David Hockaday, the Leeds head coach, has defended the superstitions of club owner Massimo Cellino ahead of today’s opening game of the season at Millwall.
The Italian’s unconventional methods include banning use of the colour purple and the number 17 since he arrived at Elland Road. But Hockaday, who was brought in controversially in June after managing Forest Green Rovers, said: “It’s been great. I know there will be a bit of conjecture, but we get on fine.
“The superstitions? I don’t wear No 17 on my back or purple! But don’t read into it too much. He’s great to work with because he’s so passionate about the football club.”
Cellino and his director of football Nicola Salerno have identified all the new signings but Hockaday is fine with that. “If there’s somebody I don’t particularly like, I’ll voice my concerns and they’ll go and get the best one they can for Leeds,” he said. “That makes sense. The media have had a bit of fun but now we’re at the business end, so let’s concentrate on Millwall.”
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