How safe is he now? Cellino passes judgement on Leeds United manager Steve Evans

Steve Evans, shows his frustration during the 4-0 defeat at Brighton. Picture: Simon Hulme

Cellino told Sky Sports TV that he would stand by Evans as speculation mounted about the 53-year-old’s future following a dismal result at The Amex Stadium last night.

Evans’ position as first-team boss was placed in doubt after Cellino left Brighton at half-time with Leeds trailing by four goals and ordered Evans not to speak to the media afterwards.

United’s assistant, Paul Raynor, was interviewed by Sky Sports at full-time but Leeds refused to carry out further media duties and neither Raynor nor Evans attended the post-match press conference.

Evans travelled home with United’s squad, however, and his players were scheduled to report into Thorp Arch for a recovery session this afternoon.

Cellino, who has already replaced five previous managers or head coaches in his two-year reign as owner of Leeds, has now given Evans his backing, confirming that the former Rotherham United boss will remain in charge for Saturday’s Championship clash with Bolton Wanderers.

Evans have been head coach at Leeds for only 25 games, appointed in the aftermath of Uwe Rosler’s sacking on October.

United have struggled for form since the turn of the year and Monday’s loss - inflicted by four goals inside the opening 38 minutes - was the club’s heaviest defeat for two years.

Cellino has offered similar backing to previous bosses, only to change his mind rapidly.

David Hockaday was dismissed four days after receiving a vote of confidence from the Italian while Rosler lost his job a fortnight after Cellino said he was “the best person for me and team.”