'It was so frustrating' - Simon Grayson on Leeds United sacking and why Daniel Farke is 'perfect fit'
Simon Grayson has discussed the end of his Leeds United tenure - and heaped praise upon Daniel Farke
Simon Grayson has conceded it was “frustrating” to be shown the door by Leeds United in 2012.
The 56-year-old, a boyhood Leeds fan, led the Whites for four years and steered them to promotion from League One in 2010.
He was relieved of his duties in February 2012, shortly after the closure of the winter transfer window, with the club within touching distance of the Championship play-offs.
Simon Grayson on Leeds United sacking - and return opportunity
Speaking to Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis on their podcast ‘The Managers’, Grayson said: “It was so frustrating. Lots of Leeds fans, even now, say ‘you were unlucky that you got the sack’.
“These things are taken out of your hands at times. I don’t think I’d have done anything differently. That’s what you have to live by at times.”
Grayson went on to have a spell in charge of Huddersfield Town and led the Terriers to promotion from League One.
He emulated the feat with Preston North End and has claimed to have been approached by Leeds regarding a retrurn while at the Deepdale helm.
He said: “I’d have loved to have gone back. My heart’s telling me to go back but my head’s going ‘I can’t work with you (then-owner Massimo Cellino)’.”
Praise for Daniel Farke
Leeds are now an ambitious Premier League club on a stable footing, with Daniel Farke into his fourth season as manager.
He said: “I think they’re very settled at the moment, with the ownership, the 49ers have been really good.
“I think Daniel’s a fantastic coach - really composed and really relaxed about it, doesn’t get too carried away when he’s winning. He doesn’t get too low when he’s losing games. I think he’s the right fit.
“He’s the perfect fit and he gets what you need to do for a club like Leeds and the connection you need with the city and the supporters. You’ve got their backing, you’ve got a great opportunity to be really successful.”