O'Leary quits Leeds

Leeds United and David O'Leary today parted company amid mounting speculation that his firm stance over Rio Ferdinand's future had led to his departure.

O'Leary insisted that the England defender should not be sold to balance the books at Leeds after chairman Peter Ridsdale revealed that the club must make a £15million profit on any summer deals.

Speculation has been rife that Ferdinand is being lined up for a £35million-plus move to Manchester United.

O'Leary felt strongly that selling Ferdinand to Leeds' arch rivals would hand the title to Sir Alex Ferguson's men and was desperate to keep Ferdinand.

Leeds published a statement today Ridsdale's behalf, which read: "Leeds United PLC today announces that David O'Leary, manager of Leeds United Football Club has left the company by mutual consent.

"After four successful years the pressures of some of the off-field incidents have resulted in both the company and Mr O'Leary agreeing that it would be of mutual benefit for a change of manager.

"It is hoped that an announcement regarding a successor can be announced in the next few weeks.

"Leeds United would like to place on record its thanks for David's enormous contribution over the last four years."

O'Leary joined Leeds four years ago and spent millions in search of success.

He took the club forward after succeeding George Graham and, despite the disappointment of last season, Leeds fans were still firmly behind him.

The fans are bound to agree with O'Leary's stance on Ferdinand's future. They were dismayed when Howard Wilkinson sold Eric Cantona to Manchester United in the summer of 1991, a move which proved the catalyst for some long awaited success at Old Trafford.

If Ferdinand follows the same path as Cantona it is bound to spark outrage among the fans.