Grayson hails ‘fantastic bunch of players’

LEEDS United boss Simon Grayson paid tribute to his players after they came from behind to beat Bristol Rovers and clinch promotion to the Championship on Saturday.

Grayson’s men won 2-1 to finish second in League One and end a three-season spell in English football’s third tier.

“They’re a fantastic bunch of players,’’ Grayson said. “They’ve been a joy to work with all season.

“They’ve got their just rewards. It’s an absolutely fantastic achievement and we will kick on from here.’’

Leeds went into the final day on 83 points, a point clear of Millwall and Swindon who faced each other at the New Den.

A victory at Elland Road would therefore see Leeds promoted in second place behind Norwich.

But their bid took a turn for the worse when Max Gradel was shown a straight red card on 33 minutes and Darryl Duffy put Rovers ahead shortly after half-time.

Grayson responded by bringing Jonathan Howson on for Shane Lowry and the move paid off in spectacular fashion as Howson equalised with a 20-yard strike.

With Millwall now ahead against Swindon, Leeds had to go in search of a winner and it came in the 63rd minute when Jermaine Beckford pounced on a loose clearance to convert from six yards. The goal sparked wild celebrations and there was a pitch invasion at the final whistle as Leeds’ promotion was confirmed.

“When we went down to 10 men it was obviously going to be a difficult ask for us,’’ said Grayson.

“But we kept believing we could do it and knew we’d get opportunities. Even when we went 1-0 down we still believed we’d do it and full credit to the players.’’

Grayson added that winger Max Gradel will learn from his dismissal after a clash with Bristol Rovers defender Daniel Jones.

“I am still not sure why he was sent off,’’ Grayson said. “He is a very pumped up and enthusiastic and he was very disappointed to be sent off, but the referee wasn’t going to change his mind.

“Max will learn from it. He was probably more relieved than anyone that we won because he probably felt he had let the team down.’’

Grayson, a Leeds fan who began his playing career at Elland Road, added: “My professional pride means I wanted to get a promotion on to my CV. But it’s even better that it’s the club I supported and started my career with. We’re going to cherish tonight.

“We’re back in the next level of football where we deserve to be, I think. We’ll take stock and get ready for next year.’’

Elsewhere, on Saturday Millwall beat Swindon 3-2 to finish third and set up a play-off meeting with Huddersfield, who lost 2-1 at Exeter.

The Robins will meet Charlton in the play-offs after the Addicks’ 2-0 win at Oldham secured fourth place.

At the other end of the table, Gillingham joined Stockport, Southend and Wycombe in being relegated to League Two after a 3-0 loss to the Wanderers.