Joe Grayson has started coaching within Preston North End's academy. The 27-year-old defender began his role in September and is pursuing his UEFA B licence while working with the youth set-up at Deepdale.

Grayson posted on social media to confirm the move. "Delighted to have started coaching within Preston North End’s academy," he said.

Family Football Legacy

His father, Simon Grayson, managed Preston for 235 games between 2013 and 2017. The former boss commented on his son's post, writing, "@joegrayson_ maybe follow in my footsteps one day @pnefcofficial." He added, "Keep up all the good and hard work and you will get to where you want to." Simon Grayson recently launched his own football academy and served as assistant manager for the Indonesia national team earlier this year.

Playing Career Highlights

Joe Grayson's coaching appointment follows a 15-year playing career. He made over 125 senior appearances for clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Grimsby Town, Oxford United, Barrow, Dundee and Gateshead. He signed for non-league Gateshead in 2023 and helped them win the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2024. More recently, he scored in an FA Cup tie for Gateshead against Bury in September and signed for Workington AFC on non-contract forms in August. He has also launched his own coaching business, @jg_footballcoaching.

Current Club Situation

The academy news comes as the Preston first team faces a severe battle at the foot of the Championship. The Lilywhites sit 24th with just five points from 12 games, having scored 10 goals and conceded 25. Their recent form of zero wins, two draws and three defeats in the last five matches includes a 1-1 draw with West Brom, a 4-1 loss at Wrexham, and a 4-0 defeat at Birmingham. Their recent run of five games without a win was extended by the latest result, a 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion where Andrew Hughes scored a 78th-minute equaliser.

Preston are now 20 points behind league leaders Middlesbrough and travel to face Stoke City this Saturday 31 October. The Potters, currently ninth, were beaten 3-1 at Deepdale in the last meeting in March.

Further reading: Lancashire Evening Post