MONDAY POLL: It’s D-day for Leeds after Doncaster add to gloom

Doncaster Rovers ensured a miserable week at Elland Road ended on another low note as first-half goals from David Cotterill and Billy Sharp sealed a fully deserved 2-1 derby win for Paul Dickov’s men.

For United, whose players had agreed a 50 per cent deferral of their wages 24 hours previously amid an escalating financial crisis, Saturday’s defeat was their fifth in sixth outings.

Far more pressing, however, is the need for the ownership saga to be resolved after Cellino’s £25m deal to buy a majority stake was vetoed by the League a week ago following his conviction for tax evasion on March 18.

The Italian’s legal team will 
argue against that ruling at 
today’s appeal, which will be heard by an independent QC in central London.

Gulf Finance House, who bought the Elland Road club from Ken Bates in 2012, are desperate for Cellino’s deal to be given the green light as the alternative would be the Bahrain-based bank having to fund the club themselves.

Supporters made their disdain for GFH known during Doncaster’s victory via chants of ‘You’re not fit to run our club’ and ‘Sack the board’.

McDermott said: “The big picture is that Massimo’s appeal will be heard on Monday and we should know the outcome on Monday or Tuesday, I imagine.

“I see it as such an important day, I really do. There is a big decision to be made. Forget me or whoever the manager is, it is the supporters and what is right for Leeds United that matters.

“We have got to get that right because we need this sorted out as of yesterday.”

Regardless of whether a decision is released after the appeal hearing or a few days later, United are back in action tomorrow night when Charlton Athletic visit Elland Road.

McDermott, who despite losing 4-1 at Bournemouth last Tuesday made just one change against Doncaster, has the task of lifting a squad of players who late last week were hit with the revelation that the club could not pay their wages in full as planned.

The United chief said: “I told them (about the wages). I have never done that before so it was a new experience. It wasn’t an easy day but I had to do what I had to do. In the morning (on the Friday), I spoke to the players and they were good, actually.

“You do what you have to do. I have had to do what I have got to do a lot this season and it has not been the easiest of times.”

As for Saturday’s performance – and in particular the insipid 
efforts of his players in the opening 45 minutes – McDermott added: “That first half was shocking. I know that.

“It is horrible to watch and I am sure it was for the fans.

“I am very disappointed. Sometimes you keep faith with the group (after a defeat like Bournemouth) and you get a response, but that didn’t happen.

“We got it in the second half and that is something to hang onto, I suppose. But let’s get Monday out the way and then see where we are.”

In contrast to McDermott’s downbeat mood, Doncaster manager Paul Dickov was delighted with his side’s performance.

With Rovers’ only other win on the road having come at Sheffield Wednesday on September 28, the three points were long overdue and the Scot dedicated the victory to the 764 fans who made the trip to Elland Road.

Dickov said: “It was significant to get our second away win. That was for the fans. They have travelled all over the country watching us this year and been disappointed, more often than not.

“So to go to Elland Road and put in a performance like that was great. I think the fans could sense how much the boys were putting their bodies on the line. We dedicate the wins to them.

“I was delighted with the win. Things got a bit tough towards the end but I was delighted with our first-half display. We passed it well, pressed Leeds well and defended when we had to.

“Our two goals were wonderful and very different. The first was top drawer and then the passing and movement for the second one was brilliant. I don’t know how many passes we had before the ball went in but it was a lot.”