MANAGEMENT
THE MANAGEMENT
Terry Venables:
I must admit, Venables wasn't my first choice for the new manager of Leeds (he was fourth, behind Eddie Gray, Guus Hiddink and Martin O'Neill). But he's in charge, and the players - importantly - all seem very happy with him. My main qualm is about his tendency to constantly be on the move. I'm going to reserve judgement till at least part way through the season. I hope he does well.
Bryan Kidd:
Much has been said about Kidd and his role in Leeds' demise this season. Personally, I never understood why people were getting on his back. I don't think it's possible for a man in his position to single-handedly destroy a club or to make the whole team play badly for a season. There are many other things that need to be looked at as mitigating factors before we look towards individuals. Kidd is good at what he does and has a proven track record. It would be a pity if the fall out of this season resulted in us losing a valuable member of staff. Remains to be seen if he will still be around under the new manager.
Eddie Gray:
Eddie Gray is Leeds United through-and-through and I would hate to think of him being anywhere other than Leeds. Thankfully, he has denied the rumours linking him to Coventry City. If he goes, then it will show failure on the part of Leeds United. There are certain key elements in success of any kind. One is in knowing when you have a good thing in place and not tampering with it. If Eddie Gray leaves Leeds, I cannot see a good long-term future for the club. Sure, we'll manage. But it won't be the same. Venables can secure some respect in the eyes of Leeds fans by ensuring that Gray is retained as assistant manager.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Peter Ridsdale:
Ridsdale is still a Leeds fan before anything else, and he has done enough to prove that over this season and the seasons before it. He maintains that whatever decisions he makes will be for the good of the club. I don't think he's lying when he says that. The main qualm for me is that his definition of what is 'the good of the club' may not be consistent with that of other Leeds fans, because he has to consider the financial implications also. Still, I would rather have Peter Ridsdale as our chairman than anyone else. He's probably the best chairman in the League.