No-nonsense Reid the right man, says Lorimer

Leeds legend Peter Lorimer today backed the club’s swift appointment of Peter Reid but urged supporters to show patience.

Lorimer said Leeds had chosen the right man at the right time to replace Terry Venables, who left Elland Road in March.

Lorimer told PA Sport: “I’m delighted that Peter has got the job because he came in at a very difficult time and he has impressed me.

“Peter has done the job before in similar circumstances and he’s proved he will be stand no nonsense and do the job the way he wants it.

“He has demanded 100% so far and he will continue to do so and there is no reason why he will not get the results.”

Lorimer predicted a bright future and suggested the new board’s decisive action in appointing Reid augured well for the future.

He had criticised previous chiefs for their untimely dismissal of David O’Leary last summer which set in motion a dramatic decline which saw the former Champions League semi-finalists only escape relegation with one week of the season to go.

Lorimer added: “Last year when we sacked David O’Leary we left it until three weeks before the season started and Terry Venables came in and had no time at all. At least Peter has the whole summer.

“Peter’s number one priority will be to find out who is staying and who is going. There are all sorts of rumours surrounding certain players and the club does need money.

“Whatever happens we cannot go a lot further backwards than what we have over the last 18 months. It has been an unbelievable fall from grace and it will be nice to settle back down.

“But my message to the fans is not to expect miracles. There is a very hard job to be done and these problems are not the responsibility of the people who are in charge now.

“But Peter Reid has proved himself to be one hell of a fighter and I am sure he will succeed.”