Reid rewarded by Leeds

Leeds United AFC have confirmed the appointment of Peter Reid as their new manager after he helped steer the club to Premiership safety.

Venables out
The former Sunderland AFC manager, who parted company with the Wearside club last October, was appointed in March for the remaining eight games of the 2002/03 campaign after the sacking of Terry Venables. He was charged with keeping Leeds in the top flight, which he achieved after last Sunday's 3-2 win at Arsenal FC.

Chairman delighted
"Over the past few weeks, I have come to know Peter well," chairman John McKenzie said of the 46-year-old former England player. "I have found he is not only a very good football manager, but also a great manager of people and we shall want to use his skills widely within Leeds United."

'Great club'
McKenzie added: "Leeds United is a great club that has to succeed on the football pitch. Failure is totally unthinkable. As such Peter's contract will be one of the most heavily incentivised in the UK football world." Leeds reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2001 but have suffered a disastrous last 12 months.

Players sold
Venables succeeded David O'Leary last July and saw numerous first-team players sold in an attempt to solve the club's financial problems. Rio Ferdinand started the exodus by joining Manchester United FC for €46.9m, before being followed out of Elland Road by Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer, Olivier Dacourt - on loan to AS Roma, Robbie Fowler and Jonathan Woodgate. Woodgate's €13.75m switch to Newcastle United FC almost provided the final straw for Venables in January.