TF90M’s Football League Correspondent David Holliday looks at the task Leeds United boss Simon Grayson faces in contrast with the challenge that greeted his predecessor Brian Clough.

Leeds manager, Simon Grayson says he has not seen the “Damned United” yet, though he intends to. It is interesting and in many ways depressing, how the times have changed between Clough and Grayson. Brian Clough regarded as the best manager in England took over Leeds at the height of their success. Don Revie had led Leeds to two championships, an FA cup and a League Cup in his time at Leeds. Clough had a difficult task ahead of him, always a critic of Leeds he was already unpopular at his arrival, and the poor run of results that followed led to his sacking. The only way he could go was down, winning the championship was the minimum expected of him. It was never going to work.

Simon Grayson however took over at a time of turmoil. In the last nine years, Leeds have fallen from the Champions League semis, to defeat in the League 1 playoffs at the hands of Doncaster last year. Leeds fans have high expectations and want Premiership football. Through the highs and lows Leeds support has never dwindled. With an average attendance of 23,000 people at Elland Road last year watching League One football. But Leeds fans demand the same loyalty from players and staff. Simon Grayson, a Leeds fan and former player, would always be a popular man with the fans, but he would have to deliver the goods.  After a debut draw against runaway leaders Leicester and a slow start, Leeds have hit form and have now cemented their position in the playoffs and are looking at a charge towards the automatic promotion places. The current Leeds team is brimming with young talent and under the mentorship of Grayson they look set for a successful finish to the season. Players like Fabian Delph (recently called into the England U21s), Robert Snodgrass (former Scotland U21s) and Aiden White (England U19s) have all blossomed under him.     

Can Grayson – who was prised away from Blackpool take Leeds that one step further and finally win promotion. Already a playoff victor with Blackpool, he has experience of getting out of this league. Regular observers of Leeds say that Grayson has the pragmatism required to get out of this division. Popular with players and fans he has the potential to take Leeds all the way.