Ex-Blackpool and Preston North End figure takes on new role following Hartlepool United exit
Ex-Blackpool boss Simon Grayson is back in football following his Hartlepool United exit last year.
Former Blackpool promotion-winning manager Simon Grayson has landed a new role in Ireland.
The 56-year-old has been appointed as an advisor to the board at Cork City, and will help the Rebel Army in their search for a new head coach.
Prior to this, Grayson had been out of work since October, after being sacked by National League outfit Hartlepool United following just four months in charge.
In a statement announcing the news, the League of Ireland side wrote: “Cork City Football Club has announced the appointment of Simon Grayson as Advisor to the Board.
“Grayson's primary focus will be working closely with the board to finalise the appointment of a new First Team Manager, aligned with the Club’s vision and ambition.
“His role will also include an analysis of the club’s existing football structures in order to establish robust methods and structures.
“This process is designed with the intention of propelling Cork City back to the League of Ireland Premier Division, and reestablishing them there.
“His appointment comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to reclaim its place among Ireland's elite. Simon brings a distinguished career in football management to Leeside, with an impressive track record that includes multiple league titles and cup triumphs.
“The partnership between Simon Grayson and Cork City FC represents an alignment of ambition and tradition, as the club gains a leader who understands what it takes to build successful football operations from the boardroom to the pitch.
“While this process is ongoing, the current interim management team of David Meyler, Liam Kearney and Mark McNulty will continue to oversee first team affairs.”
Grayson’s career so far
Grayson has a lengthy CV under his belt. During his playing career he represented the likes of Leicester City and Aston Villa, before joining Blackpool in 2002.
His time at Bloomfield Road presented him with his first coaching position, with the 56-year-old being handed the reins following the sacking of Colin Hendry.
While at the helm, he guided the Seasiders to promotion via the League One play-offs, after his side enjoyed a winning run towards the end of the 2006/07 campaign, before beating Yeovil Town 2-0 at Wembley.
Grayson repeated that feat with a number of clubs, guiding Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End to the second tier as well in the years after his Blackpool exit.
Following stints with Sunderland and Bradford City, he returned to the Fylde Coast in 2019, 11 years on from leaving the club to take over at Elland Road.
Unfortunately, he was unable to replicate the success of his first spell, and was sacked seven months on from being appointed.
After take charge of Fleetwood Town for a brief period, Grayson headed to India in 2022 to take charge of Bengaluru FC, where he won the Durand Cup in his first season.
In recent times he’s also had a stint in Nepal with Lalitpur City, before his brief tenure with Hartlepool.
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