As omens go, it was scarcely one that will have sent optimism coarsing through Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale's veins.

Terry Venables was about to commence his umpteenth television interview after his official unveiling as Leeds manager when a power cut plunged the whole of Elland Road into darkness.

Even when the sun is shining in Yorkshire, it seems a black shadow stalks the county's premier club.

Court cases, players arrested at the Christmas party, another suffering a fractured jaw after a bout of horseplay with his friend - Leeds have cornered the market in controversy in recent years.

But enter Venables - always armed with a quip and a smile - and everyone at Leeds is suddenly smiling again, even if the electric supply might be a bit iffy.

"I've not seen so many positive column inches about this club for a long time," said Ridsdale - nicknamed Publicity Pete in football circles. Venables, tie-less and wearing a smart pink shirt, spoke loquaciously of the "huge challenge" that confronts him.

He laughed and joked with his audience but spoke sternly of his task, which David O'Leary has made all the more difficult with his complete disregard for the notion of balancing the books.

After saving Middlesbrough from the Nationwide League last year, when in truth Venables had nothing to lose from taking the job, this is an opportunity he thought had passed him by.

For all his renowned tactical acumen, it still hurts Venables that his CV contains more holes than the Boro defence before his arrival at the Riverside 19 months ago.

The only major British trophy he has lifted is the FA Cup, which he led Tottenham to in 1991.

Now, the prospect of tackling Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger on a relatively level playing field is one that brings a sparkle to his eye.

Venables admitted: "I've only ever once had a team that I thought could win the league - at Tottenham in 1993 - and that was taken away from me when I left.

"I think that's nagged away at the back of my mind, and that's one of the reasons why I took this job. I don't think I've had this sort of opportunity in the past.

"Although I won the league with Barcelona, I haven't really tested myself in this country.

"When I went to Tottenham, Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles and Ray Clemence all went at the same time, and we nearly got relegated in the first season. We turned it around, and I thought the side that included Teddy Sheringham, Darren Anderton and Nick Barmby had great possibilities. But that was when I left."

And with that Venables was off, blinking in the sunshine as he was greeted by no more than 100 cheering fans. It was a small welcoming committee, but if Venables's team can light up Elland Road, he can expect the adulation of the whole of the city.