According to the scratching shed that is the rumour... The official club line (or rather, Massimo Cellino’s version of events) has it that Steve Thompson was sacked for swearing at Nicola Salerno following a Leeds United win and it was Salerno himself who made the decision, but it’s a version of events I believe to be wholly inaccurate. Salerno, an Italian man who arrived soon after Massimo Cellino’s takeover, was well-liked by staff at Elland Road and his resignation soon after being named by the club for Thompson’s sacking is said to be the reason he walked away; a protest of sorts after being scapegoated for a decision he played no part in. As for the real reason Thompson was sacked, this would appear to be nothing more than petty jealousy. Leeds United’s owner was unhappy with Neil Redfearn for communicating less with him since the arrival of Thompson so sought to clip his wings. http://www.thescratchingshed.com/2015/04/does-cellino-plan-to-cash-in-before-cashing-out/ I don't like Cellino, I don't trust him and as someone against him of course I am going to say I believe this, it does make sense though...
I did think Thompson calling Salerno an offensive word was a bit of a petty reason. It's not nice, but football has a reputation for coarse vernacular and I'm sure many players or coaches have said worse things to their respective superiors without incurring a sacking. Cellino seems to have this inferiority complex where he needs to be the centre of attention at all times - and these ridiculous histrionics are killing the club. I'm happy for him to leave - it's just a shame he'll inevitably sell Byram, Mowatt, Cook and Taylor first.
Sounds laughable, but thats what I was told. Both that and the swearing at Salerno sound unlikely as reports from Hay (normally a reliable source) says he was quiet and professional.
Elland. That is a very old story and I'm trying to remember who it was about. I thought it might be the coach who was at Southampton (maybe Stuart Gray) also part of Hoddle's set up. Possibly Thommo but definitely not at Leeds.
There are lots of fantasy stories out there that match 'the facts'. Truth is, none of us know. But why let the truth get in the way of adding to your conspiracy theory?
Evening WJ I didn't write the article, it makes sense and I do believe it to be more factual than any of the other reasons I have read, maybe that is because I can see through Cellino and you can't yet
Just because the article was written doesn't make it true. Salerno has no man-management responsbiities (or authority) & had to take his request to the board for ratification, which they did. What's probably more relevant is the talk of Salerno returning to Italy as a big club re pursuing him (I can't recall which one, but it's been widely reported).
Hey'up Ristac, Generally speaking, I think the article is pure speculation to try and drum up support against Cellino. Media / journalists can be very crafty when writing their articles, take note of the headline (does-cellino-plan-to-cash-in-before-cashing-out), this is a question to attract disgruntled fans attentions and reply with their emotional frustrations, which is happening, and does happen a lot amongst Leeds fans, especially over last 10 years. WJ's version is more the truth because that was reported what Leeds released in an article not long after the Thommo sacking. If Cellino gets Leeds United back in prem, then that's where he gains to make a bigger profit rather than languishing in championship. Money alone from the TV games would be a big big bonus, crowds would increase as we'd be playing other big teams and all up, merchandise sales would probably increase, our name would once again be known around the world and the value of LUFC would certainly increase. Business wise, Cellino would be better off getting Leeds into prem. In regards to Thommo calling Salerno an offensive word, A) be offensive to your superiors, then take responsibility for the repercussions, B) it shows a lack of respect, irrespective of Thommos feelings towards Salerno, C) Thommo obviously thought he could get away with it......he was wrong. To reiterate, Thommos actions are what left Redders on his own, Thommo is solely responsible, no one else. I don't know if anyones noticed, and given how close Redders and Thommo were, and I'm willing to bet my bank balance that they talked straight after the incident, A) Redders has continually said he was in the dark over it, B) Redders has neither denied nor confirmed what Thommo was supposed to have said, C) Redders was very quick to get on with his job and not defend his best mate over the incident. As for Cellino being an egotist, jealous and wanting all attention, again, pure speculation and personal perception. If Cellino is what some say he is, then trust me, he would've been shouting very loud from Miami; egotists and attention seekers don't sit quiet for very long. who's getting beers in...
Here is the clue... If you were offensive towards an employer you would be sacked. Thompson wasn't sacked, he was told not to report back, he is still being paid his contract will not be renewed. Forget the swear word, it didn't happen, strange how only Cellino has commented on what he heard then Salerno supposedly leaves, ask Cellino about it and he hasn't left. Pattern forming = never Cellino at fault.
There you go again, misquoting to suit your conspiracy theory. Cellino said no such thing about Salerno leaving. What he said was that Salerno had tendered his resignation, but he had asked him to wait for Cellino's return so that they could discuss the matter. Thompson was also suspended unti the end of the season, which is a reasonable punishment for his alleged transgression. Oops! I sneezed. Don't you go telling the world I've got bubonic plague now!
Isn't my theory WJ but do I believe it to be possibly true, yes I do. Many know what Cellino is about, the Scratching Shed article slots right into place, more so than today's red tops that say Cellino denies telling the players to go on strike. I did read though that Cellino has criticised Redfearn for not handling the situation better, I also read his next hearing has been put back to June. May is looking like a big month one way or the other. As for misquoting, did reports state Salerno had left? Yes. Did Cellino say he has left? He said NO he hasn't, dress it up to suit by all means but your starting to clutch as much as LL now
WJ - when asked if Salerno has left, does Cellinos reply however it is quoted or dressed up = YES or NO
So stop it then. Your theory could be as right or wrong as anyone else's. Ergo their supposition is as valid as yours.
WJ doing his spin doctoring for Cellino again Thread is about how Cellino suspended Thompson because he was jealous/upset and pinned blame on Salerno causing Salerno to resign. NOT about what was quoted
Ristac, with respects, Thommo was relieved of his duties and told his contract won't be renewed at end of this season, basically it means sacked and his contract will be honoured. I can see you're emotionally passionate about your hatred for Cellino, I respect your feelings, I've no intentions of getting on your bad side cos I heard you pack quite a wallop.... however, WJ was correct, "Cellino said no such thing about Salerno leaving. What he said was that Salerno had tendered his resignation, but he had asked him to wait for Cellino's return so that they could discuss the matter". that was mentioned in an article that Simon Austin wrote I believe, not 100% sure but it was one of the 3 which includes Pope and Hay. I don't think anyone is sure what offensive word/s Thommo used, but the board would've known and apparently the info was passed on to Cellino. One of the words being banded around was ******. Normally there's a lot of feeling and other words involved when using that type of offensive word. I'm not so sure it could be called criticism, I read it too, Cellino said he only heard about it on Friday evening, then asked why didn't Redders inform the chairman. I still love ya Ristac, gis a cuddle....
This after telling @sportsimon that the board had been kept informed all week - has he got dementia, or generally forgets what whoppers he tells to who?
Phil Hay @PhilHayYEP @sport_simon intriguing. The club chairman told me directly on Saturday that he and the club had been "kept in touch with injuries all week" Now being a journalist that occassionally writes for the sun - this Simon geezer has no reason to lie - he was also very pro-Cellino at one point!!
