Leeds sack manager Brian McDermott

Brian McDermott has been sacked by Leeds after less than a year in charge.

The 52-year-old was given the Elland Road job in April after Reading severed their ties with the manager.

His sacking comes on the back of an eight-game winless streak, which included a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday.

The news of McDermott's departure comes at the end of a tumultuous day at Elland Road, which saw the club's ownership issues thrust into the spotlight.

United are in the midst of a takeover, which is thought to be nearing completion, by Italian entrepreneur Massimo Cellino and during the week’s developments it has become apparent McDermott was not his man.

Cellino, the owner of Serie A side Cagliari, has been in Leeds over the last week as he prepares to complete a 75 per cent purchase of the club from Gulf Finance House.

A member of his entourage is former Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa, and it is thought Festa is the Italian’s first choice to replace the former Royals manager.

McDermott, who has only been in charge of the side for eight months, admitted in a pre-match press conference on Friday that Saturday's game against Huddersfield could be his last at the Whites helm, before saying he intended to "enjoy" the occasion.