Gary McAllister is the new boss of Leeds United.

Chairman Ken Bates this afternoon swiftly announced the former Leeds skipper as successor to Dennis Wise, who quit Elland Road yesterday to join Newcastle as executive director.

Fans' favourite McAllister, 43, won the title with Leeds in 1992, forming part of the legendary midfield quartet of Gordon Strachan, David Batty and Gary Speed.

He became player/manager at Coventry in April 2002, but quit in December the following year to help care for his wife Denise, who died of breast cancer in March 2006.

Former Scotland international McAllister, who gained hero status with the Whites, has been out of the game since but has been looking to return.

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."

A creative midfielder with an eye for the spectacular goal, McAllister earned 57 caps for Scotland before enjoying an Indian summer at Liverpool where, aged 36, he won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001.

He becomes the third manager in 16 months at Elland Road but is set to receive a warm welcome from United fans who took him to their hearts during a six-year playing career at the Yorkshire club.