Steve Evans would rather not comment on off-field matters at Leeds United, but has welcomed talk of a supporters group buying a controlling stake in the club.
Leeds Fans Utd (LFU) announced on Monday that they hope to agree a period of exclusivity with current owner Massimo Cellino, as they seek to buy a controlling stake from the controversial Italian. Evans, who replaced the sacked Uwe Rosler last month, insists he doesn’t want to get involved in these matters, but admits he would welcome such a bid.
“The off-field matters, 100% I don’t talk to him about it because I don’t want to get involved in hearing any particular side,” Evans said. “Maybe the Leeds United supporters have been speaking to him for a while, I don’t know. I heard from a journalist and I can’t get involved in who runs Leeds United – it’s an oil tanker in the ocean and I’m trying to swim against the tide.
“I just get on with the job of managing the team. I’ve always said my job is not to get involved in any shape or form with what happens off the pitch. That’s a decision left for the owner and of course if the supporters are involved it’s left to them, they are after all the lifeblood of any club and when fans are involved in any shape or form in a football club, it can only be a good thing.”
It is understood that LFU chief executive Dylan Thwaites is currently in talks with Cellino, who is prepared to sell for zero profit and has vowed to stay away from games due to calls for him to leave. The group has the backing of former England international Stan Collymore, who has said he will purchase shares despite having no previous connection with the club.
Cellino bought the Elland Road club in February 2014, and has since sacked five managers. The Whites – who were champions of England as recently as 1992 – currently lie 19th in the Championship, and have failed to win in any of their previous six matches. Evans will hope to put an end to such a dismal run on Tuesday night when Cardiff City visit the Yorkshire side.
