MEN ARE CRYING AND SHEEP ARE WORRIED

"We've seen the constant speculation bandied about various different players and I'm sure the whole thing's linked together. The manager has probably spoken to the board about who will be staying and going and they might not have agreed and they have decided that the best thing to do is let David go and bring in someone else."

He went on: "He has been successful to a certain degree. He has brought some good players through since taking over in 1998 and he started very well. Everything was good and he got them to the semi-final of the Champions League, but he has failed to that in the last two years. The club did invest very heavily and maybe this is what the club were unsettled by."

Ferdinand:

"It's a massive shock, and I'm disappointed to see this happen. He's been with the club through good and bad. He paid a lot of money to sign me and he's been brilliant for me, first-class."

In a statement from Peter Ridsdale:

"Leeds United PLC announces that David O'Leary, manager of Leeds United Football Club has left the company by mutual consent.

"After four successful years the pressures of some of the off-field incidents have resulted in both the company and Mr O'Leary agreeing that it would be of mutual benefit for a change of manager.

"It is hoped that an announcement regarding a successor can be announced in the next few weeks. Leeds United would like to place on record its thanks for David's enormous contribution over the last four years."

David Walker, Leeds communications director:

"The statement says that David O'Leary has left the company and I can confirm that he was sacked"