AS he nears his second anniversary in charge at Leeds United, manager Simon Grayson has earned a lavish tribute from chairman Ken Bates.

Grayson’s next task in the npower Championship is to try to inflict a second successive defeat on leaders Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road tomorrow.

Chairman Bates is convinced that Grayson is the man to provide even further success for United.

Said Bates: “Simon has brought stability to the club.

“He’s not a headline-seeker, he just gets on with his job.

“He’s proved himself a leader and he has a cool head.”

Of the visit of the leaders, the Leeds manager was whetting his lips.

Said Grayson, who is soon to celebrate his 41st birthday: “It’s first versus fourth and it’s a big game.

“They have some fantastic players and they have done well. We’re aware of their strengths as they will be of ours.”

Key to Rangers’ revival under the managership of former Scarborough and Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock, has been the form of former Leeds and Crystal Palacve enforcer Shaun Derry.

He made 78 appearances for Leeds between 2005 and 2008 and was eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s tussle in front of a full house.

“I was very proud and privileged to wear that white shirt,” said Derry.

“When I played at Elland Road the backing of the fans was incredible and it makes it a really tough place to go.”