Leedsunited.com 29/1/08
NEW BOSS NAMED
Gary McAllister is the new manager of Leeds United.
The 43-year-old, former Elland Road midfielder, joins the club initially until the end of the season.Gary takes over from the departed Dennis Wise, who left the club today after 15 months as manager.
The former Scotland international, who made almost 300 appearances for Leeds United during a six-year spell as a player, will meet the players for the first time on Wednesday.
Gary was a member of Howard Wilkinson's Football League title winning side of 1992 and formed part of a formidable midfield that also included Gordon Strachan, David Batty, and Gary Speed.
He also enjoyed spells at Motherwell, Leicester, Coventry, and Liverpool, making over 700 career appearances and winning 57 international caps.
His honours include a League Cup winners medal, an FA Cup winners medal, a UEFA Cup success, and he was part of Liverpool the side which won the European Super Cup in 2001/02.
Gary's previous management experience came at Coventry City in 2002/03.
Yorkshire Evening Post 29/1/08
McAllister is new Leeds United manager
Leeds United have named Gary McAllister as their new manager on an initial contract until the end of the season.Leeds United have named Gary McAllister as their new manager on an initial contract until the end of the season.
The 43-year-old has agreed a short-term deal after a day of talks with United, and he is set to meet with the club's squad for the first time tomorrow.
Leeds moved to appoint their former midfielder after allowing previous boss Dennis Wise to join Newcastle United as the club's executive director (football). Wise's confirmed his departure from Elland Road earlier today, and United also announced the departures of his assistant Dave Bassett and first-team coach John Gannon ahead of tonight's clash with Southend United at Roots Hall.
Leeds' technical director Gwyn Williams has been handed control of the first team this evening, but McAllister is poised to take charge for the first time against Tranmere Rovers at Elland Road on Saturday.
The ex-Scotland international is returning to the club where he made almost 300 appearances during six years as a player at Elland Road, and he helped Leeds to the 1992 Division One title under the management of Howard Wilkinson.
He also played for Liverpool, Leicester City and Coventry City before becoming the Sky Blues boss in 2002, his only previous managerial position. He was forced to leave Highfield Road in 2004 for personal reasons as his late wife battled cancer.
Daily Mail 29/1/08
Leeds legend McAllister takes the hot seat at Elland Road
Leeds have confirmed the appointment of former skipper Gary McAllister as their new manager. Chairman Ken Bates has wasted little time in naming the 43-year-old as successor to Dennis Wise, who quit Elland Road yesterday to join Newcastle as executive director.
Leeds technical director Gwyn Williams will take charge of the side for tonight's Coca-Cola League One clash at Southend following the departure this afternoon of assistant manager Dave Bassett. A club statement read: "Gary McAllister is the new manager of Leeds United.
The 43-year-old joins the club initially until the end of the season and will meet the players for the first time on Wednesday."
Former Leeds midfielder McAllister becomes the club's third manager in 16 months following the sacking of Kevin Blackwell in September 2006. Since David O'Leary's departure in June 2002, Leeds fans have seen seven different managers, including caretaker-boss Eddie Gray, come and go at Elland Road. But in contrast to the arrival of predecessor Wise in October 2006, McAllister can count on the red carpet treatment from fans. The Scot, who also counts Motherwell, Leicester, Coventry and Liverpool among his former clubs, enjoyed hero status among Leeds supporters during his six years at the club. He helped Leeds win the last Football League Championship in 1992 under Howard Wilkinson before the inception of the Premier League the following season. Leeds paid £1million to Leicester to bring the Scot to Elland Road in the summer of 1990 and he became part of a revered midfield quartet alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary Speed and David Batty. McAllister, who famously missed a penalty at Wembley against England while captain of Scotland during Euro 96, moved on to Coventry for £3million in 1996 before enjoying an Indian summer with Liverpool. Then Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier snapped up McAllister on a free transfer in July 2000 and at the age of 36 the Scot went on to win the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup with the Reds in 2001. He returned to Coventry for a spell as player/manager in April 2002, but quit in December 2003 to help care for his wife Denise, who died of breast cancer in March 2006. McAllister, who has since made no secret of his desire to one day return to management, was awarded the MBE in December 2001 for his services to football. He was capped 57 times by his country. Victory for Leeds at Southend tonight could see the club placed second in the table when McAllister takes charge of his first game against Tranmere at Elland Road on Saturday.
