Simon Grayson became the first Leeds United manager since Howard Wilkinson to lead the club to success last season when he guided the club to promotion from League One.

The Elland Road boss marked his full season in charge by securing the second automatic promotion place on the final day of what was a dramatic season. He had overseen a club record winning start to the season in all competitions (8) and a 12-game unbeaten run in the league.

By Christmas, Leeds were eight points clear at the top and the festive season was followed by a sensational FA Cup third round win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. United also held Tottenham in the fourth round, and while league form wasn't as impressive, Grayson achieved his goal on the final afternoon as Leeds secured a Championship return.

After taking over from Gary McAllister in December 2008, the club's latest managerial appointment swiftly made an impact. United recorded 11 straight wins at home and also enjoyed an 11-game unbeaten run in the league, Unfortunately, a place in the Play-Off final eluded Leeds, following defeat over the two legs of the semi final by Millwall.

The 39-year-old had joined Leeds after a six-year stint at Blackpool, first as a player then as manager, during which he guided the Seasiders to their highest league placing for over 40 years.

Grayson presided over the Blackpool side which won the League One Play-Off final in 2007 to secure Championship status.

The Yorkshireman enjoyed a 17-year playing career that saw him make over 500 career appearances.

Simon started his career at Elland Road as an apprentice and made a handful of senior appearances for the club, including one at Wembley in the Mercantile Credit Centenary Tournament, before joining Leicester City in 1992.

From Leicester he enjoyed successful stints with Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers before loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County, Notts County, and Bradford City.

His playing career ended after a century of appearances for Blackpool when, after a successful spell as player-caretaker manager he was handed the managerial job on a permanent basis in the summer of 2006.