Fans Wise up to new regime but refs still a worry

Just as well, really, because he must feel as though he has made few other friends during a turbulent 12 months in the Elland Road hot seat.

Scroll down to read more:

As if a 15-point penalty and summer- long transfer freeze were not enough to instill a deep sense of grievance within the pugnacious Leeds boss, he could be forgiven for thinking his attempt to make peace with his old adversaries — referees — is being thrown back in his face.

After landing his third misconduct charge of the year when banished to the stands at Gillingham a fortnight ago, Wise announced this week he wanted clear-the-air talks with referees' boss Keith Hackett.

And what happens? The man in the middle for today's Elland Road clash with Leyton Orient is Nigel Miller, the official who sent off Wise at Southend in March after changing his mind about awarding Leeds a late penalty.

"I can't believe the Football League have given us Nigel Miller for this game," said Wise. "I hope he doesn't hold grudges and referees professionally."

While he struggles to improve his relationship with officials, Wise can at least take great satisfaction from winning over a Leeds public who were at best indifferent when he succeeded Kevin Blackwell 12 months ago, at worst hostile towards chairman Ken Bates' new appointment and his No 2, Gus Poyet because of their Chelsea connections.

Now, after a complete overhaul of the playing squad and an unbeaten start to the season that has seen Leeds overturn the 15-point deduction and move up to 12th in League One, the familiar Elland Road chorus of Marching On Together has a more convincing ring to it.

"The fans are with me now," said Wise as he approaches his first anniversary in charge.

"They know our hearts are in Leeds. Gus and I feel part of it now, whereas we probably didn't last year. It was difficult for us.

"We had totally different personnel and an extremely difficult situation when we came in. It was a bit of a mess, but now they understand that we've tried to sort things out and move forward."

A founding member of Wimbledon's Crazy Gang and a former manager of Millwall, 40-year-old Wise is a master of the "everyone hates us and we don't care" philosophy of football.

No surprise, then, that he has used the points deduction to motivate his players into making an unlikely push for immediate promotion back to the Championship.

The 1-1 draw at Gillingham was the only time Leeds have dropped points this season and even then they were down to nine men.

"My lowest ebb was being relegated but the players understand where we're coming from," said Wise.

"It's not about proving the doubters wrong. Everyone who has had points deducted has been relegated, so first of all we have to kill that one off and reach safety.

"At least now when I turn to Teletext and see us in 12th place, it's good that I don't have to wait for the second page.

"The points deduction has helped galvanise the squad. But if we reach the end of the season and find we've just missed out on the playoffs or automatic promotion because of those points it will be desperately disappointing.

"Without that, we'd be nine points clear now."

Bates, who has appealed unsuccessfully to the FA, said: "We're proceeding with a certain course of action and you will find out the outcome in due course."

With his team on a roll, Wise might not need any help at all.