Gone in 60 seconds?... Now Vinnie fancies Leeds United job

Vinnie Jones salutes Leeds United's fans.Vinnie Jones salutes Leeds United's fans.
Vinnie Jones salutes Leeds United's fans.
Former Leeds midfielder Vinnie Jones has backed the appointment of Garry Monk as manager - but admits he would enjoy a crack at the job himself at some point.

The 51-year-old turned down the chance to stay in the game when his playing days ended, instead turning his attention to acting and forging a successful career in Hollywood.

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Despite appearing in blockbusters such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Gone in 60 Seconds and X-Men: The Last Stand, the former Welsh international still harbours hopes of a return to football.

“I have written two autobiographies, I have brought an album out, I have had a single out, I have played in the Euro Qualifiers, I have played international football, I have won the FA Cup, I was assistant manager at QPR and that is the only one thing at the back of my mind that I have not done,” Jones said.

An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.
An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.

“To be manager of Leeds would be a fairytale but the one thing that slipped my grasp was being a manager - you cannot do everything.

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“I would have loved to be in charge of a football club. A lot of people tipped me when I was a player, that I would be a good manager - and we never found out.

“I was a good leader on the pitch but it doesn’t always mean you will be a good manager. There are great players who haven’t inspired as managers.”

Jones played for Leeds between 1989 and 1990, making 46 appearances and helping them gain promotion to the top flight.

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An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.
An England fan drinks beer in front of a pub in downtown Marseille at Euro 2016.

Leeds fans have been involved in a number of protests against current owner Massimo Cellino but Jones believes the appointment of Monk earlier this month could spark an upturn in the Elland Road club’s fortunes.

He said: “The appointment of the new manager is a great step forward and I am sure the fans appreciate it.

“I am a Leeds fan, I used to play for them but I am a fan now.

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“I am as concerned as the next person is but getting Gary Monk is a great step forward for the club.

“Give the manager the reins and let them deal with the football stuff.

“Let chairmen deal with the finances. I am old school, let the dressing room deal with the football side of it.”