Quote:
Originally Posted by Postiga  Breaking News on Sky Sports News:
Dave Bassett leaves Leeds as Technical Director and Gwyn Williams takes charge for tonights game against Southend. |
BREAKING: Axed Bassett - No Hard Feelings 
Dave Bassett insists there are "no hard feelings" after being relieved of his duties as Leeds United's assistant manager.
By Richard Byram
Exclusive
Dave Bassett insists there are "no hard feelings" after being relieved of his duties as Leeds United's assistant manager.
Bassett and coach John Gannon were informed this morning that their services were no longer required by United Technical Director Gwyn Williams.
The pair were helping prepare the United team at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground for tonight's Coca-Cola League One clash against Southend United – but Williams will now lead the side ahead of former United star Gary McAllister's likely appointment to the United hot seat in the next 24 hours.
Bassett told the
Yorkshire Evening Post: "Gwyn told us the club is close to making an appointment and both John and myself were being relieved of our duties straightaway.
"He said the club would honour its obligations and they have. Both myself and John understand football and the way it works. We were ready to do the job tonight but that is how it goes."
Bassett revealed he had spoken to Wise in the wake of his shock departure to take up a position as executive director (football) at Newcastle United yesterday and said the former United boss was "sorry" to quit Elland Road.
"Dennis was very sorry to leave the Leeds job. I was surprised when he said he was going, but Newcastle was a job he fancied and it gives him a bit more time with his family.
"At first it was hard for him at Leeds, but he had grown to like the job and had some success this season."
Bassett said he would have fond memories of his time in Elland Road – his third stint in Yorkshire after managing Sheffield United and Barnsley.
"I was only there three months and was only going to stay until the end of the season, but I was enjoying it and would have liked to see it through, but both myself and John know the score. New people coming in want to bring their own team.
"I think that Leeds will go on and get promoted through the play-offs, it is not impossible to still do it, but the points deduction makes it very hard.
"Swansea are the best team and although you can't always tell with the play-offs I think Leeds would have done it."
Bassett he said he believed the whole situation with Wise had only developed in the past seven to ten days since Kevin Keegan's appointment at St James' Park as the pair had brought in players during the transfer window and discussed plans for the final push at promotion.
"I am leaving with no malice at all, I wish the club well for the future and I think they will make it.
"I have enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and it was a bit sad to just have to say goodbye as they set off on the coach for Southend."