Leeds let Reid go
Monday, November 10, 2003
Article summary
Leeds United AFC have dismissed manager Peter Reid after less than eight months in charge.
Article body
Financial problems
Reid was appointed on a short-term basis in March and successfully steered the team to Premiership survival. He was awarded the job on a permanently in May, but the Yorkshire club's worsening financial problems forced the continued sale of their best players and have been mirrored on the pitch this season.
'Unacceptable results'
Leeds released a statement today saying: "Following a meeting 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. The recent run of results has been unacceptable. The board therefore concluded it has a duty to act now."
Big-name departures
Despite the departures of players such as Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Keane, Olivier Dacourt and Harry Kewell, Leeds announced an increased annual loss of €71.6m for the year ending 30 June 2003. In addition, Leeds have begun the new campaign badly, losing 4-0 at Leicester City FC and 4-1 at home to Arsenal FC to sink to the bottom of the Premiership before Saturday's 6-1 defeat at Portsmouth FC.
High-profile disputes
Reid also publicly fell out with several of the club's high-profile players, including England defender Danny Mills - who joined Middlesbrough FC on a season-long loan - and Mark Viduka.
