Where are Leeds XI Dave Hockaday selected on 2014’s opening day now?

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United took on Millwall at The Den on the opening day of the 2014/15 season.

As the 2017/18 opening day approaches, Leeds fans may be recalling some of the best and worst season curtain-raisers they have enjoyed and endured in the past.

One of the most intriguing opening days the Whites have gone through in recent years came back in 2014 when the Yorkshire side travelled to The Den for their first competitive game under Dave Hockaday – the surprise appointment made by former owner Massimo Cellino that summer.

But what became of that side that lost 2-0 to Millwall in the first of the six games Hockaday took charge of? Here, HITC Sport has taken a look…

Marco Silvestri

Marco Silvestri spent his first two years with Leeds as number one before becoming Rob Green’s understudy last year. He only left Elland Road this summer, returning to Italy to join Hellas Verona.

Marco Silvestri

Sam Byram

Academy graduate Sam Byram stayed with Leeds until 2016, moving up to the Premier League with West Ham in the January transfer window.

Jason Pearce

Jason Pearce would leave Leeds for Wigan in 2015 after 99 league appearances for the Whites. He joined Charlton Athletic one year later.

Jason Pearce (L)

Scott Wootton

Although his Leeds career began with the former Manchester United man proving a decent utility player to have amongst the squad, his form saw him come in for fairly constant criticism in the months before his exit in 2016. He joined MK Dons last summer, but a long-term injury would see him sidelined for the majority of the season.

Stephen Warnock

Stephen Warnock would be beginning his final season as a Leeds player in 2014, leaving for Derby County during the next January window. He has since played for Wigan, and joined Burton Albion earlier this summer.

Nicky Ajose

After just three league appearances for Leeds, Nicky Ajose left one year after arriving. He has since been prolific in the lower leagues, particularly at Swindon Town. He is currently on Charlton’s books, but has joined Bury on loan for the upcoming season.

Rodolph Austin

Rodolph Austin

Cult-hero Rodolph Austin stayed with Leeds until 2015, subsequently joining Brondby. After leaving them, he joined Esbjerg this July.

Luke Murphy

Luke Murphy is one of two players within this XI to still be on Leeds’ books. However, the midfielder has struggled to realise his full potential, and has returned to Burton Albion – with whom he spent the second-half of last season – on loan.

Leeds’ Luke Murphy

Michael Tonge

Michael Tonge would leave Leeds temporarily in 2015, joining their 2014 opening day opponents Millwall on loan. His permanent departure would come in 2015 also, spending two years with Stevenage before leaving in the summer.

Noel Hunt

Noel Hunt endured an unsuccessful two year spell with Leeds, failing to score in 20 league games. He joined Ipswich Town in 2015, and subsequently spending a season with Southend and Portsmouth, leaving the latter this summer.

Souleymane Doukara

As things stand, Souleymane Doukara is the only player from this XI who is in contention to feature on this season’s opening day as he is still with Leeds. His record is not spectacular, but there have certainly been some bright moments along the way – including his stunning volley against Nottingham Forest last season.