Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has admitted he shed a tear on his way out of Elland Road following his dismissal on Wednesday.
Club owner Ken Bates told Grayson and his backroom staff earlier this week that their services would no longer be required.
The 42-year-old was in his fifth year of management at the club he had supported from childhood before being sacked.
And in his first interview since being fired Grayson has admitted he has always had strong feelings about Leeds United and is gutted to leave.
"Everyone knows how I feel about the club, there have been so many great moments throughout the three years I was the manager, I hope you realise what it meant to me to have been the manager of Leeds United," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
"I had a tear in my eye when I left the club 20 years ago (when he was released as a player) and I had a tear in my eye again yesterday.
"The only difference was I went with one bin liner of stuff 20 years ago, this time it was three.
"I would like to thank all the players who have played within my three years. Also, my thanks goes to all my staff who have been helpful during my period in charge.
"I wish the supporters all the best for the future and maybe one day I may get the chance to come back to this great football club."
When I think about this season, the biggest disappointment has been the lack of success among so many of the players signed by Simon Grayson.
However, as the search for a new manager continues at Elland Road Leeds United legend Peter Lorimer believes Bates made the right decision.
The 65-year-old made 526 appearances for the Whites netting 168 goals during 18 years with club and insists that a fresh start is best for everyone following this seasons' performances.
"It's highly likely that another manager coming in will see something he can work with in that group, and that's why the decision to sack Simon had to be made," he said.
"He's goes with a very good record and the pride of winning promotion here but a fresh start is in our best interests.
"Our results and performances in the main have been poorer than they were during our first year in the Championship and there's been no real sign of things changing or improving.
"But bringing a new manager in is a chance to make a go of a campaign which isn't over yet. We're very close to the play-offs and by no stretch of the imagination is the situation irretrievable.
"Sometimes a breath of fresh air blows away old grievances and problems. It's a clean slate for everyone, the players included. If we needed a bit of a jolt then this is it."
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