Leeds fan snubbed over offer '˜to replicate Football Manager success with Leeds United'

James Whitley, from Medway, Kent, submitted a tongue-in-cheek application to club owner Massimo Cellino, pledging to turn the club’s fortunes around – only to be overlooked for the top job.

Citing the owner’s much-publicised dislike of the number 17 and the colour purple, the 31-year-old requested a £17-per-month salary and set out plans to redecorate the players’ lounge in a purple Barney the dinosaur theme.

He also pledged the banish the out-of-date “dirty Leeds” tag by playing a “more gentle style of football” that includes not kicking the ball too hard and banning slide tackles.

Outlining his plans for the role in an application letter printed on paper backed with an image of former Leeds striker Tony Yeboah, Mr Whitley said: “So you’ve employed and sacked pretty much every professional football manager in the Football League, so why not employ and sack a non-professional one?

“I appreciate job expectancy is only three months, which is fine if you appoint me now as I start a basket weaving night course in September and would therefore not be able to commit to the numerous night games you play in the Championship.”

Despite his best efforts, including submitting a list of skills that include being able to play club anthem Marching on Together on a Bontempi organ, former Swansea manager Monk was appointed on Thursday.

Reacting to the decision, Mr Whitley, whose only managerial experience has come through the Football Manager computer game, said: “I love Garry, who doesn’t? But I think they’ve got the wrong man.

“Some people have told me that I look a little bit like Garry Monk so I’m wondering, on the off chance, if they’ve appointed the wrong bloke.”

The Leeds fan, whose dad is a Whites supporter from West Yorkshire, has insisted that he is still open to offers from the club if Mr Cellino decides to change his mind.

He added: “I want us to march on together and once again deliver success on the pitch. I’d also like to replicate the success I’ve had on Football Manager with Leeds United.

“Not only did I return the club to the Premier league at the first time of asking, I qualified for the Champions League the year after.”