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Simon Grayson
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Simon Nicholas Grayson (born 16 December 1969) is an English professional football manager and former player.

Key Information

As a player, he was a right back, but he was also utilised in midfield in a career that lasted from 1988 until 2006. Having started his career with Leeds United, he played in the Premier League for Leicester City, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers, before moving into the Football League with Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County, Notts County, Bradford City and Blackpool. He won promotion twice with Leicester City, both via the playoffs, in 1993–94 and 1995–96, and followed it up with a League Cup win in 1996–97. His next piece of silverware came at Blackpool in 2003–04, when he lifted the Football League Trophy.

He was appointed as player-manager of Blackpool in 2005, and a year later retired from playing to concentrate on the managerial side of his job. He guided the club to promotion, via the playoffs, from League One to the Championship in 2006–07.

In 2008, he was appointed manager of Leeds United, leading them to promotion to the Championship in 2010. Dismissed in February 2012, he moved to Huddersfield Town, where he again gained promotion from League One via the play-offs, beating Sheffield United in the final. In February 2013, Grayson became the new manager of Preston North End, winning promotion from League One to the Championship with them in 2014–15, and later had short spells in charge of Sunderland, Bradford City, Blackpool again and Fleetwood Town.

Playing career

[edit]

He started playing football for Bedale FC after going through high school at Bedale High School.[3] In June 1988 Grayson began his career with the club he had supported as a boy, Leeds United. At Leeds he played as either a defender or midfielder, however, he did not manage to become a first-team regular, playing just twice in four years. He signed for Leicester City in March 1992 and went on to make 229 appearances in five years. During his time at Filbert Street the team won the League Cup in 1997, with Grayson scoring the goal against Wimbledon which put them in the final,[4] and was voted the club's player of the season in the same year.

Grayson moved to Brian Little's Aston Villa in 1997 and made another 49 Premier League appearances at Villa Park, scoring two goals, both of which came in Villa's 1997–98 FA Cup campaign against Portsmouth[5] and West Bromwich Albion.[6] He then signed for Blackburn Rovers in July 1999, where he made 34 appearances in his first season. He lost his place in the team the following season and spent most of the next two years on loan, with spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County, Notts County (where he scored once against Reading)[7] and Bradford City. Grayson signed for Blackpool on a free transfer on 19 July 2002.[8] He made more than 100 appearances for the Seasiders and captained the side. He started his career at Blackpool in the right-back berth, but was moved to midfield by former boss Colin Hendry to bolster an area of weakness.[citation needed] In 2004 he started the final as Blackpool won the 2003–04 Football League Trophy.[9]

Managerial career

[edit]

Blackpool

[edit]
Blackpool's finishing positions in the Football League under Grayson. 2008's finish of 19th surpassed the previous high of 1971–72, under Bob Stokoe

Grayson moved into coaching in the 2004–05 season, managing the reserve squad at Bloomfield Road with some success.[citation needed] He was named caretaker manager of the first team in November 2005, following the departure of Colin Hendry.[10] After diverting Blackpool away from relegation that season he was given the job on a permanent basis for the start of the 2006–07 season. Grayson retired from playing at the end of the 2005–06 season to focus purely on the managerial side of the game.

In late 2006, he led Blackpool to only one defeat in fourteen league games, a sequence that included five wins out of six, resulting in their appearance in the four play-off positions. The run also brought attendances of more than 7,000 to Bloomfield Road. This led to Grayson being awarded the Manager of the Month award for December.[11]

On 6 January 2007, he guided Blackpool to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 17 years, after beating Aldershot Town 4–2 at Bloomfield Road. They were knocked out by Norwich City, who beat them 3–2 after extra time, in a replay at Carrow Road on 13 February, narrowly missing out on a trip to London to face Chelsea in the last sixteen.[12]

Grayson received his second League One Manager of the Month award of the 2006–07 season in May 2007.[13] Two days later, on 5 May 2007, Grayson guided Blackpool to a final placing of third, and thus a place in the play-offs.[14] Blackpool beat Oldham Athletic 5–2 on aggregate over the two legs of the play-off semi-final. They met Yeovil Town in the final at the newly renovated Wembley Stadium on 27 May and won 2–0, securing promotion to the Championship. It was their tenth consecutive victory, a new club record. This was extended in Blackpool's first game in the Championship with a league win over Leicester City[15] and a victory against Huddersfield Town in the League Cup.[16]

Grayson as manager of Blackpool in 2008

In October 2007, Grayson guided Blackpool to the fourth round of the League Cup for the club's first time in 35 years. They were drawn against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, where Spurs won 2–0.[17] In December 2007 Grayson signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, following two years working without a formal contract.[18][19] In May 2008, Blackpool finished nineteenth in the Championship.[20]

Grayson was heavily linked with the vacant managerial post at Leeds United, with whom he started his playing career, following the dismissal of Gary McAllister in December 2008,[21] but Blackpool refused permission for Leeds to speak to Grayson.[22][23] Despite this Grayson tendered his resignation, which the Blackpool board did not accept, and he was announced as Leeds United's new manager. The two clubs ultimately settled the dispute for an undisclosed fee.[24]

Leeds United

[edit]

Grayson's first game in charge was at Elland Road on Boxing Day against one of his former clubs, Leicester City, who were top of League One. Leeds were sitting in 9th place, on the back of five straight defeats, but a late equaliser from Robert Snodgrass gave Grayson's new club a 1–1 draw.[25] He recorded his first victory, a crucial 3–1 win away at Stockport County two days later.[26] Leeds won their final eleven home games, matching a forty-year-old record from the Don Revie era. Leeds' away form did not match this, and Grayson guided the club into a fourth-place finish, earning them a two-legged play-off tie against fifth-place Millwall, which Leeds lost 2–1 on aggregate.[27]

