O’Leary leaves Leeds Utd

Leeds United today announced that manager David O’Leary has left the Premiership club by mutual consent.

The former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender joined the club four years ago and had spent millions in search of success.

But today the Elland Road club shocked British football by announcing that O’Leary and the club have parted company.

The club published a statement today on chairman Peter Ridsdale’s behalf, which read: ‘‘Leeds United PLC today announces that David O’Leary, manager of Leeds United Football Club has left the company by mutual consent.

‘‘After four successful years the pressures of some of the off-field incidents have resulted in both the company and Mr O’Leary agreeing that it would be of mutual benefit for a change of manager.

‘‘It is hoped that an announcement regarding a successor can be announced in the next few weeks.

‘‘Leeds United would like to place on record its thanks for David’s enormous contribution over the last four years.’’