The story of why Pearson could have left Lufc.

We All Love Leeds writer Keir Taylor takes a look at what could have been happening behind closed doors at Elland Road, his theory for what role Pearson took on at the club and why his exit was so speedy. 

Following the home defeat to Ipswich last night, it was announced that Pearson has left Leeds United.


When Adam Pearson joined Leeds United a mere four months ago, the rumours were that he was there to find a buyer if Massimo Cellino was banned on a permanent basis. However, as Pearson took a more hands on control of the club, it seemed that we finally had a bit of stability – excluding his announcement at the press conference. 

In said press conference, Pearson claimed that he had given Neil Redfearn a contract to stay. He may have done, but he didn’t specify what the clauses were, if there ever was any – long story short, Redfearn left on his own accord. I believe he didn’t want to leave – I think he was pushed rather than jumped, but that’s my opinion. Now, on to Lucy Ward. She’s Redfearn’s other half and was suspended for taking ‘too much’ time off – according to the rumours. Cellino now faces the courts over her suspension. 

Not long after these, we started to spend real money on real players. Most notably, Chris Wood. So, you could say that things were on the up, couldn’t you? I’d of said so. This signing was completed not long after Uwe Rosler signed a deal at Leeds United to become the head coach. Could be that the coach was now actually picking the signings. 

Anyway, fast forwarding a few months. Leeds United have been linked with a takeover for a while now, and one name pops up more often than all the others… Red Bull. I personally believe that if Red Bull bought Leeds United, it’d be the death of my Leeds United – evidence points to that answer, so I won’t guess on conjecture. But, the people we have seen are what some people believe to be Asian businessmen. These businessmen have allegedly been spotted at the ground for the past few weeks.

Just for a minute, let’s look at this way – IF they are businessmen, I can see why Cellino would want to be speaking to them. He faces multiple court cases before the halfway point of the season, and if he’s found guilty, he could be banned indefinitely. So, passing it over as quickly as possible wouldn’t be such a bad thing. 

This is where I also think Adam Pearson comes in to play. Pearson was working with Farnan before, and now claims the two don’t speak due to the fact he came to Leeds United without consulting his partner (Farnan) first. So, what offer would make a man with integrity, such as Pearson, leave a friend in the dark? Money? Power? Maybe. I believe its money. 

I believe that Cellino gave him an offer, that if he could find a buyer by the time of his banning, he would give Pearson a heftier finder’s fee. If you look at it, I guess it does kind of make sense. Why would Cellino all of a sudden hand over the spotlight to a new employee? Why would he all of a sudden splash a lot of cash on players? Why else would he try and get new sponsorship deals? Why else would he just generally calm down and not say a word? Because, doing all this makes the club look stable, and a viable option for a purchase. 

Now, let’s say that these businessmen’s appearance and Pearson’s resignation aren’t connected at all – which is entirely plausible. People can come watch a game of football, right? People leave their job all the time, right? But what gets me, why do so much and the end result is you just resign? What for? If things are going so well, why just up and leave? It doesn’t make any sense. 

I can only think of two real scenarios as to why Pearson just left so randomly (from an outside view). Number one – Pearson found a buyer and they were keen, so he successfully made the club more appealing to a buyer. 

Therefore, Cellino’s mind was now at ease, so he could make a return as he is prepared for a ban or not. Sound business sense, and a great idea – but it would cause a meltdown on social media, media, on the pitch and in the dressing room. I say dressing room, because a lot of the Italian players joined Leeds United purely because of Cellino. I think that some of them – especially Bellusci would really feel the pressure, as Cellino can’t guard them anymore.

Finally, the second scenario is the worst one… Pearson and Cellino had an argument over Pearson’s decisions in Cellino’s absence. Amongst this, rumours have been flying around that Rosler’s job is at risk. If Pearson isn’t there to block some of Cellino’s decisions – the club could dip in to another chaotic period. 


I think Pearson was holding it together, and in both cases, he wanted to find a buyer. If this is the case, it could mean a few things – If Cellino does send the club in to chaos again, buyers will run off and hide, the newer players (Chris Wood, Kalvin Phillips, Ross Turnbull, etc) will feel threatened, the Italian players will continue to do what they want, more so then what they already are. And lastly, Rosler would be sacked – throwing the club in to a manager-less period. I can’t think of anything more damaging as we approach winter, I really can’t. 

Okay, final bit. I haven’t written any of this on a whim. There are so many implications of what Pearson leaving could mean, and end up in. The first part is written with knowledge I’ve learnt over the past season, or two. The second, is, I admit, an educated guess – it doesn’t mean I’m right, or wrong. 

This club is in trouble in the long term, and we need pulling out of the deep end. This season has been packed with lies, and we’ve had new shiny strikers waved in our face to distract us. Please, don’t be as naive as they want you to be.

This is your club, not theirs. “They have something of ours. And we want it back”. We have the squad, the ground, the fans, the press and the popularity to become a top club again. Why aren’t we where we belong? Let’s take it back.

By Keir Taylor