Times 28/1/08
Dennis Wise’s departure another hurdle for Leeds to overcome
Rick Broadbent
Dennis Wise’s love-hate affair with Leeds United ended last night with the Coca-Cola League One club looking for their sixth manager since the bubble burst under David O’Leary in 2002. After suffering relegation, administration and a 15-point deduction during Wise’s reign, the battle-scarred supporters await another would-be saviour to arrive at a club who are preparing to sue the Football League. Wise’s appointment by Newcastle United as general manager is a shock. After the clubs agreed compensation, it is believed that he will be responsible for recruitment and youth development, but will have no day-to-day involvement in the first team. Wise, the former Chelsea and England midfield player, views his move as a big step up. “He said he was sorry it was such short notice, but it was too good an opportunity to miss,” Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, said. “In football, you never stand in the way of anyone who wants to better themselves.” Despite overseeing Leeds’s descent into the third tier of the Football League for the first time, Wise had done enough to impress Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, during troubled times at Elland Road. Those are set to continue, with Bates taking to the High Court his disgruntlement over the 15-point deduction handed the club before the start of the season. Leeds fans had been vehemently against Wise’s appointment 15 months ago, but he won over the majority during an excellent start to the present campaign. However, he lost Gustavo Poyet, his assistant manager, to Tottenham Hotspur in October and Leeds have won only two of their past seven matches. Gary McAllister has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over, with Dave Bassett, Billy Davies and Sam Allarydce also attracting short odds.
Leedsunited.com 28/1/08
KEN ON DEN
United chairman Ken Bates has moved quickly to explain the situation regarding the departure of manager Dennis Wise.The club confirmed on Monday afternoon that a compensation package has been agreed with Newcastle for Dennis - and he will leave Leeds United on Tuesday afternoon after preparing the team for the trip to Southend United.
The announcement came after a morning of intense speculation surrounding the future of Wisey as Leeds boss.
The chairman told Yorkshire Radio : "There was a speculative article in the Mail on Sunday last week which we just ignored, then on Friday I got a phone call from Shaun Harvey who said Newcastle had asked for permission to speak to Dennis.
"I wasn't too surprised, but we wouldn't allow permission until we had it in writing that they would pay compensation
"Dennis had a one-year rolling contract, and if either party breaks it we have to agree on compensation.
"I thought it only right to advise Dennis. He said he would like to talk to them and I said he could once we had it in writing."That duly arrived and I told Dennis first thing this morning that he could meet the Newcastle chairman, and he said he would like to take the opportunity if he could.
"He said he was sorry it was such short notice, but it was too good an opportunity to miss. In football you never stand in the way of anyone who wants to improve themselves.
"We've agreed that he will prepare the team for tomorrow, but it wouldn't be appropriate if he was at the game. He will get them ready for the game and hopefully he will go out on a high.
"Newcastle said they were impressed with what he'd done in a difficult situation at Leeds United. He leaves the club in a much stronger position on very solid foundations.
"Attentions will now turn towards a successor for Dennis Wise - and the chairman says there will be no further comment from the club until an appointment is made.
"You only have to look at the frenzy that has taken place at Newcastle since they sacked Sam Allardyce and it's ridiculous," he added.
"We don't have leaks at Leeds United. We don't comment because the more you do the more people put more of a slant on it.
"We'll go about our business the same way as we do with our players. We don't talk about what we're going to do, we do it and then we announce it."
Leedsunited.com 28/1/08
DENNIS WISE
We have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manager Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday January 29 after completing the preparations for our game at Southend United that evening.Newcastle had approached us for permission to speak with Dennis on Friday and since then things have happened very quickly.
We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future.
We are not prepared to comment on the inevitable speculation that will now follow about who will replace Dennis. That is not the way we do our business at this club.
