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Leeds coach Dave Hockaday desperate for Championship momentum

Dave Hockaday
Image: Dave Hockaday: Under pressure as Leeds head coach

Leeds head coach Dave Hockaday has conceded Saturday's home clash with Bolton could be a must-win game for the sake of his future at Elland Road.

Fresh doubt surrounded Hockaday's standing after Wednesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup second-round defeat to neighbours Bradford.

Hockaday, who was given a reprieve by club president Massimo Cellino on Sunday night after the 4-1 loss at Watford looked like being his last game in charge, was reluctant to be drawn on growing speculation regarding his job.

But having watched Leeds suffer a third straight defeat, their fourth in sixth outings this season, the former Forest Green Rovers boss remained upbeat ahead of what he knows is an important weekend.

He said: "There's a thing called momentum and we need to get the ball rolling, so it's a huge game on Saturday.

"Football is like that, you always want to win the next game. Of course the pressure stacks up, so it is a difficult place, not just for me but for the players.

"But with the players I've got at my disposal we'll get them organised, we'll get them focused, we'll get them together and we'll have a go at Bolton - the aim is to get three points."

The 56-year-old also maintained the Leeds players remain fully behind him, but admitted they have not helped themselves on the pitch recently.

He said: "I've got a job to do and I'll keep on doing that job, the players are giving me everything - in certain instances they're maybe giving me too much if you know what I mean, we've had four red cards this season.

"We've got to stop giving ourselves mountains to climb. The sooner we win a game, and then another, and then another, and build some momentum, then the better it will become.

"I'm blessed because I've got a great bunch of lads who have got a team spirit which is second to none. I've got to focus on the positives and work on the negatives if you like."

The Bantams were beaten finalists in the same competition two seasons ago and went on to secure promotion from League Two.

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