Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has stated to The Mirror that he won’t hire a manager that was relegated last season. The superstitious Italian is in Italy trying to persuade a coach to replace the still in work Steve Evans.
The outspoken businessman is well-known for his exploits when it comes to superstition. He supposedly released Paddy Kenny because his date of birth contained the number 17 and had their 17th home game of the season last year have issue number ’16b’ on the front instead.
Massimo Cellino says he will not appoint a manager who was relegated last season because "you know I'm superstitious".
— David Anderson (@MirrorAnderson) May 25, 2016
Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke appears to be the number one man on his managerial search, although Clarke actually has a relegation on his CV after taking over the Memorial Stadium hot-seat during the season. He has since guided them to back-to-back promotions in his only full seasons with the club.
Cellino’s comments appear to be a direct dig at MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, who suffered relegation last season but ultimately rejected the chance to become the Elland Road boss next season.
The owner suggested that he now isn’t interested in hiring a manager that was relegated last season and is currently in his native Italy to try and find a replacement for Evans,
“I’m in Italy meeting another coach before I decide.
“I can’t tell you whom but for sure he wasn’t relegated last season because you know I’m superstitious.”
A formal approach by the football club to speak to Clarke was turned down and they would seek £250,000 in compensation should they want to lure him away.
Oldham Athletic boss John Sheridan was also heavily linked to the role, but it has been heavily rumoured that he will become the next Notts County manager later this week.