Daily Mail 28/1/08Newcastle prise Wise away from Leeds with lure of an office jobLeeds chairman Ken Bates has expressed his disappointment that Dennis Wise is to leave Elland Road for Newcastle. Sportsmail understands that the former Chelsea and England midfielder has accepted an office-based position that will allow him to work closer to his family, who have remained in the south-east while Wise has been in Leeds. It is believed that Wise will not be part Kevin Keegan's coaching staff at St James' Park and that negotiations with chairman Chris Mort have been ongoing for several weeks. Wise is expected to take up a role at St James' Park similar to the one currently occupied by Frank Arnesen at Chelsea. Bates, who was Wise's chairman at Chelsea during the 41-year-old's playing days and is a firm family friend, said: "We are sorry Dennis is going but he has been offered a big opportunity at Newcastle and you don't want to stand in anybody's way when they have such a good chance as this. You would be a bad employer if you did. "His contribution to Leeds has been fantastic. He took the place over on the playing side when it was a mess and he has now got us where we are in the play-off positions having been deducted 15 points. That situation speaks for itself." Former Elland Road hero Gary McAllister is the early favourite to manage Leeds, who have accepted a compensation package from Newcastle for the services of Wise. The 41-year-old will depart the Yorkshire club tomorrow after preparing the side for their Coca-Cola League One clash at Southend. Asked if he could comment on the situation, Keegan said: "Not really, other than to say that's a question for Chris Mort, the chairman, to answer when he comes back. "He will be back on Wednesday or Thursday. I am just wanting to concentrate on Arsenal." Leeds, who are likely to put former Wimbledon boss Dave Bassett - currently Wise's No 2 - in temporary charge of first-team affairs - released a statement, which read: "We have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manager Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday January 29 after completing the preparations for our game at Southend United that evening. "Newcastle had approached us for permission to speak with Dennis on Friday and since then things have happened very quickly. "We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future. "We are not prepared to comment on the inevitable speculation that will now follow about who will replace Dennis. That is not the way we do our business at this club."
Dennis Wise Factfile
Last updated at 16:56pm on 28th January 2008
1966: Born London, December 16.
1985: Joins Wimbledon on a free transfer. Makes his debut under Dave Bassett.
1986: Wimbledon win promotion to the old First Division.
1986-87: Scores four goals in 27 starts as Wimbledon stagger the critics by finishing sixth in the table in their first season in the top flight.
1988: Plays a key role in Wimbledon's amazing 1-0 FA Cup final triumph over Liverpool at Wembley.
1990: Signs for Chelsea in £1.6million move. Scores 13 goals in 44 games in first season as his side finish in the top half of the table but serves two spells of suspension. Awarded his first full England cap against Turkey and scores only goal of the game.
1994: Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle strips Wise of the captaincy after he is sent off for foul and abusive language at Newcastle.
1995: Wise is jailed for three months for an assault on a taxi driver, although he is later acquitted on appeal.
1996: Misses selection for Euro 96.
1997: Leads Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup final.
1998: Chelsea capture League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup under Wise's captaincy but Wise is passed over by Glenn Hoddle for World Cup squad.
1999: April - Wise is charged with biting the arm of Real Mallorca defender Elena Marcelino in the second half of Cup Winners' Cup semi-final first-leg 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. He is later cleared by UEFA.
September - Tackles Kurdish protester during Champions League match with Galatasaray.
October - Earns recall to England squad for friendly against Belgium.
2000: February - Charged with misconduct by the FA following an alleged confrontation in the tunnel after the 3-1 defeat of Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge.
April 13 - Fined £7,500 by FA for his part in tunnel bust-up.
April 29 - Makes 400th appearance for Chelsea in 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
May 20 - Lifts FA Cup - accompanied by baby son Henry - following 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley.
May 31 - Named in England squad for Euro 2000.
July - Signs one-year extension to Chelsea contract, with the club indicating they will reward him with a coaching position at the end of his deal.
2001: June - Chelsea accept £1.6million bid from Leicester for Wise.
2002: May - Leicester relegated to Nationwide League at end of season.
