McAllister defiant over position

Leeds boss feels he is right man for the job

Last updated: 1st December 2008

McAllister defiant over position

McAllister: Backing himself to suceed

I feel that I'm the guy who can take this club into the Championship.

Under-fire McAllister on future
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Gary McAllister feels he is still the man to lead Leeds United to promotion, despite Sunday's embarrassing FA Cup second round exit to Histon.

The Whites were expected to be given a rough ride against the non-leaguers on Sunday but still progress to the next round and possibly secure a lucrative tie against one of the Premier League big-boys.

However, they were outplayed for much of the game against the part-time villagers and were unthinkably eliminated from the competition thanks to Matthew Langston's first-half header.

Although McAllister has only been in the job 10 months fans have started questioning his long-term future with the team adrift of League One's leading duo following a string of disappointing away defeats.

McAllister took over from Dennis Wise earlier this year and helped the team into the play-off final, but once again Leeds failed to show up on the big stage and missed out on an immediate return to the Championship against Doncaster at Wembley.

Patchy form

Leeds' form has been patchy at best this time around and, despite a decent enough record at home they have been lightweight on their travels, but McAllister still feels he can help the team win promotion.

"I think I've taken this club and pushed them in the right direction," the club's former skipper told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"It's not my decision, but I feel that I'm the guy who can take this club into the Championship."

On a more positive note for The Whites promising left-back Aidan White has committed his future to the club after signing his first professional contract.

First-team debut

The 17-year-old, who was handed his first-team debut under McAllister in August, has made five League One starts for Leeds this season.

White is now tied to the Elland Road club until the summer of 2012 and follows in the footsteps of Fabien Delph, who penned a four-year deal earlier this term.

"We're really pleased," McAllister told the club's official website. "Aidy is another young player who is learning his trade with the Academy who has a great future ahead of him.

"He got his opportunity earlier in the season and he did well. We're pleased with his development and the progress he is making.

"It's great to see so many young players coming through the ranks from the Academy here, and it's a real credit to the club and is good for the future."