Leeds United’s temporary manager, Peter Reid, hopes the win over Arsenal that kept them in the Premiership, will also keep him in the manager’s job.
Leeds spectacularly ended Arsenal’s title hopes with a 3-2 win at Highbury and Reid wasted no time in stressing the importance of the victory that saves the debt-ridden club from the drop.
”This was a crucial, crucial result for me personally and for the club. It’s a club I want to manage, and I’ve enjoyed my time here,” said Reid who took the post on a temporary basis after Terry Venables quit, following the sale of England stars Jonathan Woodgate and Robbie Fowler.
”The arrangement was that I was having a look at Leeds and Leeds were having a look at me. I was quite happy to take the job on that basis,” Reid explained.
”I said I would come in for eight games and I’ve got one left to go. We need to sit down in the summer; it’s something that will be sorted out after the final game.”
Reid now wants to set about rebuilding Leeds after a disastrous season that has seen a string of controversial sales and bitterly disappointing results for a side banking on Champions League football.
”You always need to improve, a team with our quality shouldn’t be where they are,” admitted Reid.
”We can sort all that out over the summer. And I’ll be wheeling and dealing in the close season — if I’m the manager.”
Two players Reid will want to keep should he stay on are his Australian forwards.
”Mark Viduka’s got the goals that have kept us up,” he said of the forward who has struck 13 goals in his last nine games and who scored the third in the win at Highbury.
”Harry Kewell and Viduka caused Arsenal problems all game. In the end I was really pleased about the victory which guarantees us Premiership football. Last time I came here with Sunderland I got the sack! It was terrific to be involved in such a smashing match,” beamed Reid.
”We had to defend desperately at times because of Arsenal’s quality. It was thrilling at both ends, and a massive match for both clubs.”
Reid is surprised Arsenal blew a five-point lead at the top of the table.
”Two months ago I thought Arsenal were certainties,” he said.
”But the league table doesn’t lie. The team that’s the most consistent over 38 games wins it. Manchester United and Arsenal are two top quality sides, and I’m sure Arsenal will be back again next year. ”- Sapa-AFP