Reid may yet decide to leave Elland Road

Peter Reid's future at Leeds United seemed more uncertain last night after speculation that the manager may decide to leave the club.

Reid has survived a board-room inquest into his period in charge at Elland Road, but friends believe he is so upset with the way things have been handled that he may leave. The Liverpudlian is shocked that his efforts to cut the wage bill and put out a side on a shoestring budget have still not won him long-term backing.

Reid feels it may be better to go sooner rather than later, especially as the coming fixtures are so hard and will only make his reputation worse. Today's game against Blackburn at home may be Reid's last. One source close to him said: "Peter would ideally win, leave the club in a better state and then quit."

If Reid leaves "by mutual consent" it would involve a compromise financial settlement with the club. Leeds would then be clear to approach a new manager, with Nottingham Forest's Paul Hart the front runner. However, he would want assurances about funds and his future before giving up a safe job.