Leeds' manager Simon Grayson: 'It's what we've been like all season' - 7M sport

Leeds' manager Simon Grayson: 'It's what we've been like all season'



Posted Monday, January 04, 2010 by theguardian.com

Leeds' manager Simon Grayson: 'It's what we've been like all season'
Leeds United's manager, Simon Grayson, salutes the travelling fans after their FA Cup victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Photograph: Getty Images

Leeds United's manager Simon Grayson said his side thoroughly deserved their FA Cup third-round win at Manchester United, describing it as typical of the League One leaders' performances all season.

Grayson paid particular tribute to Jermaine Beckford for his nerveless winner. The manager said: "It was a good ball from Jonathan Howson and Jermaine got in there and nine times out of 10 he finishes them off, and that's what he did.

"He gave us an opportunity to go on and win the game from there and with a bit of luck that's what we did. Full credit to the players, who were outstanding today, but it's what they've been like all season."

Grayson added that he intended to keep Beckford at Elland Road. Leeds appear certain to win promotion back to the Championship, although they might have to do so without Beckford, whose 20th goal of the season might be his last as his contract runs out in the summer, and the chairman Ken Bates is wary of the striker leaving for nothing.

However, Grayson is under no obligation to sell, especially now Leeds have banked a tidy sum from today's exploits. "There are three scenarios," said Grayson. "He can either sign a new contract now, or we can keep him until the end of the season and he leaves then. The worst-case scenario is that we are offered some money now that is too good to turn down. But we would have to have replacements lined up if that was to happen."

It has already been suggested Newcastle United have made an offer, something Grayson refused to discuss. "Today he [Beckford] showed what he is all about. He worked hard for the team and got his opportunity," said Grayson. "That is five goals in the last three games now. That is a big commodity.

"We are not looking to sell him but money talks with any player. I knew as soon as the window opened there would be a lot of talk about him.

"We don't want him to leave unless it is the best thing for him and, long term, the football club. But, if we do let him go, we won't let him go on the cheap."

Referring to Brian Flynn being the last man to score a winner for Leeds at Old Trafford, in February 1981, Grayson added: "I saw Flynny the other week and he reminded me he was the last player to score the winner at Old Trafford.

"I told the players before the game this was the opportunity to be a new hero. I'm sure we'll be celebrating in Leeds over the next few days and the players might have tomorrow off then start ready for the Wycombe game at the weekend."

The Leeds captain Richard Naylor, a lifelong fan of the club, admitted the victory had been "a long time coming".

He told ITV1: "We've had to wait a long time since we last won here and I'm really proud of the lads and the supporters. I thought we had a few chances to make it two late on. They're always going to get chances at Old Trafford, you wouldn't expect anything else, but we dug in when we had to."

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