By Paul Robinson
Published on Thursday 2 February 2012 07:53
Leeds United fans reacted to manager Simon Grayson’s departure from the club with a mix of resignation and anger.
The Yorkshire Evening Post talked to supporters at United’s Elland Road ground yesterday as news that Grayson had gone began to race around the city.
And many of the fans pinned the blame for the end of the manager’s three-year reign on what they said was the lack of resources at his disposal.
James Scholey, 19, from Gomersal, summed up the mood when he told the YEP: “I am not shocked but I am saddened.
“If I’m honest, I’d say it’s been coming for a month as results haven’t been great.
“But when you sell your captain [Jonny Howson], then what do you expect?
“Grayson gave us some great results and some good times but I think a lot of fans will think he’s taken us as far as he could.â€
Sean Henry, 54, who had travelled from Ireland to watch Tuesday night’s crushing home defeat by Birmingham City, said: “I’m very disappointed. There’s not a lot a manager can do if top players are being sold.
“Grayson’s done well for us – getting promotion [from League One] is obviously a highlight.â€
John Kershaw, 53, from Ireland Wood in Leeds, said: “I think we overachieved last season and in some ways that’s been a rod for the manager’s back.
“He hasn’t helped himself at times either by chopping and changing the team.
“But I do also thank him from the bottom of my heart for what he’s done here.
“The first half against Birmingham was one of the best 45 minutes we’ve put together all season, despite what happened later in the game.â€
Shaun Woodhead, 23, from County Durham, said: “He hasn’t had enough money and relying on loan players isn’t what we need.
“Let’s not forget, we only just missed out on the play-offs last season.â€
Nigel Tyreman, 37, from York, said: “I don’t think it’s Grayson’s fault but of course we don’t know what’s been going on behind the scenes.â€
One fan definitely not sad to see the manager sacked, however, was 11-year-old Dylan Lawton.
South Leeds Academy pupil Dylan, who lives a stone’s throw from Elland Road, said: “I’m delighted. We’ve not been doing well enough, we need to get promotion to the Premiership.â€
l Many supporters took to social networking website Twitter to give their take on yesterday’s dramatic events.
At one point yesterday afternoon, Grayson and United chairman Ken Bates were among the site’s top trending topics in the UK.
Leeds-born Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles tweeted: “Sad about our manager at LUFC being sacked. I think Grayson did a good job and wish him the best. Let’s hope new guy gets some spending cash.â€
Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity wrote: “Thank you to Simon Grayson for all he has done for Leeds United. Wish him all the best!â€
Mye hedrlig omtale etter avgangen- de fleste takker for innsatsen og ønsker Simon alt godt- det er det ikke vanskelig å slutte seg til!! Denne artikkelen prydes av et litt typisk SG bilde- han står og stirrer utover banen og klør seg på haka, litt undrende..."what the f....shall I do now!"...er det akkurat som han tenker....