Leeds United Confirms Cellino Return

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has been granted permission by the Football League to return to the club's board.

It was confirmed by Leeds United this morning. He was banned from being involved with the Championship side until the end of the season after being found guilty of tax evasion in Italy. But after passing the League's Owners and Directors test, the club confirmed he will take up the role of chairman with immediate effect.

But with the confirmation of Cellino's return, doubt has been cast over head coach, Neil Redfearn’s, future.

Cellino says he’s ‘in love with Neil’ but is still undecided:

> I need to decide whether Neil is best for the club and can lead us back to the Premier League.. > > > > I am in love with Neil and I don't want to talk to anyone else about the job. I have always believed in him and I gave him his big chance. > > > > I made sure he had a clause guaranteeing he would pick the team because I don't want a coach I control. If my coach is working in the right direction I will treat him better thananyone else in the world. > > > > I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and I don't want to have this.''

49-year-old Redfearn has made it clear he wants to continue in the job but wants certain assurances, including the return of assistant Steve

Thompson, who was suspended without explanation last month in the Italian's absence.

Thompson is currently consulting with the League Managers' Association after being notified by letter in early April that he had been suspended until his contract expires at the end of the season - less than four months after being appointed.

Among one of Cellino's first tasks though will be a meeting with officials from the Football Association, which is investigating the possible issue of third-party ownership in relation to last summer's signing of Brazilian midfielder Adryan.

Cellino insists the club did nothing wrong during the transaction and had been careful to check this with the game's authorities at the time.