Lorimer backs Venables

Lorimer says Venables is the right man

Leeds legend Peter Lorimer believes Terry Venables will turn the club around and has called on the club's supporters to back him.

Lorimer said Venables had inherited a club which was in a downward spiral and needed to sell players.

But he was confident Venables could halt the slide, which has seen the team win only one Premiership game in the last seven.

When Terry took over the club was in a downward slide and had spent a lot of money

Peter Lorimer

Sunday's 4-2 defeat to struggling Bolton Wanderers kept them anchored in mid-table - with many fans calling for Venables' head - but Lorimer said they should not panic yet.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "Terry looked to be turning the corner after a few good results, including the Uefa Cup win against Hapoel Tel Aviv last week.

Bolton stun Leeds

"But he was missing 10 internationals against Bolton and had to field a weakened side.

"These things happen when you are down there. He has not become a bad coach overnight. He needs time and patience to do the job.

"When he took over Leeds it was a difficult situation. The club was in a downward slide and had spent a lot of money.

"When Terry came in he could not spend; in fact the first thing he had to do was sell."

Venables seeks answers

Lorimer is confident Venables has the managerial skills to halt the club's poor run of form.

"I am sure he has plans when the transfer window opens in January to strengthen the squad.

"He will want players out and one or two in. He has to be given that chance and fans must be patient to see what he does after January."

But the Elland Road legend dismissed suggestions that striker Alan Smith could be sold.

"Every club will be eyeing him up and when a team is down and a bit vulnerable it happens.

Smith inspired by Ridsdale

"But Alan is a Leeds boy and loves Leeds. I'd be amazed if he left."

Lorimer thinks that midfielder David Batty, out of favour, and defender Michael Duberry will be the players shown the door in January.

"This is not going to get better overnight.

"Terry has key players out until the new year so the problem will be with him for quite a while."

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