Leeds United - on this day: Brian McDermott appointed to begin turbulent Elland Road spell

The day...

April 12, 2013

The event...

Brian McDermott is appointed Leeds United manager to replace the outgoing Neil Warnock

What happened?

Brian McDermott succeeded Neil Warnock as Leeds United's manager eight years ago.

McDermott endured a turbulent spell at Elland Road in the middle of off-field uncertainty and boardroom level meddling with football affairs.

United finished the 2012-13 season in 13th position as he took charge for the final five games of the Championship campaign.

Leeds signed like the likes of Luke Murphy, Matt Smith, Noel Hunt and Scott Wootton in the following summer and began the new season with five wins from eight games.

The Whites were in promotion contention as the festive period hit but defeat to Rochdale in the FA Cup and a 6-0 thumping at Sheffield Wednesday followed in January.

McDermott admitted that off-field goings on under then owners GFH Capital were affecting performances as speculation grew over the potential incoming of Italian Massimo Cellino.

On January 31, McDermott was told his contract was being terminated by the League Managers' Association.

According to the LMA, he had been told by prospective new owner Cellino not to take the team for the resulting 5-1 Elland Road win over Huddersfield Town before Leeds released a statement later saying he was still manager.

With the sale pending to Cellino he had no authority to sack McDermott, who was reinstated.

He eventually returned to the club after receiving strong support before parting company with the club in May 2014 following a 15th place finish.

McDermott was succeeded by Dave Hockaday as head coach in the June.