Reid surprised at Leeds' qualityPeter Reid believes there is enough quality in his Leeds side to avoidrelegation from the Barclaycard Premiership.
Interim manager Reid now has just seven matches to save Leeds from the dropand the fearsome prospect of administration after United revealed losses of£17.2million this week, and an overall debt of £78.9million.
Following Peter Ridsdale's departure as chairman on Monday, Reid now hasProfessor John McKenzie to convince he is the right man to rebuild Leedsfollowing a disastrous campaign.
Given the tenuous position of Reid's future, speculation surrounds the EllandRoad hot-seat, with names such as Paul Hart, Martin O'Neill and Micky Adamsmentioned on a regular basis.
But Reid is virtually oblivious to such talk, and instead is working with asquad he knows should not be in their current predicament, with a determinationto lift them to safety.
"You just shake your head at how good this club is," expressed Reid, who hasbeen surprised at the quality of players he has at his disposal.
"I look around the place in amazement. The only place for this great club isto be in the Premiership.
"There's more than enough here to improve the situation. You've got toimpress that working hard ethic and that's what I'm here to do.
"There are some good players here. If you look at this squad and some thatare above us then this squad is better. That tells you we have to prove it.
"We have the ammunition. You don't beat teams like Manchester United andNewcastle if you are no good - that's no fluke, but we have to start proving itagain."
Leeds' problem is they are in freefall as they have lost their last fivematches to leave them in 16th in the league, while fellow strugglers Bolton andWest Ham are beginning to find form and are closing the gap to the Whites.As for the club's off-field troubles, former Leeds legend Peter Lorimerconceded earlier this week it has to take its toll on the players, however Reidfeels it should not concern his squad.
"I know some financial results came out which weren't good, but that side ofthings is nothing to do with me and I'm sure the board will sort it out," saidReid in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"There's no extra pressure. This club has to be in the Premiership nextseason and I'm not thinking about anything else."
Reid is buoyed by the news Gary Kelly, David Batty and Michael Duberry allplayed 90 minutes for the reserves in a 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland lastnight.
Defenders Kelly and Duberry are fit again after hamstring injuries, whilemidfielder Batty is close to full match-fitness and pushing for a place in theside following an entire season in exile under former boss Terry Venables.
PA