Leeds United: No-Where Left to Hide for McDermott

Article by e-Leeds United Correspondent Jeremy Taylor

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The news Leeds United had been hoping for finally arrived shortly after the defeat at the DW stadium, a rather unexpected but joyous development that totally overshadowed the deepening gloom surrounding the abject performances and results of late.

‘Finally’, is the word on Leeds fans’ lips. Finally they can put the saga to bed and look ahead knowing that the club is safe and in control of a man that not only wants success but has the means to deliver it

‘Finally’ is more than likely the sentiment in the dressing room too. No-one can doubt that the ridiculous state of affairs allowed to develop under GFH has been the primary factor for the deterioration of the season. As such, everyone associated with the club will be hoping for a swift change of fortunes now that that the Bahrain’ bankers have finally cashed out.

Recent revelations about how much nonsense McDermott actually had to put up with from the group is disturbing to say the least, and the fact that the Ashley Barnes transfer wasn’t sanction because of Football Manager ratings is simply staggering!

Backroom nonsense aside, the majority of Leeds United fans have lost patience with Brian McDermott. The performances on the pitch have been so bad that having a bunch of lying clowns in charge hasn’t been enough to excuse them.

No matter what problems are banging at the dressing room door, and that includes not being paid fully, most believe that there is no excuse for the lack of effort, organisation and demonstration of basic football functions such as passing the ball.

As McDermott has admitted, at any other club under any other circumstances he’d have been relieved of his duties for such abysmal performance of a manager’s duties. The only reason he hasn’t been fired is because the potential triggermen have had bigger fish to fry; namely each other.

However, now that the battle for power has been won and the process of transferring of ownership is in full swing, attentions will very quickly turn to McDermott and how he goes about his job.

The manager has no more excuses to hide behind and no more complaining about lack of ownership. Leeds United are now backed by a man with deep pockets. A football man that isn’t afraid to declare that the team he is responsible for is ‘utter shit’ and ‘the worst I have ever seen in my life’. Not exactly out of the John W Henry school of diplomacy isn’t our Massimo.

McDermott is in the spotlight now and on very thin ice. Most would agree that anything short of straight victories in the remaining fixtures will see him replaced by Cellino.

As part of his sensational phone interview, Massimo explained to the squeaky voiced phone stalker that he doesn’t need a manager as he manages the club and that what he needs is a coach. This is very much the continental approach and will see a management structure much like that at Spurs implemented at Elland Road. Whether this is a good thing remains to be seen but after the past decade, Leeds United fans will simply be happy in the knowledge that there will be sufficient investment so as to at least give the club a chance of success.

Quite where the Together Leeds consortium now stands is another interesting topic that will become clearer in the coming days. Cellino is growing more vocal all the time and it’s won’t be long before Phil Hay of the YEP gets a full access, no holds barred interview with the new owner who should then lay out his plans that have thus far consisted of Promotion by 2016.

Back to McDermott though and, being realistic, there’s every chance he could go at any minute. His job is hanging by a thread at the moment and it would only take a gentle breeze for it to give. A defeat to Watford should prove more than enough.

When the manager does go, and he will, we can expect an exodus from the squad too. In fact, one danger Leeds face is that such a dramatic overhaul of the squad could prove a very difficult situation with which to begin next season for anew ‘coach’. Still, sooner the better will be the feeling for most fans.

Whichever way you look at it, we’ve turned a corner and the scenery looks very different now. Leeds United are on a different path and it’s leading to the Premier League. The only question is how long it will take to get there.

@jezaldinho

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