Grayson and Leeds started the 2009–10 season with an unbeaten run in all competitions, which included seven victories and a draw in League One and saw the club progress to the third round of the League Cup, before losing 1–0 to Liverpool. In that season's FA Cup, Grayson led Leeds to a 1–0 victory away to Manchester United, their first win at Old Trafford since 1981.[28] Grayson's side also earned Leeds a replay against Premiership opposition Tottenham Hotspur after a 2–2 draw at White Hart Lane.[29]

Grayson's Leeds side was promoted on 8 May 2010 after beating Bristol Rovers 2–1 in their final game coming back from 0–1 with only 10 men. The win saw Leeds finish the season in second place, and earn automatic promotion to The Championship. Grayson reached his 100th game managing Leeds in the 2–1 win against Middlesbrough.[30]

Grayson was rewarded with his first Manager of the Month award while in charge at Leeds United for the month of December 2010. During that month he oversaw his Leeds team unbeaten in the league, winning three games and drawing two, including a 2–0 home win over league leaders QPR.[31] After a dip in form, Leeds dropped out of the playoff places and finished the season in 7th place.[32]

On 1 February 2012, Grayson was dismissed by Leeds United due to lack of results he was getting.[33] A Club Statement said: "We have 18 games to go this season and are still within touching distance of the Play-Offs, but felt with the transfer window now closed we needed to make the change at this time in the belief that a new managerial team will be able to get more out of the existing squad of players and make the difference".[34] His last result was a 4–1 defeat to Birmingham City on 31 January 2012.[35]

Huddersfield Town

[edit]

On 20 February 2012, just five days after Lee Clark was dismissed as manager, Grayson became the new manager of League One club Huddersfield Town on a 3+1⁄2-year deal.[36] His first game in charge of the Terriers was in their 2–0 home victory over Exeter City when both defender Jamie McCombe and leading striker Jordan Rhodes scoring. He also introduced Icelandic midfielder Joey Guðjónsson to the squad for the first time all season.[37] While remaining unbeaten, his next five games in charge proved to be mostly unspectacular, resulting in four draws against Stevenage, Bury, Rochdale and Colchester United, also defeating Hartlepool United in a 1–0 home victory.[38] The early pattern of these results remained similar to those of the previous manager, Lee Clark, who managed a number of draws, which were held responsible for the Terrier's inability to cement a place in the automatic promotion spots.[39] With 10 games remaining, Town occupied 4th position in League One,[40] contrary to the chairman Dean Hoyle's brief urging the club to reach one of the top two positions.[41] On 26 May 2012, Grayson led Huddersfield to play-off victory over Sheffield United, gaining promotion to the Championship.[42]

Grayson's first match in charge of Huddersfield in the Championship came on 17 August 2012, a 1–0 defeat away to Cardiff.[43] His first Championship win as the club's manager was on 25 August 2012, a 2–0 home victory against Burnley.[44] On 1 December 2012, Grayson managed Huddersfield against his former side Leeds for the first time, losing 4–2 at home.[45]

He was dismissed by Huddersfield on 24 January 2013, following a run of 12 consecutive matches without victory stretching back to 17 November 2012.[46]

Preston North End

[edit]

Simon Grayson was appointed manager of Preston North End on 18 February 2013[47] and went unbeaten in his first four games in charge. Grayson then went on to keep the club clear of relegation with four games to go. Safety was confirmed after a 2–0 home win against Oldham Athletic on 9 April 2013.[48]

In May 2014 Grayson guided Preston North End into the League One play off semi-final against Rotherham United. However, after drawing the first leg at Deepdale 1–1, North End lost the return leg 3–1 despite taking an early lead through Paul Gallagher.[49]

Twelve months later, Grayson guided Preston back to the second tier of English football after being absent for four years with a victory over Swindon Town in the League One play-off final. It was their first success in the play-offs in 10 attempts and was notable for Jermaine Beckford's three goals, becoming only the third player to ever score a play-off final hat-trick at Wembley.[50]

Sunderland

[edit]

On 29 June 2017, Grayson was named as the new manager of newly relegated Championship club Sunderland, replacing David Moyes, on a three-year contract.[51] His first league game as manager came on 4 August 2017, where his side drew 1–1 at the Stadium of Light against Derby County.[52] In his following fixture, his team defeated Norwich City at Carrow Road, with the final result 3–1,[53] Sunderland went on to record another draw,[54] before commencing a four-game losing streak,[55][56][57][58] until drawing one again.[59] After a 2–1 defeat to Cardiff City, Sunderland dropped into relegation zone.[60] On 26 September 2017, his team suffered a 5–2 loss to Ipswich Town at Portman Road, with them moving down to twenty-third place in their division.[61] Grayson's team then recorded three consecutive draws;[62][63][64] however, they did not move from their league position. He was dismissed after a 3–3 home draw with Bolton Wanderers on 31 October.[65]

Bradford City

[edit]

On 11 February 2018, Grayson was announced as the manager of League One club Bradford City, following the dismissal of Stuart McCall.[66] He won three out of 14 games as they finished 11th, and left at the end of his contract in May.[67]

Return to Blackpool

[edit]

On 6 July 2019, the day after Terry McPhillips announced his resignation, Grayson was appointed Blackpool manager on a two-year contract.[68] He was sacked on 12 February 2020, after a spell of four points from a possible 27 brought them from 4th place to 15th in League One.[69] He managed Kendal Town for one game in October 2020, covering for the self-isolating Chris Humphrey.[70]

Fleetwood Town

[edit]

On 31 January 2021, Grayson was appointed manager of Fleetwood Town, following the departure of previous manager Joey Barton.[71] Grayson left Fleetwood on 24 November 2021.[72]

Bengaluru

[edit]

On 8 June 2022, Indian Super League side Bengaluru announced the appointment of Grayson on a two-year deal.[73] He reached the 2022–23 ISL Final with Bengaluru but lost on penalties to ATK Mohun Bagan.

