Will he bring success to Elland Road?

The former England coach has signed a two-year deal with the club and has been released by ITV from his television pundit role.

His impressive managerial CV includes spells in charge of Barcelona, Tottenham and Middlesbrough, as well as guiding England to the Semi-Finals of Euro 96.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren were thought to have been targeted, but both ruled themselves out of the running.

Have Leeds got the right man?

This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appear below.

I think Risdale has pulled out a blinder here and redeemed himself from the mess he has made from the last two weeks. El Tel has succeeded in every job he has undertaken and I see no reason why the glory days cannot now return to Elland Road.

His first job must be to keep hold of the players we currently have, which with the exception of Ian Harte is one of the strongest squads in the Premiership and with his managerial skills and a couple of new players we must now challenge for major honours next year. I think Leeds United fans now have a real right to be excited about the future of our club.
Daniel Mac, England

Venables has not been able to cope with the pressures of club football since leaving the England job in '96. I think it was a rushed decision simply to ensure that the club will have a settled management come the beginning of the season. The yearning for success that Leeds possesses is something Venables simply can't take on and succeed at!
Craig, UK

For those of you with short memories Venables was successful with England and Barcelona. He will suit the job better than O'Neill. Let's not forget that O'Neill never won anything as a manager in the Premiership.
Paul Teale, UK

Leeds have taken a man with a good pedigree. But is the one year contract, with an option for a second year long enough? I doubt it. They are really expecting him to perform miracles from the word go, and that's unrealistic.
Baz, UK

Wenger, Ferguson and Houllier must be laughing up their sleeves and David O'Leary must be wondering what El Tel will do with the firm foundations he has built at Leeds. Assuming he hangs around long enough that is!!
Mark, UK

El Tel is a high risk choice. For every Barcelona and England, there is a Palace, Spurs or Portsmouth. At Middlesboro he shored up the defence and stopped them leaking goals, but they did not score many.

The main problem for Leeds is lack of cash and you can bet your bottom dollar that this has got worse with Tel's contract negotiations. He must cost more than O'Leary. So you will only be able to judge his chances when they balance the books and sell Rio, Lee, Robbie etc. Cash not coaching is the problem.
Dominic, London, UK

As two of the large legion of exiled Leeds fans, we are delighted with the appointment of Mr Venables. With his pedigree we are sure to go a stage further in the development of Leeds Utd FC towards being the major English club. If the rumours we are hearing from home are true, Mr Venables will be announcing the signing of Paul Ince as club captain later this week.

The final pieces of the jigsaw are in place, Premiership Champions 2002/2003!
Paul Beacock & John L Davies, The Hague, Holland

A lot of people are sceptical about the chances of Leeds progressing under El Tel because to his past record at club level. What these pessimists are failing to see is that Leeds have the majority of their squad in place, and have strength in nearly every area of the pitch.

Hopefully, as others have commented, it will be a matter of bringing those players together and working as a team, with every player playing to the best of their ability. The best of luck to Mr Venables.
Nik Turkes, Newcastle, England

It looks like Leeds have got exactly what they deserved - an average, under-achieving manager for a very average under-achieving team. Hopefully the penny has finally dropped for Leeds fans.

They have displayed in their comments over the last two weeks a monumental arrogance in presuming that Martin O'Neill would leave a massive club like Celtic for a club like Leeds. Face it Leeds fans - he's well out of your league.
Stephen Campbell, Scotland

The best two English managers are Sir Bobby and El Tel. It's great to see him back, and I'm looking forward to watching Leeds play next season. However, as a Liverpool fan I'm slightly worried about where they could end up now they've got a good manager.
Nick, England

As a pundit Venables is second to none. He's got a great reputation with players, is a nice bloke and was good on 'Stars in Their Eyes.' Sadly though, his 20-year managerial career is based on the second half of one match against a team who were all fighting each other in the dressing room just before kick-off.
Mark, England

As a Spurs fan I'm probably biased, but I think Leeds have got just the man for the job. Respect for David O'Leary for what he achieved, but he seemed unable to take it that stage further. This opportunity probably represents El Tel's last chance to win the Premiership, and I think that has tempted him out of retirement. The squad is good enough, and with his man-management skills, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Terry deliver.
PJH, England

Scary isn't it? Leeds sack a manager who still has a good career in front of him and bring in a man whose credentials are either brilliant or dire depending on one's point of view.

