Peter Reid sacked - Announcement

By Rich B
November 10 2003

Leeds United this evening confirmed the story that has been rumoured all day. Peter Reid has been sacked as manager of the first team.

The club released the following statement shortly after 5pm:-

Following a meeting today between Trevor Birch, the Chief Executive and Peter Reid, it has been mutually agreed that Peter steps down as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
While the board acknowledges that Peter did a sterling job for the club towards the end of last season in keeping United in the FA Premier League, it believes it must not allow this season to reach a point beyond which the Club’s Premiership status comes under serious threat. The recent run of results has clearly been unacceptable. The board therefore concluded that it has a duty to act now.

With effect from tomorrow morning, Eddie Gray will take over the duties of the First Team Manager on a caretaker basis, assisted by Kevin Blackwell, the Chief Coach.

The process of identifying a longer term First Team Manager is underway and the board has a clear view of the credentials required of any candidate. Notwithstanding current financial constraints, United is determined to return to its place as one of the top clubs in England and is looking to appoint a new First Team Manager who will reflect this determination.

Commenting on the change, Trevor Birch, Chief Executive said: “It is of course sad to part company with Peter under these circumstances. The board appreciates and thanks Peter for his efforts and recognises that he has always worked in the best interests of the Club. But we have got to move forward and are overwhelmingly focused first and foremost on retaining our Premier League status and ultimately bringing success on and off the field back to this great club.”