July - Sent home from Leicester's Finland pre-season training camp after a "breach of club discipline" when he breaks the jaw of team-mate Callum Davidson.
August - Leicester terminate Wise's contract but an independent disciplinary commission rules they were not allowed to do so.
September 3 - Leicester take case to the High Court.
September 18 - Leicester win the right to sack Wise.
September 24 - Wise joins Millwall on a two-season deal.
October 16 - Appointed caretaker player-manager, with Wilkins as his assistant, following the departure of Mark McGhee.
October 18 - Sent off - the 13th red card of his career - just four minutes after bringing himself on against Sheffield United for two-footed lunge at Chris Armstrong.
November - Appointed Millwall player-manager until the end of the 2004-05 season.
2004: February - Charged with abusive behaviour by the FA after launching a tirade at referee Frazer Stretton following a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United which was marred by a mass brawl.
April 4 - Millwall beat Sunderland 1-0 at Old Trafford, with Wise playing, to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history.
April 14 - Fined £3,000 and warned as to his future conduct by FA for his abuse towards referee Frazer Stretton in February.
May - Wise's Millwall lose 3-0 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, gaining European qualification.
2005: May 8 - Millwall finish 10th in the Coca-Cola Championship and Wise steps down as manager following a meeting with new club chairman Jeff Burnige.
June - Joins Southampton on a free transfer and takes over as joint caretaker manager with Dave Bassett.
December - Leaves Southampton following the appointment of George Burley.
2006: January - Joins Coventry on pay-as-you-play deal.
May - Appointed Swindon manager with Gustavo Poyet as his assistant.
October 24 - Confirmed as new manager of Leeds.
2007: February 9 - Denies a Football Association charge of improper conduct after being ordered to leave the technical area during Leeds' Coca-Cola Championship defeat by West Brom at Elland Road on January 20.
May - Relegated to League One, finishing bottom of the table with 36 points.
2008: January 3 - Interviewed by police after he chased a youth who allegedly threw stones at his family car on New Year's Day.
January 28 - It is confirmed he will join Kevin Keegan's backroom team at Newcastle.
NEW BOSS NAMED
Gary McAllister is the new manager of Leeds United.
The 43-year-old, former Elland Road midfielder, joins the club initially until the end of the season.Gary takes over from the departed Dennis Wise, who left the club today after 15 months as manager.
The former Scotland international, who made almost 300 appearances for Leeds United during a six-year spell as a player, will meet the players for the first time on Wednesday.
Gary was a member of Howard Wilkinson's Football League title winning side of 1992 and formed part of a formidable midfield that also included Gordon Strachan, David Batty, and Gary Speed.
He also enjoyed spells at Motherwell, Leicester, Coventry, and Liverpool, making over 700 career appearances and winning 57 international caps.
His honours include a League Cup winners medal, an FA Cup winners medal, a UEFA Cup success, and he was part of Liverpool the side which won the European Super Cup in 2001/02.
Gary's previous management experience came at Coventry City in 2002/03.
Yorkshire Evening Post 29/1/08
McAllister is new Leeds United manager
Leeds United have named Gary McAllister as their new manager on an initial contract until the end of the season.Leeds United have named Gary McAllister as their new manager on an initial contract until the end of the season.
The 43-year-old has agreed a short-term deal after a day of talks with United, and he is set to meet with the club's squad for the first time tomorrow.
Leeds moved to appoint their former midfielder after allowing previous boss Dennis Wise to join Newcastle United as the club's executive director (football). Wise's confirmed his departure from Elland Road earlier today, and United also announced the departures of his assistant Dave Bassett and first-team coach John Gannon ahead of tonight's clash with Southend United at Roots Hall.
Leeds' technical director Gwyn Williams has been handed control of the first team this evening, but McAllister is poised to take charge for the first time against Tranmere Rovers at Elland Road on Saturday.
The ex-Scotland international is returning to the club where he made almost 300 appearances during six years as a player at Elland Road, and he helped Leeds to the 1992 Division One title under the management of Howard Wilkinson.
He also played for Liverpool, Leicester City and Coventry City before becoming the Sky Blues boss in 2002, his only previous managerial position. He was forced to leave Highfield Road in 2004 for personal reasons as his late wife battled cancer.
