Milanic sacked after 32 days as Leeds boss

By Mike Collett LONDON (Reuters) – Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino sacked his second manager of the season on Saturday when Slovenian Darko Milanic parted ways with the English Championship club after just 32 days at Elland Road. Milanic, who was appointed on 23 September, was sacked after Leeds were beaten 2-1 at home by Wolverhampton Wanderers in their second-tier fixture, meaning Milanic has failed to win any of their six games his leadership. He looked on course for his first win with 23 minutes remaining and Leeds winning with a first-half goal from Mirco Antenucci. However, Wolves equalized after 67 minutes through James Henry, and an 85th-minute goal from Leon Clarke gave Wolves victory and sealed Milanic’s fate. “I want to apologize to the fans, they deserve better results,” Cellino said on the club’s Twitter account, where a statement confirmed Milanic’s departure. It lasted less than half the time of its predecessor Dave Hockaday. Hockaday became manager on 19 June, but was sacked 70 days later on 28 August after six games into the season. Cellini, who sacked 36 managers in his 22 years in charge of Italian club Cagliari, has now sacked three managers since taking over at Leeds six months ago, with Brian McDermott the first to leave in June. Leeds, who were runners-up in the European Cup in 1975, are 18th in the Championship, five points above the relegation zone. Neil Redfearn, who acted as interim manager between the short reigns of Hockaday and Milanic, will return as permanent manager from Monday. (Editing by Toby Davis)