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Leeds United part company with Steve Evans

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Steve Evans says he doesn't feel undermined by Massimo Cellino, despite the Leeds owner interviewing managerial candidates while Evans was still in charge

Leeds United have parted company with head coach Steve Evans, the Sky Bet Championship club have announced.

Evans had previously called on club owner Massimo Cellino to make a decision on his future after MK Dons boss Karl Robinson rejected an offer to take over at Elland Road, while Bristol Rovers refused Leeds permission to speak to Darrell Clarke.

Evans was appointed in October after Uwe Rosler was sacked and he guided Leeds to a 13th place finish in the Championship.

Rosler's unsuccessful tenure followed on from those of Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday, Darko Milanic and Neil Redfearn.

Now, Cellino has decided the time is right for Evans and his assistant Paul Raynor to leave the club after just seven months in charge. 

Steve Evans
Image: Evans has left Leeds United after seven months

In a statement on the Leeds website, Cellino said: "I would like to thank Steve Evans for his efforts as the head coach of Leeds United.

"Steve completed the job he was brought in to carry out - to keep the team in the Championship - and his hard work here has been greatly appreciated. I wish him and Paul Raynor the very best for the future.

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"We have, however, decided that a different approach is required in order to achieve our targets for the new season.

"The club is now looking to appoint a new head coach to build on the good work of Steve and Paul and deliver the special season which our supporters deserve." 

Leeds United's Mirco Antenucci (l) and Middlesbrough's Emilio Nsue battle for the
Image: Leeds finished the season in 13th position in the Championship

Evans revealed that he had received the news that his contract would not be extended on Tuesday following weeks of speculation surrounding his future.

"I got the news from our club secretary late this afternoon," he said. "I went up to Elland Road for normal business. It fell upon me, given the recent events, to be asking the question of whether my contract was going to be extended.

"And following a meeting with the board and Mr Cellino, it was clear that my contract was not going to be renewed and they wished me well."

But despite the controversial circumstances surrounding his departure, Evans insisted that he doesn't feel undermined by Cellino.

Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino
Image: Leeds owner Massimo Cellino thanked Evans for keeping Leeds up

"First and foremost, I've always believed that if you're a club owner, chairman or president, you have the final say," Evans said.

"You are duty bound to everyone at the football club, including the supporters, to put the best man in the chair for the job.

"If Mr Cellino, who had an option to extend my contract, saw fit to go and speak to other people - one, I had to ask if he was doubting me. Or two, was he doing it to see if there was something better in the market?

"Everyone has feelings and it was hard to sit there and accept but when you work for Leeds United, you realise the sheer size of the football club and the supporters who are wonderful people.

Rangers v Hibernian - William Hill Scottish Cup Final
Image: Evans has already been linked with the vacant managerial role at Hibernian, following the departure of Alan Stubbs

"You realise you have to keep your dignity and respect. My career will move on, but it's been a great experience managing such a great club."

Evans also distanced himself from the vacant managerial role at Hibernian, following Alan Stubbs' departure to Rotherham on Tuesday. 

"I've always said I'll go back up north for the right opportunity," Evans said. "I won't put myself forward for the Hibs job - I think Alan Stubbs is still the Hibernian manager until he puts pen to paper in Rotherham.

"I'm now officially looking for a role and I hope to find the right one. It has to be right for me and the club."

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