Reid pledges to bring back Batty

David Batty could prove the key to Peter Reid winning over the critical supporters who have slammed his appointment as Leeds interim-manager as one which “will go down like a lead balloon.”

Reid yesterday took over from the sacked Terry Venables for the rest of the season, and claimed the responsibility of keeping Leeds in the Barclaycard Premiership as they currently teeter on the brink of the relegation zone.

The former Sunderland boss needs all the grit and determination he can muster and wasted no time in expressing his intention to bring Elland Road favourite Batty back into the squad to face Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.

“If David Batty is fit then he will go into the squad for the Liverpool game,” said Reid, who could be handed the job on a permanent basis if he performs well in the eyes of Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale.

“What’s gone on before is history and I can’t really comment on that, but I think he can make a valuable contribution over these last eight games. He is a fine player with a lot of experience,” Reid added.

“We’ll have to look at his match fitness because he hasn’t played top-level games, but I’ve no hesitation in sticking him in the squad.”

When asked if he was aware selecting Batty would be a vote winner with the fans and would get them on his side, a jovial Reid quipped: “I may look daft, but even I know that.”

Following a dismal run of four defeats in the last five league games, and with the club taking a miserable four points in eight matches following a New Year’s Day win over Birmingham, Leeds are now just seven points off the drop zone.

It was anticipated assistant manager Eddie Gray and coach Brian Kidd would be asked to keep Leeds in the top flight, but Ridsdale instead turned to the 46-year-old who was sacked by Sunderland six months ago.

The fans’ groups have poured scorn on Reid, with John Boocock, chairman of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust, claiming: “The fans don’t like him. This is just going from the flying pan into the fire.”

Venables angered the Leeds faithful early on in his eight-month reign by refusing to pick Batty, claiming the 34-year-old was no longer capable of playing at the highest level.

Batty has not even sat on the bench once this season, and such was the way he was treated by Venables, he often trained with the juniors rather than the first team.

When asked for his reaction to the possibility of seeing Batty back in a Whites shirt, Ridsdale was diplomatic in his response on this occasion as he said: “The manager picks the team, and always picks the team.

“I’ve got into enough trouble in the past for commenting on team matters.”

Ridsdale also effectively ducked the question as to why Reid, despite his time in charge at Manchester City and Sunderland, was not appointed on a permanent basis.

It is understood Reid will be paid a considerable bonus – around £500,000 – if he keeps Leeds in the Premier League, with Ridsdale then taking stock at the end of the season.

Names such as Leicester’s Micky Adams and Paul Hart at Nottingham Forest are the leading contenders for the full-time post, and among the fans’ favourites.

So whether Reid is in charge for the start of next season remains to be seen as Ridsdale said: “These eight games are extremely important to us.

“We’ve first of all got to establish ourselves in the Premiership, and if we do that, then try and get as high up in the league as possible.

“I think the conversation Peter and I have had is ’let’s see where we get to in the eight games and then let’s take stock’.

“This is nothing on Peter’s track record and background, which speaks for itself, because I’m delighted someone of his calibre is prepared to come in for the eight games.

“This is all about doing something that’s right in the shortest possible time to make sure we can maximise the next eight games.

“You only have to look at the impact he has made in the past when he has joined clubs to see why we have turned to him and I’m delighted he said yes.”

There is no doubt Reid would look to stay on as he said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. It’s something that doesn’t scare me, it excites me more than anything.

“So I’m going to have a good crack at the eight games, and you must be an idiot if you don’t want to manage Leeds United.”

Reid will at least have options for the game with Liverpool as Gary Kelly, Harry Kewell and Michael Duberry should all return after recent injury problems.