Leeds United acting chairman Andrew Umbers has revealed that former director of football Nicola Salerno was the man who suspended Steve Thompson.

Neil Redfearn's assistant was suspended at the beginning of the month, which led to speculation as to why the 50-year-old had been shown the exit at Elland Road.

The official word from the Championship outfit initially was that Thompson had "underperformed" in the role, despite the tangible success on the pitch, but Umbers says that Salerno, who has since left the club, took the decision to suspend Thompson.

"Nicola Salerno had a responsibility to look after all the footballing side of Leeds United post Massimo's disqualification," Umbers told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"He took that decision. When we look back on it, was it timely? No. But it happened. The issues that Nicola Salerno had privately and professionally with Steve Thompson were issues that led him to make that decision.

"He came to us and said there had been a breakdown in communication. A breakdown of trust. One or two other personal issues. These matters will be remaining internal."

Leeds have lost all five games that they have played since Thompson's exit.