Brian McDermott insists he will never walk away from his responsibilities at Leeds United, amid the latest turmoil over the club’s ownership.
The Elland Road outfit have suffered more unrest this week, after Sports Capital accused the current owners, Gulf Finance House, of reneging on a deal which would have seen the British consortium buy the club. This is the last thing McDermott needs, as he was hopeful of a deal being finalised before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday.
All the uncertainty off the field has clearly had an effect on the pitch, as Leeds, who were hopeful of a playoff place this season, have slumped to 12th in the Championship table and eight points behind the top-six. This has led to speculation that McDermott could hand in his resignation, but the former Reading boss has dismissed such reports.
“No. Never would I walk away from the club,” he said. “I’m a long way from home but I’d never do that, I’d never do it to the players or the staff or the supporters. They deserve better. When I was brought here, I was brought here on a three-year contract to stabilize the club and take them forward. As far as I’m concerned, that hasn’t changed.
“But I’m desperate to see an end to this. You keep getting light at the end of the tunnel but it doesn’t happen. We need (the takeover) resolving at the top and we need the right people in place. I’ve got to believe that we can get it sorted. I’ve got to believe that we’ve got the right people here with Leeds United at heart. The players are with me and I’m with them.”
With the window shutting in a matter of hours, Leeds face an anxious wait to see if West Ham United, or another Premier League side for that matter, will make a move for Ross McCormack. The Hammers have already failed with an offer for the Scotland international, and have since signed Marco Borriello on loan from Italian side Roma.
McCormack, 27, has scored 18 goals in 27 league appearances this season, and earlier this week, McDermott told the official club website: “I’m confident that he will be here after the window closes on Friday. Ross has never asked to leave. He is my captain and he is a talisman for our team. He scores goals and he makes them as well. He has been a good leader for the team and for me and I’m confident he will remain here.”
