Whites hold Wise talks
23 Oct 2006 - 10:36:40
Leeds United have been granted permission by League Two side Swindon Town to hold talks with their boss Dennis Wise about the vacant managerial position at Elland Road.
The Whites are stepping up their efforts to replace Kevin Blackwell, who was sacked in September, following a disastrous run of four successive defeats under caretaker boss John Carver in which they have conceded an alarming 15 goals to leave them second-bottom in the Championship.
And Wise, who has guided Swindon to third place in League Two so far this term, appears to be the top target of Leeds chairman Ken Bates, who knows all about his qualities from their time at Chelsea.
A statement from the Robins confirmed both Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet have been given permission to speak to Leeds.
It read: "It is with regret that the Board of Swindon Town FC have granted permission for Leeds United to talk to Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet.
"The three-year contract that Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet signed with the club in May of this year provides Dennis and Gus with the option to speak with potentially interested clubs from the Premiership and Coca-Cola Championship.
"It also states that should Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet resign from Swindon Town FC in order to move to such a club, Swindon Town FC will receive the value of one year's of both employees salary in compensation.
"It is on this basis that the club have reluctantly granted permission for such talks to take place.
"The Board of Swindon Town FC have offered Dennis Wise an improvement to his contract at the club combined with a share option package in order to secure his services."