Massimo Cellino behind Brian McDermott

New Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has insisted that he is fully behind manager Brian McDermott, despite the fact that he reportedly sacked him before the takeover was complete.

Last weekend it was revealed that McDermott had been removed from his position, only for him to be reinstated even though he missed the club's 5-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.

It's unclear if it was Cellino who initiated the initial dismissal, but he hadn't been confirmed as the club's new owner anyway, something which changed on Friday when it was announced that he had taken on 75% stake in the club.

Now that Cellino is in charge, subject to Football League approval, he has assured fans that he won't be getting rid of McDermott.

"I want to get to know the manager and help him. I hope he can help me as well. We are going to work together," he told The Sun.

Cellino has owned Italian club Cagliari Calcio for more than two decades, but now wants to sell the Sardinian team in order to fully focus on Leeds.

"If I was running a Fiat 500 in Italy, now I have the chance to run a Ferrari," he added. "I want to forget about Cagliari now. My heart is with Leeds."

Yesterday's 2-1 victory at Yeovil Town saw Leeds climb to within five points of the Championship playoff places.