Leeds have confirmed the controversial appointment of former Saints coach Dave Hockaday as the club's new boss.

Hockaday, who left his last post as manager at Forest Green Rovers by mutual consent in October last year, has signed a two-year contract at Elland Road.

The 56-year-old was previously a coach at St Mary's, under Jan Poortvliet.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino, who completed his takeover of the club on April 7, reached an amicable settlement to part company with previous manager Brian McDermott on May 30.

Hockaday, also a former coach at Watford, will work alongside the club's director of football Benito Carbone, who was appointed as a consultant responsible for ''technical and football operations'' on May 15.

Leeds have also confirmed former Hendon coach Junior Lewis, who had spells at Gillingham, Leicester and Hull as a player, has been appointed as Hockaday's assistant.

The club have made no comment at this stage on the future of coach Nigel Gibbs, who had been assistant to McDermott.

A brief Leeds statement read: ''Leeds United are pleased to announce that David Hockaday has been appointed to the position of head coach.

''The 56-year-old has signed a two-year contract and will assume overall responsibility for the coaching staff and first-team playing squad with immediate effect.

''David arrives at Elland Road with a vast amount of coaching experience and was integral to the management team at Watford that gained promotion to the Premier League in 2006.''