The former Leeds United manager is often in touch with the legendary Manchester United manager.
Former Leeds United manager Steve Evans is something of a rare breed. The Scot is a manager sacked by Massimo Cellino who has managed to have a good relationship with the Italian.
Evans, now the manager at League Two side Mansfield Town, has been commenting on his relationship with the controversial Italian in conversation with Simon Austin Sport.
Leeds United manager Steve Evans (R)
He commented on how he would not have rejected Leeds, even if his mentor and idol Sir Alex Ferguson had told him not too:
“I asked Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when I was offered the Rotherham job and he said ‘pick it by the chairman.’
“That’s something I followed and I’m still on great terms with the Rotherham owner. Now, I’m not sure what Sir Alex would have made of Massimo Cellino. To be honest I didn’t need to ask him, because it’s impossible to say no to a club like Leeds United.”
He went on to insist he has a strong relationship with Cellino and that only weak managers would allow themselves to be dictated to regarding team selection at Leeds:
“He never told me who to pick. He’d give opinions – and people are naïve if they think owners don’t give opinions – but you take it on board and make your own decision.
Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands before the match
“Weak managers are the ones who go with it. He’s very knowledgeable, passionate, and speaks from the heart. But I never had a problem with him.”
Evans did a good job at Leeds last season but the maverick Italian owner decided that the club needed to make a change in management if they were to battle for promotion this term
It was a decision that surprised many but it is now starting to pay off. Garry Monk took over from Evans and has turned Leeds into promotion candidates this campaign.
It looks like Cellino’s gamble has paid off.
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