O’Leary believes Leeds’ troubles have been deflected away from El Tel

TERRY VENABLES is in a no-lose situation at Leeds, according to former manager David O’Leary.

Venables has seen several players sold this season in a bid to reduce the club's massive debt, which has incensed fans who have directed their disappointment towards chairman Peter Ridsdale and the plc board.

The club's troubles notably the controversial £9million sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Newcastle on transfer deadline day have caused Venables to consider his future.

However, O'Leary believes whatever the former England boss decides to do, he's on to a winner.

"I don't think Terry can lose now. The pressure has been taken off and everything has been deflected away from him," said O'Leary.

"The impression I get looking in is I don't think he can go wrong, no matter what he does. I hope he does well because I want the players to do well."

Leeds are lying a distant 13th in the table despite beating West Ham and their hopes of a place Europe on their league standing looks slim.

That's why O'Leary insisted they must do all they can to win the FA Cup. "I hope they do well," he said.

"It looks like the only way they will get back into Europe. I would love to see the players walk out at Cardiff."

O'Leary is still bitter at reports he lost the dressing room at Elland Road before his dismissal.

"That is totally untrue and hurt me a great deal," he said. "They are a great bunch of people, we had a good spirit and came through some difficult things."

O'Leary, who settled a compensation claim with the club last week, remains baffled at his sacking.

"I was shocked when I went in and Mr Ridsdale told me I was sacked. I thought I was doing a good job and still don't know what the point was.

"People talk about me spending £90million but nobody says I recouped over £70million. I don't think I left a bad £20million team.

"I did a very good job and raised the image of the club. I don't think we could have been bigger across Europe."

O'Leary, who is anxious to get back in the game with a club "of potential and ambition" would also like to see Roy Keane recalled to the Republic of Ireland side.