McAllister agrees new Leeds deal

McAllister agrees new Leeds deal

McAllister has only lost two games since taking charge at Elland Road (Getty)

Leeds United manager Gary McAllister has been awarded a new 12-month rolling contract by the club.

The former Elland Road captain, who played for United from 1990 to 1996, succeeded Dennis Wise in January.

The 43-year-old was initially given a contract until the end of the season by chairman Ken Bates and was charged with gaining promotion.

United lie one point outside the League One play-off places with six games of the season remaining.

McAllister told BBC Radio Leeds: "That [promotion] is still the main objective.

It's a fantastic honour to be manager of Leeds United for an extended period Leeds United manager Gary McAllister

"It's not about me and the length of my contract it's about tuning in and honing in on this play-off spot and then pushing through there.

Talking about his squad he added: "I would imagine if I was a player it's good to actually know where you stand.

"I've been very honest with every player here, it won't be a case of them coming here pre-season and another guy being here and them having to prove themselves again."

It's understood that McAllister's backroom staff of Steve Staunton and Neil McDonald will also be staying at Elland Road on similar length deals.

McAllister could not hide his delight over the contract extension: "It took me all of two seconds to say yes to this, there wasn't a great deal of negotiating.

"It's a show of faith from the club in me, it's a fantastic honour to be manager of Leeds United for an extended period."

Leeds are hoping an arbitration ruling this month overturns the Football League's 15-point deduction.