On 9 December 2023, he mutually agreed to part ways with the club after a 4–0 defeat to Mumbai City.[74]

Lalitpur City

[edit]

Grayson was appointed head coach of Nepal Super League club Lalitpur City on 2 February 2025.[75] He led the team to their second-consecutive Nepal Super League title on 26 April 2025.[76]

Hartlepool United

[edit]

On 12 June 2025, Grayson was appointed head coach of National League club Hartlepool United.[77] Grayson had been a target for owner Raj Singh for the vacant manager job at Hartlepool on previous occasions.[78] He was appointed amidst uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of the club.[79] Hartlepool saw a significant turnover of players during pre-season with Grayson handing debuts to eight new signings for the first match of the season, a 0–0 draw at Yeovil Town.[80] Hartlepool took 10 points from their opening four matches under Grayson.[81] However, after a run of one win in 11 games in all competitions, Grayson was dismissed on 12 October following a 1–1 away draw with seventh tier side Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.[81] He departed after 14 league games with four wins, six draws and four defeats and with the club in 12th position in the National League.[81]

Personal life

[edit]

Grayson's son, Joe, made his competitive debut for Blackburn Rovers on 28 August 2018. In doing so the pair became the third father-son duo to play for the club.[82] He is brother to former professional cricketer Paul Grayson.[83]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Leeds United 1987–88[84] Second Division 2 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 — 3 0
1991–92[84] First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 — 1 0
Total 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 — 4 0
Leicester City 1991–92[85] Second Division 13 0 0 0 0 0 3[b] 0 — 16 0
1992–93[85] First Division 24 1 0 0 2 0 3[c] 0 — 29 1
1993–94[85] First Division 40 1 1 0 3 0 5[d] 0 — 49 1
1994–95[85] Premier League 34 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 — 39 0
1995–96[85] First Division 41 2 2 0 4 0 3[e] 0 — 50 2
1996–97[85] Premier League 36 0 3 0 7 2 0 0 — 46 2
Total 188 4 9 0 18 2 14 0 — 229 6
Aston Villa 1997–98[86] Premier League 33 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 6[f] 0 44 2
1998–99[87] Premier League 15 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 3[f] 0 20 0
Total 48 0 5 2 2 0 0 0 9 0 64 2
Blackburn Rovers 1999–2000[88] First Division 34 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 — 38 0
2000–01[89] First Division 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 — 1 0
Total 34 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 — 39 0
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2000–01[89] First Division 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 0
Stockport County (loan) 2000–01[89] First Division 13 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 14 0
Notts County (loan) 2001–02[90] Second Division 10 1 0 0 1 0 2[g] 0 — 13 1
Bradford City (loan) 2001–02[90] First Division 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 7 0
Blackpool 2002–03[91] Second Division 45 3 3 0 1 0 1[g] 0 — 50 3
2003–04[92] Second Division 33 1 2 0 3 0 5[g] 0 — 43 1
2004–05[93] League One 36 2 4 0 1 0 2 0 — 43 2
2005–06[94] League One 12 0 1 0 2 1 1[g] 0 — 16 1
Total 126 6 10 0 7 1 9 0 — 152 7
Career total 433 11 28 2 30 3 27 0 9 0 527 16
  1. ^ a b Appearance in Full Members' Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Second Division play-offs
  3. ^ Two appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup and one appearance in First Division play-offs
  4. ^ Two appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup and three appearances in First Division play-offs
  5. ^ Appearances in First Division play-offs
  6. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  7. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 12 October 2025
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref
P W D L Win %
Blackpool 10 November 2005 23 December 2008 163 60 51 52 036.81 [10][95][96]
Leeds United 23 December 2008 1 February 2012 169 84 40 45 049.70 [95]
Huddersfield Town 20 February 2012 24 January 2013 49 17 15 17 034.69 [36][95]
Preston North End 18 February 2013 29 June 2017 235 104 74 57 044.26 [95]
Sunderland 29 June 2017 31 October 2017 18 3 7 8 016.67 [65][95]
Bradford City 11 February 2018 8 May 2018 14 3 5 6 021.43 [95]
Blackpool 6 July 2019 12 February 2020 38 13 12 13 034.21 [95]
Fleetwood Town 31 January 2021 24 November 2021 43 13 10 20 030.23 [95]
Bengaluru 8 June 2022 9 December 2023 48 22 12 14 045.83 [97]
Lalitpur City 2 February 2025 12 June 2025 8 5 3 0 062.50
Hartlepool United 12 June 2025 12 October 2025 15 4 7 4 026.67
Total 799 328 236 235 041.05 —

Honours

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Player

[edit]

