Ross McCormack was the most recent talisman of Elland Road, having suddenly found his shooting boots to score 28 league goals last term, having netted just five the previous campaign. The forward had netted 18 during the 11/12 season and just two during the season preceding that one, so his track record at Elland Road has been reminiscent of a box of chocolates in recent times. Whenever a club loses their topscorer, they will inevitably struggle to replace his goals - that goes without saying. The likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have been testament to that in recent seasons. With a strike-force consisting of journeymen Billy Sharp, Steve Morison, Souleymane Doukara and Mirco Antenucci, its no surprise that the side are lacking a bit of sharpness and precision up front. Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has since taken a swipe at last seasons topscorer, perhaps in a bid to spare himself from the wrath of the fans, by indicating that the forward was a troublemaker in the camp.
I like to be in control of situations but it felt like he wasnt my player. I was disrespected, he was aggressive with me. He didnt turn up for the pre-season tour, he didnt want to be here and we got a very good price. It wasnt in my mind to sell McCormack, it wasnt my plan, but I had no choice. Hes a bloody good player and Im not going to pretend that he isnt but he didnt respect me and it wasnt possible to keep him. - Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino, July 2014.
Fancy a right of reply, Ross? Its pretty easy to respond because its just pure facts. I was told by the club not to train because they were talking to Fulham. They didnt want me injured with the size of the fee. Where that one came from, that I didnt show up on the Monday to go to training, is ludicrous. It was pretty nasty in the end, to be honest. Its sad because that was somewhere I honestly thought I was going to finish my career. I believed it was my club. - Ross McCormack, September 2014.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