Daily Mail 29/1/08
Leeds legend McAllister takes the hot seat at Elland Road
Leeds have confirmed the appointment of former skipper Gary McAllister as their new manager. Chairman Ken Bates has wasted little time in naming the 43-year-old as successor to Dennis Wise, who quit Elland Road yesterday to join Newcastle as executive director.
Leeds technical director Gwyn Williams will take charge of the side for tonight's Coca-Cola League One clash at Southend following the departure this afternoon of assistant manager Dave Bassett. A club statement read: "Gary McAllister is the new manager of Leeds United.
The 43-year-old joins the club initially until the end of the season and will meet the players for the first time on Wednesday."
Former Leeds midfielder McAllister becomes the club's third manager in 16 months following the sacking of Kevin Blackwell in September 2006. Since David O'Leary's departure in June 2002, Leeds fans have seen seven different managers, including caretaker-boss Eddie Gray, come and go at Elland Road. But in contrast to the arrival of predecessor Wise in October 2006, McAllister can count on the red carpet treatment from fans. The Scot, who also counts Motherwell, Leicester, Coventry and Liverpool among his former clubs, enjoyed hero status among Leeds supporters during his six years at the club. He helped Leeds win the last Football League Championship in 1992 under Howard Wilkinson before the inception of the Premier League the following season. Leeds paid £1million to Leicester to bring the Scot to Elland Road in the summer of 1990 and he became part of a revered midfield quartet alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary Speed and David Batty. McAllister, who famously missed a penalty at Wembley against England while captain of Scotland during Euro 96, moved on to Coventry for £3million in 1996 before enjoying an Indian summer with Liverpool. Then Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier snapped up McAllister on a free transfer in July 2000 and at the age of 36 the Scot went on to win the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup with the Reds in 2001. He returned to Coventry for a spell as player/manager in April 2002, but quit in December 2003 to help care for his wife Denise, who died of breast cancer in March 2006. McAllister, who has since made no secret of his desire to one day return to management, was awarded the MBE in December 2001 for his services to football. He was capped 57 times by his country. Victory for Leeds at Southend tonight could see the club placed second in the table when McAllister takes charge of his first game against Tranmere at Elland Road on Saturday.
Times 28/1/08
Dennis Wise’s departure another hurdle for Leeds to overcome
Rick Broadbent
Dennis Wise’s love-hate affair with Leeds United ended last night with the Coca-Cola League One club looking for their sixth manager since the bubble burst under David O’Leary in 2002. After suffering relegation, administration and a 15-point deduction during Wise’s reign, the battle-scarred supporters await another would-be saviour to arrive at a club who are preparing to sue the Football League. Wise’s appointment by Newcastle United as general manager is a shock. After the clubs agreed compensation, it is believed that he will be responsible for recruitment and youth development, but will have no day-to-day involvement in the first team. Wise, the former Chelsea and England midfield player, views his move as a big step up. “He said he was sorry it was such short notice, but it was too good an opportunity to miss,” Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, said. “In football, you never stand in the way of anyone who wants to better themselves.” Despite overseeing Leeds’s descent into the third tier of the Football League for the first time, Wise had done enough to impress Mike Ashley, the Newcastle owner, during troubled times at Elland Road. Those are set to continue, with Bates taking to the High Court his disgruntlement over the 15-point deduction handed the club before the start of the season. Leeds fans had been vehemently against Wise’s appointment 15 months ago, but he won over the majority during an excellent start to the present campaign. However, he lost Gustavo Poyet, his assistant manager, to Tottenham Hotspur in October and Leeds have won only two of their past seven matches. Gary McAllister has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to take over, with Dave Bassett, Billy Davies and Sam Allarydce also attracting short odds.
Leedsunited.com 28/1/08
KEN ON DEN
United chairman Ken Bates has moved quickly to explain the situation regarding the departure of manager Dennis Wise.The club confirmed on Monday afternoon that a compensation package has been agreed with Newcastle for Dennis - and he will leave Leeds United on Tuesday afternoon after preparing the team for the trip to Southend United.
