Leeds boss David O'Leary yesterday expressed the heartfelt wish his side reach this season's UEFA Cup final as "the biggest tribute" that could be paid to the two supporters killed in Istanbul on Wednesday night.

O'Leary was speaking for the first time about the deaths of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight which took place on the eve of Leeds' semi-final with Galatasaray.

O'Leary did not speak about the deaths in the immediate aftermath of the 2-0 defeat, but he joined the mourners at Elland Road less than 18 hours after the game.

"I'm just so sorry for the people who lost their lives, and their families, for the sake of a game of football," said a stunned O'Leary as he looked at the floral tributes, scarves and shirts which had been brought in sympathy. "We come back sad in defeat but when a husband goes away to support his team and his kids aren't going to see him again, we come back sadder because of that.

"To be honest, I'm not even thinking about the return leg at the moment. But let's hope we can turn this game around in two weeks' time - that's the biggest tribute we can give them."

O'Leary also intimated that the game should not have gone ahead as a mark of respect to the two supporters, although Leeds effectively had no choice given the limited options available to them.

"There was really no way to play the game last night given the way everybody felt," added O'Leary. "I'm just so glad it's over and we're back home."

Fulham, desperate to become a major player in the Premiership, hope to announce the Frenchman Jean Tigana as their new manager in the next few days in a five-year deal worth up to £7.5 million.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage and only a few details need to be ironed out before the former Monaco coach and France international agrees to take over at Craven Cottage.