Tel ‘confident’ Ferdinand won’t have to go

Terry Venables launched his reign as Leeds United’s new manager by insisting he is ‘‘very confident’’ that he can hang on to England star Rio Ferdinand.

Leeds failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and chairman Peter Ridsdale has made it clear that a £15million profit must be made on transfers this summer.

But former England coach Venables, asked how confident he was that he could persuade Ferdinand to stay, told an Elland Road press conference : ‘‘I’m very confident. I’ve not spoken to him yet but when I do I will try to point out why he should stay.’’

Venables is a big fan of encouraging defenders to do more than defend and he may give Ferdinand more licence in that area.

‘‘I think where we can reach him is that basically he loves to play football,’’ he added.

Venables admitted that with Leeds needing to bring money in he may not be able to hold on to all his best players.

‘‘We know that if we could we’d like to keep them all but the reality is we have to deal with certain situations.

‘‘Peter has mentioned there is £15m to be found and I took the job on that understanding. We will do whatever we can to satisfy that side of it.’’

Venables, asked about reports that he might ask former Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson to join him as part of his backroom staff at Elland Road, replied: ‘‘What I have decided to do is keep the same backroom staff. Everyone will stay in place.’’

That means coaches Brian Kidd, Eddie Gray and Roy Aitken have the chance to be part of the Venables team.

‘‘I will assess it as I go along,’’ said Venables. ‘‘They have got an opportunity to be part of what we hope will be an exciting future.

‘‘It’s a huge club. The plans and hopes here are as big as anywhere else.

‘‘All I have got to do now is get stuck into the job and work hard. After seeing the players today I know they are up for that.’’

Venables confirmed that he plans to buy a permanent home in the Yorkshire area following his appointment.

Ridsdale, welcoming Venables’ appointment, said: ‘‘I’m delighted. Hopefully, we’ve got a manager who will take us to the next level.’’