Peter Reid is to stay as manager of Leeds United.

In an announcement to the the Stock Exchange today the Elland Road club confirmed that the beleaguered boss would remain in charge.

The statement from Leeds United PLC read: "Obviously, everybody connected with Leeds United is concerned about the club's position in the Premier League table and the board has spent some considerable time considering all aspects of the situation.

"Our conclusion is that Peter Reid should remain as the team manager to lead the team's recovery performance."

The Elland Road boss (pictured) reported for training as normal today.

Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie spent last night agonising over whether to back or sack Reid following the club's disastrous start to the season.

Having openly discussed Reid's future, Leeds have left themselves open to claims that he is now a 'lame duck' manager - with inevitable renewed speculation about his future after every subsequent defeat.

Leeds have lost their last three Premiership matches, conceding ten goals without reply, including 4-0 drubbings at Leicester and Everton.

The crisis prompted talks between McKenzie and his deputy Allan Leighton yesterday at a London hotel where Reid's future was top of the agenda.

McKenzie then spent the afternoon consulting with leaders of the various fans' groups, before personally speaking to Reid at a Halifax hotel.

It seemed likely then that Reid would become the third manager to be sacked by Leeds in the space of just over 15 months. Instead, Reid has been been given more time to halt the slide.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, October 02, 2003