Leeds need to settle manager issue - O'Leary

David O’Leary has called on Leeds United to decide who will manage the club next season as a matter of extreme urgency.

O’Leary, whose Aston Villa side could pinch a place in Europe next season if they beat Manchester United in their final game next week, is still in a state of shock at the cash-strapped Elland Road outfit’s relegation from the top flight just three years after he led them to a Champions League semi-final.

The Irishman already accepts it will be difficult for Leeds to bounce back at the first attempt but said the club must determine who will lead them next season quickly to give them the best chance of promotion.

Current boss Eddie Gray has already been told he still has a future at Leeds but there has been talk of a new manager being installed, with former Whites skipper Gordon Strachan and highly-rated Crystal Palace chief Iain Dowie both being linked with the post.

“Deep down, they know it will not be easy to bounce back but they need to sort out who the manager next season is going to be,” O’Leary told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“Anyone new coming in will need time to shape the club and build it.

“To be honest, I can’t believe what has happened there. They have lost good players but I still expected them to finish near the top 10.

“People are already talking about what fantastic players they have, so I am quite shocked they have been relegated. It is very sad.”

There has been increased scrutiny of the financing package that saw Gerard Krasner’s consortium take over the club in March and speculation is rising that a group led by Yorkshire businessman and long-standing Leeds fan Steve Parkin could launch another takeover this summer.

O’Leary, who has insisted he had no knowledge of the damage being done to the club when he launched his notorious spending spree in the pursuit of European glory, knows the mess needs to be sorted out.

But the one positive he sees for his old club is the loyalty of the fans.

“They way the supporters have stuck by the club is incredible,” he said.

“The were always brilliant with me and their loyalty is a big plus for Leeds.

“Leeds is a big city and it needs a good football club. It has the infrastructure to support one but the finances have to be sorted out.”