2013–14 Leeds United F.C. season explained

Club:	Leeds United
Season:	2013–14
Manager:	Brian McDermott
Chairman:	Ken Bates (until 1 July)^[1] Salah Nooruddin
Stadium:	Elland Road
League Result:	15th
Cup1:	FA Cup
Cup1 Result:	Third round
Cup2:	League Cup
Cup2 Result:	Third round
League Topscorer:
Season Topscorer:
Highest Attendance:	(3 August 2013, Championship)
Lowest Attendance:	17,343 vs Charlton Athletic (1 April 2014, Championship)
Average Attendance:	25,088
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Prevseason:	2012–13
Nextseason:	2014–15

The 2013–14 season was Leeds United's fourth consecutive season in the Championship.

Season summary

Leeds began the season in the same strong form that helped them avoid relegation the previous year, and by Christmas Day were in the play-off places, leaving fans cautiously optimistic that Brian McDermott might be the man to take them back into the top-flight after a decade away. As had become all-too familiar for the club, however, off-field events saw their promotion challenge quickly unravel. GFH Capital, who had purchased the club the previous year, announced that they did not have the funds to continue running the club long-term, and eventually sold Leeds to maverick Italian owner Massimo Cellino, who immediately ran afoul of the Football Association's fit and proper persons test due to a past criminal conviction.

The uncertainty had a clear effect on the field, with Leeds' form collapsing dramatically, eventually leading to a farcial episode where McDermott was sacked, only to be reinstated a few days later. The team won only three games in-between Christmas Day and April 8, before a late flurry of ten points from their final five matches stabilized their league position (though they would have survived even had they not gained any points from these games, largely thanks to the dismal form of the bottom four sides). However, this was not enough to save McDermott's job, and he parted company with Leeds shortly after the season ended, with club captain Ross McCormack, whose goals were largely credited with helping Leeds avoid a serious relegation struggle, handing in a transfer request shortly thereafter.

Events

This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2013–14 season, presented in chronological order, starting on 4 May 2013 and ending on the final day of the club's final match in the 2013–14 season. This list does not include transfers or new contracts, which are listed in the transfers section below, or match results, which are in the results section.

August

• 11 August: Rodolph Austin replaces Lee Peltier as Club Captain.^[2]

October

• 21 October: Ryan Hall is suspended from the club for two weeks pending an investigation into a disciplinary issue^[3]

November

• 30 November: English consortium granted exclusive period for significant investment in club by GFH Capital.^[4]

January

• 7 January: The club confirms the group which will acquire a majority shareholding in Leeds United is Sport Capital.^[5]
• 10 January: Leeds United announce strategic partnership with San Francisco 49ers of the NFL.^[6]
• 16 January: Ross McCormack is named as new Club Captain, replacing Rodolph Austin, who was appointed club captain at the start of the season – who stepped down from the role following the 6–0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.^{[7] [8]}
• 30 January: The takeover of Sport Capital collapses after some of the consortium's backers didn't feel able to deliver the financial backing.^[9]
  However, GFH Capital confirm they are in continual discussions regarding the introduction of new investment into Leeds United.^[10]

February

• 1 February 2014: GFH Capital confirm that it has agreed to sell a 75 per cent stake in the club to Eleonora Sport Ltd, a company owned by Massimo Cellino.^[11]
• 4 February 2014: Enterprise Insurance, the club's shirt sponsor, file a winding-up petition over an alleged unpaid debt understood to be about £1.5 million.^[12]
• 7 February 2014: GFH Capital exchanged contracts for the sale of 75 per cent of the club to Eleonora Sport Ltd, subject to Football League approval. GFH Capital and its investors will retain a 25 per cent stake in Leeds United.^[13]
• 27 February 2014: Enterprise Insurance withdraw winding-up petition after the club are understood to have repaid around £1.6 million to Enterprise Insurance, with the hearing at the High Court on 17 March cancelled.^[14]

March

• 24 March 2014: After Massimo Cellino was found to be guilty of an offence under Italian tax legislation to the non-payment of import duties of a boat,^[15] The Football League disqualified Cellino from taking over the club.^[16] Leeds United's Board and Executive Management announced they will continue discussions with the Football League and Eleonora Sport to find a solution that is suitable to all parties.^[17]
• 27 March 2014: The legal representatives of Massimo Cellino lodged an appeal against The Football League’s decision that he is subject to a disqualifying condition under its Owners’ and Directors’ Test.^[18]
• 28 March 2014: After the club failed to pay the players on time, the Leeds United players agreed to defer part of their wages for March.^[19]

