Simon Grayson has been confirmed as the new boss of Leeds United - according to reports at lunchtime.

At the time of writing, the official Leeds United website have yet to confirm the news - however Soccernet, Eurosport and Clubcall all report that Grayson has been appointed as Gary McAllister's successor.

The 39-year-old who began his career as an apprentice with Leeds in 1988, and was a boyhood whites' fan only made two senior appearances for United. He moved on in 1992 to Leicester City (ironically our next opponents) for just £50,000. After 229 games for the Foxes and six goals, they made a handsome profit on him by selling him to Aston Villa for £1,350.000 in 1997.

He would make 64 appearances for Villa, scoring twice before joining Blackburn in July 1999 for £750,000. He made 40 appearances at Ewood Park and during his time with Rovers, he had loan-spells at Sheffield Wednesday (5 games, 0 goals), Stockport (14/0), Notts County (14/1) and Bradford City (7/0).

In 2002, he moved to Blackpool on a free-transfer, eventually becoming player-manager during the 2005/06 season.After 50 games and three goals for the Seasiders, he became their full-time boss and guided them to promotion to the Championship via the play-offs in 2006/07.

Having narrowly avoided relegation in 2007/08, Grayson leaves Blackpool in 16th place. Initially the Seasider's board rejected Leeds overtures, but things moved quickly this morning when Grayson announced he wished to return to his native Yorkshire and be the latest manager to try and turn around the fortunes of his beloved whites'.

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