And Blair claimed former Millwall and Swindon boss Wise was the right man to lift the current gloom at Elland Road, with Leeds currently bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Blair said: "I think Dennis Wise is a good manager and I know it's been tough for them but I hope they pull through it and actually I think they're showing a lot of spirit and a lot of fight.

"It's a great football club. I support Newcastle and they are quite similar in terms of huge support in the city. People are very passionate about their football.

"Sometimes they go through bad times, but I'm sure Leeds will pick up."

Blair was speaking after officially opening a new building at Carr Manor High School in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.