McDermott switches his attentions to matters on the pitch and building success

Yesterday was no different, as the assembled media at Thorp Arch for his press conference ahead of tonight’s trip to Bournemouth quizzed the United manager on the Football League’s decision to block Massimo Cellino’s attempts to buy a controlling stake in the Championship club.

Genuinely, however, McDermott had nothing to add as he tried, admittedly in vain, to move the focus away from the off-field farce that continues to engulf Leeds and on to tonight’s visit to the south coast.

“I can’t comment on it or say anything at the moment,” he said. “There is nothing for me to say on it, there really isn’t.”

Asked if he felt the situation at Elland Road might get worse before it gets better, the United chief replied: “I don’t know, I really don’t.

“I can’t sit here being ‘doom and gloom’. I don’t feel doom and gloom, I feel really solid about the football club as far as going to Bournemouth with the team and looking forward to playing there.

“It is not my nature (to be down). But we need to know what is going on. We need clarity and someone to get this football club who has real clout, we really do.”

On that last point, few would disagree. But as such a search has proved rather fruitless over the past 12 months, it effectively equates to wishful thinking on the part of the Leeds chief.

With that in mind, McDermott’s oft-repeated appeal for clarity at the top of the club and some long overdue stability is likely to go unanswered for some time yet.

The United manager, therefore, has to get on with the task of building on Saturday’s much-needed 2-1 victory over Millwall and giving supporters something to smile about.

He said: “It is what it is at this moment in time. The most important situation is Leeds United for all of us. Is it concerning? Yes, of course it is. For all of us.

“Is it difficult? Yes, we know that. But I have just got to concentrate solely on the game. I am going to the game with a great bunch of players and people who have worked really hard for me and who got a great victory on Saturday with a fantastic support. That is what keeps me going.

“You look at that support on Saturday and at Burnley (the previous week) and I know we will travel in big numbers. I am sure situations like this bring everyone together and that is how I am seeing it with our supporters.”

A blow for Leeds came yesterday morning when Sunderland recalled Connor Wickham so he can play in tomorrow night’s Premier League clash at Liverpool.

McDermott, who does not expect to sign a replacement before Thursday’s transfer deadline, said: “To be fair to Gus (Poyet), he rang me at about 9pm (on Sunday) and said he needed to bring Connor back as he was going to be involved in the game on Wednesday.

“I could have played Connor because he had 24 hours to go here. But I have to do right by Connor and, obviously, Gus and Sunderland.

“I have to do right by Leeds, I know that. But he would have definitely gone back after Tuesday and Gus needs him available.”

Last six games: Bournemouth WWWDLW, Leeds United DDLLLW.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottinghamshire).

Last time: Bournemouth 1 Leeds United 3; November 6, 2007; League One.