Peter Lorimer has outlined the qualities needed for Leeds' latest managerial appointment to succeed in guiding the club back into the Premier League - and that could be the cue for Gordon Strachan to return to Elland Road.

Following Eddie Gray's departure yesterday after just six months as caretaker, United are now looking for their fourth boss in two years.

Strachan has been out of work since stepping down as Saints manager in February.

Finances, though, could dictate matters as it is unlikely United could afford a man of Strachan's calibre should they be able to tempt him out of retirement.

However, Leeds director Lorimer feels Strachan has the credentials. He said: "This is a great challenge for any manager at what is a massive club.

"It's a crying shame to see them in the Football League, but I feel it's a brilliant job anybody would want because of the potential.

"We need a positive-thinking manager, and there aren't many of those around, although several names have been mentioned, including Gordon Strachan, and he is someone we will be talking about.

"He has the qualities required and he has proved himself a very, very good manager."

Lorimer feels ex-Saint Iain Dowie falls into a similar bracket following the work he has done at Oldham and Crystal Palace.