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

September 29, 2026 · 57 min

Show notes

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.

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