Dave Hockaday staying as Leeds manager... after owner Massimo Cellino has bizarre last minute change of heart
Mail 24/8/14Dave Hockaday will remain as Leeds United manager
Owner Massimo Cellino decided to sack Hockaday before changing his mind
Leeds are close to the Championship relegation zone after losing three of their opening four games
Hockaday only signed a contract two months ago despite no experience in Football League
By JACK GAUGHAN
Dave Hockaday is staying on as Leeds United manager after a bizarre 24 hours at the football club.
Owner Massimo Cellino had made up his mind to sack the boss after a dismal defeat away at Watford on Saturday. But the Italian has now had a dramatic change of heart after a series of discussions at Elland Road on Sunday.
Speaking to a reporter from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Cellino said: 'Yes, I decided to sack him. I said ''he's finished.'' But I learned a long time ago to wait on a decision for 24 hours.
'If Bellusci didn't f*** up and we win the game, would I be firing the coach? No. We lost yesterday because of one s*** mistake from Bellusci. I see that now. I didn't see it that way yesterday.'
Cellino also said he will wait until the squad recruitment complete before judging Hockaday. 'Maybe he's not a good coach but I can't say yet,' he added.
'If I fire the coach I should fire myself because I haven't signed enough good players. How can that be his fault.'
The first team squad squad had been called back from the away coach after the 4-1 drubbing at Vicarage Road by Hockaday as talk intensified over his future.
It has been made clear that Cellino was ready to wield the axe after just four Championship fixtures this season - three of which Leeds have lost - before reflecting on the game.
Hockaday has found himself behind the eight ball from day one after signing a two-year contract in Yorkshire two months ago.
He has no previous managerial experience in the Football League and was sacked by Forest Green last October.
It is understood that Hockaday has been undermined in the transfer market by the owner, who doesn't trust the 56-year-old to build a squad capable of reaching the Premier League.
In an interview with Sportsmail at the beginning of the month Cellino said: 'He has asked me about five or six players,' said the Italian before unintentionally damning his new manager: 'Don't forget where he came from; league five.
