Wise facing uphill challenge

Dennis Wise faces a massive challenge if he is to reverse Leeds' fortunes after being confirmed as the Elland Road club's new manager.

The 39-year-old will realise the magnitude of his task after watching Leeds go down 3-1 to Southend at Elland Road to go crashing out of the Carling Cup. Even Leeds caretaker boss Dave Geddis admitted Wise has a massive task ahead.

"Anybody who came to this club in the situation we are in, with the confidence so low, has got a massive job on their hands," Geddis said. "But they (Wise and Poyet) have been brought in and all the players will have to get behind them."

He added: "They will have had a good look at the side on Tuesday night, maybe the failings of the players and not the positives.

"But there are a lot of games to go in the league and realistically the play-offs are not a problem if they can raise their game.

"Momentum has to pick up sometime because it can't get any worse."

Geddis felt individual mistakes were to blame for another home defeat.

"It was an important chance for the players to get things right and get into the next round of the cup," he added. "They will look back on the game as a real chance missed."

Bates discussed the appointments, and the procedure of choosing Wise and Poyet, in his programme notes for the match.

"After much deliberation the unanimous choice was Dennis Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet," Bates declared. "I am aware that he may not be everybody's cup of tea but this is not a popularity contest. It is a question of the right man to resolve a serious situation."