“I warned Leeds NOT to Sign Him BUT They did…” Leeds United Signed Player Who LEFT After One Training Session Despite Several Plea to DITCH Him Initially….

The Turbulent Reign of Massimo Cellino: Leeds United’s Bizarre Era

Massimo Cellino’s tenure as Leeds United owner was marked by controversy and chaos. One of the most astonishing stories from that period is the tale of a player sold after just one training session.

In 2014, Cellino surprisingly appointed David Hockaday as head coach. Hockaday recalled: “I got on really well with him, he has a lot of knowledge about the game. We talked about tactics, and he asked me a few good questions. After about three hours, he said, ‘I like you. Would you like to be my head coach?’”

Hockaday soon discovered that Cellino had significant influence over transfers, often disregarding his opinions. “He’d send me a video and say, ‘Here’s who we want to sign.’ I’d look at the video and go, ‘No, I don’t like him’. He’d say ‘Well, we’re going to sign him anyway.’”

The most remarkable incident involved a giant Scandinavian center-back signed from the Italian league. Hockaday advised against the signing, but Cellino was adamant. After just one training session, Hockaday’s concerns were vindicated. “He watched him, and by lunchtime, he said, ‘He’s gone.’”

Cellino’s unorthodox approach to management was evident throughout his three-year tenure. He famously caused a stir in the director’s box during a game against Brentford, before joining the away fans in the stands.

Former Leeds chief operating officer Matt Child recounted his first meeting with Cellino: “He said, ‘You’ve got to come tomorrow. You’ve got to bring your family. We’ll get you a tie when you get there. Don’t wear purple and don’t let anyone wear purple.’” Child realized that Cellino’s superstitions governed many of his decisions.

During Cellino’s reign, Leeds had numerous managerial changes, with only Gary Monk lasting a full season. Cellino also sacked the cleaning staff at the training ground, tasking the under-18 squad with the duties.

The most contentious dismissal was that of women’s team legend Lucy Ward, partner of Neil Redfearn. Ward successfully sued the club for sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal, receiving £290,000 and legal costs.

Cellino’s tumultuous tenure has become a cautionary tale in English football, highlighting the dangers of unchecked owner power and the importance of stability in club management.