Leicester City

Blackpool

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Blackpool

Leeds United

Huddersfield Town

Preston North End

Bengaluru

Lalitpur City

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Simon Grayson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Simon Nicholas Grayson (born 16 December 1969) is an English former professional footballer and manager known for his successful playing career as a defender in the and for achieving four promotions to the during his managerial tenure. Grayson began his professional playing career with Leeds United, making his senior debut in 1988 at the age of 17 after progressing through the club's youth system from 1984. Over the next four years with Leeds, he established himself as a reliable right-back, contributing to the team's competitive campaigns in the Second Division. In 1992, he transferred to Leicester City, where he spent five seasons and played a key role in a playoff promotion to the in 1996, as well as captaining the side to victory in the 1997 Football League Cup final against after scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against Wimbledon. His experience continued briefly with Aston Villa from 1997 to 1999, where he made 41 appearances, before joining Blackburn Rovers in 1999, during which he had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday (2000), Stockport County (2001), Notts County (2001), and Bradford City (2002). Grayson concluded his playing career at from 2002 to 2006, amassing over 400 senior appearances across all competitions and retiring at age 36 to pursue coaching. Transitioning seamlessly into management, Grayson took charge of Blackpool's first team in November 2005 while also coaching their youth side, leading the club to promotion from League One to the via the playoffs in 2007 with a 2-0 victory over Yeovil Town in the final. His success prompted a move to United in December 2008, where he guided the club from League One to the via automatic promotion in 2009, before reaching the play-off final in 2010, where they lost to . Grayson then managed Town from 2012 to 2013, securing another promotion to the through the 2012 League One playoffs against Sheffield United. From 2013 to 2017, he oversaw Preston North End, achieving a fourth promotion in 2015 via the against Chesterfield and stabilizing the club in the second tier. Subsequent roles included a brief stint at in 2017, short tenures at Bradford City (2018) and a return to (2019–2020), and Fleetwood Town (2021), where his win percentage hovered around 42% across nearly 800 managerial games. Grayson expanded internationally by managing in the from 2022 to 2023, followed by a short spell at Lalitpur City FC in Nepal's from February to June 2025, where he won the league title. In June 2025, he was appointed manager of National League side United but was sacked on 12 October 2025 after 14 matches, leaving him without a club as of November 2025.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Simon Grayson was born on 16 December 1969 in , , . He grew up in the nearby market town of , where he was immersed in a family environment deeply rooted in sports. His father, Adrian Grayson, served as a geography and teacher at the local school and maintained a lifelong commitment to local , participating for over 50 years while also engaging in football. This familial dedication to fostered a competitive spirit, with Adrian coaching prominent figures such as cricketers , , and . Grayson's younger brother, Paul Grayson, followed in the family's sporting tradition as a professional cricketer, playing for and before representing in two One Day Internationals in 2000 and 2001. The brothers' shared passion for sport was nurtured through their father's influence, which extended to various activities including and pool, often marked by intense family rivalries. From an early age, Grayson was exposed to football via local clubs in , beginning his involvement with Bedale FC while attending Bedale High School, supported by his family's encouragement of physical pursuits. This foundation in grassroots football, combined with the broader ethos at home, shaped his early development in the .

Youth career and education

Simon Grayson attended Bedale High School in , where he developed an early interest in football alongside his academic studies. As a pupil there, he balanced schoolwork with participation in local football, including playing for AFC, which helped nurture his skills before entering professional ranks. This period of juggling education and training laid a foundation for his disciplined approach to the sport. Grayson's family's sporting heritage, particularly his father Adrian's background in coaching cricket and physical education, influenced his early exposure to competitive athletics. At age 14, in 1984, he joined Leeds United's youth academy as a trainee, the club he supported as a boyhood fan, beginning his structured development in professional football. Within Leeds United's youth system, Grayson progressed as a defender, primarily honing his skills as a right-back through rigorous training that emphasized the club's demanding culture of resilience and team ethic. This environment, rooted in ' tradition of high expectations, shaped his tactical understanding and physical conditioning during his teenage years. He made his senior debut for the club at age 17 during the 1987-1988 season, marking the culmination of his progression.

Playing career

Leeds United

Grayson progressed through the youth system at his boyhood club Leeds United, signing as a professional in June 1988. He made his senior debut on 15 November 1987 against Huddersfield Town in the Second Division, aged 17. Over the next four years, he struggled to establish a regular first-team place, making just 3 senior appearances (2 in the league and 1 in other competitions) without scoring a goal. Grayson contributed sparingly during Leeds' promotion to the First Division in 1990 under . He left the club in March 1992, transferring to Leicester City for a fee of £50,000.

Premier League clubs

Grayson transferred to Leicester City from Leeds United on 13 March 1992 for a fee of £50,000. He quickly established himself as a reliable right-back, contributing to the club's promotion to the via the in 1994 and again in 1996. During his time at , Grayson made 69 Premier League appearances across the 1994–95 and 1996–97 seasons, showcasing defensive solidity with no goals but 2 assists. He also played a key role in the team's 1997 triumph, having scored the decisive goal in the semi-final against Wimbledon en route to the 1-0 replay victory over . In July 1997, Grayson joined Aston Villa for £1.35 million under manager , who had previously signed him for . At , he added 48 appearances over the 1997–98 and 1998–99 seasons, scoring 0 goals and providing 2 assists while continuing to offer versatile defensive cover. His contributions helped Villa secure a sixth-place finish in 1997–98, qualifying for the Cup. Grayson moved to Rovers on 29 July 1999 for £750,000, but by then the club had been relegated from the . Although returned to the top flight in 2001, Grayson did not feature in any matches for them, instead spending time on loan at lower-tier clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County during the 2000–01 season. Across his career with Leicester City and Aston Villa, Grayson amassed 117 appearances, emphasizing his role in providing consistent backline stability without notable attacking output.

Football League and later clubs

While remaining at Blackburn Rovers until 2002, Grayson joined on a short-term loan, making five league appearances for the club during the 2000–01 season. After that, he had a loan spell at County in January 2001, where he featured in 14 league games. Later in 2001, he moved on loan to Notts County, scoring once in 13 appearances. In February 2002, he had a short loan spell at Bradford City, contributing to seven league matches in the First Division. In July 2002, Grayson signed with in League One as a player, where he went on to make 139 appearances and score seven goals across all competitions over the next four seasons, providing defensive stability to the side. His experience from the aided his adaptability in the lower tiers, allowing him to mentor younger players while maintaining consistent performances. In November 2005, Grayson was appointed player-manager at following the dismissal of , and under his leadership, the team finished 19th in League One with 53 points, securing survival and avoiding relegation. He retired from playing at the end of the 2005–06 season, having amassed over 400 appearances and 16 goals across league and cup competitions throughout his , to focus fully on his managerial responsibilities. This transition marked the beginning of his prominent .

