CELLINO AT THE DOUBLE IS SCARY THOUGHT
ADAM Pearson’s exit from Leeds was bad news. The revelation that he will not be replaced is little short of a catastrophe.
The 50-year-old’s quit the club just four months into his job as CEO, citing “other personal and business interests”. In plain English, Hull FC, the rugby league club he bought in 2011, is haemorrhaging sponsorship and Pearson has returned to crack some heads.
Great for them, terrible for Leeds. Since arriving at Elland Road in May, Pearson has brought a rare calm to the club.
He’s quelled the impulsive, often destructive egotism of chairman Massimo Cellino. He’s formed a buffer between the Italian and manager Uwe Rosler. He’s signed up players and sponsors with a minimum of fuss.
Rosler said he was “devastated” by the departure of the man who appointed him, and no wonder. This summer, Pearson delivered every single one of Rosler’s transfer targets.
Cellino, meanwhile, went after Watford forward Fernando Forestieri, now playing for Sheffield Wednesday. Make of that what you will.
The ex-Cagliari owner says he is now “keeping the position open” for Pearson while doubling his own workload. Maybe he’s learned. Maybe he’s watched a smooth operator at work. For Rosler’s sake, we hope so.
Because with a ‘workload’ that generally consists of meddling with the team, signing players nobody wants and sacking managers on a whim, anything else will spell a return to madness and mayhem.