Wise rings the changes at Elland Road
Dennis Wise in his days as Millwall player-manager
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Thursday, 26, Oct 2006 10:00
Dennis Wise has replaced stalwart defender Paul Butler as Leeds United captain as he stamps his managerial authority on the Yorkshire club.
Midfielder Kevin Nicholls has replaced Butler despite only joining the side from Luton Town in the summer and having made just five appearances.
A little less than two days into the job, the former Chelsea talisman is also calling for a complete overhaul of the mentality of his dressing room.
"I've told them I want them to be like the Leeds of before, who were horrible on the pitch. I want a bit of nastiness and togetherness. That's what I want," he said.
He is confident that the choice of Nicholls as his representative on the pitch will ensure the required response from his players.
"He's the type that I like. He's very aggressive and he's a leader. He has been captain at Luton so he has got experience of being a captain and also he has a bit of bite about him," Wise said.
There may be more personnel changes as the ex-Swindon boss gets to grips with his squad over the coming days.
"I also need to look at what I've got and whether there are players who wish to be at the football club. I need to know who wants to stay and who wants to leave," he said.