Simon Grayson was ready to step in as the new Leeds United boss this week following Javi Gracia’s departure.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Victor Orta wasn’t willing to find a replacement for Gracia.
Leeds decided to sack Orta alongside Gracia and go down the route of an interim manager until the end of the season.
Lee Bowyer is again mentioned as being a contender but Simon Grayson was also in the frame according to this report.
It’s stated that Grayson would have been prepared to return to Elland Road for the next four games.
Grayson is currently managing Indian side Bengaluru and won the Durand Cup in 2022.
Grayson has also been a runner-up with Bengaluru in the Indian Super League and Indian Super Cup.
20 wins in 36 games there is a decent record but throwing Grayson into a Premier League relegation battle could have been a big risk.
Simon Grayson has Leeds United at heart
It’s no surprise that Grayson would have jumped at the chance to manage Leeds.
Firstly, going from football in India to a Premier League job would have been impossible to turn down.
Then there is Grayson’s emotional connection to Leeds.
Born in Ripon – just about an hour outside of Leeds – Grayson grew up supporting the Whites.
Grayson started his career with Leeds, coming up through their youth ranks to eventually make a couple of first-team appearances.
Things didn’t work out for Grayson as a player at Leeds, but he went on to have a strong career with Leicester City, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
When Grayson impressed as Blackpool boss, Leeds pounced to bring him back to the club in 2008.
Grayson guided Leeds back to the Championship and even masterminded a 1-0 win over Manchester United in 2010.
Sadly, Grayson was sacked in 2012 but still absolutely loves the Whites.
Success did come with Preston North End but recent jobs with Sunderland, Bradford City, Blackpool and Fleetwood Town didn’t quite go to plan.
The 53-year-old would certainly give his all for Leeds, but it’s hard to argue that he would have been a better option than new boss Sam Allardyce.
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