Brian McDermott has been sacked by Leeds United hours before the West Yorkshire derby.
The news of the 52-year-old’s departure comes at the end of a dramatic day at Elland Road which saw the club’s ownership issues thrust into the spotlight.
United are in the midst of a takeover, which it is understood will be completed by the Italian Massimo Cellino, and throughout the week it has quickly become apparent that McDermott was not his man.
Cellino, the owner of Serie A side Cagliari, has had a delegation in Leeds for the last week as he prepares to sign off a 75 per cent purchase of the club from Gulf Finance House.
One of his party is the former Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa and it is understood that on Tuesday it was asked if Festa could sit in the dugout with McDermott during Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Ipswich.
It is thought Festa is Cellino’s first choice to replace McDermott but until Friday the chance had not arisen.
But, as it emerged that Cellino was in the driving seat to buy the club after a management buyout by current managing director David Haigh collapsed, McDermott’s position looked all the more vulnerable.
McDermott, who joined Leeds in April last year, gave a news conference on Friday afternoon during which he admitted that Saturday’s game against Town could be his last before saying he intended to “enjoy” the occasion.
Speaking to SkySports News United striker Ross McCormack said: “He called me up earlier and told me he was gone.
“It’s sad times at the club and I’m absolutely gutted.
“I had a really close relationship with the manager and I was looking forward to continuing to work with Leeds United and Brian McDermott.
“Things have changed a lot quicker than anyone could have imagined.
“I’m very happy and content at the club but a big part of that was Brian McDermott."
