Dickov signed for Leeds until the end of the season on Wednesday and is hoping to see Leeds complete the first stage of their recovery as City did in 1999 while the forward was under contract at Maine Road.

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The 37-year-old helped City win promotion from what was Division Two 11 years ago, the moment when a club who had suffered a drastic decline turned the corner and began climbing back towards the English Premiership.

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City were supported by huge crowds throughout their year in the second division, and Dickov has now joined a side who are averaging attendances of more than 22,000 this term.

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Leeds hold second place in League One and are 12 games away from automatic promotion, an achievement which would lift them back into the Championship for the first time since 2007.

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Dickov said: "The longest spell I had as a player was at Man City for nine-and-a-half years. I think it's very similar here.

"To get the crowds they're getting after being in this league for a few seasons is fantastic. It's testament to the fans that they're turning out week in, week out.

"We just need to get over the finishing line and get promoted."

Leeds took the best part of a month to tie up Dickov's signing, working to tackle FIFA rules which in principle prevent a player from playing for more than two clubs from one country in the same season.

Dickov departed to Canada to take up a brief trial with MLS club Toronto but Leeds made it clear that they were interested in adding him to their squad, and a deal was confirmed in time for the forward to play in their reserve fixture at Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night.

The former Scotland international, pictured below, previously played with Grayson at Blackpool and also worked under United coach Ian Miller at Maine Road.

Dickov said: "I spoke to three or four MLS clubs but this is a great club and my relationship with Simon and Ian was important. I know how Simon likes to play.

"I had a brief chat with him after my release from Leicester and he said 'come and train, have a look at us and we'll have a look at you as well'. It's great to be here."