Simon Grayson

Simon enjoyed a distinguished career as right-back, making over 100 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa and Leicester, with whom he won the League Cup in 1997. He is now one the most experienced managers in the business, having taken charge of almost 800 games in three different countries over the course of a 20-year career in the dugout. Promoted from League One with Blackpool, Huddersfield, Preston and boyhood club Leeds, he has recently broadened his horizons by managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru and guiding Lalitpur City to the Nepalese title. Simon’s regular column offers unrivalled insight into the mindset of an EFL manager - and he isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues.

News By Simon Grayson

Championship
/ 2 months ago

‘Mature’ Dan James is my top man in Championship

By Simon Grayson - Former Blackpool, Leeds and Preston Manager Everyone knows I’m a Leeds supporter, so I’m sure there’ll be...

By Simon Grayson
Features
/ 3 months ago

Simon Grayson: Lost Luton Town need to regain identity

When I took over as manager of Sunderland in 2017, they had just been relegated from the Premier League.

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 4 months ago

HECKY’S RIGHT TO FLAT BAT CLAIMS

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER NEUTRAL: Heckingbottom YOU have to feel for Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom, whose striker...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 4 months ago

Michael Carrick deserves unity and support

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER UPHEAVAL: Boro boss Michael Carrick has had to contend with many obstacles, including...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 4 months ago

NEPALESE ADVENTURE IS AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER THIS time next month I’ll be in Kathmandu coaching Lalitpur City Football Club...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 5 months ago

Dropping a goalie is such a tough call

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER ILLAN Meslier is a player who splits the Leeds fanbase and there is...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 6 months ago

BUZZ OF FESTIVE PERIOD IS PRECIOUS TRADITION

Simon Grayson IF YOU polled every manager in the EFL about whether they’ll get players into training on Christmas Day, I...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 6 months ago

UNLIKE SANTA, MANAGERS GET THE SACK ALL YEAR ROUND

Simon Grayson IN THEORY, December is a dangerous time for managers because it’s the last chance for clubs to make a...

By Simon Grayson
Championship
/ 6 months ago

United double! Simon Grayson backs Leeds United and Sheffield United for promotion

FORMER Leeds United boss Simon Grayson is backing his old club and Sheffield United to cement their places at the top...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 6 months ago

United rivals look cut above the rest

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER WE’RE halfway through the Championship season now and I’d be very surprised if...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 7 months ago

I’d still want to keep Pat on side

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER PATRICK Bamford has always been a player who divides opinion amongst Leeds supporters....

By Simon Grayson
Big Interview
/ 7 months ago

Shaun Barker: ‘It hasn’t been my whole focus and that helped me’

SHAUN Barker never attempted to conceal the fact that he had no burning desire to play football.

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 8 months ago

There’s plenty to ponder with frees

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER DANIEL Farke has made no secretoof his reluctance to dip into the free...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 10 months ago

Leeds require signings up top after exits

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER BIG LOSS: Leeds will miss the goals and creativity of Georginio Rutter PICTURE:...

By Simon Grayson
Latest News
/ 10 months ago

POSITIVE HECKY’S HUNGRY TO FIRE UP PNE

CHAMPIONSHIP By John Lyons EAGER: Heckingbottom PAUL Heckingbottom is determined to turn Preston North End into a force to be reckoned...

By Simon Grayson
Chris Dunlavy
/ 10 months ago

Chris Dunlavy: Once the trust goes, there is no way back

To suggest Ryan Lowe was unpopular among Preston supporters is like saying Roy Keane and Alf Inge Haaland weren’t the best...

By Simon Grayson
Championship
/ 1 year ago

Mature Wes has grown into a star

Simon Grayson FORMER BLACKPOOL, LEEDS AND PRESTON MANAGER Wes Burns is having a wonderful season for Ipswich and I’d love to...

By Simon Grayson
Guest Columnist
/ 1 year ago

I’m better for my Indian adventure

SIMON GRAYSON When I accepted an offer to manage Bengaluru in the summer of 2022, I had a very clear idea...

By Simon Grayson
Big Interview
/ 2 years ago

The Big Interview with Simon Grayson: ‘India adventure has opened my eyes’

By Chris Dunlavy SIMON Grayson knew that Bangalore would be a bit different the moment he stepped out of the airport...

By Simon Grayson
The League Paper
/ 4 years ago

END OF THE ROAD FOR GRAYSON AND CURLE

By Tom Blackett EXIT: Simon Grayson has left Fleetwood Town FLEETWOOD Town and Oldham Athletic are both on the lookout for...

By Simon Grayson