Canadian Under 23 cap and Olympic team player Jay French had a trial with Norwich at the beginning of the 1996/97 season. He was studying in Norwich at the UEA and contacted Duncan Forbes and asked him for a trial. After a successful debut for the A team, he played for the reserves in a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ipswich reserves. However he was not offered a contract at Carrow Road.

Jay went on to Southend United and scored 3 goals in 2 games in the reserves for Ronny Whelan but although he was promised a contract, one did not materialise. Jay went to Cambridge United for 4 months with Ray McFarlane.

He joined Jewson Eastern Counties side Wroxham in the 1997 close season and later had a trial with Division 3 side Barnet in September 1997. Although the Eastern Daily Press reported that he has since joined Dr Martens league side Baldock Town, in fact Jay joined Dover Town of the GM Vauxhall Conference. He has since been released making only a solitary appearance as substitute.

After decided that he was not enjoying the game anymore, Jay turned to his university degree and began work in the City in London. He now lives in Abu Dhabi as a partner in a Private Equity Real Estate firm.