Massimo Cellino felt the number was unlucky and it has not been worn since May 2014.
Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands
Leeds United have entered a new chapter in their history this week, with the club finally saying ciao to maverick chairman Massimo Cellino. From manager sackings, bizarre outbursts and FA bans – the Italian has certainly made the headlines at Leeds.
Often the stories surrounding are so strange they appear false, only to then prove true.
General view of a protest against Leeds owner Massimo Cellino before the match
Including his serious affliction toward the number 17.
Cellino believes the number is unlucky. It even saw the club publish a 16b matchday programme and, reportedly, played a role in the end of 17th May birthday boy Paddy Kenny’s career at Elland Road.
How much of this superstition was true and how much was hear-say will always be open to interpretation, but now Cellino is gone Leeds have a great opportunity to put an end to it once and for all when they sign their first player under the Radrizzani regime. During Cellino’s reign only one player has worn the number 17 shirt. Michael Brown was the man in question. He wore it last in the 1-1 draw with Derby County on the 3rd May 2014. That was his final appearance for the club and the shirt has been out of action since.
Michael Brown of Leeds United
When Leeds complete their first transfer of the summer under their new ownership the player in question should be handed the number 17, as a symbol of change and renewed hope at Elland Road.
It would be a fantastic gesture and one Leeds fans would certainly enjoy.
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino
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