David O'Leary's transfer dealings
Leeds United have conceded that David O'Leary was sacked as manager and did not, as was initially claimed, leave by mutual consent.
The club's plc released a statement at approximately 12.30 this afternoon which stated that O'Leary and Leeds had reached a decision to part company by "mutual consent".
But, as speculation mounted that the Dubliner had in fact been handed his cards, Leeds communications director David Walker announced: "The statement says that David O'Leary has left the company and I can confirm that he was sacked."
Reports have claimed that O’Leary, who took charge at Elland Road in 1998 after the departure of George Graham, was at odds with club over Rio Ferdinand's future. His stance is believed to have 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 £15 million profit on any summer deals.
Rumours have suggested that that Ferdinand is being lined up for a £35 million-plus move to Manchester United and O'Leary felt strongly that selling Ferdinand to Leeds' bitter rivals would hand the title to Alex Ferguson's men.
O’Leary, a former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender, joined the club four years ago and had spent millions in search of success.
And with that success continuing to elude his ‘young’ and ‘inexperienced’ side, the club published a statement today on chairman Peter 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." The shock news follows O'Leary's insistence that he wanted to keep star defender Rio Ferdinand despite a brilliant World Cup which has seen Manchester United repeatedly linked with a £30million-plus move for the former West Ham man.
The club's financial troubles have been well publicised of late with Ridsdale revealing that O'Leary must make a £15million profit on summer deals following O'Leary's failure to take the Yorkshire club into the Champions League last season.
Ferdinand, however, is not the only name that has been linked with a move from Elland Road with Robbie Keane among a number of high profile stars who have been the subject of speculation linking them with moves elsewhere.
Ferdinand admitted O'Leary's departure from the club had come as a "massive shock".
He told Sky Sports News: "It's a massive shock, and I'm disappointed to see this happen.
"He's been with the club through good and bad. He paid a lot of money to sign me and he's been brilliant for me, first-class."