Reid gets his man

Leeds manager Peter Reid today finally welcomed Kevin Blackwell on board as head coach after the Elland Road club resolved the compensation stalemate with Sheffield United.

Leeds have avoided paying a penny for former Blades assistant-boss Blackwell and instead a Bramall Lane friendly has been agreed, while an as yet unnamed player will join the First Division club on loan.

Sheffield United had been hoping to secure a £100,000 cash sum for Blackwell, who had two years remaining on his contract with the south Yorkshire club, and a threat of an injunction had been mooted.

But cash-strapped Leeds have successfully reached a compromise agreement with Sheffield United for the 44-year-old who has spent the majority of the last 17 years working alongside Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock.

After allowing former head coach Brian Kidd and assistant-manager Eddie Gray to leave Elland Road, Reid has taken his time over the appointment of his own backroom staff.

In securing the services of Blackwell, Reid said: “We have tied up most things, but I’m delighted to now have him on board.

“Contrary to all reports, I know (Sheffield United chief executive) Terry Robinson really well and there has not been a cross word between us.

“People have to realise that sometimes these things take a while to sort out, but he is now coming in as head coach.

“I decided to make the choice myself and although I didn’t know him personally, I did know of him and his reputation for working with players.

“I know he is delighted to be joining us and he is now going to have a big responsibility working with the players here at Leeds.”

Blackwell came to Reid’s attention after proving instrumental in a successful campaign for Sheffield United last season, one which saw them reach the semi-finals of the FA and Worthington Cups, as well as the First Division play-off final where they lost out to Wolves.