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Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement
He lifted on his incredible experiences while living in Nepal LEAGUE OF HIS OWN LEAGUE OF HIS OWN Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League - and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football. The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston. 4 Simon Grayson has won the league title in Nepal Credit: X @Hussainov1ch 4 He joined Lalitpur City for their two-month league season Credit: INSTAGRAM He had been out of work following a spell managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru, so when the call came to boss Lalitpur City for their eight-week season, he took it. Grayson's team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday's title decider to give him another triumph on his CV. Speaking from Kathmandu, the former Foxes captain said: 'An agent rang me up and asked if I would be interested in managing in Nepal. 'I spoke to the owners and thought, 'Why not?' READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GETTING SHIRTY Man Utd release kit with astronomical price that players won't even wear 'It's a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we've gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend. 'It's been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn't out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. "I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager. 'To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 'Since I've been at Lalitpur, I've got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time. 'The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we've achieved and the players have been great.' Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Brazil legend Roberto Carlos. During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner. Grayson added: 'I've been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that. 'They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don't have VAR. 'It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved. 4 Simon Grayson won promotion to the Championship four times Credit: Getty 4 Grayson spent several years at Leicester as a player Credit: Alamy 'Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice to catch up with him.' Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management... and English grub. He explained: 'The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I've missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. 'I'm looking forward to a full English breakfast and fish and chips. 'I've missed my family and my dog, so I'm looking forward to getting back home to some normality. 'But it's been a great opportunity while I'm waiting for jobs to come up. 'After my first game, some Reading fans here on holiday said, 'You've certainly not lost your passion for it.' 'I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing. 'But I've had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do. 'I've been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.'
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement
SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League - and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football. The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston. 4 4 He had been out of work following a spell managing Indian Super League side Bengaluru, so when the call came to boss Lalitpur City for their eight-week season, he took it. Grayson's team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday's title decider to give him another triumph on his CV. Speaking from Kathmandu, the former Foxes captain said: 'An agent rang me up and asked if I would be interested in managing in Nepal. 'I spoke to the owners and thought, 'Why not?' 'It's a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we've gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend. 'It's been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn't out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. "I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager. 'To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 'Since I've been at Lalitpur, I've got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time. 'The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we've achieved and the players have been great.' Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Brazil legend Roberto Carlos. During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner. Grayson added: 'I've been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that. 'They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don't have VAR. 'It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved. 4 4 'Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice to catch up with him.' Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management... and English grub. He explained: 'The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I've missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. 'I'm looking forward to a full English breakfast and fish and chips. 'I've missed my family and my dog, so I'm looking forward to getting back home to some normality. 'But it's been a great opportunity while I'm waiting for jobs to come up. 'After my first game, some Reading fans here on holiday said, 'You've certainly not lost your passion for it.' 'I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing. 'But I've had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do. 'I've been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.'
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Former Premier League star, 51, who won four promotions reveals winning league title in NEPAL is biggest achievement
SIMON GRAYSON is celebrating winning the Nepal Super League - and rates it alongside anything he has achieved in football. The Yorkshireman, 55, twice reached the Prem as a player with Leicester and won four managerial promotions from League One with Blackpool, Leeds, Huddersfield and Preston. Advertisement 4 Simon Grayson has won the league title in Nepal Credit: X @Hussainov1ch 4 He joined Lalitpur City for their two-month league season Credit: INSTAGRAM He had been out of work following a spell managing Grayson's team beat Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in Saturday's title decider to give him another triumph on his CV. Speaking from Kathmandu, the former 'I spoke to the owners and thought, 'Why not?' Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL 'It's a seven-team league and the season only lasted two months but we've gone unbeaten and won the play-off final last weekend. 'It's been a fantastic football and life experience but I wasn't out here for a holiday — I wanted to win the league. "I said this to the players — and I genuinely mean it — but winning this title in Nepal is just as important to me as everything I achieved as a player and manager. 'To be the best team in the tournament and win the final made it very much mission accomplished. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 'Since I've been at Lalitpur, I've got three players into the Nepal national squad for the first time. 'The owners have been chuffed to bits with what we've achieved and the players have been great.' Grayson has lived alone in a hotel for two months and says there has been surreal moments — including meeting Advertisement During a game against Pokhara earlier this month, an opposition official protested a decision and ended up fighting with the match commissioner. Grayson added: 'I've been in football nearly 40 years and seen some things but nothing like that. 'They disputed a goal not being given but there was no way anyone could say if it had crossed the line or not because we don't have VAR. 'It was crazy to see the Pokhara official rolling around with the match commissioner before the police got involved. Advertisement 4 Simon Grayson won promotion to the Championship four times Credit: Getty 4 Grayson spent several years at Leicester as a player Credit: Alamy 'Roberto Carlos was out here to promote the league, so it was nice to catch up with him.' Grayson heads home to Yorkshire this week with a renewed appetite for management... and English grub. Advertisement He explained: 'The Nepalese cuisine is OK but quite repetitive and I've missed having some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. 'I'm looking forward to a full 'I've missed my family and my dog, so I'm looking forward to getting back home to some normality. 'But it's been a great opportunity while I'm waiting for jobs to come up. Advertisement 'After my first game, some 'I was probably let down at Blackpool and Fleetwood by owners who promised me the world but delivered nothing. 'But I've had clubs who have backed me, so I know what I can do. 'I've been out of my comfort zone in Nepal but it has confirmed I still have the fire in my belly.' Advertisement
Observer
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Brazilian football icon Carlos graces NSL as special guest
KATHMANDU: Nepal's football scene was lit up with excitement as legendary Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos arrived in Kathmandu as the special guest of the Nepal Super League (NSL). The presence of the Real Madrid great marks a historic moment for Nepali football, furthering its global recognition and inspiring the nation's young players. Among those who had the privilege of welcoming him was Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Sultanate of Oman, who currently resides in Kathmandu. Recalling her longstanding friendship with the football star, Sarmila expressed her delight at reuniting with Roberto in her home country. 'It's truly special to see Roberto Carlos here in Kathmandu as the special guest of the Nepal Super League,' she shared. 'We've known each other since my time in Spain, and I've always admired his humility, talent, and love for the game. His visit brings back fond memories and builds new bridges through sports and friendship.' Roberto Carlos, famous for his electrifying pace, powerful free kicks, and iconic tenure with Real Madrid and Brazil, was greeted warmly by NSL organisers and local fans. His visit adds significant international weight to the league, which continues to grow as Nepal's premier professional football platform. As the NSL moves into its latest season, such high-profile engagements reflect its commitment to connecting Nepal with the global football fraternity and nurturing homegrown talent to dream bigger.
