Bates takes share of blame as fans make their feelings known

THE sacking of Simon Grayson was “inevitable” and the “worst kept secret in football,” according to Leeds United supporters on the forums and message boards last night.

With chairman Ken Bates always “looking over his shoulder” and the club reluctant to commit money for new signings in the January transfer window, fans felt Grayson’s days were numbered.

There were mixed feelings over whether Grayson was suitable for the job, with some opting to reflect on the highlights of his three years at Elland Road – chiefly the 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round in 2010 and promotion back to the Championship later that year – and claiming he was a “scapegoat” for the board.

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Others said Grayson was out of his depth and pointed to a number of poor performances this season, despite Leeds being just three points off the play-offs.

In tune with the recent mutinous atmosphere at Elland Road, there was nobody prepared to back Bates’s decision, with many saying the sacking was conveniently timed so a new manager could not bring in expensive new signings in the transfer window.

“Only Bates could sack a manager the day after deadline day, making sure any new manager will have no money to spend as this would be one of the first questions any new manager would ask,” said one commentator.

Others were more succinct: “Bates is a blinded owner who is interested only in making money. Grayson did a fantastic job with means available,” read one Tweet.

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“(Bates is) Doing absolutely nothing for the football part of the football club,” said another.

Some took the opportunity to dissect some of the long-standing problems at the club. “In Grayson’s three years as manager, we have seen approximately 60 players come to the club... an average of 20 a season.

“Look at any of the recently-promoted clubs, they have had stability in their playing staff through keeping the quality and adding to it.”

Another comment read: “We have one of the highest average attendances in English football, we have loyal fans who pay more than half of what Premier League fans have to pay, we have sponsorship and commercial deals coming through all of the time, yet the invest (sic) in quality players is not there.”

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Views were also split on who should be brought in, with Neil Warnock the favourite.

“Warnock is our best bet for promotion and none of the other likely candidates are any better than Grayson,” one fan said, before adding intriguingly: “My 50p is on (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer.”

“Bates wouldn’t want the likes of Warnock or (Billy) Davies as manager; he wouldn’t get on with them, too much of a personality clash.

“My money’s on (Roberto) Di Matteo, cheap option for Bates and he’ll fall in line, another yes man. If Bates really wants a shot at the Premier League, Warnock’s the man.”