Gray backs Wise for Leeds job

12 April 2012

Eddie Gray has urged Leeds fans to forget Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet's Chelsea past and back the management duo if they complete their expected Elland Road switch this week.

Swindon manager Wise and assistant Poyet were last night given permission to begin negotiations with the Coca-Cola Championship strugglers. Two-time United boss Gray believes they should be welcomed by the supporters despite having played for one of their bitterest rivals.

"If anyone comes into Leeds United and starts getting a bit of success, that's what the fans want - regardless of who it is," Gray told BBC Five Live Sport. "I think they will just be happy to see the team start winning again."

Gray, who managed Leeds from 1982 to 1985 and again between November 2003 and May 2004, hopes Wise's no-nonsense approach can rescue the club from sinking into the third tier of English football.

"Dennis is a colourful character, a bit like the chairman Ken Bates - he's no shrinking violet," Gray said.

"He played for Chelsea and there is a bit of history between Chelsea and Leeds but if he comes here now, the supporters will look at it differently.

"He will do the job his way and hopefully he will succeed if he comes in."

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