SIMON Grayson today begins his reign as the new Valley Parade boss after choosing City because they made him feel wanted - rather than hanging on for a shot at Barnsley.

The arrival of a manager with four promotions at this level on his CV is seen as a massive coup by fans.

He will meet the players for the first time this morning and take training ahead of tomorrow night's crunch trip to play-off rivals Charlton, who are currently one place behind in seventh.

It is understood that Grayson was very impressed with chairman Edin Rahic during negotiations which took place during last week.

City made the 48-year-old their number one choice after Stuart McCall was sacked last Monday morning.

Joint-owner Stefan Rupp made it clear they wanted an experienced manager "who walks in and simply starts straight away because he knows how to do it."

Grayson, who becomes the first man to manage Leeds, Huddersfield and the Bantams, was also in the running for the vacant position at Barnsley.

The Championship strugglers are beginning interviews this week and the north Yorkshireman was expected to be in the frame. 

But City's determination to land their leading target convinced him to accept their offer over the weekend.

He was a studio guest for Sky at the Sheffield United and Leeds game on Saturday.

But things accelerated yesterday morning to do the deal and he pulled out of another scheduled TV appearance at Huddersfield ahead of City's lunchtime announcement.

Grayson will be joined at Valley Parade by his long-term assistant Glynn Snodin.

Greg Abbott and Kenny Black, who took charge of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bury, and the rest of the existing coaching staff will be staying at the club.

There has also been no mention of the length of contract for the new management duo.

Rahic was not at City on Saturday because of pre-planned business, the first home game he is believed to have missed, but there is no suggestion he was seeing the new manager.

Grayson won promotion with Blackpool in 2007, Leeds in 2010, Huddersfield in 2012 and Preston three years ago.

But having succeeded David Moyes at Sunderland last summer after they were relegated from the Premier League, he lasted only four months in the job before being sacked in October.

The Black Cats had drawn four of their last five games but were without a league win in 13. He learned his fate just five minutes after a 3-3 draw at Bolton.

Grayson, who still lives near Skipton, has since been looking to get back into management in the Championship but the opportunity of chasing a fifth promotion with the Bantams swung his decision.

Speaking before Christmas, he stressed the need to plan long term.

He said: "Some managers look for a quick impact but I try to build football clubs. That is my style and that is how I work. I am not a firefighter.

"I had three years at Blackpool, three at Leeds and four and a half at Preston.

"Every one of those clubs I have left in a better state. That comes from having a long-term approach going right the way through the clubs."

Grayson inherits a side still clinging on to sixth spot in League One but without a win since New Year's Day.

City halted the rot of a six-game losing streak with Saturday's point, although Bury snatched a draw with virtually the final touch of the game.

The Valley Parade crowd held a minute's applause in McCall's honour during the game and sung his name.

Timothee Dieng, who scored the opening goal, felt City's former boss warranted that reaction.

"He has done a very good job in the last 18 months and every single player enjoyed playing for him," said the French midfielder.

"The fans enjoyed the football we produced under his management and he deserved that standing ovation."