Simon Grayson enjoyed a long career as a player and is now taking to management just as well.
In his first season at Leeds he gained promotion and almost got them into the Championship play-offs last season when they finished seventh.
Leeds start their season with a visit to newly-promoted Southampton and GMF caught up with him to find out how pre-season has gone and how he rates Leeds’ promotion prospects this season....
Q. How have things been shaping up in pre-season?
A. It is about getting players fit and ready for the start of the season and conditioned. We have played some competitive games and overall it has gone well and we’re looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.
Q. Are you happy with the squad as you prepare for your opening game?
A. Yes, we have brought in three players and hopefully will have another one in by the Southampton game (Leeds confirmed the capture of Darren O’Dea last night) but the main thing is that we have held onto our players such as Snodgrass and Gradel. Leeds do not have to sell unlike a few years ago.
Q. Has it been hard to bring in players?
A. Everyone is after the same players and you only want players who are going to improve your squad. I said last season that there would not be much movement in and out because I was happy with the squad but wanted to add a bit of quality.
Q. In addition to bringing in two keepers, you’ve also signed Michael Brown – what was the thinking behind that?
A. I wanted a bit of experience and leadership. I thought last season we were at times a little naive so all the players have played at the Championship level and Michael Brown has played at the highest level.
Q. What are the aims for the season?
A. You are always looking to improve and that is why we have been in the market but some people think we may have over achieved last season and when you see the intent of clubs like Brighton coming up plus the clubs coming down and spending money you know the challenge is a big one.
Q. You play Southampton on Saturday. In many ways there are parallels between what you have done here and what Nigel Adkins has done on the south coast?
A. Yes we got promoted and kept the momentum going and had a good year. Nigel has done a fantastic job and he will think he can have a good season and may even think he can go up if they can maintain momentum. They are a big club and it will be a good atmosphere.
