PETER Reid has made the first changes to his backroom staff with the news that assistant-manager Eddie Gray and head coach Brian Kidd have left the club.

The club's website reported: "Eddie Gray and Brian Kidd are leaving Leeds United... and will now begin 12 month notice periods."

But a club spokesman told the Evening Press that Gray and Kidd had left Elland Road today after an agreement was reached to pay up the remainder of their contracts.

Reid, who has just been appointed as full-time boss after steering the club clear of relegation, told the club's website: "This is one of the worst aspects of being a manager, but due to the financial situation at the club tough decisions have to be made.

"In my spell at Leeds I've enjoyed working with Eddie and Brian. Nobody can doubt Eddie's status as a Leeds legend or Brian's proven track record as a top coach.

"I wish them both well in the future, but I feel changes have to be made if the club is to progress in the way I want it to."

The move has received the full support of chairman John McKenzie.

"Like any manager Peter needs to bring his own team to help him get the best results on the pitch," said McKenzie.

"Unfortunately, due to our financial circumstances it's not possible to find an alternative role for Eddie or Brian."

Reid added: "I've been asked by the chairman to review all the football areas of the club with a view to further cost savings.

"There's been an awful lot of speculation about who is joining my backroom staff. I intend to take my time over what I see as a vital decision."

Gray is a former star player from the Don Revie era and manager at Leeds, while Kidd was brought in during David O'Leary's reign.

Kidd is on the England coaching staff, a position he took after York-born Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren stepped down from the role.

Updated: 16:00 Thursday, May 15, 2003