Bassett set for job as Leeds crush Foxes

Bassett, significantly, was at nearby Coventry watching Chelsea - who will be Leicester's Premier-ship opponents on Saturday by which time he will have his feet under the manager's chair.

He will not be the most popular choice, judging from the reaction of fans last night.

Bakke struck in the 39th minute and Keane completed his hat-trick early in the second half. Viduka contributed a delicate shot into the top corner after 56 minutes and Kewell completed the rout as he drove beneath the diving Ian Walker just after the hour.

O'Leary was delighted with his team's performance, saying: 'I thought we played excellent football, with wonderful movement and superb goals. We had them by the throat. We were positive from the start on a ground that has been a bit of a hoodoo place for us recently.'

He is certainly taking the Worthington Cup seriously, adding: 'We haven't won anything yet and I would be proud if we carried off this trophy because it would mean that we have another route into Europe.'

Leeds can certainly dream those dreams. Leicester can only concern themselves with Premiership survival and Bassett, with a Midas touch at promoting clubs, has the vital experience to do the job.

Although Garry Parker, in charge since Taylor's exit, is likely to be retained in a coaching role, Bassett may well turn to Micky Adams, who was on his management team at Nottingham Forest, to be his right-hand man. There is little doubt that it will require a massive injection of enthusiasm and experience to lift the club out of its slump.