April

• 5 April 2014: After an independent Queen's Counsel overturned the decision made by The Football League to disqualify Massimo Cellino,^[20] Massimo Cellino was granted approval to complete the purchase of a majority stake in Leeds United, subject to FL Approval. The approval will see Eleonora Sport take a 75% stakeholding in the club while former majority shareholders GFH Capital and investors retain 25%.^[21]
• 8 April 2014: Leeds United post £9.5 million loss for the 2012–13 financial year.^[22] Massimo Cellino completes his takeover of Leeds United having agreed a deal to buy a 75% stake in the club, according to his lawyers.^[23]
• 10 April 2014: The Football League ratified Massimo Cellino's takeover of Leeds United,^[24] allowing Cellino to become a Director of the club.^[25]
• 11 April 2014: David Haigh resigns as Managing Director.^[26]

May

• 3 May 2014: Leeds United finish the 2013–14 Championship season 15th, on 57 points.

Competitions

Championship

See main article: 2013–14 Football League Championship.

Matches

FA Cup

See main article: 2013–14 FA Cup.

League Cup

See main article: 2013–14 Football League Cup.

First-team squad

Squad information

Appearances (starts and substitute appearances) and goals include those in the Championship (and playoffs), League One (and playoffs), FA Cup, League Cup and Football League Trophy.
¹Player made fifty eight appearances (scoring six goals) for the club during his first spell at the club^[27]

Appearances and goals

|-|colspan="14"|Players currently out on loan:|-|colspan="17"|Players who have been available for selection this season, but have now permanently left the club:

Transfers

New contracts

¹Contracts come into effect Summer 2014

Awards

Internal Awards

Official Player of the Year Awards

The results of the 2013–14 Leeds United A.F.C. Player of the Year Awards were announced at a dinner on 3 May 2014 at Elland Road.^[28]

• Fans' Player of the Year: Ross McCormack
• Young Player of the Year: Alex Mowatt
• Players' Player of the Year: Ross McCormack
• Goal of the Season: Ross McCormack (vs Sheffield Wednesday, 17 August)
• Fastest Goal of the Season: Matt Smith (vs Huddersfield Town, 26 October)
• Community Player of the Year: Matt Smith

