Leeds seek new boss with Hockaday hit for six

Following David Hockaday’s dismissal as Leeds United manager, beating Brian Clough’s record of seven matches in charge before being sacked.

Although the former Forest Green Rovers manager won two matches while in charge of Leeds, a heavy defeat against Watford away, and elimination from the Capital One Cup against West Yorkshire rivals Bradford sealed his fate.

The Whites, 25/1 to get promoted this season, now begin the search for a new boss, with Catania’s Rolando Moran odds-on at 4/5, Steve Clarke at 5/1, and former Premier League player Benito Carbone, 10/1, favourites for the position.

Carbone was thought to be in the running for the position initially when Italian owner Massimo Cellino took over the club, and it is understood both parties held talks at Leeds United’s training after Brian McDermott was sacked.

The former Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, and Aston Villa player has been backed by former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli to reach the top as a manager.

Speaking at the end of last term, Carbone said: “This is where my future is, in England. It is the place to be. All I ask is an opportunity, and if clubs are not sure, they can call Prandelli.

“He knows me and my qualities to be a manager, from my time playing for him in Italy, and he said he would always give me a reference.”

Whether Cellino decides to act on this, or go for someone more accustomed to managing in English football is a matter for some serious consideration.

While fellow Italian Moran was relegated with club Catania last term, the indication suggests Cellino clearly hold him in high regard. However, Leeds could turn to Clarke, who is currently without a position, and missed out on the Crystal Palace job. The opportunity to help rescue the reputation of one of England’s biggest football clubs may be too good an opportunity to refuse, and his stock is high, having steered West Bromich Albion to eighth position in the 2012/13 Premier League season.