Crossword Genius

Badmouthed missing leader and co-ordinated (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aligned

'co-ordinated' is the definition.
('align' can be a synonym of 'coordinate')

'badmouthed missing leader' is the wordplay.
'badmouthed' becomes 'maligned' ('malign' can be a synonym of 'badmouth').
'missing leader' means to remove the first letter (leader meaning lead letter).
'maligned' with its initial letter taken off is 'ALIGNED'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for aligned that I've seen before include "Placed in the right relative position" , "made to toe the line" , "joined forces" , "Brought into the correct relationship (with)" , "Put straight" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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