Notes and References

1. Web site: 1 July 2013 . Boardroom Changes Announced at Elland Road . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131212153833/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1iwgzo6gn4g4i14n6at80dsx30/title/boardroom-changes-announced-at-elland-road . 12 December 2013 . 1 July 2013 . Leeds United F.C..
2. Web site: 12 August 2013 . Skipper Speaks of his Pride . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092917/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/12o2t5xv427g818y544tiiyw9x/title/skipper-speaks-of-his-pride . 6 October 2014 . 1 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
3. Web site: 21 October 2013 . Leeds United: Ryan Hall suspended . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131021124448/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/jcvywd50wpqo1t7y1c8hm99y0/title/statement-ryan-hall-suspended . 21 October 2013 . 21 October 2013 . Leeds United F.C..
4. Web site: 30 November 2013 . Investors Granted Exclusive Period . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20131214205024/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/dsccpz76c2321w9pzrc8m0ad8/title/investors-granted-exclusive-period . 14 December 2013 . 10 December 2013 . Leeds United F.C..
5. Web site: 7 January 2014 . Investment Update . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140107214631/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1gsp4gds73kn51a63idizy8tv2/title/investment-update . 7 January 2014 . 7 January 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
6. Web site: 10 January 2014 . United Announce 49ers Link-Up . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140110185110/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8vmgq7nudn8a14cgw95cezxe7/title/united-announce-49ers-link-up . 10 January 2014 . 10 January 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
7. Web site: 16 January 2014 . Ross Named New Skipper . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140118230627/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/56tkc99wg9z1v8l1dwupg2gy/title/ross-named-new-skipper . 18 January 2014 . 1 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
8. Web site: 11 January 2014 . Misery at Wednesday . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140114075121/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/q84wiec1zwup1f6ydzhlcpd3p/title/sheffield-wednesday-live . 14 January 2014 . 1 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
9. Web site: 30 January 2014 . Leeds takeover by British consortium collapses . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140201215627/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9141746/sky-bet-championship-leeds-takeover-by-british-consortium-collapses . 1 February 2014 . 30 January 2014 . Sky Sports.
10. Web site: 30 January 2014 . Statement From the Owners . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202154643/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/ul75jtwpgqdv1k06bdmvm8lp7/title/statement-from-the-owners . 2 February 2014 . 30 January 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
11. Web site: 1 February 2014 . A Statement From GFH Capital . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140202181928/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/y18k159fs2j61hfjr99foifin/title/a-statement-from-gfh-capital . 2 February 2014 . 1 February 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
12. News: Conn . David . 4 February 2014 . Rejected Leeds United buy-out bidder issues a winding-up petition . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201127230540/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/feb/04/leeds-united-buy-out-bidder-winding-up-petition . 27 November 2020 . 30 September 2020 . The Guardian.
13. Web site: 7 February 2014 . Statements from Salah Nooruddin and Hisham Alrayes . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140209042157/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/16cr3klmb3cpp1xljskfrgkd8q/title/statements-from-our-owners . 9 February 2014 . 7 February 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
14. Web site: Leeds United: Enterprise withdraw winding-up petition . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140304014442/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-enterprise-withdraw-winding-up-petition-1-6467964 . 4 March 2014 . 22 February 2014 . Yorkshire Evening Post.
15. Web site: 5 March 2014 . Leeds takeover in balance as Massimo Cellino accused of tax evasion . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140324185405/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/mar/05/leeds-takeover-massimo-cellino-accused-tax-evasion-yacht . 24 March 2014 . 24 March 2014 . The Guardian.
16. Web site: 24 March 2014 . Football League Statement – Massimo Cellino . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140328091305/http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20140324/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino_2293334_3729469 . 28 March 2014 . 24 March 2014 . The Football League.
17. Web site: 24 March 2014 . A Statement From the Club . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140324190134/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1oyl9zgyx0ngf16bzsu8sop4ha/title/a-statement-from-the-board . 24 March 2014 . 24 March 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
18. Web site: 27 March 2014 . Football League Statement . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140328170419/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1bk5x7d3u42ya15n8q976hrviy/title/football-league-statement . 28 March 2014 . 27 March 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
19. Web site: 28 March 2014 . Leeds United players accept pay proposal . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080541/http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20140328/leeds-united-players-accept-pay-proposal_2293322_3736803 . 7 April 2014 . 5 April 2014 . The Football League.
20. Web site: 5 April 2014 . Football League statement – Massimo Cellino . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407080339/http://www.football-league.co.uk/footballleaguenews/20140405/football-league-statement-massimo-cellino_2293334_3750549 . 7 April 2014 . 5 April 2014 . The Football League.
21. Web site: 5 April 2014 . New Owner receives seal of approval . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075354/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/ahb4isr9g6jc1ffgogtq5e1mz/title/new-owner-receives-seal-of-approval . 7 April 2014 . 5 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
22. Web site: 8 April 2014 . Leeds United post £9.5m loss . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140411081625/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-post-9-5-million-loss-1-6548303 . 11 April 2014 . 8 April 2014 . Yorkshire Evening Post.
23. Web site: 8 April 2014 . Massimo Cellino 'completes' takeover . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140410204507/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26942154 . 10 April 2014 . 8 April 2014 . BBC Sport.
24. Web site: 10 April 2014 . Football League ratify Leeds takeover . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240402134234/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9258916/sky-bet-championship-football-league-ratify-leeds-takeover . 2 April 2024 . 10 April 2014 . Sky Sports.
25. Web site: 10 April 2014 . League Give Massimo The Green Light . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140412011518/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/cq6wp514tgfb1ih37bfjkzmj1/title/league-give-massimo-the-green-light . 12 April 2014 . 10 April 2014 . Leeds United F.C..
26. Web site: 11 April 2014 . Managing director David Haigh resigns . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140412020037/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26995315 . 12 April 2014 . 11 April 2014 . BBC Sport.
27. Web site: 22 September 2011 . Danny Pugh . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120530/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=33084 . 4 November 2012 . 22 September 2011 . Soccerbase.
28. Web site: 3 May 2014 . Awards Hat-Trick for Ross . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140504071356/http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/obtxegh53y7z7xn94ohk8mw/title/awards-hat-trick-for-ross . 4 May 2014 . 4 March 2014 . Leeds United F.C..