Good Luck to O'Leary. He has built a team of quality and Venables should be graceful for what he has inherited. I'm sure there are a few clubs who will be only too glad to see O'Leary on the market and a new challenge will do him the world of good. I think he just ran out of steam in the final furlong at Leeds.

For the sake of us LUFC supporters I hope Terry pulls it off.
Lionel, UK

A brave choice, and in my opinion the right one. I wish people would forget O'Neill; he has now (allegedly) turned Leeds down three times and clearly has doubts about the club. At least Venables wants it. And is O'Neill a better coach?
Andrew, UK

Can anyone tell me why Terry Venables has a reputation as a good manager? In all his years in English football he has won one trophy. At Barcelona it's virtually guaranteed that trophies will be won with the money they are able to spend. A good measure of his achievements there was the miserable manner in which they lost the 1986 European cup final to Steua Bucharest.

As for managing England, he was not the success most people seem to think he was. In the Euro 96 tournament, in which England had home advantage, he failed. His team were not unlucky; it was his fault England lost their semi-final to Germany.

In the 120 minutes of football he made no substitutions and didn't even bring on strikers he had on the bench in the dying seconds to take penalty kicks.
Robert, Great Britain

As a Middlesbrough fan, I'm delighted - mainly that Steve McCLaren took steps to distance himself from the job at an early stage. However, I do hope that Venables helps to develop some of the promising English players in the Leeds squad to their full potential, and I wish him all the best.
Ian Talbot, UK

It's a step forward for Leeds. O'Leary was showing signs of power-crazed dementia during last season - always selecting the same tired line-up, refusing to use substitutes and criticising his players in public.

He seemed to believe he could do no wrong. What Leeds need now is a good man-manager with a sound tactical brain. Tel is the man for the job.
Martin, UK

A question has been asked: Will Venables bring success to Leeds United? But what is success at Elland Road? I say Leeds fans, staff and players alike should be pleased if Terry can give the club some stability, have a long Cup run and finish in the top three. But don't expect miracles.
Leon Frere-Smith, UK

At last Terry has returned from the land of pundits. His talent and experience will make Leeds United a better team, and his success in steering Middlesbrough to safety is proof enough that the manager can instil pride and determination into any team.

With no disrespect to Middlesbrough, Leeds have a much higher calibre of player, so Terry should be able to mould them into championship contenders. Good luck Terry.
Daniel Shaw, UK

Of all the names being mentioned in the press, this is the worst of all the options. I cannot see Venables bringing to Leeds the success they are aching to have. No doubt lots of money will be spent and there will be considerable transfer activity, but Venables will achieve very little. Lots of chat, but not much else.
Mansel Rees, Wales

Leeds supporters excited about the prospect of El Tel at Elland Road should ask fans of Portsmouth, Palace and Middlesbrough their opinions on his abilities - particularly in the transfer market.

Pompey in particular are still paying the price for his disastrous wheeler-dealing and I can't believe he has been given yet another chance by a major club on the back of a mediocre Euro 96 performance - particularly when there are a dozen more capable managers currently out of work, and a good 30 more at smaller English clubs.
Andrew Johnson, UK

Giving El Tel the job proves that they sacked O'Leary in a fit of pique, and had clue what to do when he'd gone! We've got absolutely no chance of winning anything this season or next - mediocrity here we come!
Gary Watson, Leeds, UK

What a disaster for Leeds - how they could give up O'Leary for Venables is simply bizarre. Clearly Leeds did not have a plan before they sacked O'Leary, and they ended up running around like headless chickens until they found their third or fourth choice manager.
Alan Kinsella, USA

I can't help but feel that the appointment of Terry Venables was a move of desperation by those at Leeds United. O'Neill rejected them, McClaren was out of reach and Hiddink was going elsewhere. Leeds United sacked O'Leary at the wrong time.
Frank, UK

To get Terry Venables out of retirement is a feather in the cap of our esteemed Chairman. I agree that he may be a short-term fix, but winning silverware this season must be a priority.

I am also hoping that El Tel will make it a priority to use his savvy to talk some sense into Lee Bowyer and get him to stay.
Julian Rawle, USA (grew up in Leeds)

David O'Leary was sacked not only because he failed to win trophies but also because he lost the ability to motivate his team. Leeds have a great squad, and what they need now is someone to steady the ship, give them back their self-belief and get them playing as a team again.

