The proposed takeover of Leeds United by Italian businessman Massimo Cellino has been put on hold after the Italian has been charged with tax evasion. This would mean that he may not takeover Leeds United in the near future. Brian McDermott was on the verge of being successful manager, but since the new takeover has not gone through, he will retain his place on the bench. Ahead of this weekend’s matches, McDermott has stated that the club needs some stability in order to achieve the dream of getting back to the Premier league.
Leeds have been trying to get back into the Premier league for several years now, but they have been unable to do so even after the arrival of McDermott. The former Reading manager knows all about getting a club from the championship to the Premier league. Yet, inconsistency has been the main theme since his arrival by year ago. McDermott says that the instability on various aspects is the main reasons for the players being unable to find consistency in their play.
Leeds have slipped the below the top 10 in the table after a run of five matches without a victory. They are 15th in the table with 44 points and are unlikely to make it into the play-offs if results do not improve almost immediately.
“We would love to get some stability at the club so we can move forward. Uncertainty over the future ownership has been dragging on for such a long time that there is apprehension around the place and the main conversation is about the ownership. I know it is a results business but we have had no stability here for a long time. Obviously it would help if the manager knew who the owner was going to be,” said the Leeds United manager.
Gulf Finance House (GFH) Capital are close to completing the sale of Leeds United to Massimo Cellino, who is reportedly looking to sack manager Brian McDermott. The Italian businessman will be buying 75% stake in the club. The takeover deal is yet to be sanctioned by the football league, but reports have emerged in recent weeks that McDermott is counting his days as the Leeds United manager. His inability to guide the club even into the play-offs position is thought to be the reason behind the rumours, but the manager himself has now said that his position remains safe – for now.
Leeds are mid-table right now with only a few matches remaining. They need to make up eight points in order to catch Wigan Athletic in the final play-off place. McDermott has confirmed the recently that the 57-year-old is apparently happy with the work he has done in the last few weeks. Hence, he is likely to remain as the manager until the end of the season. Leeds are one of the famous names in English football after having appeared in the Champions League semi-finals a few years ago. However, they have fallen down the road in recent years and the new owners will be looking to rediscover the former glory.
“After the start of it all, so to speak, I’m in a good place. It happened. I got through it personally, we got through it as a club, things were said, and mistakes have been made on all counts. Now, for me, I’m in a good place, just trying to concentrate solely on what we have to do and that’s to win against QPR. It’s fair to say that Massimo is taking a very close interest. It’s very fair to say he (Cellino) is taking an interest and a very close interest,” said McDermott.
The Malian international, Jimmy Kebe, has been placed on loan to Leeds United. He will remain at Elland Road for the next 5 months.
The experienced winger who is 29 years of age at the moment hasn’t played regularly for his parent club Crystal Palace in the ongoing season. He has just made 6 appearances for them till now.
But, at Leeds, he can expect to be given playing chances quite often simply because he has a great tuning with the Whites boss Bryan McDermott. The duo had worked together at Reading FC.
According to the reports, if Kebe performs well during his loan spell at Elland Road, he might be signed on a permanent basis next summer.
Kebe has been playing in England since a long time. He had been signed by Reading FC in 2008 and he played for them for 5 years. Last summer, he made an away move from there and joined Crystal Palace, but, his debut season at Palace didn’t go as well as he would have expected it to. He played very few matches and whenever he was sent on the pitch, he looked struggling.
He would be hoping that change in club brings change in fortunes for him and he manages to put up some good performances at Leeds United.
McDermott was ecstatic while confirming the loan signing of Kebe yesterday. The Leeds manager said, “I know Jimmy for a long time and I am a great admirer of him. He is one of those guys who always put the team ahead of themselves.”
“It’s great news for us that he is arriving. His experience is certainly going to help us.”
The Whites are currently at no. 8 in the Championship table with 35 points in 24 games.