Gray leaves Leeds post

GRAY'S RECORD IN CHARGE Took charge of team on November 11 League record: P 25 W6 L 12 D7 Only kept two clean sheets

Leeds have relieved Eddie Gray of the managerial post at the club.

The decision was made at a meeting on Monday but Gray will stay on at Elland Road in a consultancy role with a one-year contract starting on 1 June.

Kevin Blackwell steps up from being assistant to caretaker manager for the relegated side's final Premiership game of the season at Chelsea.

"We had a very productive meeting with Eddie and the decision was amicable ," said chairman Gerald Krasner.

Speaking to the club's website, Krasner added: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Eddie for his contribution to Leeds United this season - probably one of the hardest on record.

I have had a great life with the football club and it's just sad that it has come to this, but that's life Eddie Gray

"But we are delighted that Eddie has agreed to stay with us in a consultancy capacity so we can still benefit from his vast experience in the game."

Gray took charge in a caretaker-manager role at the club last November but has failed to stop the club from being relegated from the Premiership.

There was a doubt he could take up the manager's role at Leeds because of a lack of the required coaching badges.

"I have had a great life with the football club and it's just sad that it has come to this, but that's life," said Gray.

He added: "I would not agree that it was an impossible task to keep Leeds up.

"It was difficult, but I still enjoyed it and I am sad how it turned out in the end. I just wish the club all the best and hope they bounce back in the future.

About time! Maybe we'd be safe if they had done this last month From JC Have your say on 606

"I will continue in a consultancy role for a year and see what happens.

"At this moment I just wish all the players and all the staff the very best. They deserve to be back in the Premiership."

The club said they are not planning to announce a successor to Gray for "some weeks".

Leeds director Peter Lorimer said: "I feel for Eddie because he's been a Leeds United club man for a lot of years now.

"He's a very loyal, very honest person. He knew he was doing the job in a caretaker capacity and the board feel they want a clean break so are now going to be looking for another manager."