Maybe Terry Venables has his shortcomings, but there is none better to turn things around. As for those who say he has had little success managing English clubs and that Ridsdale could have done a lot better, could those people actually name any other candidates who have indeed been successful, and who were available?

Of the managers that Leeds could have appointed Terry is the best choice, and credit to the Leeds board for their bold choice.
Nige, UK

On the one hand Venables is a vastly experienced manager with an excellent track record. He is a very capable coach, and he also has the ability to get the best out of players, and can handle those that need a more "kid-gloves" approach appropriately.

On the other hand he has been away from management and coaching for quite a while now and that could be a telling factor. It could take him a while to get back up to speed with top-flight management. Personally I wish him all the best and hope he succeeds - good to see him back in the game!
Chris V, England

El Tel is a good choice. As many others have already said, he will command respect from the players - something that appeared to be lacking when David O'Leary was in charge.

I think Terry should start swinging the axe and get rid of those players that are bringing down the good name of Leeds United. Once this is done, I'm sure the trophies will start appearing on those empty shelves.
Jon C, United Kingdom

There are some pretty perplexing remarks here. Just about everyone agrees that Venables is tactically very astute, and no-one would deny the class of Leeds' players - even without Rio.

So why do people like Pete (below) say he's yesterday's man? If you can do the job then your age isn't an issue - look at Sir Bobby at Newcastle.
Johnny, England

Terry is an old-fashioned manager with an old-fashioned English mentality. He will install pride back into Leeds and will take them in the right direction. Even with the players already there Terry will make them into a Premiership force.

Only Alex Ferguson, Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor can match him for experience and expertise of the English Game. I think Leeds have made a brave decision, and a correct one.
Andrew Higgins, UK

As a Man Utd fan, I am delighted. Tel will not bring anything to Leeds and will be out before May 2003. O'Leary must be finding this very funny!
Peter, UK

I'm gutted with Terry's appointment, but then I am a Man Utd fan. If anyone can get Leeds challenging for the title again it's Terry - his knowledge of the game is exceptional.
Sam, UK

As a Spurs fan, I think Leeds have got a good man. He won Spurs the FA Cup in adverse circumstances and coached probably the best and most exciting England side since 1966. With the material he has to work with at Leeds, I'd think there was every chance of success. It's good to have him back in the big time.
Roger Bull, UK

I think this is the best possible appointment that Leeds United could have made. Terry Venables is a winner - he was the best England manager for decades, and his club record is great. He now has a club with the players that can really make a decent shot for the title.

This announcement will have been greeted with fear and dismay at Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal - there is now a fourth serious challenger for the 2002/2003 title.
Zahir Mahmood, England

As a diehard Leeds fan I am glad that the media 'soap opera' has finally had its final episode with El Tel's appointment. I have always maintained that it doesn't matter who was appointed as manager, as long as they have the ability to unite the players, fans and board alike - the recipe for success.

The board should be congratulated on taking the brave step in appointing Venables. He has the ability to deliver, and we Leeds fans now need to get behind him.
John, Leeds, UK

As a Leeds fan I am disappointed. I cannot believe that the club have sacked a young and relatively successful manager like O'Leary, and replaced him with a semi-retired TV pundit who used to be a good manager.
Simon Robinson, UK

As long as Mr Ridsdale keeps the backbone of the squad together I feel that El Tel has a great chance of showing all his critics that he is not a has been. Good Luck Terry!
Dean Shaw, Brighouse

This is great news for Leeds United. The young players have a real figure to look up to and respect; he is a media guru and has a sound combination of tactical and business sense. Essentially, he has all that David O'Leary lacked and more. It will be party time in Leeds soon!
Richard, Leeds, UK

This is a decision based on who Leeds could get, not who Leeds wanted. I can't think of more than five Premiership teams that would change their current managers for Venables.

The bottom line is that no manager on the upside of his career (O'Neill, McCarthy, McCLaren) would take a job with team that will be selling players for the next two years.
Mohamed, UK

I think Venables is a poor choice for Leeds. Everyone is talking about his success with England and Australia. He had moderate success with England and Australia did not qualify for the World Cup when he was in charge. And does everyone remember how poor he was recently at Palace and Portsmouth?

