Leeds United and Massimo Cellino: Is it finally time to say goodbye?

Since our upturn in form, it has been a little quiet on the Massimo Cellino front. And with all the positivity surrounding the team currently, I had briefly forgotten about the controversial Italian. For once, the focus was solely on what was occurring on the field instead of off it.

However, as the international break came along (again), the lunatic maverick suddenly reappeared in the media (again), as rumours again started to circulate that Cellino was keen to sell his stock in the club. This isn’t the first time we heard rumours about Massimo Cellino selling, but this time feels... different.

Supposedly, Cellino is set to return to Italy and buy a stake in Serie B side Brescia. If reports are to be believed, Cellino is in advanced talks with Brescia and has been quoted praising the team from Italy’s second tier.

Therefore, this leaves the door open for media-mogul Andrea Radrizzani to buy the club from Cellino.

Radrizzani is a successful businessman in his own right and is the president of global media firm MP & Silva.

This is not the first time Radrizzani has been associated with purchasing the club. Back in August, his interest was reported after he attended two games at the beginning of the season.

Radrizzani added fuel to the fire this week after he liked a tweet from a fan which stated that he was about to purchase the mighty Whites.

For the majority of fans, Cellino’s tenure as the owner of our great club has been one of distain and hatred. His erratic behaviour and revolving door policy has hindered our club since his arrival in January 2014, even if he has some defenders online.

However, throughout all the anger and dislike of Massimo Cellino, his decision to appoint Garry Monk as head coach has paid dividends.

I was personally shocked when he appointed a manager of the calibre of Monk, especially considering some of our previous managers we had after Cellino bought the club. Now, when we look back at Cellino’s time as chairman of Leeds United, hopefully, we will be able to say at least he employed the man that returned us to glory.

Cellino is a businessman and he must realise the ‘Cellino brand’ is finished in English football. He has been banned on two separate occasions by the football league and he also has been involved in various scandals over the last two years. Most recently, he was investigated after been filmed offering to sell part of the club and suggesting ways for investors to avoid third-party ownership rules.

I personally believe Cellino making the decision to sell the club would be best for all parties. We are in the process of making a serious challenge for promotion, and usually change would be a bad thing. However, Massimo Cellino and everything that goes with him seem to be more likely to disrupt the progression the team are making within the division.

Positivity needs to be nurtured, and with the inevitable distraction of Cellino, we’re always on the brink of self-destruction.

Until the day comes that I watch his car vanish down the motorway and away from the club, I won’t take any rumours seriously regarding his departure. However, maybe it’s finally time. MOT