No Tears At Elland Road As Wise 'Walks The Walk'!

"In football you never stand in the way of anyone who wants to improve themselves."

Wise's shock decision has stunned Leeds fans but I'm told there won't be tears, as Wise always walked a thin line between love and hate with the supporters.

The large majority didn't want him in the first place because of his Chelsea connection, even more so when the club was relegated last season.

But they warmed to him when in only five games he pulled back the 15 points docked from the club for the start of the current campaign.

But a recent drop in form has seen the doubters back on his case.

Bates: "You only have to look at the frenzy that has taken place at Newcastle since they sacked Sam Allardyce and it's ridiculous.

"We don't have leaks at Leeds United. We don't comment because the more you do the more people put more of a slant on it.

"We'll go about our business the same way as we do with our players. We don't talk about what we're going to do, we do it and then we announce it.

"I wasn't too surprised, but we wouldn't allow permission until we had it in writing that they would pay compensation.

"Dennis had a one-year rolling contract and if either party breaks it we have to agree on compensation.

"I thought it only right to advise Dennis. He said he would like to talk to them and I said he could once we had it in writing.

"That duly arrived and I told Dennis first thing (yesterday) morning that he could meet the Newcastle chairman and he said he would like to take the opportunity if he could.

"We've agreed that he will prepare the team for Southend, but it wouldn't be appropriate if he was at the game. He will get them ready for the game and hopefully he will go out on a high.

"Newcastle said they were impressed with what he'd done in a difficult situation at Leeds United. He leaves the club in a much stronger position on very solid foundations."