Grayson determined to reach top flight with Leeds United

Simon Grayson, the mastermind of Manchester United's shock FA Cup exit, insists he wants to reach the Premier League with Leeds rather than hoping he will be poached by a top flight club. Bolton are currently in the market for a new manager and, with...

Simon Grayson, the mastermind of Manchester United's shock FA Cup exit, insists he wants to reach the Premier League with Leeds rather than hoping he will be poached by a top flight club.

Bolton are currently in the market for a new manager and, with Burnley's Owen Coyle their top target, Grayson's name is being linked with both Lancashire clubs.

But Grayson, 40, has ruled out leaving Elland Road at the start of what he hopes will be a journey back to the top of English football.

"My commitment to Leeds United has never been in question," he said.

"I left Blackpool a year ago to join the football club I supported. Leeds is a fantastic football club and I am not interested in going anywhere else."

Leeds look certain to return to the second-tier Championship next season and Sunday's 1-0 defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford will have encouraged their fans to believe they can achieve consecutive promotions and be back in the Premier League in 2011.

"It is that kind of stage players want to perform on," added Grayson.

"And I certainly want to go back there in the next few years managing Leeds United in the Premier League."

Bolton bid

Bolton, meanwhile, were reportedly preparing an official approach to Burnley in an attempt to secure Coyle as a successor to Gary Megson, who was dismissed last week after just over two years in charge.

Coyle was short-listed for the Bolton job when Megson was first appointed and played for the club between 1993 and 1995.

According to media reports, Coyle has already held informal talks with Bolton chairman Phil Gartside and has indicated he would welcome the opportunity to move to a club with greater resources than he enjoys at Burnley.

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