Former Leeds United and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has declared his interest in the vacant manager position at Elland Road.
The position has been available since the end of last month after head coach Dave Hockaday was dismissed just six games into his tenure. New owner Massimo Cellino has declared his intentions to install a young coach and Hasselbaink fits the bill at 42-years-old. The former Dutch international spent last season as manager of Belgian side Royal Antwerp before leaving in May.
Speaking of his rumoured interest, Hasslebaink spoke well of his former side:
“Leeds is a wonderful club where I had a great two years. If they want to talk to me, of course I would talk to them.
“Ive got experience, I know I could take the club forward and I know I can take the club back to where they need to go.
“But what do Leeds United want themselves? Thats the most important question. How do they see things? At the moment there are so many things going on they need to sort out first, or maybe they have already.”
Hasselbaink, who joined Leeds in 1997, is not the only former Leeds forward to declare his interest in the role. Robbie Fowler, who spent just over a year at Elland Road in 2001, has reportedly already applied for the job.
Cellino, however, is keeping his cards close to his chest. The Italian has suggested that current caretaker boss Neil Redfearn is a contender for the job, after guiding the club to a 1-0 win over Bolton. Redfearn will take charge of Leeds’ trip to Birmingham on Saturday.