Bristol Rovers chairman Steve Hamer praises Massimo Cellino for conduct in Darrell Clarke pursuit

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Clarke has decided to remain at Bristol Rovers for the time being.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands

Leeds United have failed in their attempt to bring in Darrell Clarke as their new manager from Bristol Rovers.

The Yorkshire club had approached the recently promoted League Two side regarding paying the compensation fee to snap up Clarke but today saw him commit his future to Bristol Rovers by agreeing a three-year extension.

Speaking about Clarke’s decision to reject Leeds United for a stay at the Memorial Stadium the Rovers chairman Steve Hamer admitted to the Bristol Post it must have been a tough decision, whilst also praising Massimo Cellino for his conduct in the proceedings:

“We’re delighted that Darrell will be staying with us.

“It is completely understandable that Darrell took a few days to think things over in his head because it must be extremely flattering to even be considered by a club with the history and tradition of Leeds United.

Bristol Rovers Manager Darrell Clarke at the end of the match

“That he has decided that his future with us is fantastic because what we have going forward is very exciting and he can be a part of that from the foundations upwards.

“Both clubs have behaved impeccably in bringing the matter to a swift conclusion, which was in the best interests off all parties at this time of year.

“I want to say that the way Leeds conducted themselves during any negotiations we may have had was exemplary. We wish Mr Cellino all the best in his search for a new manager.”

Now the Italian rarely gets such praise in public but it appears as though he and Leeds United went through all the proper channels in trying to bring Clarke to the club and have simply come up short in convincing him away from the project in the West Country.

Leeds United currently have a head coach in the form of Steve Evans but it seems that Cellino is shopping for a replacement.

Clarke is off the table as is John Sheridan, who left Oldham for Notts County today, so it will be interesting to see where Cellino and Leeds turn next in their hunt for a new boss.