Defending Nepal Super League (NSL) champions Lalitpur City FC have appointed experienced English coach Simon Grayson as their head coach for the upcoming season. Grayson, a UEFA Pro License holder, has vast experience in English football and will lead Lalitpur in the third edition of the NSL, which is set to begin on 29 March 2025.
A Coach with a Strong Track Record
Grayson is well-known for guiding Leeds United to the English Championship. He has also managed clubs like Huddersfield Town and Preston North End, helping them gain promotion to the second division.
As a player, Grayson had a long career with clubs like Leicester City, Blackpool, Aston Villa, and Blackburn Rovers. He was also part of Leicester’s 1996 League Cup-winning squad.
Recent Experience in Indian Football
Before joining Lalitpur City FC, Grayson managed Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). Under his leadership, Bengaluru won the Durand Cup and reached the finals of both the ISL and the Super Cup.
Lalitpur City FC believes that bringing in an experienced English coach will benefit not only the club but also Nepalese football as a whole. With Grayson’s appointment, the club has officially started preparations for the new season.
Coaching Journey and Achievements
After retiring as a strong and reliable defender, Grayson immediately transitioned into coaching. His career started at Leeds United, and he later took charge of several English clubs, including Sunderland, Bradford City, and Huddersfield Town.
One of his key achievements as a manager was leading Blackpool to promotion from League One to the Championship in 2003-04. Over the years, he has won the Manager of the Month award five times in League One and once in the Championship.
Before moving to India in 2022, Grayson had already managed over 700 matches in English football, making him one of the most experienced coaches to take charge in the Nepal Super League.