The Revolving Door – What’s Up With Leeds United?

It’s expected that by 2017 you won’t be able to be any more than 400 metres away from a former Leeds United manager.

Jokes aside… what is going on!?! Since the speculation began of Massimo Cellino taking ownership of the club in January 2014 (and eventual ownership after his successful appeal against a block in April), the club has had 6 managerial changes – six in the past year and a half (five if you discount Neil Redfearn’s caretaker stint). Prior to Cellino’s takeover, the previous five non-caretaker changes in managers took place over 10 years.

Let’s not forget that throughout all of those eleven years combined, Arsene Wenger has still remained manager of Arsenal – and had already been for 8 years by the beginning of that period, too. Plus Leeds’ greatest manager, Don Revie, lasted 13 years himself!

So what has happened since Cellino took over?

1. Brian McDermott (444 days in charge, but only 86 under Cellino)

Originally sacked by Cellino after 86 days, the Football League reinstated McDermott when the Italian’s takeover of the club was blocked – but Brian then decided to resign anyway.

2. David Hockaday (70 days in charge)

Having only ever managed non-league side Forest Green, Hockaday himself was rather green. In his first six matches he did take Leeds to two wins, but also four defeats. After that… well, actually, there wasn’t any more. Those six matches turned out to be the only ones he’d have.

3. Neil Redfearn (26 days in charge as Caretaker Manager)

This was Neil’s third time as Caretaker Manager of the club, before a permanent Manager was found – but the four games went well: 3 wins and one draw. The fans wanted him… but alas, it’s not what they’d get at this time.

4. Darko Milanic (32 days in charge)

OK, so there was reason for optimism here. Having won four titles with former club Maribor, there was belief that Milanic would continue the unbeaten run that Redfearn had started. Instead, he got the complete opposite – not a single win. Three draws and three defeats saw him out the door in a month.

5. Neil Redfearn (241 days in charge)

Finally, the fans got what they wanted – and it went relatively well: after all, at 2/3rds of a year, this is the longest stint by any manager so far at Leeds under Cellino. 11 wins and 7 draws. Unfortunately, there were 15 losses in that time too, and despite given much more time than anyone else, Neil too was given his marching orders.

6. Uwe Rosler (109 days in charge)

Twelve games. At least it’s Hockaday and Milanic combined, right? Stalemates seemed to be the order here though – only 2 wins, with 6 draws and four defeats. Another one bites the dust. Which leads us to…

7. Steve Evans (4th day currently in charge)

One game so far, which is a 1-1 draw with Fulham. He joked he was only in the position until Friday but given the above list, who knows if that could even become a reality?

It’s been a pretty chaotic year and a half for Leeds United fans – here’s to hoping that some stability will arrive soon and that our choice of picture doesn’t actually come true…

Ashley Redman
New Leeds Manager, announced Saturday