UNDER-PRESSURE Leeds United manager Dave Hockaday will at least get 68 days in charge at Elland Road after a dramatic ‘U’-turn.

Hockaday will be at the helm for tonight’s West Yorkshire showdown when Championship strugglers Leeds go to Bradford City for a Capital One Cup second round tie.

Had owner Massimo Cellino not provided an unexpected lifeline Leeds would have been manager-less going into the visit to Valley Parade tonight.

Cellino, nicknamed the ‘manager-eater’ during his time in his native Italy, where he appointed 36 managers in 20 years at Cagliari, was reportedly going to pull the trigger on Hockaday after Leeds’ 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.

That was the club’s third Championship reverse in four outings leaving the men from Elland Road near the foot of the table.

But added Cellino: “In response to recent media speculation the club can confirm David Hockaday remains the head coach of Leeds United.”

Cellino attempted to sack the then Leeds boss Brian McDermott within hours of his agreeing a deal to buy a controlling stake in the club last January.

McDermott stayed until the end of last season before leaving by mutual consent in May.

Soon after that exit Hockaday, whose previous managerial experience was to head Forest Green Rovers of the Conference Premier, was appointed.

Had Hockaday been sacked on Sunday that would have been 66 days in charge of Leeds. Defeat tonight to Bradford of League One may well ensure his tenure would not go beyond 68.