Rosler out as chaos hits Leeds
A GERMAN ousted for failing to produce ‘heavy rock’ football, a Scot in a sombrero whisked in to replace him and the Italian owner banned by the Football League for failing to pay tax on an imported Land Rover. It is just another day at Leeds United, where the club’s self-styled president Massimo Cellino oversees the sad descent of a proud club into a national laughing stock. It started yesterday with confirmation that Uwe Rosler (right) had been sacked after only five months and 12 games in charge at Leeds. He became the fifth manager to be fired in less than two years by Cellino, who had Rosler’s successor, Steve Evans, installed in time to take training at Thorp Arch. Only a few hours later, a statement from the Football League revealed that Cellino had been disqualified from office at Leeds on account of a tax conviction in his native Italy, for failing to pay VAT on a Land Rover imported from the USA. Cellino has until next week to appeal against his disqualification and can remain in position during the appeal process. If an appeal fails, however, he must relinquish control of Leeds. Cellino failed the Football League’s owners’ test when he bought the club in January 2014. This was overturned on appeal but he was banned again this year for another offence relating to a tax case in Italy. He has always ruled at Elland Road in chaotic style, firing Rosler and assistant Rob Kelly after losing at home to leaders Brighton on Saturday. Without a home win since March, Cellino’s patience unravelled. He claimed he asked the German for ‘heavy rock’ only to be served a diet of ‘country music’ which apparently he was not fond of. Rosler followed Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday, Darko Milanic and Neil Redfearn out of the door, but the appointment of Evans has not inspired Leeds fans. On his previous appearance at Elland Road, he was dressed in a sombrero, sunglasses and flip-flops as part of a bet, having helped Rotherham escape relegation. Last year, Evans claimed he could never work with an owner who interfered like Cellino. Having been confirmed as Leeds boss, his tone was different. ‘I’m honoured and proud,’ said Evans. ‘All I can ask the supporters to do is to give me the benefit of the doubt.’