Ten years on: 2014/15 revisited — part seven

Massimo Cellino’s time at Leeds was chaotic. It was how he liked it. If he kept things in constant upheaval, his shortcomings were less likely to be focused on. Also, it was chaotic because he was chaotic. There was little rhyme or reason to what he did, unable to apply any consistency to his actions. Coaches, players, investors, fans — everyone was replaceable, expendable.

It’s why Neil Redfearn presented an issue. A man built on consistency and determination, having forged a successful career as a player renowned for his tenacity before taking those traits into coaching. His success with Leeds’ academy and influence over talents like Alex Mowatt, Sam Byram, Lewis Cook, and Charlie Taylor had already endeared him to the fans before he became Cellino’s firefighter whenever his latest coaching choice hadn’t worked out.

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