Jakarta, Indonesia – John Herdman is continuing to reshape the technical staff of the Indonesia national football team, and the latest addition is drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. Simon Grayson, a veteran coach with extensive experience in English football – including stints managing Sunderland and Leeds United – is reportedly set to join Herdman as an assistant coach. The news, initially shared by Grayson himself on LinkedIn on Sunday, March 15, 2026, has been met with enthusiasm from supporters of the *Garuda* team.
Grayson announced his appointment, stating, “I am delighted to join the Indonesia National Team as an assistant coach for the upcoming FIFA window matches against Bulgaria and St Kitts and Nevis in Jakarta.” He further emphasized his excitement for the opportunity, adding, “This is a fantastic experience both on and off the pitch. I am remarkably much looking forward to working with Head Coach John Herdman and his staff. This new experience is something I have been looking for after a long time managing teams, particularly in England. Involvement at the national level will only enhance my capabilities as a coach.”
The addition of Grayson is expected to bring a fresh tactical perspective to the Indonesian squad as they prepare for crucial upcoming matches. Herdman has been actively building his coaching team, and Grayson’s arrival adds another experienced voice to the mix. Currently, the staff also includes Cesar Meylan and Sofie Imam (physical coaches), Nova Arianto (local assistant coach), and Dzikry Lazuardi (video analyst).
From Player to Manager: The Career of Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson is a well-known figure in English football, but his journey began on the pitch. Born in Ripon, England, on December 16, 1969, Grayson started his professional career with Leeds United. He spent four years with the club, playing as a right-back before moving to Leicester City in 1992.
At Leicester City, Grayson enjoyed a successful period, culminating in winning the League Cup in 1996. He was subsequently transferred to Aston Villa and then Blackburn Rovers. Whereas at Blackburn, he gained valuable experience and continued his development as a player. His career also included spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County, Notts County, and Bradford City.
Grayson concluded his playing career at Blackpool in 2006 after four seasons with the club. Transitioning from player to manager, he quickly established himself as a capable leader in the English Football League. His managerial career began with Blackpool, and he later managed Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Preston North End, and Sunderland. He is known for a track record of achieving promotion with several of the clubs he has managed, a skill Herdman will undoubtedly hope to translate to the Indonesian national team.
Grayson’s experience in navigating the competitive landscape of English football, particularly his success in guiding teams to promotion, is seen as a valuable asset for Indonesia. The Indonesian national team, currently ranked 122nd in the world as of January 19, 2026, according to FIFA, will be looking to climb the rankings and make a stronger impact on the international stage. Their highest-ever ranking was 76th in September 1998, while their lowest was 191st in July 2016, demonstrating the potential for improvement.
The appointment of Grayson comes at a pivotal time for Indonesian football. The team is preparing for the FIFA Series 2026, and Herdman is clearly focused on assembling a strong coaching team capable of delivering positive results. Indonesia’s first international match was played as the Dutch East Indies against Japan in 1934, and the team has a rich history, including appearances in the FIFA World Cup (1938) and the Asian Cup. However, consistent success has been elusive, and the arrival of experienced figures like Grayson is intended to address this.
Indonesia’s best result in the Asian Cup came in 2023, reaching the Round of 16. They have been runners-up in the ASEAN Championship on six occasions (2000, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2020), highlighting their regional competitiveness. The team plays its home matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, a historic venue that holds a special place in Indonesian football culture.
The addition of Grayson to Herdman’s staff signals a commitment to bringing international expertise to the Indonesian national team. His experience in developing players and implementing effective tactical strategies will be crucial as Indonesia aims to compete with the best teams in Asia. Fans will be eager to see how Grayson’s presence impacts the team’s performance in the upcoming FIFA Series matches and beyond.
The upcoming matches against Bulgaria and St Kitts and Nevis will provide an early opportunity to assess the impact of the new coaching setup. These games will be played in Jakarta, offering the Indonesian team a home advantage and a chance to showcase their progress to a passionate fanbase. The focus will be on building a cohesive team spirit and implementing a clear tactical approach under the guidance of Herdman and his newly assembled staff.
As the Indonesian national team prepares for these important fixtures, the arrival of Simon Grayson represents a significant step forward. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as the team strives to achieve its goals and make a mark on the international football stage.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Indonesian national team is the FIFA Series matches against Bulgaria and St Kitts and Nevis in Jakarta. Further updates on the team’s preparations and squad selection will be announced by the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of Indonesian football.
