Steve Evans 'not distracted' by off-field stunts
Leeds head coach Steve Evans insists his players were not distracted by off-field protests against owner Massimo Cellino before the 2-1 Championship win against Bolton at Elland Road. Two goals from Mirco Antenucci helped ease the pressure following Monday night's 4-0 thrashing at Brighton - but the game was overshadowed by the latest stunts of fans' group Time To Go Massimo.
An advertising van displaying anti-Cellino messages was driven round Leeds city centre and outside the ground before the group held a mock funeral by the East Stand's Billy Bremner statue to mark what they called "the death of the club''.
The group, calling for Cellino to sell, also funded a fly-over ahead of kick-off which saw a plane carrying a 'Time To Go Massimo' banner circling the stadium.
When asked if the protests had proved a distraction, Evans said: "No, none of it. We have to keep our focus on the grass.
"At the team meeting at the hotel I said to the players whatever happens we can't affect it. It's not our business.
"Our business is to turn up as professional footballers, professional coaching staff and medical staff and support the team on the pitch and get three points.
"We know if we get the three points we send the Leeds United family home ready to enjoy their Saturday night.
"I'm really proud of my players and staff, it's been a tough week,'' said Evans, whose future was in doubt after Monday's defeat following comments made by Cellino.
It was the most amount of pressure I've ever experienced at Elland Road in the build up to the game and we've dealt with it.''
Time To Go Massimo member John Bond said: "The fly over has proved a huge success, it was very visible and the coffin stunt again has highlighted our campaign and brought us media attention.
What all this does is to maintain and build on our campaign's momentum. It shows that there are Leeds fans out there, a large number of them, who are calling for change at Leeds United.
We'll continue to raise funds and we expect to gather more momentum. We've raised over #8,000 already and we'd like to thank everyone who has contributed.
There are other things planned, and we'll announce those at the right time, but we're confident our campaign will continue to grow.''