'Give that to your ma from me!'

His form dipped slightly after a good couple of months, and the season ended in frustration when an injury kept him on the sidelines for the final weeks of the campaign. He underwent an operation in the summer of 2008, and will miss the start of the new season.


Video Clips of Ray Putterill in action