Managerial career

Blackpool

Simon Grayson began his managerial career at , where he had previously played as a defender from 2002 to 2006. He was appointed as on 21 November 2005, following the sacking of , and led the team to a 2–1 victory over Bristol City in his first match in charge. Grayson was confirmed as permanent manager on 23 2006, signing a contract until the end of the 2006–07 season, with the club expressing confidence in his ability to stabilize the League One side. Under Grayson's leadership, finished the 2006–07 League One season in fourth place, securing a spot in the play-offs. In the semi-finals against Athletic, won the first leg 3–1 away and drew at home despite being reduced to ten men, advancing with a aggregate victory. They then defeated Yeovil Town 2–0 on aggregate in the final at on 27 May 2007, earning promotion to the for the first time in 30 years; goals from Shaun Barker and an by Lee Johnson sealed the win. This achievement marked a significant turnaround for the club, building on Grayson's emphasis on defensive solidity and team cohesion. Grayson's overall record at Blackpool included 60 wins in 163 matches, yielding a win percentage of 36.81%. His tenure was characterized by steady improvement, with the team moving from mid-table struggles to promotion contention through effective recruitment and tactical discipline. Grayson departed Blackpool on 23 2008 to take up the managerial position at Leeds United, leaving the club in seventh place in the .

Leeds United

Grayson was appointed as Leeds United manager on 23 December 2008, succeeding amid the club's struggles in League One. As a boyhood fan and former product who made his debut for the club in 1988, his return carried significant emotional weight for supporters. In his first half-season, Grayson steadied the side, which had endured a poor run under McAllister, guiding them to fourth place in the 2008–09 League One table and into the play-off semi-finals. There, Leeds faced , drawing 1–1 at home after losing 1–0 in the first leg, resulting in a 2–1 aggregate defeat that ended their promotion hopes. The following season, 2009–10, proved transformative; Leeds finished second in League One, securing automatic promotion to the on the final day with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Rovers, despite playing with 10 men after Luciano Becchio's red card. Jermaine Beckford's 85th-minute winner, following Max Gradel's equalizer, sparked ecstatic celebrations and marked the club's return to the second tier after three years. Grayson's tenure in the from 2010 onward saw establish themselves as a solid mid-table side, though constrained by chairman ' cautious financial approach, including limited transfer spending and ongoing repercussions from the club's 2007 administration. Despite these challenges, he built a resilient squad, achieving notable results like a 1–0 upset over Manchester United in January 2010. Over 169 matches in charge, Grayson recorded 84 wins, 40 draws, and 45 losses, yielding 1.73 points per game and earning widespread acclaim from fans for restoring pride and stability to a club still recovering from its turbulent recent history. His dismissal came on 1 February 2012, with Leeds sitting 10th in the table after a winless run of five games in the 2011–12 season, despite being only six points off the play-offs. Youth coach took temporary control, as the board sought a new direction.

Huddersfield Town

Simon Grayson was appointed as Huddersfield Town's manager on 20 February 2012, taking over from Lee Clark midway through the 2011–12 League One season. With the team in contention for promotion, Grayson guided them to in the regular season standings, securing a play-off spot. In the semi-finals, Huddersfield defeated Dons with a 3–0 second-leg victory after a goalless first leg, advancing to the final against Sheffield United. On 26 May 2012, they won promotion to the via a dramatic , triumphing 8–7 after a 0–0 draw, marking Grayson's third successful promotion from League One following his achievements with and United. Entering the Championship for the 2012–13 season, Grayson's focus shifted to consolidation and stability at the higher level. He emphasized defensive organization, implementing a pragmatic style that prioritized solidity at the back while relying on key forwards like for goals. Early results were promising, with earning a 1–0 opening-day win over and climbing into mid-table contention. Grayson also integrated younger talents into the squad, providing opportunities to academy products and loanees to build depth alongside experienced players. Over his tenure, he amassed 17 wins, 15 draws, and 17 losses in 49 matches, achieving a win percentage of 34.69% and averaging 1.39 points per game. However, a significant dip in form from November 2012, including 12 consecutive matches without a , saw slip towards the relegation zone. Despite being seven points clear of danger when dismissed on 24 January 2013, Grayson parted ways with the club amid the poor run, with the team ultimately finishing 15th and ensuring survival under caretaker management.

