In a move (hat will add spice lo a traditional!) passionate fixture Brian Kidd was appointed head coach ol I eeds United on Friday just 21 hours before their English Premiership match against his old

club Manchester United.

Kidd worked as Sir Alex Ferguson's right hand man for eight years al Old Trafford before leaving to take over as Blackburn Rcnris manager in 1998.

Ihixxrivi. dial job ended dis-aMmiKh ■ uh ii leg.num hum ihi Premiership al .the end of the 1998-99 season.

I o make mailers worse for Kidd, a member of United's 1968 European Cup winning team, he also found himself the recipient of some stinging personal criticism in Ferguson's autobiography.

No-one though has disputed Kidd's credentials as a coach and the former striker, already on the Eiland Road staff as youth coach should have no problem adjusting to his new role which will see him working alongside assistant manager Eddie Gray.

Leeds manager David O'Leary said: "I ve made Brian Kidd the new head coach at Leeds, a role which he started today (Friday).

There isn't a much belter coach than him in the country or in Europe.

"He has fulfilled his task as youth development coach here earlier than I thought, so 1 fell there was no point in keeping him in dial role any longer.

"I've never had a first-loam coach - so now. will) Brian in plat <■ ii will u'\o me a break and I can step away from die lads a little bii." he added.

Kidd said: "I'm delighted io move into my new role at Leeds United.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my lime here and have received great support in putting together our new youth development team.

"There are some very talented anti caring people on (he staff. I'm sure the new youth set-up will go from strength to strength - but when the boss invited me to change roles I was happy to oblige.