Few players embody the growth of the NPSL like British standout Peter Gregory who plays for head coach Paul Caligiuri at Orange County Football Club (OCFC) in the NPSL’s Southwest Conference.
Having played in 421 minutes in five games at the end of the 2018 NPSL season with OCFC his player stats were two goals scored and part of a further nine goals. That’s being involved in a goal every 39 minutes of play; that just happens to be the definition of a playmaker.
Located in Lake Forest, CA, OCFC has proven to be an exciting club in the NPSL, reaching the playoffs in both 2017 and 2018.
Prior to joining OCFC, the professional footballer from England played for some big-name clubs overseas, including Portsmouth FC, Nottingham Forest, and SC Beira-Mar.
Gregory’s career began as a youth player with Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Portsmouth FC as an Academy player. Having gone through the ranks with Portsmouth he signed his first pro contract at the age of 17 under manager Steve Cotterill.
Before breaking into the first team, Gregory played for Portsmouth FC Reserves against Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham, and Tottenham Hotspur and broke into in the first team lineup towards the end of Portsmouth’s 2010 Premier League campaign.
While at Portsmouth, Gregory’s game against Fulham FC was his most exciting. He remembers vividly playing in a star-studded lineup in front of a packed crowd at Fratton Park.
“What a game that was,” Gregory noted. “I was brought on in the second half to a packed Fratton Park stadium and can’t explain in words just how special that was.”
Both teams had some of the most talented players in soccer at the time. Portsmouth FC’s lineup included Matt Ritchie, Nadir Ciftci, John Utaka, Jamie Ashdown, and Kevin-Prince Boateng while Fulham FC featured an equally talented Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, and Mark Schwarzer.
In 2011, Gregory went on to play for Portsmouth in the Championship and Carling Cup and was named in the lineup for the FA Cup. This is quite an accomplishment for a player his age.
For Chris Neville, the strength and conditioning coach for Portsmouth FC from 2008-13, Gregory proved to be a standout athlete.
“Having worked with Peter in the English Championship in 2011, I have seen his attitude to work. Peter was always a quick player, but he worked extremely hard to improve his overall game.”
Neville is widely recognized as one of the leading names in performance and conditioning as he has worked in MLS, the Premier League, and for England’s National Team. Few players get such recognition from him. It’s evident that he’s a special player and a special talent.
Having proven himself with both technical and performance staff, Cotterill brought Peter Gregory on. replacing celebrated Nigerian international forward John Utaka in Portsmouth’s Championship match against Coventry City FC.
For Gregory, this was a signature moment of his career and something he still remembers to this day.
After playing for Portsmouth FC, a team with massive financial issues, in 2012-13, Gregory was released by the club and signed with the Nottingham Forest Reserves. He played the majority of games as a right wing-back against: Leicester City, Huddersfield Town, and Derby County FC but was let go with many players when new management came in towards the end of the season.
In July 2014, Peter signed with Portuguese Segunda Liga side S.C. Beira-Mar. He featured in 11 games overall, including four preseasons matches, six appearances in the Segunda Liga, and even featured in the league cup.
The key to Gregory’s success on the field has been the peak condition he has kept himself in. He is physically unmatched for players at his position. The dynamic forward has terrific pace, a blazing 4.14 seconds in the 40, and is able to play on either left or right side. This would add a speedy, attacking dimension to any squad.
According to Gregory, his greatest strengths are his speed and stamina.
He can play as a striker or on either side of the field, putting quality balls into the box with both feet. Having also played as a defender. he also knows the importance of supporting the team in a defensive role to win the ball back. which was drilled into him as a youth player.
To complement his physical prowess, his soccer IQ and understanding of the game, especially after moving clubs and playing in different leagues, has helped him fit in quickly and make an impact.
“There is always adjustment at every club, but the reason you are brought in by a coach is to play your game,” Gregory continued. “Having quality players around me who understand me allows me to play to my potential. When you play at smaller clubs, that’s where there are challenges and the need for adjustments because sometimes players don’t have the experience, the vision or confidence to play a ball into space for me to run onto or that through ball to split defenders etc. So sometimes I have to try to delay runs, find different pockets of space or make totally different runs for players to see. It’s impossible to predict other players movements or what they want to do, but this is usually overcome when you play for long periods with one another. It all works out in the end.”
For Gregory, the quality of players around him at the clubs he’s played for have definitely contributed to his success and understanding of the game. He has played with, and against, top players like Harry Kane, Aaron Ramsey, Jamaal Lascelles, Kanu, and Kevin-Prince Boateng to name but a few.
Playing top flight soccer has definitely been a source of motivation for him as a player who has overcome a significant amount of adversity in his career.
“The main adversity I have overcome off the field has been to remain positive, focused, and motivated while not attached to a club. To continue training as a professional on a daily basis. My daily routine consists of three to four hours of football training and a two-hour gym session every day. Believing in your ability is key to success no matter how long it takes.”
Despite his success, Gregory’s career has unfortunately had less ups than downs. According to Gregory’s, his past success and faith in himself has helped him get through tough times. He knows that he has already played at high level and can return to top flight soccer again.
“The motivation that keeps me focused is, having played at a high level already, I know I am capable of playing at that level again,” Gregory noted. “Although it’s been a few years, I actually think the age helps my game. I’ve got an older head on my shoulders now but not the mileage on my legs. I feel like I’m a more dangerous player now. I see the game better and I’m in peak condition. To return to top flight soccer I need to ensure I’m ready to take that opportunity, so I stay ready and game sharp. I’ve played for good clubs in the past with Portsmouth FC, Nottingham Forest, SC Beira-Mar, and had the privilege to train with Champions League side Galatasaray.”
Gregory offered words of encouragement to young players that want to play in the NPSL: “Believe in your ability and stay focused on your goals daily and ensure your work ethic is that of a top flight player. Finally, and importantly, make sure you always enjoy the game.”
Currently playing in the NPSL regular season, Gregory will be heading to Italy on trial later this summer, but is open to signing to or going on trial with an MLS team should there be interest.
U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer and OCFC head coach Paul Caligiuri is thrilled to have Gregory back in the team for the 2019 season.
“Peter is an explosive player who not only has the ability to put players into scoring chances but also has ability to score as well,” Caligiuri concluded. “His work ethic is second to none and he is a great attribute to any team.”
For soccer fans, Gregory is an exciting player to watch for in the NPSL’s Southwest. He’s a great talent with massive experience and a player that usually seen at this level. And who knows when he will get a call back to the European top flight?
