Terry Venables has beenconfirmed as the new manager of Leeds United and the former England coach has admitted that his appointment has come as a major surprise.

“If people are surprised about it, then no more than myself,’ Venables admitted. ‘I simply didn’t anticipate this outcome.

“It has all happened so quickly,” he added. “I had a call from Leeds last Friday night when I was told they wanted to meet me.

“They came out to Spain to see me on Saturday when I met the chairman. We had two hours of talks and it was agreed I would become manager of Leeds United.

“I had to wait until this morning for an announcement confirming the appointment through the London Stock Exchange.

“The whole business has been conducted like a whirlwind. It was irresistible. That’s how it has seemed to me. I can hardly believe it has been finalised so quickly.”

“I honestly felt I’d had enough of it all after Middlesbrough and that is why I was concentrating more and more on other aspects of my life. I loved television and my relationship with ITV has been fantastic. Without their help there is no way this could have been achieved.”

Venables appointment was confirmed earlier today when the club made an offical announcement to the Stock Exchange.

The former England coach replaces David O’Leary, who was sacked following his failure to lead the club into the Champions League.