Simon Grayson, the former manager of Sunderland, Leeds United, and Bradford City, has ventured into unfamiliar territory with his latest role in South Asia. Despite a long and eventful career, both as a player and coach, the 55-year-old continues to embrace new challenges, proving that his journey in football is far from over.
After his departure from Fleetwood Town in 2021, Grayson stayed involved in the sport through media work, contributing to Sky Sports and the in-house media teams at Leeds and Leicester City. Yet, the allure of coaching remained strong. His recent success with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League rekindled his desire to manage, ultimately leading him to an unexpected opportunity with Lalitpur City in Nepal’s Super League. Just two months into his tenure, Grayson has taken the reins of the league’s reigning champions—an unconventional move that has added an exciting new layer to his managerial path.
Speaking from Nepal, Grayson explained how the opportunity came about. An agent approached him a few months ago with a proposal to manage a franchise team in Nepal. Initially hesitant, Grayson soon realized that the short-term nature of the contract—just a two-month stint—along with the chance to immerse himself in a different culture, made it an appealing challenge. The idea of coaching in a less developed footballing nation than India intrigued him, especially as it offered the chance to grow outside his comfort zone.
Grayson’s squad primarily consists of local Nepalese players, many of whom represent a national team ranked 175th in FIFA’s global standings. He’s also working with a few foreign imports from Senegal and Nigeria. Early signs have been encouraging, with clear signs of improvement and growth among his players. But for Grayson, the mission goes beyond short-term success. He wants to leave a lasting impact—on his players, on the club’s backroom staff, and on himself. His aim is to uplift everyone involved by at least a small margin while also pursuing personal development through this unique experience.
He spoke passionately about his desire to build something sustainable. Grayson noted that Lalitpur City had never had a manager of his experience and profile, making this a valuable learning opportunity for all involved. As the league is still in its infancy, now in just its third year, Grayson hopes to help shape its development, even if it means taking small steps. He admits the role has tested him in ways he didn’t expect, but he remains fully committed to the process.
Grayson has immersed himself in the football culture of Nepal, attending matches every night and learning as much as he can about the players and the league. That dedication appears to be paying off. His team, Lalitpur, is currently tied at the top of the table with one game left in the regular season. The club is now poised for a potential playoff run, with hopes of reaching the final set for April 26.
With the league’s playoff format resembling that of rugby’s Super League, Grayson’s focus is locked in on the remaining fixtures. His ambition is clear: reach the final, win the title, and return to the UK by the end of April. However, with this successful stint, speculation about his next move is already brewing. As the English season approaches its end, Grayson is likely to be considered for upcoming managerial vacancies back home.
Despite his extensive resume, which spans over 800 matches and 40 years in football, Grayson believes he still has more to offer. His passion and intensity remain undiminished, whether he’s on the touchline in Kathmandu or managing a playoff final at Wembley. He recounted a moment when Reading fans approached him at a match in Nepal, praising his energy and commitment. For Grayson, these affirmations reinforce that his fire for the game is still burning brightly.
Looking ahead, he’s open to opportunities beyond the UK, including roles in Europe or other parts of Asia, though he’s mindful of not being away from home for too long. Offers have already come in from Southeast Asia, a reflection of the growing recognition of his work on the continent. Still, for now, his sights are firmly set on guiding Lalitpur through the final phase of the season.
As he prepares his team for their last regular-season clash against Jhapa FC, a side struggling near the bottom of the table, Grayson remains focused on the task at hand. The future can wait. For now, he is determined to make the most of this unexpected and enriching chapter in Nepalese football.
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