Friday, 12th December, 2014
Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Matt Child as their new chief operating officer in a move welcomed by owner Massimo Cellino.
Child will take charge of the day to day management of the club and the appointment paves the way for Cellino to step down from his role as president until April next year.
The Football League wants Cellino to refrain from running Leeds until April due to a conviction for avoiding tax on a boat in Italy, something it deems means he has failed its owners' and directors' test.
Reacting to Child's appointment, Cellino said via his club's site: "I am delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Child as our new chief operating pfficer. Matt will take immediate responsibility for the management and development of the day to day business.
"It is vitally important that we protect and enhance the future of the club and develop the most effective ‘off field’ team that we can."
relatedNewsStory
And Child remarked: "It’s cliched, but I’m genuinely honoured to represent the club. The opportunity to deliver value to your hometown team and city doesn’t happen that often, if at all, so when I was asked to step in there was only one answer.
"I have been involved for a few months behind the scenes and have been hugely impressed by the president's passion, commitment and will to win.
"We find ourselves in interesting times but as a Leeds fan I know only too well that we are often at our best when we have adversity to overcome. We have a number of big tasks ahead of us but if any club can do it, we can."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
