SIMON Grayson has been tipped to make an impact at City by one of their play-off rivals.

With today's clash against Portsmouth called off on Thursday, he is still waiting to make his managerial home debut.

It will be nearly a month since Grayson took charge by the time his new club face MK Dons at Valley Parade next weekend.

But his appointment has been heralded by other senior heads around the division.

Experienced Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett and his assistant Joe Gallen know him well from doing battle in their previous spells with the likes of Wolves and Millwall.

And Gallen believes City have made a shrewd acquisition in bringing him in to replace Stuart McCall.

Gallen, whose side will now have to wait until Tuesday, April 17 to come north for the rearranged game, said: "We have played against his teams so much, whether it be at Leeds, Huddersfield or Preston.

"We've played some big games against him and he's a very good manager.

"He has done very well to get promotion with four teams. Bradford have got one of the best managers they can in League One.

"He knows what he is doing, he's very experienced and has the confidence at this level based on promotions.

"I think he can make an impact. He went to Huddersfield during the season and they ended up winning the play-off final.

"I think it's a very good move on Bradford's part."

Gallen highlighted the way that Grayson is not frightened to switch things round tactically. He changed playing systems at Preston and established them as a strong contender in the Championship.

He said: "At Preston, he brought in a 5-3-2. At Leeds it was pretty much 4-4-2 all the time; same as Huddersfield really.

"But Preston was the one where they changed formation in a league which is probably a lot of 4-4-2.

"They were one of the first to bring a five in and it worked.

"It was very successful. He took Preston into the top ten twice on the trot, which is good going."

City cancelled training again yesterday because of the weather and have been given the weekend off. Grayson is planning to watch upcoming opponents Wigan and Blackburn tomorrow.