Football: Axe hangs over Leeds manager.

PETER REID could be sacked as manager of Leeds United today following a day of crisis talks.

Club chairman Professor John McKenzie was thought to be sleeping on a decision last night.

Reid is hanging on to his job by a thread as a result of three consecutive Premiership defeats, including successive 4-0 hammerings at Leicester and Everton.

With Leeds' share price having plummeted to below three pence, the Yorkshire club's primary backers have become nervous at the team's downward spiral into the relegation zone.

As plc chairman, McKenzie is under pressure from the city.

He gauged fans' opinions yesterday before speaking with Reid at a Halifax hotel for 75 minutes.

The talks appeared to be amicable, with the two men sharing a drink at the bar, prior to going their separate ways without comment.

No decision has been taken, with McKenzie due for further talks with other board members prior to potentially announcing a decision today.

McKenzie could announce Reid's sacking to the Stock Exchange this morning, he could give Reid Saturday's home game with Blackburn to improve fortunes or he could back Reid to the hilt.

Fans believe Reid is not to blame for Leeds' worst start to a season for 22 years.

John Boocock, chairman of the Supporters' Trust, said: ``It's all right saying he (Reid) doesn't know what he is doing but it's quite clear it's not of his own making.

``I'm flabbergasted at the situation. I can't see any great movement from supporters for Reid's head.

``It's the players the fans are angry with. On Sunday they looked as if they didn't care.''