Leeds United boss Steve Evans has said that he will resign if they are not in the promotion mix next season.

United, who are 15th in the Sky Bet Championship standings, host Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

But as the Whites are 12 points shy of the final play-off position, it is unlikely that they will go up this campaign.

However, they have shown signs of improvement since Evans took over in October, losing only five of the 20 matches they have had while he has been at the helm.

The Scot is so convinced that his side will be in the promotion reckoning next season that he has offered to resign if they are not.

He said: "I want a proper promotion challenge next season. I'm saying this because I think we'll be good enough to compete properly next season. I'm 100 per cent confident we will."

He added: "I'm certain that I'll get the support I want in the summer so if I can't get a proper promotion challenge going I won't be here.

"Mr (owner Massimo) Cellino won't have to sack me because I'll walk away with no money. I'll have failed."

Meanwhile, Rotherham United – Evans' previous club – have terminated the contract of midfielder Simon Lenighan after an internal investigation.

The 21-year-old former Leeds United Academy product, who had a spell on loan at Bradford Park Avenue, was suspended by the Millers in early December, just a week after signing for the club, after being convicted of assaulting three women in February 2015.

Lenighan avoided jail but was sentenced to a community order for 12 months, including 150 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay damages.

He did not make a first-team appearance during his time with Rotherham.

A statement on the club's official website reads: "Following an internal investigation into the matters recently in the press and following the reported conduct of the player, Rotherham United can announce that it has terminated the contract of Simon Lenighan.

"The club will be making no further comment on this matter."