Leeds have not stated clearly that they will not sell their top stars. If they sell Rio or Robbie Keane, look for Venables to make his excuses and leave with Leeds stuck in mid-table. I hope I am proved wrong.
Steve Speroni, England

Whether Venables is the right man or not is irrelevant - as true Leeds fans we should get behind him. He is experienced enough to handle some of our prima donnas and mercenaries, and hopefully get the best out of them. Good luck Tel, the real fans will follow the club regardless of the players, coaches or chairman.
Tony, UK

Charisma does not win trophies. In fact the opposite is often the case - see Sir Alex. Leeds will probably have a lot of fun, but I don't see silverware on the horizon with El Tel.
David, Wales

I agree with Mark from Luxembourg's comments (below). Terry's appointment is indeed a bold decision by the board, and will undoubtedly give Leeds a boost in the short term.

He comes with no relevant 'baggage,' and he should be given a remit to manage the team as well as coach them. One would hope that his appointment has not been devalued by perhaps not being the first choice appointee.
John, Scotland

The winner here is Martin O'Neill. He is well-placed to take over either at Man United if Fergie has another trophy-less season, or Leeds if Venables proves he is still an 80's man.
Barry Howarth, England

Tony Adams, Teddy Sheringham, Alan Shearer, Gareth Southgate, Gazza - the list goes on of players who have said that Terry Venables is the best coach they have ever worked with.

Whilst the opinion of fans is all very interesting, it is the opinion of the players that matters most. An excellent choice by Leeds United - good luck to them.
Dave Rossell, England

Terry Venables is an excellent choice. How many of his ex-players have a bad word to say of him? Tactically he is a good coach, which is what Leeds need.

The obvious choice for the job was O'Neill, but he's not noted for tactics, rather motivation. That just isn't enough for the Premiership. Watch as Rangers by pass Celtic this season. O'Neill may have reached his level with Celtic, and clubs like Leeds and Man Utd may be beyond him.
Kevin Walsh, Surrey

Only time will tell if we have got the right man for the job. There is no doubting his coaching ability and tactical awareness, but he has been out of the game for a while. It will be interesting to see which players go, and who comes in.

If he can hold on to Ferdinand, Kewell, Dacourt, Bowyer, Viduka, Fowler and Smith - and get the best from them - Leeds could be on to a winner.
Antony, Wales

For Leeds to win the Premiership they need their two best attacking players - Kewell and Viduka - to be playing well. Venables has worked with both before, and will get the best out of them. Barring injuries to key players, I think Leeds will go very close to winning the league.
Holly, England

As David O'Leary would say, "oim deloided." Venables is a class act.
Stotty, Walkington

As a Crystal Palace fan who well remembers El Tel's disastrous tenure at Selhurst Park, I'm delighted. I look forward to watching Palace beating Leeds in the First Division when Leeds are relegated next year!
J Austin, UK

Venables knows more than most about the game, but this feels like a short-term PLC decision. He is good with the media and fans, but I would be happier with someone who was in it for the long haul.

If anyone can stand up to the accountants and hang on to key players though, he is the man. Maybe the PLC have bitten off more than they can chew.
Richard Watson, Australia

Venables is like the personification of the England team: vastly overrated. Yes, he had great success with Barca, but my Granny could too, given the quality of players available.

He has never cut it in the Premiership and had limited success with Spurs. His player discipline is suspect - not what you want at Leeds, really. I predict he'll be gone by March 2003.
Peter, UK

In the continued absence of Martin O'Neill for the vacancy, Terry Venables is a good choice. He will be popular with players, and provide the motivational ability that David O'Leary had lost when he published 'that book'.

He will get us back in the Champions League, and we may even progress in a domestic cup competition for once. Ridsdale should be congratulated, but only if he sticks by his word to keep Rio at the club.
Andy G, UK

No one can deny that Tel is a great coach, and I think he is more than capable of repairing the damage O'Leary did in his final six months. I am certain he can bring back the good times, but I am concerned that it is only a two year job - not much commitment on either side there.

Will Tel come to live in Yorkshire, pack up all his media activities and show some commitment to us?
Dave Butterfield, England

Although Terry Venables is a good manager, he will have to accept that most of his squad will have to leave to balance the books, and he will not have much in the way of spending money. The Leeds fans will most certainly have to wait.
Michael Band, England

Venables looks like a short-term solution, and a two-year contract seems to confirm it. He's had some success in the past, but can't be the long-term first choice for an ambitious Premiership club. I expect O'Neill to take over in a year's time.
Martin, England.

