Boro to get no Grayson mercy

The 40-year-old United chief takes his side to Middlesbrough as the Championship season resumes following the international break.

Unusually for Leeds, much of the focus will be on the opposition with Boro having so far failed to justify their pre-season tag of favourites to win promotion.

A return of just 11 points from the opening 10 games is seen on Teesside as scant reward for the heavy investment made by Strachan, who last summer brought in Kevin Thomson, Nicky Bailey and Kris Boyd.

It means the pressure has already started to build on the Boro manager and Grayson is hoping to crank that up even further with victory in tomorrow's Yorkshire derby.

The Leeds manager said: "Pressure comes with the territory. Middlesbrough are a big football club who were favourites to win promotion.

"They haven't had the start they expected but they have good players and a fantastic manager.

"Gordon has proved he is a good manager in the past. Whether it takes a few more weeks or months to sort it out, he will.

"But we will be going there to make sure Middlesbrough have an uncomfortable night and feel like they have a headache come Sunday morning."

Grayson was already at Elland Road when Strachan signed from Manchester United in March, 1989, so was able to see from close quarters the amazing transformation brought about by the Scot.

Within 14 months of his arrival, Leeds had been promoted and further success would follow two years later with the winning of the league title.

Strachan, 32 when signed by Howard Wilkinson, was also named Footballer of the Year during his stint in West Yorkshire.

Grayson, whose first-team career at Leeds was limited to a handful of appearances, said: "What I remember most about Gordon is him running up and down the touchline, working his socks off.

"He was a fantastic captain for Leeds United during a successful period.

"That midfield of Strachan, McAllister, Speed and Batty was some line-up. I wasn't fortunate enough to play with Gordon, or should I say he didn't have the privilege of playing with me, mainly because he didn't play in the reserves.

"Seriously, I have the utmost respect for Gordon. He set me on my way as a young pro and taught me a lot.

"He was someone who had a huge amount of guidance on my career. He is someone I listened to and who was always encouraging us younger lads.

"His attitude in training had a major influence on me. It wasn't just the young lads, people like Gary McAllister and Vinnie Jones were also taken aback by his enthusiasm and desire to succeed at 35. As a manager, he has been there for advice as well. He has played a significant part in my career, even if he doesn't realise it."

Asked what it would mean if victory tomorrow was to pile further pressure on Strachan at the Riverside, Grayson added: "It is not a case of wanting to make life uncomfortable for Gordon, I just want my team to win.

"I had it the other week when we played Sheffield United. Me and Gary Speed signed for Leeds on the same day at 14 but we both had a job to do. We still had a beer afterwards. The handshakes will be there on Saturday – (assistant manager) Glynn Snodin played with Gordon as well – but we want to win."

Leeds will be backed by a 4,000-strong travelling army of fans at the Riverside for what will be Grayson's 100th in charge.

The United manager, who is today speaking to free agent Tony Warner about a short-term deal as cover for loanee goalkeeper Jason Brown, added: "People say to me quite a few times, 'You're coming to a ground with dwindling crowds and there is no atmosphere'.

"But, believe me, when 4,000 Leeds fans turn up that changes. The same thing happened at Barnsley when we took 7,000 fans there. Suddenly, the home fans are woken up and it inspires the home team. We have to make sure the Boro fans are fast asleep come 7pm."