CHERRIES star and Leeds legend Ian Harte has expressed his dismay at his former club’s plight, claiming the Yorkshire outfit is “a million miles” from returning to the Premier League.

Harte made his name at Elland Road and is still a hugely popular figure among their supporters after playing more than 300 times for the club at the start of his illustrious career.

The Irishman joined the club as a teenager and featured in their UEFA Cup and Champions League campaigns before leaving for Spanish outfit Levante in 2004.

In an in-depth interview with Matchday, the AFC Bournemouth programme, Harte said: “Having spent 12 years at Leeds United, occasions like this evening are always special to me. I love playing against Leeds and it is always the first game I look for when the fixtures come out.

“I think everyone would have seen the connection I have with the supporters after our game last season. They sang my name so, as a mark of respect, I went over to clap them afterwards. The noise they made that night was exceptional and I am sure it will be again this evening.

“Leeds United is a massive club with an amazing fan-base and it just needs to sort itself out and get back to the Premier League. Unfortunately, they are a million miles away at the moment and I really feel for the club.

“When Mr Cellino brought in David Hockaday, I just felt sorry for him. Coming from somewhere like Forest Green, if you are asked to manage Leeds United, who would ever say no? However, it felt like he was just a puppet on a string and it was clear who was pulling those strings. Of course, if it had of gone well, then the owner would have taken all the credit but, when things went badly, he sacked his man straight away.

“I think now they need to get a proven manager and a strong manager, who will be allowed to bring in his own players and be in control of the team. At the time of writing, there hasn’t been an appointment, but I think someone like Steve Clark would be a fantastic person for Leeds. Unfortunately, someone of his calibre doesn’t come cheap and it doesn’t look like Mr Cellino wants to spend any money. He sold Ross McCormack for around £11million and it hasn’t really been reinvested yet.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to say hello to many people this evening as most of those who were at the club when I was there were sacked over the summer. There were some people who had been there for many years, who had put their life and soul into the club, and then were told they weren’t required any more. I think it is a lack of respect, but I’m not the one funding the club so he will continue to do what he wants.

“The issues at Leeds have been pretty much ongoing since I left and that is quite a long time now. You look at potential owners who are looking at buying clubs up and down the country and I think they should be looking at Leeds United. The fan-base is global and they are guaranteed huge home gates come rain or shine. They have got amazing training facilities as well and they just need a bit of investment to strengthen the squad and they will get back where they belong and that is the Premier League.

“It doesn’t matter if Leeds are still managerless, there isn’t a ‘good time’ or a ‘bad time’ to play any club. Everyone who is given their opportunity tonight will do their best and everybody who is on the bench or in the stands will be fully supportive of the lads out there. We have to concentrate on our own game and if we play the way that we can, we should have no problems getting the three points. “