The recent run of results has clearly been unacceptable - the board therefore concluded that it has a duty to act now Leeds statement Report: Portsmouth 6-1 Leeds

Leeds United have parted company with manager Peter Reid after his turbulent 22-match reign at Elland Road.

Reid's exit comes in the wake of the embarrassing 6-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday, the club's worst loss since 1959.

Reid held talks with new Leeds chief executive Trevor Birch on Monday and the club later confirmed his departure.

Former Leeds favourite Eddie Gray will take over temporary charge with chief coach Kevin Blackwell becoming his assistant.

A statement released by the club said: "While the board acknowledges that Peter did a sterling job for the club towards the end of last season in keeping United in the FA Premier League, it believes it must not allow this season to reach a point beyond which the club's Premiership status comes under serious threat.

"The recent run of results has clearly been unacceptable. The board therefore concluded that it has a duty to act now."

Reid only recently received a vote of support from the Leeds directors after his future was placed into doubt - but the humiliation at Fratton Park was the final straw.

REID AT LEEDS Mar 21: Given caretaker boss job after Terry Venables leaves May 9: Handed post full-time after avoiding relegation Nov 8: Leeds, bottom of table, thrashed 6-1 at Portsmouth Nov 10: Club announces Reid is leaving Elland Road RECORD: P 22 W 7 D 3 L 12 REID'S FLOP SIGNINGS Roque Junior: Milan loan signing has failed to impress Didier Domi: Only started one game since loan deal Salomon Olembe: Cameroon star has made little impact Lamine Sakho: Nine starts and one goal for French striker The worst job in football? Who would take over at Leeds?

Gray said: "There's been a fall from grace - we've got to try and pick that up.

"I'll handle the players as I see fit. I'll do things my way and try and get the players to play with a bit of confidence"

The search for a permanent successor will now begin, with Nottingham Forest's Paul Hart favourite to take over.

Hart heads a list of possible successors, which also includes West Bromwich Albion's Gary Megson and Paul Sturrock of Plymouth.

The club statement added: "The process of identifying a longer term first team manager is underway and the board has a clear view of the credentials required of any candidate.

"Notwithstanding current financial constraints, United is determined to return to its place as one of the top clubs in England and is looking to appoint a new first team manager who will reflect this determination."

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Leeds are currently lying at the bottom of the table for the first time since 1980-81, when they were relegated from the former First Division.

Reid was on a one-year rolling contract worth a reported �850,000-a-year, a figure he will now pick up in compensation.

It will mean Leeds, who are currently almost �80m in debt, will have stumped up �7m in compensation for managers after also sacking David O'Leary and Terry Venables in the last 20 months.

Reid has chalked up only six victories since taking over from Terry Venables in a caretaker capacity in March, although he is widely credited with saving Leeds from relegation last season.

But he has also had high-profile disagreements with England defender Danny Mills, who is on loan at Middlesbrough, and with Mark Viduka.

Viduka laughs off Leeds row

Viduka has had a series of bust-ups with Reid and was left out of the squad for the visit to Portsmouth after another disagreement on Friday.

Gray added: "I don't think there'll be any money. It's only a caretaker basis and I don't know how long I'll be there.

"The club spent money they didn't have. That's why they are in the position they are in today."