Arrivederci, Massimo!

It's been 'one of those days' today at Elland Road. The type of day your average Leeds United fan has become all too accustomed to over the last decade, and indeed the last 18 months. Today our Supreme Leader Cellino sacked his fifth manager since his April 2014 takeover and hired his 6th. None other than everyone's least favourite man, Steve Evans. Not to mention, our dear Führer has been banned again under the accusation of further tax evasion. Sorry Massimo, but it's time to pack your bags.

I'll be the first to admit that things weren't going great under Rosler. Two wins from 11, too many draws, inability to score, certain to concede. It has not been the start to the season anybody expected, especially not Massimo. 

Yes, there was some investment this year. Yes, we didn't get pillaged for our best players. Yes, we appeared financially stable. But still the results aren't there. 

Why? Well I can't imagine having to work with your head on the block creates the most stable of nerves. I can't imagine a manager one step away from the noose inspires much loyalty from his players. I can't imagine limiting away tickets creates the best atmosphere amongst the fans. 

We always say you can't just blame the manager, you have to look at the players. And it is true, the haven't been performing to their ability. They have looked tame, uninspired and toothless at times. But for me, you have to look the other way in the chain of commands. Straight to the top, to the feet of Massimo Cellino.

Things seemed to be going rather well when Cellino was ever-so-slightly tamed by Adam Pearson. Cellino was saying all the right things. "We have to keep our talent like Byram". "Rosler will come good". But then Pearson left. Umbers is more likely to be in Cellino's dungeon than around Elland Road, so all was left to Mr Cellino. 

Just short of 12 months ago the then Rotherham boss Steve Evans rather ironically said that he could never work for an owner like Cellino. Under Cellino, he said, "you know he picks the team, and you just coach". Now while we can't prove this to be true, we can suspect. How can respectable football managers work to their potential with interfering owners. It isn't sustainable and the blame always falls at the feet of the manager, or should I say head coach, when results don't go our way. 

6 managers, five sacked. McDermott was never given a chance under Cellino. Redfearn knew he was going to be sacked. Hockaday, Rosler and Milanic barely lasted a minute. Managers cannot be expected to function properly with this level of interference and pressure with the need for immediate results, knowing even that might not save you. It is simply unsustainable and we will never return to anywhere near the top flight with Cellino at the helm, we're more likely to get relegated back to League One.

And then came the ban.

Cellino was today banned from football related activity by the Football League pending his probable appeal. The charges relate to the Range Rover tax evasion from June and could see him banned until June 2016. The pressure is mounting to sell the club. There is no Umbers or Pearson run United this time and an internal collapse without stability could be imminent.

What have we done to deserve this?

Cellino appears a tad desperate. Adamant that his work is not done. Clearcut in his decision not to sell. He may appear calm on the face of it, but inside he is reeling. He knows this ban could escalate to permanent. He knows fan support is at an all time low. And his action tell of a man with the attitude of an outgoing President rushing through his final laws.

Rumour has it he found out about his ban on the 14th October. On the 16th he introduced the away ticket limit, on the 18th he sacked Rosler and on the 19th hired Evans. A last ditch attempt to do all he can to stave off a troublesome season or a desperate attempt to maintain influence within the club he may well lose? Only time will tell.

But the fans have had enough. They want to have the choice to go to away games and it's great to be back on TV sometimes. The fact we've been on more than the other Championship clubs is a testament to our history and reputation. Don't take that away for a few quid, Massimo.

Massimo, quit while you're only just slipping behind. Leave this great club and pass it on to somebody who is worthy of the name on the front of the shirt. No more Bates, GFH or Cellino. We want someone real and truthful.

Mr Evans, good luck to you. But watch over your shoulder, an Italian shark won't ever be too far behind.