Leeds United FC

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• Founded:1919
• Manager:Simon Grayson

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Bates backing for Grayson

18 May 2009 - 12:06:57

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Leeds United chairman Ken Bates is confident that manager Simon Grayson will lead the club back to the big time following their latest play-off disappointment.

Grayson arrived at Elland Road midway through the season but Leeds failed to achieve promotion to the Championship after losing to Millwall in the League One play-off semi-finals.

But despite the club now suffering four play-off defeats inside five seasons, Bates has backed the former Blackpool boss to bring success back to the club.

"We had a traumatic season because for the second one in succession we had a change of manager which is always unsettling," he told the club's official website.

"But next season we start properly. We have a good manager, a good playing staff which will be strengthened and great fans.

"We're very lucky here. We have a passionate fanbase, we have big plans for the club, and we've had a setback. We are a year behind schedule, but we'll put that right next season."

Meanwhile, Grayson has offered academy graduates Jonathan Webb and Josh Falkingham six-month deals while releasing six other youngsters.

Nathan Cartman, Chris Ovington, Ross Wilkinson, Matt Edwards, Lee Booth and Sam Jerome have all left the club.