Reid makes progress in battle to win over sceptical fans

PETER REID has quickly won over sceptical Leeds fans following a personal invite from chairman Peter Ridsdale to meet the club’s hoped-for saviour.

John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters' Trust, was critical of Reid's appointment for the remainder of the season in the wake of Terry Venables' sacking, claiming it would "go down like a lead balloon".

Boocock claimed Reid is deeply disliked at Elland Road, and felt Eddie Gray and Brian Kidd should have been asked to take over for the short term.

Boocock's comments, and those of Leeds United Independent Fans' Association (LUIFA) co-founder Simon Jose, led to Ridsdale offering both the opportunity of a face-to-face chat with Reid.

Boocock was suitably impressed as he said: "Peter (Ridsdale) rang me on Saturday and asked if I wanted to meet him, and I was very pleased he did that.

"He (Reid) is a man after my own heart. There was no flannel, just straightforward, down-to-earth talking we like that.

"He is very approachable and came across as someone who knows what the job is and is going to get on with it, and for that he has to be applauded.

"He only has one priority, and that's to keep Leeds in the Premiership. If he does it then he will have done a good job and the fans will be grateful for it.

"And if he maintains this no-nonsense approach, and continues to keep the flannel low, then we will get behind him."

That is what Reid craves, for he believes a united front, both on and off the pitch, will ultimately prove beneficial in keeping Leeds in the Premiership.

"I'd ask the fans to get behind us and let's have a go together," urged Reid.

"I realise we have to give them something to shout about. All they want is to see the players have a go, so I'll be on at them to keep our part of that."

Olivier Dacourt, meanwhile, looks set to remain at Roma once his loan deal expires at the end of the season as the France international has become a mainstay in midfield.

Dacourt was allowed to join the Serie A club in January for the rest of the season, pending the prospect of a permanent summer deal, with Leeds and Roma agreeing a fee of £5million, while he also finalised personal terms on a three-year contract.

"I'm getting to grips with Italian life and I hope to be able to speak the language very soon," said Dacourt. "I have a great desire to do well for this team."

While Dacourt would clearly like to stay, and while the transfer fee would be most welcome given Leeds' parlous financial state, Roma have not yet stated whether they will take up the option on the player.