Massimo Cellino told the Scot his job was safe for a year.
Former Leeds manager Steve Evans
Former Leeds United boss Steve Evans has again discussed the way in which he exited the club at the end of last season today.
Speaking to talkSPORT (04/08/16) the Scot made it clear that Leeds’ controversial owner Massimo Cellino had informed Evans that he would be kept on as Leeds boss for 2016-17 and that he could inform his family of that fact:
“I will never know why I didn’t stay after I’d been told the option was going to be taken up.
“Mr Cellino had told me the option had been taken up for next season and to go home and tell the wife, tell the family.
“Simple as that yes.”
Leeds United manager Steve Evans applauds the fans after the game
Of course that is not what happened. It had become apparent before the final game of the season against Preston North End that Evans was not going to be kept on at Elland Road and he was replaced by Garry Monk this summer.
But despite the disappointment of losing the Elland Road hotseat Evans stopped short of criticising Cellino – suggesting it was a tough decision for the maverick Italian:
“As an owner you always reserve the right to own the club and make the tough decisions.
“If he felt he could get a Garry Monk and they were going to do the job better and more efficient for what is a wonderful club.
Leeds United Chairman Massimo Cellino
“The one thing is you mature and you learn you have to respect the right of the owner to make the decision – despite the disappointment you have.”
Leeds United’s owner has gained a fierce reputation for axing managers in his career as a football chairman – at both Cagliari and during his time at Elland Road.
Leeds have sacked Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday, Neil Redfearn, Darko Milanic, Uwe Rosler and Evans during Cellino’s time with the club and Monk kn ows he will need to hit the ground running if he does not want to join them.
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