Former Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City boss celebrates title win after February appointment
Former Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City boss Simon Grayson has enjoyed a league title triumph in Nepal.
The 55-year-old, a League One promotion-winner with the Whites and the Terriers, made the left-field move to Nepal in February.
He took charge of Lalitpur City, a club based in the Bagmati Province, and has steered them to the Nepal Super League title.
The season lasted just two months, with Grayson overseeing three wins and three draws in the regular campaign.
His side then emerged victorious from the play-offs, defeating Pokhara Thunders in the final.
Speaking via the league’s social media channels, he said: “I’m obviously really excited for everybody connected with the club - the supporters, the owners, the players.
“It’s been a lot of hard work [that has] gone into it for every team and full credit to Pokhara tonight, who made it very difficult for us, every other team as well.
“I’m so proud of the players. They’ve competed in all of the tournament, which takes some doing as well. To get this second star on the shirt is very special for everybody.
“We’ve got work ethic, a team spirit, but we’ve got some quality in the team that can win games for us as well. You can see the excitement on everybody just celebrating together.”
Grayson, who represented the likes of Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City in his playing days, has taken a wealth of experience to Nepal.
The former Sunderland boss hopes the influence of foreign coaches have had a positive impact on the country’s footballing landscape.
He said: “It’s been well-run. Hopefully, us foreign coaches coming in have had an influence on and off the pitch. That’s what we’re here for.
“It’s always nice when you win a tournament so congratulations to the NSL for putting on this magnificent tournament. You can see how many came into the stadium tonight, there was some proper noise.
“Hopefully, the tournament keeps getting bigger and better each year, because Nepalese football can only benefit from that.”