Gray loses Leeds job

Leeds United today removed Eddie Gray as their manager but arranged for him to stay on at Elland Road as a football consultant.

Coach Kevin Blackwell has been asked to be caretaker manager for the final game of the season, against Chelsea on Saturday.

Gray was told of the move at a board meeting today during which the club said there was "an amicable exchange".

The Scot will take on a consultancy role, with a one-year contract starting on 1 June. His duties will be to advise the board on footballing issues but will not include any coaching responsibilities.

Chairman Gerald Krasner said: "We had a very productive meeting with Eddie today and the decision was amicable.

"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 - 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."

No announcement has been made about Gray's long-term successor and the Elland Road club do not anticipate making a decision for some weeks.

Former Leeds captain Gordon Strachan has been strongly linked with the job while other candidates include Blackwell and Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie. Gray has been in charge of Leeds since Peter Reid was sacked last November.

Faced with a desperate financial situation, he failed to keep the club in the Premiership and relegation was confirmed after Saturday's 3-3 draw with Charlton. Leeds only won six times during his 26-game in charge.

The former winger's position had been under threat for some time as he does not hold the necessary coaching qualifications to manage in the Premiership.