Chairman Ken Bates sanctioned Dennis Wise's release to Newcastle yesterday afternoon and is set on a swift appointment with Leeds' League One season at a pivotal stage.

Wise, who is set to take up an executive management role at St James' Park, prepared United's squad for the final time today ahead of this evening's meeting with Southend, but he will not be in the away dug-out at Roots Hall and will leave the managerial duties to assistant boss Dave Bassett and first-team coach John Gannon.

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Leeds have not named an official caretaker, suggesting that an announcement on Wise's permanent successor could follow in the next 48 hours. Neither Bassett nor Gannon will be considered for the full-time position.

Former United players Gary McAllister and Micky Adams have been linked with the vacant post along with Oldham's John Sheridan, while confirmation of Wise's plan to join Newcastle yesterday also brought calls for a move for MK Dons manager Paul Ince.

A win at Southend could allow Wise's replacement to assume control of a side second in League One with 17 matches remaining, and Bates told the YEP: "The recruitment process is already in progress. We'll make the decision who we feel is the best man for the job, not on the basis of who has the most popularity among the fans.

"It's an important decision but we won't make any comment about possible candidates. It will all be done behind closed doors."

Wise was in London with United's squad when a formal offer of compensation from Newcastle was received and accepted yesterday. The Elland Road club had refused to discuss terms until a deal was provided in writing.

The former Chelsea midfielder was expected to officially confirm his move to Newcastle today, stepping into a position which will allow him to work with the club's academy on Tyneside and operate within Newcastle's scouting network.

It will not, however, give him any say in the running of Kevin Keegan's first-team squad.

Wise will receive a large increase in salary, but his acceptance of a role in the north east is believed to have been driven by personal reasons.

The 41-year-old continued to live in London during his 15 months at Leeds and was thought to be unhappy with both the travelling requirements and the limited amount of time he was able to spend with his family.

It is understood that his background role at Newcastle may allow him greater freedom to work in the capital.

Bates said: "He goes with my best wishes. He's done a magnificent job for Leeds United, and the only disappointment for me is that he's never been given proper credit for that. Even now, the sceptics are finding reasons to criticise him.

"Basically it comes down to his Chelsea connection, which is absolute nonsense.
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The club is in a healthier state now than it was when he arrived and I know he desperately wanted to carry the League One trophy round Elland Road at the end of the season. But the job at Newcastle was an opportunity he felt he had to take."