I did not agree with the sacking of David O'Leary. That said, I think this is an excellent appointment. He may not have achieved very much in the English league, but this is the first time he has been given the opportunity to manage a top-level club over here.

Just look at what he achieved at Barcelona. Well done Peter Ridsdale, I can't wait for the new season to start.
Mike Tebb, England

Venables is a top-class tactical coach, and that's what Leeds need. Who cares what his business dealings are off the pitch? We could do with some silverware, and El Tel will bring some.
Steve, UK

Venables last won a title in the mid 80's - that's about the time Status Quo last had a number one. It doesn't mean they can still top the charts does it? Times change and I'm afraid this is a huge step back for Leeds United.

It's a terrible appointment for the club considering the so-called high calibre of manager who applied. If he was the best I would like to know who else applied!
Daz, UK

Oh dear, is that the sound of a barrel being scraped? Leeds obviously had no replacement lined up when O'Leary went, and have ended up with a third-rate has been.
Paul Gallagher, England

Is Venables really a better choice than O'Leary? His record at Portsmouth and with Australia is hardly impressive and you have to wonder whether he will be around for much more than a couple of years - even if he does deliver the results.

He's obviously the second or third choice manager and he must know this himself.
Neil, UK

El Tel is one of the best in the business. He did a superb job with Barcelona and England, and Leeds have a lot of talent to work with. We want the Christmas tree formation!
Russell, England

I think Leeds could have played a trump card in appointing Venables. His coaching ability is second to none, despite a somewhat tarnished off-field reputation. If he is given full support by Ridsdale and the PLC, it could be the start of some good times at Leeds. Good luck to you Terry.
Matt, Leeds, UK

A big step into the past for Leeds. He is obviously tactically sound, but leaves me uninspired when it comes to winning things.

If Peter Ridsdale wants to win things and win them well, I feel a different manager would have been the right choice. As it is Leeds will still be also-rans.
Stuart, England

At last Leeds can start collecting trophies under Terry. He is the one who can seriously challenge for the title, and put pressure on Man Utd and Arsenal.
Nicolas, UK

It'll be interesting to see whether Venables actually has the quality to win anything. His reputation is rather overblown considering the relative lack of success he has had in the UK.

But now he's inherited a squad that should be capable of winning things, and if he can really get the best out of them, England will do well too. Let's hope he can get Fowler right back into top form.
Martin, UK

Terry Venables is showman, not a winner. Can you remember the last time he won anything for a club that he managed?
N Alam, UK

I have to admit to initially being shocked at Leeds United's decision to sack David O'Leary. Having contemplated this, I now believe the Board of Directors has made a bold decision.

The capture of Terry Venables is an exciting one, and demonstrates how Leeds are progressing, thanks to the efforts of O'Leary. I can't wait for the season to start!
Mark, Luxembourg

Oh dear, is this the best we can come up with? What happened to the three high calibre managers who came into the frame last week? According to Peter Ridsdale: "The quality of some of these candidates is such that we did not think they would be remotely interested in the vacancy."

Are the fans supposed to believe that El-Tel falls into this category? He's hardly set the world alight in his last few jobs, and even then doesn't have a record of consistent success. I may be eating my words at the end of the season, but somehow I doubt it!
Paul, England

What have Leeds done? Going from an exciting young manager with a growing reputation to an overrated has been. Leeds said they were surprised by the quality of applicants for the job, so why choose Venables?

The board have made a panic decision in the face of O'Neill's snub. It is a step back.
Sean Fulton, England

Terry Venables is one of the most talented managers in the game. My only reservation is how committed he would be to Leeds United, considering the amount of time he has spent at previous clubs.
Andy Bannister, UK

Terry will bring character back to the Leeds dressing room, something that has been sadly lacking for the last 12 months or so. He can also attract top name players, something that Martin O'Neill would not be able to do.
Ian, Leeds

I think Leeds have made a very good choice. Venables has consistently shown an ability to get the most out of the players he has managed - both tactically and motivationally. It is pleasing that Leeds have managed to see through the perceived 'baggage' of his past, which has put off other clubs, not to mention Lancaster Gate.
William, UK