Leeds United confirm departure of academy director Hart

The 62-year-old has left his post less than a year after taking charge of Leeds’ youth development scheme at Thorp Arch.

Hart agreed to terminate his contract during talks with the club earlier this week and he has parted company with Leeds this morning.

He took charge of United’s Under-21s for the final time during a 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers last night.

Leeds said Hart was leaving his role as head of their academy - a job he took on last September, replacing Neil Redfearn - to “allow more time to attend to personal matters.”

Hart is believed to have been dealing with illness in his family but he is known to have been frustrated with certain matters at Thorp Arch, including the sudden addition of former Doncaster Rovers players Paul and Jack McKay to the development squad in January.

Leeds’ statement read: “Leeds United can confirm that Paul Hart has left his post as the club’s head of academy in order to allow more time to attend to personal matters.

“The club is extremely grateful to Paul for his fantastic service to the academy and fully respects the reasons behind his departure. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.

“The club will now start the search for a suitable replacement for his role at the academy.”