Darko is the new head coach

One thing you can give Hock credit for is fitness of the players, his team selections, tactics and subbing skills were below par.

Redfearn would'ave been ideal for the job, especially after his success in 4 games however, he does need to learn about subbing; when it's needed and who is needed, other than that, I would'ave loved to have kept him on.

As mentioned before, I don't think it matters what qualifications a coach/manager has, he has to be right for Leeds.

Looking at people like Moyes, Van GallMaGath and various others justifies that point.

My only worry at moment with Donny Darko is upsetting the balance Redders has achieved by bringing in his own player/players. His own players are going to be favourites and could upset some in dressing room.

However, I think if Donny Darko wanders off track slightly then Cellino will be having a word in his shell like.

Thing about new coach's/managers is, their own new players push's longer playing players down pecking order through favouritism, even those that have/are playing well.

So it's going to be an interesting 3 or 4 weeks to begin with.

As for playing lowly opposition up to now, I'd have to disagree.

I'd have to agree with Mikes comments in that regard.

This team is showing style, class and ambition; as Eddie Gray said, maybe it's cos the new imports haven't heard of most of the teams we've played/are playing and are playing without fear but, he goes on to mention it may be a different story once we hit the top 6.

One of the things that's impressed me up to now is, even going behind, or starting slowly, the lads do not drop their heads and give up.

There are a number of interesting points around Darko.

Firstly, as with Hockaday, he's not Cellino's first choice, which then makes you look at why he chose him.

He's clearly been successful at Maribor, but then he should be, they are the big team in their league with the largest player budget.

At Sturm he's not been so successful and there has been mention of the fact that if another few results went the way they had been going then he might find himself out of a job.

If Darko has indeed paid 2/300k to buy himself out of his contract then that is a big risk moving to work for Cellino unless he knew his time was coming to an end at Graz anyway, but still 2/300k that might seem very expensive if he finds himself out of work in a few months.

Why would you pay 2/300k to go to a club where you won't choose players, the owner has alluded to not being able to get players in in Jan, plays a system different to the one you prefer and has a coach sacking owner?

Either you' re desperate, have been promised the earth and/or genuinely think you can be successful anywhere.

I think it's probably a major combination of the latter 2, but the fact he's paid a substantial amount of money to come to Leeds does raise a question.

I could understand it if he was a lifelong Leeds fan and this was always his dream, but I suspect that's not the case.

Anyway, he's here now, just like Hockaday it really will be sing or swim, we hear the same comments from Cellino, 'I talked to him, I like him, he works hard, easy thing to do etc'

Let's see if Darko still has Cellino's support when the going gets a bit tough.

Welcome to Leeds Darko, and good luck!

It could be that away from these shores, where press revelations abound (invariably negative) about our club, that people in places like Austria still see Leeds as a huge club to work and play for? Not saying that's correct but it's certainly possible. Being cynical it could also be perceived as a gateway to the English leagues where, depending on his success with us, he can widen his options in terms of earnings in the future?

Whatever his motives, if he's coughed up the £2/300k you say, then fair play to the guy - surely that shows a level of commitment? (though i'm sure he's being compensated by MC for it).

Time will tell ..............

VOF, I would agree that first bit, English football is a massive draw.

If MC compensating him for it then why not just pay Sturm the compensation?

300k is a lot of money, one would have thought there are some 'guarantees' somewhere.

I suspect in a roundabout way MC has paid the compensation to Sturm.

However by having the story out there that Darko has paid it himself, then from a fan perception it makes the guy more of an attractive option - and easier to sell to us. Not saying i'm right but from publicity perspective it makes sense.

Perhaps he's aware he made a Horlicks of the Hockaday appointment, so is trying to appease us fickle fans !!!!

And perhaps by allowing Darko to buy out his contract, was a far cheaper option than Leeds having to compensate Sturm for poaching their manager ........

Just had Talksport on....

Cellino said he doesn't know why he chose Milanic, but he's a cool guy

Darko apparently had a walk out clause in his contract, which made it easier for him to leave.

Sturm Graz probably recognised the attraction and benefits of moving to Leeds the same as Darko did.

Don Revie made our name big and recognisable in Euro, and around the world. Sgt Wilko enhanced it and DOL enhanced it even more.

comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 20 hours, 18 minutes ago
There are a number of interesting points around Darko.

Firstly, as with Hockaday, he's not Cellino's first choice, which then makes you look at why he chose him.

He's clearly been successful at Maribor, but then he should be, they are the big team in their league with the largest player budget.

At Sturm he's not been so successful and there has been mention of the fact that if another few results went the way they had been going then he might find himself out of a job.

If Darko has indeed paid 2/300k to buy himself out of his contract then that is a big risk moving to work for Cellino unless he knew his time was coming to an end at Graz anyway, but still 2/300k that might seem very expensive if he finds himself out of work in a few months.

Why would you pay 2/300k to go to a club where you won't choose players, the owner has alluded to not being able to get players in in Jan, plays a system different to the one you prefer and has a coach sacking owner?

Either you' re desperate, have been promised the earth and/or genuinely think you can be successful anywhere.

I think it's probably a major combination of the latter 2, but the fact he's paid a substantial amount of money to come to Leeds does raise a question.

I could understand it if he was a lifelong Leeds fan and this was always his dream, but I suspect that's not the case.

Anyway, he's here now, just like Hockaday it really will be sing or swim, we hear the same comments from Cellino, 'I talked to him, I like him, he works hard, easy thing to do etc'

Let's see if Darko still has Cellino's support when the going gets a bit tough.

Welcome to Leeds Darko, and good luck!
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Yet another glowing endorsement!

Firstly, as with Hockaday, he's not Cellino's first choice, which then makes you look at why he chose him.

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How many clubs/owners get their No1 choice of manager each time?

I'm sure any sane owner/club draw up a list of options, so they have more than a plan A.