Leeds confirm Salerno exit

Leeds sporting director Nicola Salerno has officially left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 58-year-old Italian, who spent less than a year in the role, was responsible for the effective sacking of Steve Thompson in April when the club’s assistant head coach was controversially suspended.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino confirmed soon afterwards that Salerno, on a two-year contract, had resigned.

The club said on their official Twitter account: “Nicola Salerno has departed his role as Sporting Director at lufc after a mutual termination of his contract was reached.

“lufc would like to thank Nicola for his efforts over the last year and he will always be welcomed back to Elland Road in the future.”

NEWS | Nicola Salerno has departed his role as Sporting Director at #lufc after a mutual termination of his contract was reached.

— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 24, 2015

Salerno arrived at Leeds last July when Cellino revealed the pair would be reunited at Elland Road having worked together at Cagliari.

Thompson’s shock suspension, four months after arriving at Leeds from Huddersfield, followed a spell of six wins from 10 matches, which had helped lift Leeds clear of relegation trouble.

It is understood the letter confirming Thompson’s suspension had been signed by Salerno.

Leeds’ acting chairman at the time, Andrew Umbers, said in a statement several days later that Thompson’s departure had been “disruptive but this is an internal issue and one the board has accepted”.

Salerno also played a key role in the arrival of 15 players, many from overseas, at Elland Road last summer.

Leeds have restructured their management team since the end of last season, with former Hull chairman Adam Pearson returning as executive director – he was commercial director at Leeds for five years until 2001 – and Stuart Hayton appointed as club secretary having held similar roles at Wigan and Liverpool.