Simon Grayson earned iconic status when he delivered Leeds United back into the Championship from League One – but now he could be about to go one better with Bengaluru, as his side reached the final of the Indian Super League.
Grayson, 53, has enjoyed a wonderful managerial career that has now lasted more than 750 games. Of those, 169 came in four years at Leeds – where he won 84 matches, gaining automatic promotion back to the Championship in 09-10.
His spell at Leeds saw him clock up the second-most amount of games at one club, exceeding that at Preston. Spells at Sunderland, Blackpool and Fleetwood followed – before India. He signed a two-year deal at Bengaluru in June 2022.
The Indian season starts with the Durand Cup. Against the odds, Grayson guided his side to Cup glory in September. The ISL started a month later, but Bengaluru – despite Cup success – got off to a poor start in the 20-game season.
Of the first 12 of the 20 matches, Grayson watched his side win just three times. But Grayson has turned things around, winning the next eight games. It saw Bengaluru finish fourth and qualify for the play-offs, to win the Super League.
Leeds icon Grayson could be about to go one better with Bengaluru
The top six go into a play-off system. The bottom four of those six go head to head in play-offs. Grayson helped his side win 1-0 after extra-time, securing a semi-final place. Over two legs, his side beat Kerala Blasters on penalties.
It saw Bengaluru fans chant his name on Sunday. A side that finished fourth after a dismal start to the season are now just one game away from winning the entire League – which would be only the second time in the club’s short history.
They face ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday evening – a side who finished one place above Grayson’s team. So, it could be glory for Grayson and a surprise double for Bengaluru. But even in defeat, Grayson has worked wonders in India.
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