Leeds United take on Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road tomorrow night in a match to be shown live on Sky Sports. For nearly a quarter of a century the Railwaymen have had the fortune of being under the guidance of one of the most respected managers and coaches in the English game - Milan-born Dario Gradi, who has spotted and developed a string of international footballers during his near 25 year association with the club. Now fulfilling the role of Technical Director, Gradi is currently assisting recently appointed first team coach Steve Holland, as the 37 year old cuts his teeth in management.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash Holland has been keen to express his admiration for opposite number Dennis Wise, paying respect to the way the former England international has taken to his own career in management. Talking of their only previous meeting he admitted: 'I have to say I was impressed with him (Wise). He spoke very sensibly and deeply about football. He is obviously a player who has had some great experiences and he is at a big club now that is doing very well.'
'I think they are the best side in the League. They have proved it because if it wasn't for their points deduction they would have been well clear of the rest. They have won the most games and we know it is going to be a tough match, but it is one we have all been looking forward too ever since the fixtures came out.'
Another intriguing aspect to the clash is the former association of United's assistant boss Dave Bassett and Gradi. The Italian appointed Bassett as his club captain and later assistant manager during his Wimbledon days. 'Dave and Dario go back a long way,' said Holland. 'They are two outstanding servants of the game. They both have a quite different outlook on the game and philosophy but nevertheless they will both be in the thousand manager club I'm sure.'
