Steve Evans unfazed by Massimo Cellino ruling and says Leeds job 'like Christmas, wedding day, first date'
Tuesday 20 October 2015 18:59, UK
Steve Evans has downplayed owner Massimo Cellino's uncertain future and says taking the Leeds job is like his "wedding day and first date" rolled into one.
Evans was appointed as the sixth boss of the Cellino era on Monday, minutes before the Football League revealed the Italian had been disqualified for a second time under its rules governing owners and directors.
Cellino intends to appeal, and in the meantime Evans' remit is to halt a run of four defeats in five games which saw Uwe Rosler lose his job.
The Scot shrugged off questions about apparent off-field instability - and instead cut a jubilant tone as he was officially unveiled to the media.
"I'm here to concentrate what happens on the grass," Evans said. "My focus is on the playing squad, whatever happens above me is for them to deal with.
"If Mr Cellino's here then he's my boss, but my direct boss on a day-to-day basis is (head of recruitment) Martyn Glover. I've not really thought about it, and I don't know any answers."
Evans, who confirmed his appointment to Sky Sports News HQ on Monday, admitted he jumped at the chance to manage the "biggest club in the Championship".
"It's overwhelming for me," the former Rotherham boss added.
"There are some big clubs in the Championship but there's only one biggest. We could do a straw poll from here to China and they'd tell you that.
"When Leeds United called, I could have been anywhere in the world and I'd have travelled to Leeds.
"My message to the supporters is, give me an opportunity. Many a better man and manager has sat here and asked for that. Am I cautious, nervous, excited? Yes. It's Christmas, babies being born, your wedding day and your first date all rolled into one.
"It's a massive club. I walked through the city last night and Leeds fans came up to me and shook my hand and chanted my name."
Evans revealed one of the "840" people to get in touch with him was Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart.
"Rotherham United fans realise I'm a very passionate man," said Evans, who steered the Millers the Championship to Championship survival last season before his surprise departure last month.
"One of the best calls I received was from Tony Stewart to say if it's based on desire, commitment and a man who gives it everything then he expects Leeds to be majorly successful. That means a lot to me."
