Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale today reiterated his belief that manager David O'Leary is committed to the club and will not be taking over from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United at the end of next season. Although reports last week alleged that the former Republic of Ireland international was told he would have permission to take up any offer from United should they come calling when Ferguson steps down next summer, Risdale's comments today suggest that O'Leary has no intention of leaving Elland Road.
"I believe any employee, particularly the manager who is the most important employee, has to have the right circumstances and right conditions in which David has total freedom to act. We have supported him completely in the transfer market and he has a young, fresh and energetic team, who everybody believes will win something in the next year or two in terms of honours," said Ridsdale. "If anybody feels that going somewhere else rather than taking to completion what was started here was the right thing to do then so be it. But David and I have talked about it and David has no intention of going anywhere."
"He has given me complete commitment that he and I are in this together and we are going to bring trophies to Elland Road as soon as possible. As far as I'm concerned, I don't care who is the next manager of Manchester United. I just care about who is the best man for the Leeds United job - and we've got him," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
