Simon Grayson: Turning Down Leeds Return, Ken Bates Stories And WRONG Sunderland Portrayal

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Leeds United and Sunderland boss Simon Grayson. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com/managersvpn — our link also gives you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. Simon reflects on his early life and playing career before revealing how he unexpectedly found himself stepping into management at Blackpool. He looks back on his dream move to boyhood club Leeds United, his time working with Ken Bates, and the dramatic final-day victory that secured promotion to the Championship. Simon also opens up about his departure from Elland Road and explains why he later decided against returning to the club. Plus, he discusses his time at Sunderland, his involvement in the Netflix documentary series, and why he believes his portrayal in the programme was unfair. 00:00 - Intro 00:36 - Early beginnings and playing career 04:33 - Coaching start & time at Blackpool 09:08 - Taking over at Leeds United & Ken Bates 15:12 - Winning promotion to Championship 17:59 - Defeating Man Utd at Old Trafford 22:35 - Talented Leeds team & turning down PL clubs 26:44 - Leeds departure & view on Leeds now 33:20 - Secret to play-off success 38:33 - Taking over at Sunderland & documentary 45:20 - Working abroad 50:56 - Do you miss management? Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com #football #transfers #leeds #leedsunited #lufc #leedsunitedfc #premierleague #epl #efl #footballleague #englishfootball #sunderland #safc #sunderlandafc #manutd #mufc #manunited #blackpool #blackpoolfc #preston #pne #prestonorthend #huddersfieldtown #playoffs #managers #mccarthy #pulis #Grayson