McDermott axing brings memories flooding back for Laws

Like McDermott, the ex-Scunthorpe United manager saw his services dispensed with during a crazy Spring spell in 2004 – only to be reinstated in dramatic fashion not too long after.

The time that elapsed between Laws’s sacking by The Iron and his return was exactly three weeks.

Whereas with McDermott, it was, strictly speaking, less than a day following his axing by prospective new owner Massimo Cellino via a lawyer’s letter on Friday evening and the club statement during the second-half of the game against Huddersfield Town the following day that said he remained as Leeds chief.

It was a thoroughly confusing scenario, with the man in the middle of it all, McDermott, deserving so much better. He officially returned to work on Monday morning, his sacking having sparked massive protests.

Laws watched the events unfold with incredulity and was reminded of his own experiences.

They began when he was sacked by the Scunthorpe board on March 25, 2004 by a split vote – 4-2 against him after a run of three wins in 18 games to leave them in deep relegation trouble in the old Third Division.

While their on-pitch fortunes continued to nosedive without Laws, whose No 2, Russ Wilcox, took caretaker charge following his axing, the real theatre unfolded behind the scenes.

Then chairman Chris Holland had been negotiating with ex-Scottish international Colin Hendry to take up a coaching role and reportedly was ready to recommend him for the manager’s job at a board meeting, only for events to change course.

A civil war in the boardroom had ensued between those who supported Laws’s return and the Hendry backers, with the decisive development arriving on April 14.

Holland resigned along with fellow directors John Godfrey and Brian Borrill with major shareholder and Laws supporter Steve Wharton regaining control after winning the power struggle.

The next day, Laws was back in charge – the final chapter in a bewildering 21-day spell when instability was rife.

Laws, whose third spell as Iron manager also ended controversially in November, 2013, said: “The bizarre way it has unfolded at Leeds certainly brought back memories for myself when I left Scunthorpe for a short period (in 2004) while there was a little bit of upheaval in the boardroom.

“I certainly knew how Brian felt and it’s just one of those bizarre things that happens in football from time to time.

“I was sitting there at Scunthorpe, not being able to do anything and I think Brian was in that same situation.

“To the outside world, it looks absolutely crazy and ridiculous and when you are in there, you have just got to sit tight and let the powers that be make the decision.

“It’s out of your hands, you can’t do anything about it.

“You just keep your staff well informed. But there’s not a lot you can do and can’t really say anything.

“Brian can’t really say too much specifically about his position as that can be used against him (in the future). I think what he has said, he has said tremendously well and with great dignity.”

Laws’s managerial story in the second-half of that 2003-04 campaign ended on a positive note, with the club finishing third-from-bottom and he then celebrated promotion the following season, pictured.

It remains to be seen what transpires for McDermott between now and May, with Cellino still aiming to conclude a takeover deal.

Laws, who managed Sheffield Wednesday between November 2006 and December 2009, added: “You’ve got to dig in.

“Brian is a really decent man and the turmoil at Leeds seems to have spiralled out of all proportion and into the public domain and confusion has set in.

“He did the right thing to stay out of it and not get involved (over the weekend) and, hopefully, it will settle down for him. But until it all settles down, there’s always going to be confusion and uncertainty more than anything.”