Stephen Warnock spent two years at Leeds United between 2013 and 2015 and was front and centre during the Massimo Cellino era, even captaining the Yorkshire club in that time.
The left-back played 67 times for the Whites and had a hand in eight goals during his 24 months at Elland Road. But it was during a time of upheaval at Elland Road in which Cellino oversaw a tumultuous period.
Cellino is renowned for his controversial tactics, whether that be constantly chopping and changing managers or bringing in a completely new squad in his first summer, making 14 new signings atLeeds.
The Italian arrived at Elland Road with the desire to cut the costs, to reduce the costs of the Leeds process and run the Yorkshire club in a way that was as cheap as possible but it affected the form on the pitch.
Even after selling Leeds to Andrea Radrizzani, Cellino’s name continues to be linked to Leeds with the Italian recently claiming that Radrizzani still owes him money following the sale of Leeds to Radrizzani.
Warnock recalled his first witnessing of Cellino after he bought Leeds in 2014, and his attempts to turn the business at Leeds into an operation as streamlined as he could starting with ice baths and jacuzzis.
Warnock recalls first glimpse of Cellino as Leeds owner
Warnock tells a story toUnder The Cosh of how the first time he was acquainted with Cellino was when the new owner walked in at Thorp Arch, and Warnock and other teammates in the jacuzzis and ice baths.
He remembers being blanked by the Italian, and then proceeding to tell his entourage that the pool, baths and other luxuries would be stripped back as Cellino looked to cut corners at every opportunity.
“Massimo Cellino, that was a s— show. The set-up at Thorp Arch was incredible, good training facilities. They had a swimming pool, ice baths, and jacuzzis. I remember being in the jacuzzi and he walked in.
“He blanked us, turned around and spoke to one of the guys showing him round and said, ‘this can go’ about the ice bath and jacuzzi. He said ‘that needs to be emptied’ about the pool. He cost-cut everything.
“I get a message, and I’m thinking this is a wind-up, can’t be true. You need to buy your own slips and socks. Next message, you need to bring in your own lunch. A packed lunch, and a breakfast if you want it.
“You can make it in the kitchen, there will be a toaster, kettle and a fridge. But he got rid of all the chefs. It was an absolute shambles,” Warnock revealed, about Cellino’s time in charge at Elland Road.
What Andrea Radrizzani text Cellino shortly after buying Leeds
Two years on from Warnock’s move to Derby, Radrizzani bought a stake in Cellino’s Leeds and by the summer had bought the club outright from Cellino which finally ended the latter’s four-year reign.
A move that was heralded by Leeds fans with Radrizzani seen as the man to take the club forward, instantly buying Elland Road back. But it is clear Radrizzani knew it was a mistake early on at Leeds.
Indeed, Cellino claims that Radrizzani text him after two months of Leeds ownership admitting he had made a mistake. Later down the line, Radrizzani is seen as a hate figure among Leeds supporters.