New Melbourne Heart FC signing Steven Gray believes his burning desire to win will help the Club challenge for the title this season.

Gray comes to the Club from Victorian Premier Side Oakleigh Cannons after previously forging a professional career in England and Ireland.

The Irishman has signed to the Club on a one year deal after impressing at the recent Hawaiian Islands Invitational and is “over the moon” at the prospect of playing for the Heart.

“I was a professional at home and in England for about 12 years so I’ve really missed that professional environment,” he said.

“Since I’ve come in the doors here at Melbourne Heart everyone has been very welcoming.

“In the first week of preseason we covered every medical test and fitness test and they (the staff) are very thorough. I’m very happy to be a part of it.”

Gray’s career in Europe included a four-year stint at Southampton and eight years in the League of Ireland.

Playing at such a level has given him a wealth of experience; something he asserts has helped improve his footballing ability.

“As a professional I’ve played over 300 games,” he said.

“Along the way I’ve played some Champions League and UEFA Cup qualifiers so I’ve had some really good experiences in European competition.

“Hopefully this has helped me develop as a player”.

Gray’s career has also included numerous successes. He won the League of Ireland with Drogheda United in 2007 and also enjoyed winning the Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup and two Setanta Cups.

Gray hopes to instil this desire to win at the Heart and bring the Club its first piece of silverware.

“Getting straight to the point, wherever I’ve gone, I’ve won,” he said.

“I like to think I bring that hunger to the team. Being a success on the pitch is very, very important to me.

“I don’t want to just come here and make up the numbers, I want to win.”

With Gray’s mixture of experience and his winning mentality, there is no reason why he cannot help lead the Club to finals success this season.