The defender left Sixfields yesterday to sign for Coca-Cola Championship side Cardiff City after the Bluebirds invoked a clause in the Hungarian international's contract.

It brought to an an end a successful eight-month stay at Town for Gyepes, who Gray took a gamble on signing in the last transfer window.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong trial back in January and was given the chance to prove himself after almost two years out with a knee injury that saw him tear three separate ligaments.

A short-term contract became a deal for another year, and with a full pre-season behind him Gyepes looked a class act in the three games he played this season.

It was form enough to secure a move to the Championship, where the player hopes to rekindle international ambitions – and he knows none of it would have been possible without Gray's initial faith.

"I will be grateful to Stuart Gray for all of my life," he said. "He gave me the chance to prove myself as a professional footballer.

"He trusted me and he gave me a chance. I wish I could play one more game for Northampton to say thank you to him, and to the supporters and everyone else at the club.

"The supporters were brilliant with me and I will never forget my time there. I can't speak highly enough about it, and I can't praise Stuart enough for giving me another chance."