Leeds United are hoping for their biggest crowd of the season tomorrow as new manager Simon Grayson faces a baptism of fire against one of his old clubs, Leicester City.
Grayson could hardly face a tougher start to his reign in charge at Elland Road as the Foxes head the League One table, fresh from their 4-0 thrashing of promotion rivals Peterborough.
Demand for tickets was already high before Grayson’s appointment and officials hope the attendance will top the 32,028 who saw United beaten 2-1 by Huddersfield on November 15.
Grayson, 39, will be looking to halt the run of five defeats that cost previous manager Gary McAllister his job, but there has been little time for the new man to assess the ability of his squad since he quit Blackpool to take over at Leeds on Tuesday.
Leading scorer Jermaine Beckford and winger Andy Robinson are hoping for a recall after recovery from the hamstring injuries that have kept them out of recent matches.
Striker Malcolm Christie should also be available after missing the MK Dons game with a virus and Robert Snodgrass has strong claims to hold on to his place in the attack after scoring in the last two games.
Midfielder David Prutton is available after serving a one-match ban for his dismissal against Colchester to further complicate Grayson’s team selection.
Grayson joined Leicester from Leeds for £50,000 in March, 1992 but there will be no sentiment shown to the Foxes as he looks to achieve much more as Leeds’ manager than he did when he was on the playing register.
He said: “I had a six-year apprenticeship at Leeds and not many first-team games but I would like to think I will be in charge of more games than I played for the club. I have to try and implement my ideas and beliefs at Leeds, make sure we finish the season in a positive manner and get out of the division.
“Although Blackpool were in the Championship this is a big step up for me.
“There will be over 30,000 at the game against Leicester, there is a big expectancy level because of the club’s tradition and history but we are a League One club at the moment and everyone has to pull together so we can grasp this opportunity to get Leeds back where they should be.”
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