Southend 1 Leeds 0

Gary McAllister's reign started with a defeat at Southend last night as Leeds slipped back to sixth in League One.

Leeds' new boss was still on his way back from Monaco, where he agreed to take charge until the end of the season initially, but he'll quickly realise he needs to stop the slide which has seen Leeds win only one game away from home in their last eight trips.

He may well turn to Eddie Gray as part of his back-room team and the Leeds legend, who is currently commentating for Radio Leeds, will soon be able to fill him in about the shortcomings of the players Dennis Wise left behind.

Gray worked with McAllister when he was part of Howard Wilkinson's coaching team and the two became regular golf partners.

Gray was non-committal when asked but did not dismiss the suggestion.

He said: "Gary knows the game, he's a strong character and he'll make sure the players work hard or they won't be in the team. I think he's the right man at the right time for Leeds.

"He'll be encouraging players to get on the ball and build through the middle of the pitch, which is one of the things Leeds fans have been crying out for all season."

Director of football Gwyn Williams picked the team against Southend and brought Neil Kilkenny back for Bradley Johnson and David Lucas in goal for the injured Casper Ankergren.

With a scrappy first half coming to a close the young keeper took a poor position for a free-kick and though he managed to palm Steve Hammel's curling shot away, Lee Barnard celebrated his full debut by tucking away the rebound.

Leeds put the home side under more pressure in the second half but their finishing was poor.

Tresor Kandol failed to get any purchase on a header and then hit a Peter Sweeney cross well wide when it looked easier to hit the target.

But the best chances all fell to Southend and it was only good keeping from Lucas that kept the score down.

Leeds, meanwhile, confirmed yesterday that assistant manager Dave Bassett has left the club.

Bassett replaced Gus Poyet as Wise's right-hand man in November.