Is this Massimo’s last supper? ‘We have a lot of hard work ahead to get the club back where it belongs in the Premiership’. Those words were uttered ten years ago this week by a certain Kenneth Bates upon completion of his takeover which began another tumultuous period for the club. Since 2005 we have had: nine mangers (Blackwell, Wise, McAllister, Grayson, Warnock, McDermott, Hockaday, Milanic and now Redfearn) , administration twice, 25 points deducted, two play-off finals, a play-off semi final, relegation, promotion and two new owners; with the current incumbent disqualified until April.
To say Massimo Cellino’s takeover of Leeds hasn’t been easy from the start would be as big of an understatement as Bates’ claims of ‘It’s going to be a tough job’, where Mr Cellino was welcomed with banners of “Celli-NO” after his temporary sacking of fan favourite McDermott made him particularly unwelcome. Since then the Italian’s popularity seems to have risen whilst his control of the club has plummeted, if a transfer embargo (of sorts) wasn't enough for a club looming just two place above the drop then Cellino’s ban until April, screams desperate times. It was as if Leeds were not in the spotlight enough when Massimo Cellino’s disqualification from football league ruling for 79 days has started rumours of Tommaso Bianchi, Souleymane Doukara and Casper Sloth wanting to leave, which leaves us wondering to credit the pre-match pasta meals Cellino has been cooking or how the early signs of players jumping ship.
Ever since I can remember there have been rumours of new owners or investors, but with the club now apparently debt free, rumours have taken off particularly in the energy drinks company that ‘gives you wings’. The rumours of Red Bull have not been made to sleep with the fishes, despite them denying any interest and Cellino being adamant that he will not sell. However with another decision to be made in April this won’t be the last we hear of potential buyers and this time Cellino may not have a say.
I’ll come back.” Was Cellino’s response and although he may not be a robot motorcycle riding hero, it does give me hope that we are not without an owner unlike Birmingham City and we have an owner who appears to have the clubs interests at heart unlike… how long have you got? It appears the 58 year-old has the bit between his teeth here at Leeds and is something I’m sure I’m not alone in saying we have need for over a decade, he may not be perfect but I’m sure he hasn't moved from Italy to start building hotels on the back of Elland Road. The ex-Calgiari owner appears confident about doomsday and is keen on bringing in players this window, despite not being able to sign the cheques himself. A lot of things have changed in 10 years but one thing has stayed the same; there is a lot of hard work to get the club back in the Premiership…
To say Massimo Cellino’s takeover of Leeds hasn’t been easy from the start would be as big of an understatement as Bates’ claims of ‘It’s going to be a tough job’, where Mr Cellino was welcomed with banners of “Celli-NO” after his temporary sacking of fan favourite McDermott made him particularly unwelcome. Since then the Italian’s popularity seems to have risen whilst his control of the club has plummeted, if a transfer embargo (of sorts) wasn't enough for a club looming just two place above the drop then Cellino’s ban until April, screams desperate times. It was as if Leeds were not in the spotlight enough when Massimo Cellino’s disqualification from football league ruling for 79 days has started rumours of Tommaso Bianchi, Souleymane Doukara and Casper Sloth wanting to leave, which leaves us wondering to credit the pre-match pasta meals Cellino has been cooking or how the early signs of players jumping ship.
Ever since I can remember there have been rumours of new owners or investors, but with the club now apparently debt free, rumours have taken off particularly in the energy drinks company that ‘gives you wings’. The rumours of Red Bull have not been made to sleep with the fishes, despite them denying any interest and Cellino being adamant that he will not sell. However with another decision to be made in April this won’t be the last we hear of potential buyers and this time Cellino may not have a say.
I’ll come back.” Was Cellino’s response and although he may not be a robot motorcycle riding hero, it does give me hope that we are not without an owner unlike Birmingham City and we have an owner who appears to have the clubs interests at heart unlike… how long have you got? It appears the 58 year-old has the bit between his teeth here at Leeds and is something I’m sure I’m not alone in saying we have need for over a decade, he may not be perfect but I’m sure he hasn't moved from Italy to start building hotels on the back of Elland Road. The ex-Calgiari owner appears confident about doomsday and is keen on bringing in players this window, despite not being able to sign the cheques himself. A lot of things have changed in 10 years but one thing has stayed the same; there is a lot of hard work to get the club back in the Premiership…