Dave Hockaday: a short and surprising appointment
Dave Hockaday was Leeds United’s head coach from June to August 2014, one of the briefest permanent appointments in the club’s history. His arrival under owner Massimo Cellino attracted attention because his previous managerial experience had been with non-league Forest Green Rovers.
An unexpected choice
Following the departure of Brian McDermott, Leeds appointed Hockaday as head coach in June 2014. He had previously worked in youth development, including at Watford, and had managed Forest Green Rovers between 2009 and 2013. For a club with Leeds’ history and expectations, his appointment was widely regarded as a gamble.
Cellino’s decision came during a period of considerable change in the squad and behind the scenes. Hockaday was tasked with preparing Leeds for the 2014–15 Championship season despite limited time and considerable public scrutiny.
Six competitive matches
Hockaday took charge of six competitive games: four in the Championship and two in the League Cup. Leeds won one league game, against Middlesbrough, but lost the other three. The team also progressed past Accrington Stanley in the League Cup before losing 2–1 to Bradford City in the second round.
The Bradford defeat on 27 August 2014 proved decisive. Leeds dismissed Hockaday the following day, just over two months after his appointment and less than a month into the competitive season.
After Hockaday
Neil Redfearn took temporary charge and oversaw an improvement in results before the club appointed Darko Milanič in September. Hockaday’s rapid departure became an early illustration of the managerial instability that marked Cellino’s ownership.
His place in Leeds United history
Hockaday’s time at Elland Road is remembered primarily for the surprise surrounding his appointment and the speed of his dismissal. With only six competitive matches in charge, he had little opportunity to establish a lasting playing style or develop the squad.