The announcement came after a morning of intense speculation surrounding the future of Wisey as Leeds boss.
The chairman told Yorkshire Radio : "There was a speculative article in the Mail on Sunday last week which we just ignored, then on Friday I got a phone call from Shaun Harvey who said Newcastle had asked for permission to speak to Dennis.
"I wasn't too surprised, but we wouldn't allow permission until we had it in writing that they would pay compensation
"Dennis had a one-year rolling contract, and if either party breaks it we have to agree on compensation.
"I thought it only right to advise Dennis. He said he would like to talk to them and I said he could once we had it in writing."That duly arrived and I told Dennis first thing this morning that he could meet the Newcastle chairman, and he said he would like to take the opportunity if he could.
"He said he was sorry it was such short notice, but it was too good an opportunity to miss. In football you never stand in the way of anyone who wants to improve themselves.
"We've agreed that he will prepare the team for tomorrow, but it wouldn't be appropriate if he was at the game. He will get them ready for the game and hopefully he will go out on a high.
"Newcastle said they were impressed with what he'd done in a difficult situation at Leeds United. He leaves the club in a much stronger position on very solid foundations.
"Attentions will now turn towards a successor for Dennis Wise - and the chairman says there will be no further comment from the club until an appointment is made.
"You only have to look at the frenzy that has taken place at Newcastle since they sacked Sam Allardyce and it's ridiculous," he added.
"We don't have leaks at Leeds United. We don't comment because the more you do the more people put more of a slant on it.
"We'll go about our business the same way as we do with our players. We don't talk about what we're going to do, we do it and then we announce it."
Leedsunited.com 28/1/08
DENNIS WISE
We have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manager Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday January 29 after completing the preparations for our game at Southend United that evening.Newcastle had approached us for permission to speak with Dennis on Friday and since then things have happened very quickly.
We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future.
We are not prepared to comment on the inevitable speculation that will now follow about who will replace Dennis. That is not the way we do our business at this club.
Daily Mail 28/1/08Newcastle prise Wise away from Leeds with lure of an office jobLeeds chairman Ken Bates has expressed his disappointment that Dennis Wise is to leave Elland Road for Newcastle. Sportsmail understands that the former Chelsea and England midfielder has accepted an office-based position that will allow him to work closer to his family, who have remained in the south-east while Wise has been in Leeds. It is believed that Wise will not be part Kevin Keegan's coaching staff at St James' Park and that negotiations with chairman Chris Mort have been ongoing for several weeks. Wise is expected to take up a role at St James' Park similar to the one currently occupied by Frank Arnesen at Chelsea. Bates, who was Wise's chairman at Chelsea during the 41-year-old's playing days and is a firm family friend, said: "We are sorry Dennis is going but he has been offered a big opportunity at Newcastle and you don't want to stand in anybody's way when they have such a good chance as this. You would be a bad employer if you did. "His contribution to Leeds has been fantastic. He took the place over on the playing side when it was a mess and he has now got us where we are in the play-off positions having been deducted 15 points. That situation speaks for itself." Former Elland Road hero Gary McAllister is the early favourite to manage Leeds, who have accepted a compensation package from Newcastle for the services of Wise. The 41-year-old will depart the Yorkshire club tomorrow after preparing the side for their Coca-Cola League One clash at Southend. Asked if he could comment on the situation, Keegan said: "Not really, other than to say that's a question for Chris Mort, the chairman, to answer when he comes back. "He will be back on Wednesday or Thursday. I am just wanting to concentrate on Arsenal." Leeds, who are likely to put former Wimbledon boss Dave Bassett - currently Wise's No 2 - in temporary charge of first-team affairs - released a statement, which read: "We have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manager Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday January 29 after completing the preparations for our game at Southend United that evening. "Newcastle had approached us for permission to speak with Dennis on Friday and since then things have happened very quickly. "We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future. "We are not prepared to comment on the inevitable speculation that will now follow about who will replace Dennis. That is not the way we do our business at this club."
Dennis Wise Factfile
Last updated at 16:56pm on 28th January 2008
1966: Born London, December 16.
