Leeds Manager Grayson is just 39

Last weekend Hereford United played Leicester City. Their manager is 46 year old Nigel Pearson who was signed as a player by Bulls manager Graham Turner whilst he was at Wolves.

Tomorrow Leeds United come to Edgar Street. They are managed by Simon Grayson who joined them just before Christmas. He is just 39 years old.

Grayson began his career at Leeds United in June 1988. However he didn't make the grade at Elland Road and signed for Leicester City in March 1992 where he made 229 appearances in five years. In 1997 he moved to Aston Villa and two years later to Blackburn. Then followed a series of loans to various clubs before a move to Blackpool in July 2002.

He moved into coaching in the 2004–05 season. Then in November 2005, following the departure of Colin Hendry, he was put in charge of the first team who were fighting relegation.

Having succeeded in keeping them in League One, Grayson was given the manager's job on a permanent basis in Summer 2006. In May 2007, via the play-offs, he took Blackpool into the Championship.

And then last month a call from Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, and Grayson went back to the club where he started his career.

Meanwhile there have always been young managers in the Football League. Graham Turner started his managerial career at Shrewsbury when he was just 31.

And when the two pit their wits against each other tomorrow, it might be worth noting that Turner is in the middle of his 31st year of management whilst Grayson has just started his third year.

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