Bassett in the hot-seat for LeedsDAVE BASSETT will be giving the orders from the touchline Friday night as Leeds United enter unknown terrority in the FA Cup.
The former Sheffield United and Wimbledon manager, who replaced Gus Poyet as Leeds' assistant-manager last week, will be thrust into the spotlight because manager Dennis Wise is serving a three match touchline ban.
Leeds are involved in the first round of the competition for the first time in 82 years, due to their League One status, and are also playing Hereford United for the first time.
League Two promotion chasers Hereford only returned to the Football League last season after a nine year absence but pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history 35 years ago when a goal from Ronnie Radford helped beat Newcastle United at Edgar Street.
Ironically, Leeds would go on to lift the FA Cup in that 1971-72 season, beating Arsenal 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
Wise, who will keep in touch with Bassett via radio-link from the stands, admits that progress in the FA Cup this season is important to the club's finances - a draw against a Premiership club at the third round stage can bring a major cash windfall.
"It's an important cup for us, it's a money spinner," said Wise, whose side were knocked out in the third round stage by West Bromwich Albion last season. "If you get in the third round and get a big club, that's an incentive."
United captain Alan Thompson is back in contention for the trip to Hereford.
The midfielder may deputise for Andrew Hughes who is again struggling with a groin problem.
However, Leeds are still without loan signing Radostin Kishishev and veteran striker Tore Andre Flo due to injuries.
"It's an opportunity for one or two players to come in and show what they are capable of. It'll be a difficult place to go, and we're on TV. It's important we show people what we are about," added Wise.
Last six games: Hereford DDLDDW, Leeds WDWWLW.
Last time: No previous meeting
Referee: A Bates (Staffordshire)
Sky Bet odds: Hereford 4/1; Draw 12/5; Leeds 8/13.
YP