Ray Train

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Ray Train (Raymond Train), born 10 February 1951 in Bedworth, Warwickshire, is a former English footballer who later became a coach, scout and briefly a manager. He played mainly as a defensive midfielder but could also line up in attacking roles. He appeared in more than 500 Football League games and helped four clubs win promotion to the top flight: Carlisle United, Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers and Watford.

Playing career
Train started as an amateur with Bedworth United but was turned away by Coventry City because of his height. He joined Walsall as an apprentice in 1967 and turned professional in 1968, staying with them until 1971.

He then moved to Carlisle United (1971–1976), where he became a regular first-team player. He contributed to Carlisle’s promotion to the First Division and later played regularly in the top tier.

In March 1976 he joined Sunderland for £90,000, and Sunderland were champions that season. He moved to Bolton Wanderers in March 1977, helping them win the Second Division title in 1977–78.

In November 1978 Train joined Watford, scoring on his debut and helping the club win promotion to the Second Division. He stayed with Watford as they climbed to the First Division, achieving that historic promotion in 1981–82.

After Watford, he had spells with Oxford United, A.F.C. Bournemouth (on loan), Northampton Town and Tranmere Rovers, before returning to Walsall in 1986. He finished his playing career with his last appearance in January 1987, just before his 36th birthday.

Coaching and later career
Back at Walsall, Train began coaching while still playing and became the youth team coach. He served briefly as caretaker manager in December 1988, but the team’s results did not improve, and he returned to coaching in January 1989.

He then worked as a community officer at Port Vale in 1990 before moving to Middlesbrough as a coach. In the 1991–92 season, Middlesbrough finished second in the Second Division and earned promotion to the Premier League. Train later became Middlesbrough’s chief scout, staying with the club for about 13 years.