Leeds manager David O'Leary described his team's 1-0 win against 1860 Munich last night as the best result in his short managerial career. The win qualifies Leeds for the Champions League group stages and in turn earns the club at least an extra £10m in revenue.

Leeds went into the game without six of their first-team players, including influential midfielders Harry Kewell and Stephen McPhail. It looked as if it was going to be a long night for his inexperienced team as they went under the cosh right from the start.

Leeds held onto their one-goal advantage which they earned at Elland Road despite the incessant pressure and after about 20 minutes began to get a foothold in the game.

A goal from Alan Smith in the first minute of the second half all but sealed Leeds' way through to the big time but what will worry Irish fans was the form of Ian Harte. The full back was absolutely useless for the whole 90 minutes - so much so, that O'Leary had to move Lee Mills from right back to left back to cover his mistakes.

Harte's uncle Gary Kelly showed his nephew the way. He did the job he was asked to do in midfield and when he was moved back into his more accustomed role of right back he was outstanding.

A delighted O'Leary dedicated the victory to his 'fantastic' chairman, Peter Ridsdale: "We have a fantastic relationship and that is why I signed my new six-year contract at the weekend.

"He is a man who cares so much about this club and the fans and I know just how much this means to him. That is why I did what I did.

"He has been at Leeds longer than myself and he deserves this. He is a great man and I am so delighted for him.

"This result is better than the one against Roma when we drew 0-0 in the UEFA Cup tie last season," admitted O'Leary.

"In fact I would go so far as to say that given the circumstances, this was the best performance from my players during my time in charge.

"With the team we had out, it was a fantastic performance. I am so pleased. This result is for all the hard work we put in last year.

"It was 10 months of hard slog which allowed us to finish third in the Premiership, but then we were given a hard draw - made even tougher given all the injuries we have.

"But the bottom line is we're in the Champions League and I'm delighted for the club, the players and the chairman. I'm also delighted for myself and of course the fans."