Thompson answers Leeds SOS

NEIL THOMPSON, the former Athletic left-back, found himself in temporary charge at Leeds United after the sacking of manager Gary McAlister.

Thompson, one of Neil Warnock’s signings, was elevated from his job as Academy chief to take control of the first team until the appointment of Simon Grayson.

Meanwhile, ex-Chadderton player John Pemberton became temporary manager of Nottingham Forest after the Boxing Day sacking of Colin Calderwood.

Reserve-team boss Pemberton took control for Sunday’s 3-2 win at Norwich City which lifted Forest out of the bottom three, but he has ruled himself out as a contender for the managerial post.