Preston North End

Grayson was appointed manager of Preston North End on 18 February 2013, replacing Graham Westley at the League One club. He took charge of a mid-table side and remained unbeaten in his first four league matches, setting a positive tone for his tenure. In his debut full season of 2013–14, Grayson guided Preston to fifth place in League One, qualifying for the play-offs. In the semi-finals against Rotherham United, they drew 1–1 at home but lost 3–1 away, exiting on a 4–2 aggregate. The following year, 2014–15, Preston finished third and returned to the play-offs, overcoming Chesterfield in the semi-finals with a 4–2 aggregate victory. In the final at Wembley Stadium on 24 May 2015, they delivered a dominant 4–0 win over Swindon Town, with goals from Joe Garner (two), Daniel Johnson, and Will Keane, securing promotion to the Championship and ending the club's notorious play-off hoodoo after nine previous failures. Upon returning to the , Grayson focused on consolidation, finishing 11th in both the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons with identical records of 16 wins, 14 draws, and 16 losses, amassing 62 points each campaign. Despite a strong finish to 2016–17 that positioned Preston just four points shy of the play-offs, Grayson was sacked on 29 June 2017 as the club sought a fresh push for promotion. Over his four-and-a-half-year stint, he managed 235 matches, recording 105 wins, 72 draws, and 58 losses, yielding 1.65 points per match and establishing the longest managerial tenure at Preston in over two decades. Grayson's success stemmed from shrewd squad building on a constrained budget, prioritizing free agents, loans, and proven performers to maximize value. Key signings included defender Tom Clarke, acquired on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers in June 2013 and appointed captain for his leadership and defensive solidity; veteran striker , signed freely from Bolton Wanderers that summer to mentor younger forwards; and midfielder Daniel Johnson, who joined from Rangers in 2015 and provided creativity with seven goals in the promotion season. Other impactful additions, such as and Paul Gallagher on free transfers, bolstered the spine of the team during the transition. Tactically, Grayson evolved from a direct 4-4-2 in League One, emphasizing set-piece threats and counter-attacks, to a more balanced setup in the second tier that incorporated midfield control while retaining defensive resilience, enabling survival and competitiveness against fuller budgets. Building on the stabilization he achieved at Huddersfield Town, this approach transformed Preston into consistent contenders despite financial limitations.

Sunderland

Grayson was appointed manager on 29 June 2017, shortly after the club's relegation from the , signing a three-year contract to lead their campaign. Coming from Preston North End, where he had guided the team to the play-offs, Grayson inherited a squad requiring significant rebuilding amid financial turmoil following the relegation. The summer transfer window saw a heavy squad overhaul, with Sunderland raising approximately £40 million from player sales, including Jordan Pickford's £30 million move to Everton and Jermain Defoe's free transfer to . In contrast, incoming spending totaled just over £1 million on permanent signings such as James Vaughan (£0.5-0.9 million), supplemented by loans like and , as the club grappled with stringent financial fair play rules and a drastically reduced . Grayson's efforts to integrate the new arrivals were hampered by deep-rooted issues within the squad, including a "mental " from years of underachievement that affected 7-8 players' confidence and fostered negativity in the dressing room. These challenges contributed to a dismal start, with the team struggling to convert promising performances into results and sitting in the relegation zone by autumn. His tenure ended abruptly on 31 October 2017, following a 3-3 draw with Bolton Wanderers, after just 17 competitive matches in which he recorded 4 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses. The sacking highlighted the high expectations and instability at the club, marking another turbulent chapter in 's post-relegation decline.

Bradford City

Simon Grayson was appointed as Bradford City manager on 11 February 2018, replacing who had been sacked earlier that week, with the club sitting 15th in League One and in need of stabilization. At 48 years old and out of work since his dismissal from four months prior, Grayson signed a short-term contract until the end of the 2017–18 season, drawing on his experience of squad rebuilds at struggling clubs to address Bradford's inconsistent form. In his 14 matches in charge, Grayson oversaw 3 wins, 5 draws, and 6 defeats, accumulating 14 points at an average of 1.00 per game, which helped the team climb to a secure mid-table finish of 11th place with 63 points overall. A key focus was defensive reinforcement, as he prioritized tightening up a backline that had conceded heavily earlier in the season—16 games without a clean sheet upon his arrival—leading to improved solidity in the closing fixtures, including an unbeaten run of seven games with just one loss. Grayson's tenure ended on 8 May 2018 when he declined the option to extend his contract, parting company with the club by mutual agreement after guiding them away from relegation concerns but falling short of the playoffs. The brief three-month spell limited his overall impact, though it restored some stability to a side disrupted by earlier managerial changes and ownership tensions.

Return to Blackpool

Grayson returned to on 6 2019, signing a two-year contract as manager shortly after the club's by ally Simon Sadler, which ended years of fan protests against the previous ownership. He replaced Terry McPhillips, who had guided the team to a strong start in League One, and aimed to build on that momentum amid the fresh start under new ownership. This marked an emotional homecoming for Grayson, who had previously led to promotion in 2007 during his first spell at the club. Under Grayson's leadership, initially performed well, climbing to fourth in the League One table by early December 2019 and entering the promotion play-off picture. However, form deteriorated dramatically thereafter, with the team securing just one victory in their next 12 matches across all competitions, dropping to 15th place and prompting concerns over survival in the third tier. Grayson cited shifting expectations from owner Sadler—who initially emphasized consolidation over immediate promotion—as a factor in the mounting pressure, though the sacking on 12 February 2020 was primarily attributed to the poor results. His overall record at Blackpool during this second stint was 13 wins, 11 draws, and 14 losses in 38 matches, yielding a 34% win rate and 1.32 points per game. Despite the dismissal, Blackpool avoided relegation, finishing 13th after the season was curtailed due to the , with taking over and stabilizing the side. Fans and former managers expressed strong support for Grayson, with ex-Blackpool boss labeling the decision an "absolute disgrace" given the club's recent ownership turmoil and Grayson's deep ties to the club.

Fleetwood Town

Simon Grayson was appointed as head coach of Fleetwood Town on 31 January 2021, succeeding who had departed earlier that month. He agreed an initial contract until the end of the 2020–21 season, taking over a side that sat 14th in League One and had endured a winless run of eight league matches under Barton. Grayson's familiarity with the local area, stemming from his previous managerial roles at nearby , was seen as an asset in understanding the regional football landscape. In his early tenure, Grayson steadied the team, securing four wins in their last five games of the 2020–21 season, including three clean sheets, which helped Fleetwood finish 15th in League One with 60 points from 46 matches. Impressed by this turnaround, the club extended his contract on a long-term basis in March 2021, alongside assistant , recognizing his impact on restoring stability. The 2021–22 began promisingly for Grayson at , but form deteriorated amid injuries and a transfer embargo, leading to frustrating inconsistency. By , the team had endured an eight-game winless streak across all competitions, including seven defeats in eight, culminating in a 3–1 loss to Oxford United on 23 . Grayson was sacked the following day, 24 2021, with the club languishing in 22nd place in League One. Over his 43 games in charge, he recorded 13 wins, 10 draws, and 20 defeats, achieving mid-table security in his first partial but ultimately unable to sustain progress.

