Monday, 3rd January, 2014
Leeds United board member Salem Patel is adamant the club need Brian McDermott to remain at the helm, after admitting to being "shocked" by the speculation around his apparent sacking.
McDermott is understood to be taking training as per usual today, despite a deadline-day claim that he had been relieved of his duties at Elland Road.
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The turmoil, which began just a short while before the transfer window closed, continued into this week with a club statement denying McDermott was sacked.
Leeds are facing a takeover bid from Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino, who is rumoured to have authorised the sacking.
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However, Patel today told the BBC: "I was at home on Friday night and my wife started reading Twitter reports that Brian had been sacked and to be honest I was shocked.
"I thought at least I would be privy to that information if it was going to happen. We want Brian back and we want him managing the club again.
"I called Brian and told him it was not something that was authorised by us. As soon as we found out we reacted.
"We hired Brian, we hand-picked him, and he has performed really well in the last year or so he's been here, and we hope he continues to be our manager for the foreseeable future."
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