Cellino’s a headbanger who should coach Leeds himself, says Johnny Giles

Giles aimed fierce criticism at Cellino’s management of Leeds after the United president ended David Hockaday’s short reign as head coach last night.

Hockaday - an obscure choice to replace Brian McDermott in June - lasted for just 70 days and six competitive games before losing his job in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Capital One Cup defeat to Bradford City.

Leeds are beginning their search for his replacement, with former West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke the early front-runner.

Neil Redfearn is in caretaker charge of the first-team squad ahead of tomorrow’s game against Bolton and United’s hunt for Hockaday’s successor if expected to gather speed next week.

But Giles - a key member of Don Revie’s legendary squad - claimed no manager “worth their salt” would consider working for Cellino.

Speaking to Irish radio station Newstalk, Giles said: “I don’t think anybody would be a good choice. This fella (Cellino) is a headbanger.

“I think he only employed that coach (Hockaday) so he was a frontman - so he could pick the team and bring the players in that he wanted.

“I think Hockaday had no say in it whatsoever and anybody that goes to Leeds would be mad to take the job. I’d say that any of the managers who are worth their salt wouldn’t touch that job. What the fella should do is make himself manager and do the job because that’s what he’s trying to do anyway.

“I feel sorry for the Leeds supporters, to let a headbanger in. I don’t think he wants anybody that’s any good whatsoever.

“I was 12 years at Leeds they’ve got great supporters, it’s a great club. But the club the way it’s been run in the past few years has been an absolute disgrace.”

Clarke is high on Cellino’s list of candidates for the job and it is understood the Scot is interested in the vacancy.

Clarke has been waiting to return to coaching since his sacking by West Brom last December and would look to bring Kevin Keen to Elland Road as his assistant.