Bengaluru FC

In June 2022, Simon Grayson was appointed as of in the (ISL), marking his first major international role outside English football. He signed a two-year contract, replacing Marco Pezzaiuoli, and aimed to revitalize a team that had missed the in the previous two seasons. Grayson drew on his experience with squad integration from his time at Fleetwood Town to build cohesion among a diverse roster of Indian and foreign players. Under Grayson's leadership, Bengaluru FC finished fourth in the 2022-23 ISL regular season, securing a playoff spot after a remarkable turnaround that included 10 consecutive wins to end the campaign. He adapted his tactical approach to the ISL's high-tempo, attacking style by shifting from an initial 3-5-2 formation to more flexible setups like 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, emphasizing solid defense and quick transitions. Key signings such as defender and midfielder bolstered the squad's depth and leadership, contributing to a run that saw the team reach the ISL final, where they lost on penalties to ATK Mohun Bagan. Grayson also navigated cultural challenges, including adjusting to India's diverse player backgrounds and fan expectations, which he described as a significant in coaching philosophy. Grayson's tenure extended into the 2023-24 season, but Bengaluru struggled early, culminating in a 4-0 defeat to on December 7, 2023. He was sacked by mutual consent on December 9, 2023, after overseeing 19 wins in 44 across all competitions during his time at the club. Despite the exit, Grayson highlighted the growth in adapting to Asian football's unique demands, including integrating local talents with international recruits amid logistical and environmental differences.

Lalitpur City FC

In February 2025, Simon Grayson was appointed as of Lalitpur City FC, the reigning champions of the , ahead of the 2025 season. This move marked his return to Asian football following a stint with in India's Super League, where he gained familiarity with the region's competitive landscape. Grayson's tenure began with a focus on maintaining the club's defensive solidity and attacking flair, leading Lalitpur City to top the regular season standings unbeaten, accumulating 12 points from six matches with three wins and three draws. The team advanced to the playoffs, where they continued their dominant form, culminating in a 2–1 victory over Thunders in the final on 26 April 2025 at Dasharath Stadium, successfully defending their title and securing back-to-back championships. Throughout the tournament, Lalitpur City remained undefeated in all key matches, showcasing Grayson's tactical discipline and the squad's resilience, which resulted in his first league title as a manager. Grayson departed the club in June 2025 upon the conclusion of the season.

Hartlepool United

Simon Grayson was appointed as Hartlepool United's first-team manager on 12 June 2025, taking over from at the National League club. His tenure began promisingly, with the team securing 10 points from their opening four league matches, including victories against and Southend United. Despite this early momentum, results became inconsistent, and sat 12th in the table with 18 points from 14 league games—four points shy of the play-off places—when Grayson was dismissed on 12 October 2025, immediately following a 1-1 home draw against Gainsborough Trinity. His overall league record comprised four wins, six draws, and four defeats, with the side scoring 13 goals and conceding 10 during his spell. Grayson later reflected that the abrupt end to his time at the club left his "pride hurt," expressing frustration over the decision despite the team's proximity to promotion contention. As of November 2025, Grayson remains unemployed in and has returned to media commentary, including appearances discussing his on Tees. His international stints, particularly in , informed tactical approaches such as a balanced 4-1-3-2 formation aimed at defensive solidity during his tenure.

Personal life

Family

Simon Grayson has a son, Joe Grayson (born 26 March 1999), who is a professional footballer playing as a defender or . Joe made his senior debut for Rovers on 28 2018 in an match against Stanley, becoming the third father-son duo to play for the club alongside his father. Joe's career has included spells at clubs such as Barrow, where he signed a two-year contract in 2021, and , joining in 2023 and contributing to their victory in 2024. The Grayson family represents the third generation involved in professional football, with Simon and Joe following in the footsteps of Adrian Grayson, Simon's father, who was a talented footballer alongside his prominent career in . This lineage underscores a strong familial tradition in sports, where early influences from Adrian fostered a competitive spirit in both Simon and his brother. Simon Grayson's brother, Paul Grayson, is a former professional cricketer who represented England in two Test matches in 1995 and played first-class cricket for Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, and Essex, amassing 8,655 runs in first-class cricket. Paul, who served as Yorkshire's senior batting coach from 2019 to 2021, later transitioned into coaching. The has provided mutual support during career transitions, with Simon offering guidance to Joe during a serious recovery in 2021 and advising on club moves, such as Joe's decision to join Barrow over higher-division options. In turn, family dynamics, including competitive matches between Simon, Joe, Paul, and Paul's son Oliver, have strengthened their bonds amid professional challenges. In September 2025, Simon warned Joe of a tough matchup when his United faced Joe's , highlighting their ongoing encouragement in each other's endeavors.

Interests and media work

Following his departure from Hartlepool United in October 2025, Grayson has continued to engage in media work, providing analysis and commentary on football matches and events. He regularly appears as a and co-commentator for outlets including , , and , drawing on his extensive experience as both a player and manager. Grayson's involvement in broadcasting extends to post-match discussions and interviews, where he offers insights into tactical decisions and team . For instance, shortly after his Hartlepool dismissal, he discussed the circumstances of his exit on , expressing disappointment but reflecting on the challenges faced. His media contributions have been a consistent part of his career outside full-time , helping to maintain his visibility in the football community. Outside of professional commitments, Grayson enjoys golf as a primary hobby, often playing competitively with family members. He shares a particularly intense rivalry on the course with his son Joe, a professional footballer, as well as his brother Paul—a former cricketer—and nephew Oliver, turning rounds into spirited family contests. This shared passion for sport underscores the athletic pursuits that bond the Grayson family.

