Simon Grayson has been sacked as manager of Leeds United. The former Blackpool boss had been in charge at Elland Road since he replaced Gary McAllister in December 2008.

Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “We have 18 games to go this season and are still within touching distance of the Play-Offs, but felt with the transfer window now closed we needed to make the change at this time in the belief that a new managerial team will be able to get more out of the existing squad of players and make the difference.”

Grayson got the club promoted to the Championship from League One in 2010, and also masterminded a memorable FA Cup win over Manchester United at Old Trafford the following season.

His last match was a 4-1 home defeat to Birmingham last night.

Youth team manager Neil Redfearn will take temporary charge of the first team until a new manager is appointed.