Gary McAllister’s brief reign as Leeds manager ended with the sack this morning, less than 24 hours after his side’s fifth successive defeat.

Gus Poyet’s presence at yesterday’s game against MK Dons suggested the man who was Dennis Wise’s assistant at United before becoming head coach at Tottenham could be the next man in charge.

Former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd, who was previously on the coaching staff at Elland Road, is also available.

McAllister succeeded Wise last January and, despite initial optimism that he was the man to guide the club out of League One into the Championship, recent results have left United five points outside the play-offs and 15 behind leaders Leicester City, who are due at Elland Road on Boxing Day.

After the 3-1 defeat at MK Dons, witnessed by chairman Ken Bates, many Leeds supporters rang local radio stations calling for McAllister’s head and official news of the Scot’s dismissal came on the club’s website today.

A statement read: “Leeds United today relieved Gary McAllister of his position as team manager. The board took the decision following the recent poor run of results that has seen the club slip to ninth in League One, 15 points behind the leaders and five points outside the play-offs.

“The decision was made to ensure that the new manager, when appointed, has the maximum number of games possible to move the club up the table and also before the transfer window opens in January to allow him to identify any new players he thinks can strengthen the present squad.

“The club would like to place on record its thanks for the loyal service given to Leeds United by Gary since joining the club as manager in January 2008 and wish him every success in the future.

“The club will make no further comment on a replacement until we are in a position to make an appointment, which we are committed to doing as quickly as possible.”

Poyet, Boothroyd, John Sheridan, Billy Davies, Iain Dowie, Gianluca Vialli, Joe Royle, Paul Ince, Danny Wilson, Simon Grayson and former Leeds manager David O’Leary were among early names suggested by fans as possible successors to McAllister. Leeds have had six managers since O’Leary’s departure in June 2002.

Club legend Peter Lorimer said: “Gary said after Saturday’s match that he felt he was letting the fans and city down because results were not going the right way.

“We have lost to teams we should have beaten, including Histon in the FA Cup, so when things are going wrong you have to take action before they get worse and that is what the club have done.

“We have been leaking goals lately and confidence needs to be brought back to the squad. We need a new player or two to be added in January.

“I feel sorry for Gary but the club is bigger than any individual and it is important that we get back on an even keel.”

Former Leeds and England defender Norman Hunter added: “I am a bit surprised that Gary has gone but he was putting himself under pressure with the results.

“That is the nature of football. We have kept only two clean sheets in the last 16 or 17 games, which tells its own story.”

Supporters Club chairman Ray Fell feels Poyet would be a popular choice among those fans who thought he was mainly responsible for good results under Wise. There was a slight slump after Poyet left.

However, Fell was surprised that McAllister was not allowed to stay and strengthen the squad next month.

He said: “The club needs stability and patience. Gary had faith in the players but they failed to live up to that faith. If we spend another season in this division, gates will plummet.”