Leeds United’s manager discusses promotion hopes and why his players won’t be singing any time soon.
Brian Clough’s 44 days at Leeds United may have been dramatic enough to inspire a novel and a recent cinematic adaptation, but although the man currently in charge at Elland Road might be enjoying a more amicable tenure, there was an element of controversy to Simon Grayson’s appointment.Grayson, formerly a Premier League player with teams such as Leicester and Blackburn, was appointed in acrimonious circumstances. Having been refused permission to speak with Leeds and then having his resignation rejected at Blackpool, Grayson was eventually named Leeds boss in December.

Although leaving Championship club Blackpool meant dropping down a division, Grayson, who was born in Yorkshire, fulfilled a dream by becoming Leeds manager: “It’s a massive football club, and an honour and a privilege to be the manager.”

At the helm of what was a Champions League club only eight years ago, Grayson is fully aware of the task that faces him and his side.

“There have been some strong teams in this division. With this club’s size, our main target is to get out of this division.”

Having missed out on automatic promotion, Leeds will have to successfully navigate the challenge of the play-offs if they are to gain Championship status. The club may have lost to Doncaster in last season’s play-off final, but they will feel that they are in capable hands as they bid to make amends this year.

It was courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Yeovil at Wembley that Grayson led Blackpool to League One promotion in 2007, and he feels that this team is equipped to emulate that success.

“We’ve done well recently, and it’s up to us now to make sure we continue that form beyond the end of the season. If we maintain a level of consistency, then we have a great opportunity.”

Grayson has already guided Leeds to an eight-match winning streak, the club’s best run of results in over twenty years. Crucial to this surge has been the form of the club’s two prized assets, top scorer Jermaine Beckford and the young midfielder, Fabian Delph.

“When I joined, I was told this was not a selling club and that proved the case in the January transfer window. The two players enjoy playing for Leeds and, if we get promoted, we’re likely to keep all our best players. It would take a ridiculous offer for us to consider selling them.”

Beckford has already scored 32 goals this season, an impressive addition to the 20 he scored the previous term. Delph, meanwhile, has been the subject of much interest recently, having been named the Football League Young Player of the Year.

“Fabian Delph and Jermaine Beckford both have the ability to play at a higher level. Jermaine’s scoring record has been outstanding-he just needs to add consistency to his game, something on which he’s been working hard.

“Fab’s becoming a bit of a marked man. For a 19 year old, he’s got great energy and technique, and is already in the England U21s squad. I’m sure they’ll go a long way and, hopefully, that will be with Leeds.”

As a player, Grayson worked under some esteemed managers such as Howard Wilkinson and Martin O’Neill, but he is determined to do things his own way.

“I’ve sorted the good points from the bad points from my former managers, while still maintaining my own ideas and beliefs. You have to be yourself, learn from mistakes and take positives from other managers.”

If a play-off campaign was to lead to a trip to Wembley, the squad could be required to exhibit their vocal skills and continue Leeds United’s rich singing tradition. Asked whether the team prefers singing “Leeds United Calypso’ or “Marching on Together’, Grayson laughs.

“We don’t do much singing in the dressing room. You wouldn’t want to hear our lads singing – I think it’s best if they concentrate on their playing and let the fans concentrate on the singing.”

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