Grayson will welcome United's players back to Thorp Arch a week on Thursday for the first time since their 2008-09 campaign ended with a narrow loss to Millwall in the League One play-off semi-finals.

The club's playing staff have had seven weeks to come to terms with that failure – the second time in two years that United's season has been ruined by a play-off defeat – and the manager does not plan to dwell on Millwall's victory when Leeds begin their build-up to the new term.

Grayson said: "The summer always goes quickly and the Millwall game seems like yesterday, but when the players report back I want to see a real spring in their step.

"That's how the coaching staff have been and there's a nice positive air around the training ground. I'll be looking for that next week.

"There's always a risk that a bit of negativity hangs over the place after losing in the play-offs but I want the players to think about how close they went and to remember that they are good enough to go on long unbeaten runs.

"This isn't so much a fresh start as a continuation of what we've started, and I can only give them credit for what they've done for me so far.

"The squad believed in themselves last season and everyone saw the results.

"I don't want that to change."

Grayson is hoping to supplement his squad with further signings before July 2 – Leeds' only deal to date has been the addition of right-back Jason Crowe on a free transfer – and it seems increasingly likely that sought-after pair Jermaine Beckford and Fabian Delph will be present for the first day of pre-season.

Of the 16 players involved in the second leg of United's play-off semi-final against Millwall, only Sam Sodje, Jonathan Douglas and David Lucas have departed Elland Road and Leeds remain interested in bringing centre-back Sodje back to the club this summer.

Beckford's position is more questionable than Delph's, with the prolific striker on the transfer list after turning down a new three-year deal at Elland Road.

Leeds have not received a single offer for the striker, a situation which leaves Grayson uncertain about the 25-year-old's future and unable to move for a replacement.

And it would not surprise him if Beckford, pictured above, reported back to Thorp Arch next week.

Grayson said: "Jermaine could still be part of pre-season. As the chairman said, there have been a few enquiries but no bids."

Ends