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by Our Sports Desk
Leeds have confirmed the controversial appointment of Dave Hockaday as the club’s new first-team coach.
Hockaday, who left his last post as manager at Forest Green Rovers by mutual consent in October last year, has signed a two-year contract at Elland Road.
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino, who completed his takeover of the club on April 7, reached an amicable settlement to part company with previous manager Brian McDermott on May 30.
Former Watford coach Hockaday, 56, will work alongside the club’s director of football Benito Carbone, who was appointed as a consultant responsible for “technical and football operations” on May 15.
Leeds have also confirmed that former Hendon coach Junior Lewis, who had spells at Gillingham, Leicester and Hull as a player, has been appointed as Hockaday’s assistant.
The club have made no comment at this stage on the future of coach Nigel Gibbs, who had been assistant to McDermott.
A brief Leeds statement read: “Leeds United are pleased to announce that David Hockaday has been appointed to the position of head coach.
“The 56-year-old has signed a two-year contract and will assume overall responsibility for the coaching staff and first-team playing squad with immediate effect.
“David arrives at Elland Road with a vast amount of coaching experience and was integral to the management team at Watford that gained promotion to the Premier League in 2006.”
The statement added: “Leeds United’s new head coach will be joined by former Leicester City midfielder Junior Lewis.”
Hockaday did not share in any surprise about his appointment.
When asked, he said: “Is it a surprise? No, it isn’t, because of my background and the fact that I’m a very experienced coach and the president wanted an experienced British coach. I tick all the boxes and intend to take it with both hands.”