Despite notching up another defeat at the weekend to extend
our horrific run of form, the Leeds faithful have finally been rewarded with
some promising news. Bar dotting the Is and crossing the Ts, Massimo Cellino
has seemingly overcome the firm hand of the Football League, at least for now,
and Brian McDermott and his squad can finally focus on playing football for a
change. Whether you’re a fan of Cellino’s or not, it is undeniable that this
was the best possible outcome from an uncertain situation, and with
administration kept at bay, this turn of events will almost bring with it some
financial benefits. However, we at @LUFC_Calypso feel that the changes will be
more noticeable in other areas, and Cellino’s successful acquisition will allow
the Italian to make his mark in more ways than one.
McDermott: The
hugely disappointing form displayed from a team lacking confidence, desire and
skill to name a few attributes may well cost McDermott his job. Floundering in
the bottom half, and looking over our shoulders rather than up the table yet
again, a large proportion of Leeds fans have seen enough. Continuing with
baffling tactical displays, it appears that no amount of chopping and changing
can improve the fortunes of his lacklustre squad, and it remains to be seen
whether Cellino’s patience will run out. Speaking on Sky Sports earlier, he
insisted that Brian will be given the chance to make amends, but one thing is
for sure; if Cellino feels a change is necessary, he will not hesitate (just
ask departing Cagliari boss Diego Lopez). For us, it’s a question of when and
not if. However, despite continued speculation about McDermott’s future and his
eagerness to sack him before even taking ownership on that fateful night in
January, the two seem to have built up some kind of rapport. In terms of a
potential replacement, many suspect that Gianfranco Zola may be being lined up
as a replacement, with the two Italians working together at Cagliari in
previous years. However, @LeedsUnitedIta has highlighted their inability to see
eye-to-eye (Cellino refused to offer Zola an extension to his contract while
playing at Cagliari), and this may not be the match made in heaven we all
thought it might be. Watch this space.
The Squad:
It is with no amount of hesitancy whatsoever that Cellino will tear this gutless
squad limb from limb come the summer. Drunken rants down the phone to White
Leeds Radio last month proved that Cellino is well aware of a fact that Leeds
fans have known for months – our squad simply does not cut it at this level. McDermott
or otherwise, we fully expect plenty of incomings and even more outgoings this
summer, and you can’t help but feel that the squad of 2014/15 will have a much
greater European feel to it. Despite his continental persuasion, the highly
entertaining yet controversial “interview” with WLR seemed to suggest that
Cellino was looking for young, English internationals, yet whether that will be
possible is another story. Either way, we fully expect to see the deadwood,
underachievers of our squad shipped on quickly and unceremoniously. In other
words, don’t expect a Michael Brown testimonial.
David Haigh: Already
the subject of intense speculation, we cannot see the Cellino-Haigh relationship
standing the test of time whatsoever. Again, through the phone call with White
Leeds Radio, Cellino made his feelings perfectly clear, describing him as the
devil amongst other things. With Haigh now becoming the Chief Executive until
the end of the season at the least, it would come as no surprise to see Haigh
instantly removed and crawling back to the teat of GFH Capital with his tail
between his legs. This would only increase Cellino’s approval rating as GFH
continue to be eaten alive by the United fans on social media.
It doesn’t take a genius to uncover the general trend of
Cellino’s predicted actions. Mr Cellino’s cutthroat stance towards all aspects
of a football club may well precede him, yet it appears that to all intents and
purposes, Cellino will instigate wholesale changes to the club, changes that
will be viewed by the majority as absolutely necessary. The shambles that GFH
have created off the field is in desperate need of alteration, and Cellino is
certainly the man for the job. In terms of the on-field disappointment, the
role of Brian McDermott still seems to split opinion. Only time will tell on
that front.
Before we let ourselves dream of landmark signings and
half-time calzones, let’s see if we can try and win a football match first.
As always, we would love to hear your feedback and opinions
on our article – follow and tweet us at @LUFC_Calypso to join the debate!
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