LEEDS UNITED HAVE fired manager Simon Grayson.
The 42-year-old replaced Gary McAllister in the Elland Road hot-seat three years ago.
Last night’s 4-1 home defeat to Chris Hughton’s Birmingham piled further pressure on Grayson and was ultimately the last straw for owner Ken Bates.
“We have 18 games to go this season and are still within touching distance of the play-offs,” said chief executive, Shaun Harvey, “but felt with the transfer window now closed we needed to make the change at this time in the belief that a new managerial team will be able to get more out of the existing squad of players and make the difference.”
Youth team manager Neil Redfearn will take temporary charge of the first team until a new manager is available. Neil Warnock has already been linked with the post.
