This will be my first manager story, and will be throwing myself in at the deep end with one of the more..shall we say interesting chairmen to work for in recent times, Massimo Cellino. Meaning we'll be managing none other than Leeds United.
The premise of the story will take place just after Brian McDermott parted company with Leeds on May 30th 2014. With the departure of one, sees the swift entry of another. Back in 2010, a former Leeds player and icon in recent times stated that he would like to manage Leeds one day. Given the gap left by the departure of McDermott, the individual has thrown his hat into the ring and after a successful interview process, he has been welcomed in with open arms. This individuals time is now.
After an interviewing process of just over a month, Leeds Chairman Massimo Cellino has today confirmed former Leeds Captain, South African Lucas Radebe has been confirmed as the new Leeds United Manager. Mr Radebe, who made 201 appearances for Leeds just over a 11 year spell with the side before retiring due to persistent injury issues has signed a 1 Year Contract with the club.
Radebe, described this opportunity of managing Leeds as a dream come true. His appointment as Manager has been welcomed thoroughly by Leeds fans who will remember him vividly from their successful spell in Europe and the Premier League in the late 90's/early 00's.
July 9th - Press Conference
J: Lucas, first and foremost, welcome back to Leeds United, how does it feel to be back?
LR: The feeling and emotion the supporters who may remember me from a decade ago has been nothing short of phenomenal. It's great to be back.
J: I see, and with the departure of Ross McCormack to Fulham for 11 million, is that an individual you wanted to see leave the club?
LR: Whilst going through the interviewing process for the Leeds job, Ross already had one foot out of the door, and my appointment overshadowed his departure yesterday a little. However, one man does not make a team and with Ross's departure, it allows another to step up in his place. Only time will tell as to who that may be.
J: Lucas, what sort of formation will we be seeing you utilize here with the Leeds set up?LR: I am generally a fan of the old 4-4-2 diamond formation and will be making use of it when possible with Leeds. I like to play good attacking football whilst not rendering myself helpless at the back by maintaining 4 defenders to hold the line.
J: With that said, are there any players you're looking into signing for Leeds?
LR: It's too early to tell at present, every player who is currently with us, be it at the club, on loan or even away will have the opportunity to play for their position. This goes right down to our recently graduated youth players who are showing the will and tenacity to stake a claim for a place.
J: Finally, with the recent take over of Mr Cellino, how is the relationship between you and him?
LR: (Smiling a little) I simply come here, get on the training pitch, and do my job which is to get the best out of our current crop of players, and Mr Cellino does his job by ensuring I have the tools at my disposal to get the right people in. Our relationship is great, no issues.
J: Thank you for your time today Lucas and we wish you well.
The premise of the story will take place just after Brian McDermott parted company with Leeds on May 30th 2014. With the departure of one, sees the swift entry of another. Back in 2010, a former Leeds player and icon in recent times stated that he would like to manage Leeds one day. Given the gap left by the departure of McDermott, the individual has thrown his hat into the ring and after a successful interview process, he has been welcomed in with open arms. This individuals time is now.
After an interviewing process of just over a month, Leeds Chairman Massimo Cellino has today confirmed former Leeds Captain, South African Lucas Radebe has been confirmed as the new Leeds United Manager. Mr Radebe, who made 201 appearances for Leeds just over a 11 year spell with the side before retiring due to persistent injury issues has signed a 1 Year Contract with the club.
Radebe, described this opportunity of managing Leeds as a dream come true. His appointment as Manager has been welcomed thoroughly by Leeds fans who will remember him vividly from their successful spell in Europe and the Premier League in the late 90's/early 00's.
July 9th - Press Conference
J: Lucas, first and foremost, welcome back to Leeds United, how does it feel to be back?
LR: The feeling and emotion the supporters who may remember me from a decade ago has been nothing short of phenomenal. It's great to be back.
J: I see, and with the departure of Ross McCormack to Fulham for 11 million, is that an individual you wanted to see leave the club?
LR: Whilst going through the interviewing process for the Leeds job, Ross already had one foot out of the door, and my appointment overshadowed his departure yesterday a little. However, one man does not make a team and with Ross's departure, it allows another to step up in his place. Only time will tell as to who that may be.
J: Lucas, what sort of formation will we be seeing you utilize here with the Leeds set up?LR: I am generally a fan of the old 4-4-2 diamond formation and will be making use of it when possible with Leeds. I like to play good attacking football whilst not rendering myself helpless at the back by maintaining 4 defenders to hold the line.
J: With that said, are there any players you're looking into signing for Leeds?
LR: It's too early to tell at present, every player who is currently with us, be it at the club, on loan or even away will have the opportunity to play for their position. This goes right down to our recently graduated youth players who are showing the will and tenacity to stake a claim for a place.
J: Finally, with the recent take over of Mr Cellino, how is the relationship between you and him?
LR: (Smiling a little) I simply come here, get on the training pitch, and do my job which is to get the best out of our current crop of players, and Mr Cellino does his job by ensuring I have the tools at my disposal to get the right people in. Our relationship is great, no issues.
J: Thank you for your time today Lucas and we wish you well.
