Wilkinson is wary of the decision setting a precedent

Premier League rules state that all Premiership managers must hold either a Uefa Pro License coaching certificate or a management diploma.

However, Gray has been allowed to stay in his post despite lacking the correct coaching credentials.

"A rule is a rule is a rule," said Howard Wilkinson, the LMA chairman.

The former Leeds manager, who led the Yorkshire club to the league title in 1992, expressed surprise at the Premier League's decision.

Gray to stay as Leeds boss

"The circumstances are extenuating to say the least, but you set a precedent and quite rightly people refer back to that precedent," Wilkinson said.

"The Premier League voted unanimously to introduce mandatory qualifications, as of this season, for all those people in the Premier League who were responsible for the selection and the training of the first team.

"But having brought in that qualification criteria, Premier League chairmen should be well aware that if they get rid of a manager, the option is to make sure they have someone with the appropriate qualifications ready to take his place."

The coaching badges, a mandatory qualification in major footballing nations, deal with all aspects of management, from skills to psychology and fitness to finance.

Questions about Gray's suitability for the job add to the problems of a club in big trouble on and off the pitch.

Leeds are bottom of the Premiership and in deep financial trouble with huge debts.