Grayson: Always expect the unexpected

The former Chelsea legend, who has managed Watford and West Ham, has just one win to his name since surprisingly taking over from Gary Rowett in December.

The Blues were seventh and pushing for the play-offs at that point but sit one place and five points behind PNE in 12th in the Championship ahead of their trip to Deepdale tonight.

“It was surprising but nothing surprises me in football,” said PNE boss 
Grayson.

“Gary did a great job there.

“I like Gianfranco, though. I’m quite close to him, I’ve met him a few times both professionally and personally he’s a 
really good bloke.

“It’s football, you ask Gary Rowett and he understood the situation.

“Was it the right thing to do? It’s not my decision to make.”

Zola has tried to change the style of football at St Andrew’s but his solitary victory in 12 games was a 1-0 win over Fulham at the start of the month. “They’re going down a different line and have tried different systems and we’ve got to be ready for any eventuality,” said Grayson.

“He’s not hit the ground running like he would have liked to have done.

“But I think they’ve been a bit unfortunate over the last few weeks that they’ve had some key players out.”