1985: Joins Wimbledon on a free transfer. Makes his debut under Dave Bassett.
1986: Wimbledon win promotion to the old First Division.
1986-87: Scores four goals in 27 starts as Wimbledon stagger the critics by finishing sixth in the table in their first season in the top flight.
1988: Plays a key role in Wimbledon's amazing 1-0 FA Cup final triumph over Liverpool at Wembley.
1990: Signs for Chelsea in £1.6million move. Scores 13 goals in 44 games in first season as his side finish in the top half of the table but serves two spells of suspension. Awarded his first full England cap against Turkey and scores only goal of the game.
1994: Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle strips Wise of the captaincy after he is sent off for foul and abusive language at Newcastle.
1995: Wise is jailed for three months for an assault on a taxi driver, although he is later acquitted on appeal.
1996: Misses selection for Euro 96.
1997: Leads Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup final.
1998: Chelsea capture League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup under Wise's captaincy but Wise is passed over by Glenn Hoddle for World Cup squad.
1999: April - Wise is charged with biting the arm of Real Mallorca defender Elena Marcelino in the second half of Cup Winners' Cup semi-final first-leg 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. He is later cleared by UEFA.
September - Tackles Kurdish protester during Champions League match with Galatasaray.
October - Earns recall to England squad for friendly against Belgium.
2000: February - Charged with misconduct by the FA following an alleged confrontation in the tunnel after the 3-1 defeat of Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge.
April 13 - Fined £7,500 by FA for his part in tunnel bust-up.
April 29 - Makes 400th appearance for Chelsea in 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
May 20 - Lifts FA Cup - accompanied by baby son Henry - following 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley.
May 31 - Named in England squad for Euro 2000.
July - Signs one-year extension to Chelsea contract, with the club indicating they will reward him with a coaching position at the end of his deal.
2001: June - Chelsea accept £1.6million bid from Leicester for Wise.
2002: May - Leicester relegated to Nationwide League at end of season.
July - Sent home from Leicester's Finland pre-season training camp after a "breach of club discipline" when he breaks the jaw of team-mate Callum Davidson.
August - Leicester terminate Wise's contract but an independent disciplinary commission rules they were not allowed to do so.
September 3 - Leicester take case to the High Court.
September 18 - Leicester win the right to sack Wise.
September 24 - Wise joins Millwall on a two-season deal.
October 16 - Appointed caretaker player-manager, with Wilkins as his assistant, following the departure of Mark McGhee.
October 18 - Sent off - the 13th red card of his career - just four minutes after bringing himself on against Sheffield United for two-footed lunge at Chris Armstrong.
November - Appointed Millwall player-manager until the end of the 2004-05 season.
2004: February - Charged with abusive behaviour by the FA after launching a tirade at referee Frazer Stretton following a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United which was marred by a mass brawl.
April 4 - Millwall beat Sunderland 1-0 at Old Trafford, with Wise playing, to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history.
April 14 - Fined £3,000 and warned as to his future conduct by FA for his abuse towards referee Frazer Stretton in February.
May - Wise's Millwall lose 3-0 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium, gaining European qualification.
2005: May 8 - Millwall finish 10th in the Coca-Cola Championship and Wise steps down as manager following a meeting with new club chairman Jeff Burnige.
June - Joins Southampton on a free transfer and takes over as joint caretaker manager with Dave Bassett.
December - Leaves Southampton following the appointment of George Burley.
2006: January - Joins Coventry on pay-as-you-play deal.
May - Appointed Swindon manager with Gustavo Poyet as his assistant.
October 24 - Confirmed as new manager of Leeds.
2007: February 9 - Denies a Football Association charge of improper conduct after being ordered to leave the technical area during Leeds' Coca-Cola Championship defeat by West Brom at Elland Road on January 20.
May - Relegated to League One, finishing bottom of the table with 36 points.
2008: January 3 - Interviewed by police after he chased a youth who allegedly threw stones at his family car on New Year's Day.
January 28 - It is confirmed he will join Kevin Keegan's backroom team at Newcastle.