Career statistics

As a player

ClubSeason(s)League appsLeague goalsTotal appsTotal goals
Leeds United1988–19922020
Leicester City1992–199716631884
Aston Villa1997–1999410480
Blackburn Rovers1999–2002280340
Sheffield Wednesday (loan)1999–20005050
Stockport County (loan)2000–2001100130
Notts County (loan)200181101
Bradford City (loan)2001–20026070
Blackpool2002–200610441266
Career total370843311
  • 1996–97: Leicester City
  • 1993–94: Leicester City (captain in the final victory over Derby County)
  • 1995–96: Leicester City

As a manager

ClubFromToMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
21 Nov 200523 Dec 200816360515236.81
Leeds United23 Dec 20081 Feb 201216984404549.70
Huddersfield Town20 Feb 201224 Jan 20134917151734.69
Preston North End18 Feb 201329 Jun 2017235104745744.26
29 Jun 201731 Oct 20171837816.67
Bradford City11 Feb 20188 May 20181435621.43
6 Jul 201912 Feb 20203813121334.21
Fleetwood Town31 Jan 202124 Nov 20214313102030.23
8 Jun 20229 Dec 20234822121445.83
Lalitpur City FC2 Feb 202511 Jun 2025853062.50
Hartlepool United12 Jun 202512 Oct 20251446428.57
Total79932823623541.05
Grayson's managerial career is marked by four successful promotions from to the : with via the 2007 play-offs (2–0 win over Yeovil Town at ), Leeds United via automatic promotion in 2010 (finishing second), Huddersfield Town via the 2012 play-offs (against United), and Preston North End via the 2015 play-offs (against Chesterfield). In 2025, he won the with Lalitpur City FC, remaining unbeaten and clinching the title in the play-off final. Grayson has earned recognition for his experience in play-off finals, having managed teams in multiple high-stakes knockout matches across English football's lower tiers, contributing to his reputation as a promotion specialist.

Honours as a manager

  • League One play-offs: 2007 (Blackpool)
  • League One (automatic promotion): 2010 (Leeds United)
  • League One play-offs: 2012 (Huddersfield Town)
  • League One play-offs: 2015 (Preston North End)
  • Nepal Super League: 2025 (Lalitpur City FC)

Honours

As a player

During his playing career, Simon Grayson achieved success primarily with Leicester City, where he contributed to several key team triumphs, including two promotions to the via the play-offs and a major cup victory. He received no major individual awards, with his contributions emphasized through collective achievements.
  • 1996–97: Leicester City
  • 1993–94: Leicester City (captain in the final victory over Derby County)
  • 1995–96: Leicester City

As a manager

Grayson's managerial career is marked by several successful promotions from League One, including play-off victories that secured elevation to the . He guided to the 2007 League One play-off final, where they defeated Yeovil Town 2-0 at , earning promotion. Similarly, with Leeds United in 2010, Grayson led the team to automatic promotion from League One after a dramatic final-day victory over Bristol Rovers, finishing second in the table. He later achieved promotion with Huddersfield Town via the 2012 League One play-off final, defeating Sheffield United on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Grayson then guided Preston North End to promotion through the 2015 League One play-off final, a 4–0 victory over Swindon Town. In 2025, Grayson achieved international success by winning the with Lalitpur City FC, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and clinching the title in the play-off final. This victory highlighted his adaptability in a short-format league abroad. Grayson has earned recognition for his experience in play-off finals, having managed teams in multiple high-stakes knockout matches across English football's lower tiers, contributing to his reputation as a promotion specialist.

Honours as a manager

  • League One play-offs: 2007 (Blackpool)
  • League One (automatic promotion): 2010 (Leeds United)
  • League One play-offs: 2012 (Huddersfield Town)
  • League One play-offs: 2015 (Preston North End)
  • Nepal Super League: 2025 (Lalitpur City FC)

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  89. https://kathmandupost.com/football/2025/04/27/lalitpur-city-defend-nsl-title
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  91. https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/how-hartlepool-united-manager-simon-graysons-record-after-14-games-in-charge-compares-to-his-16-predecessors-gallery-5349262
  92. https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united/ex-hartlepool-united-boss-simon-grayson-breaks-silence-sacking-5391583
  93. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mdvzcs
  94. https://www.41nbc.com/community-prepares-students-return/?s-news-628523-2025-10-12-hartlepool-united-overview-2025-2026-season
  95. https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/joe-is-a-history-maker-2043221
  96. https://www.transfermarkt.us/joe-grayson/profil/spieler/387360
  97. https://gateshead-fc.com/players/joe-grayson/
  98. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4272/4272.html
  99. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/46957555
  100. https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/countycricket/yorkshire_axe_entire_coaching_staff_cultural_review.html
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  104. https://football.sportingmemories.net/memory/551-simon-grayson-1994-divison-one-play-off-final/?addcomment
  105. https://eflanalysis.com/news/leicester-city-legend-excited-after-landing-new-job-in-english-football-he-will-want-to-improve-record/
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  107. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/nine-play-off-appearances-and-five-promotions-former-leeds-united-boss-simon-grayson-on-how-to-survive-the-end-of-season-knockouts-482311
  108. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11719/7771064/grayson-eyes-promotion-hat-trick
  109. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/18269769
  110. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/24/preston-north-end-swindon-town-league-one-play-off-final-match-report
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