BBC News
27-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
From Aston Villa & Preston to Everest base camp
FA Cup quarter-final: Preston North End v Aston VillaVenue: Deepdale, Preston Date: Sunday, 30 March Kick-off: 13:30 BSTCoverage: Watch on BBC One, iPlayer, plus BBC Sport website and app. Text commentary, goal clips and highlights on BBC Sport website and app. Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live. As two of his former clubs aim to scale new heights in the FA Cup this weekend, Simon Grayson is getting ready to conquer his fears 4,500 miles away in Nepal."The scariest thing they've mentioned is going to Everest base camp, which is a two-hour helicopter ride away," the former Preston North End manager and Aston Villa player tells BBC Sport from Kathmandu."I'm not one for seeking thrills or anything like that."Grayson is a four-time promotion-winning boss closing in on 800 games as a latest challenge has taken the Yorkshireman to South Asia where he is in charge of Lalitpur City for the 2025 Nepal Super League season, which starts on following day Preston battle with Villa for a place at Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA 2015, Grayson steered Preston from League One to the Championship, where they have remained. Before his managerial career he played for Aston Villa alongside the likes of Dwight Yorke, Stan Collymore and Gareth Southgate between 1997-1999."My heart wants Preston to win but I also had two great years as a player at Villa as well," adds Grayson. 'I'm in Nepal for a life experience' Grayson has not managed in England since being sacked by League One Fleetwood in November former Leeds United and Sunderland boss spent 18 months managing Bengaluru in the Indian Super League between June 2022 and December 2023 before landing his latest spoke to former England cricketer and fellow Yorkshireman Darren Gough before heading to Nepal's capital."Darren had been there to do some commentary and said Kathmandu, where I'm based, is a great place," adds Grayson."Hopefully I will come out of the experience a better person and a better coach. "I don't want to look back in years to come and have regrets about why I didn't try something. I'm here for a life experience."A trip to Everest base camp - used by climbers during their ascent and descent of the world's tallest mountain - will hopefully provide Grayson with at least one lasting the 55-year-old - who has 20 years of managerial experience including promotions with Leeds, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Preston - has made it clear he is in the spectacular Himalayan region to work. Despite the men's national football team being down in 175th place in Fifa's world rankings, football is popular in Nepal. The seven-team Nepal Super League - the country's first professional franchise-based football league - is about to start its third season, with Grayson's club Lalitpur City the defending of up to 15,000 are expected to watch, starting with Saturday's derby between Grayson's side and Kathmandu Rayzrs. Ripon-born Grayson's squad includes players from Martinique, Haiti, Bhutan and Senegal, while Jonathan Cantillana is a midfielder who plays for Palestine."They'll have to adapt to my Yorkshire accent," says Grayson, who has been bowled over by the charm and kindness of locals in Kathmandu - as well as the breathtaking Himalayan views, golden temples and charming hill days after arriving in Nepal's capital, Grayson experienced Holi - the ancient Hindu festival of colours that celebrates spring, love, and new life which is traditionally celebrated by throwing bright coloured powder over family and is home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains - including Everest - but, while Grayson is hoping to hit new heights with Lalitpur, he is happy to give the thrill-seeking a miss."I travelled in a cable car to meet the owners of my new club in a hotel in the mountains," he adds."I wasn't looking forward to getting in a cable car and I didn't particularly enjoy it." A first trophy for Villa since 1996? The Nepal Super League season lasts just four weeks, with the play-off final to decide the champions on 26 April - FA Cup semi-final it be Preston, 14th in the Championship table, or Aston Villa - who face Paris St-Germain in a mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final next month - at Wembley on the final weekend of April?"I loved my time at Preston," adds Grayson, who was in charge at Deepdale between 2013 and 2017. "I had nothing but good times there and won promotion in front of around 50,000 fans at Wembley by beating Swindon 4-0 in the play-off final."I had no aspirations to leave but then Sunderland came knocking and it felt like one of those clubs you could help get back into the Premier League."Grayson knows Villa fans are desperate for success. He joined them from Leicester City in June 1997, 15 months after Villa won the League Cup by beating Leeds in the 1996 have not won a major trophy since but Grayson believes that could be about to change under Unai Emery."I have been so impressed with what he has done," he adds."No disrespect to Preston, but winning the FA Cup could be a big opportunity for Villa this season."Villa are a huge club and they will look at this game as an opportunity towards getting to the final and winning silverware."I'm intrigued as to how this tie is going to go."Will Grayson be watching the action at Deepdale on television in Nepal?"I'm still getting used to the time difference over here. We're five hours and 45 minutes ahead. But the early kick-off means I can watch it. "Had it been later I'd have missed it - we've got training the next morning!".
