5 takeovers that destroyed football clubs

#4 Massimo Cellino (Leeds United)

Massimo Cellinohas earned the moniker 'The Manager Eater'

When GFH Capital passed the reigns to Massimo Cellino in 2014, the Leeds United fans might have hoped for a brighter era. But, the Italian did nothing more than repeat his history at the club.

Cellino had been in charge of Italian outfit Cagliari for 22 years. In that tenure, he sacked a whopping 36 managers, thereby earning the moniker 'Manager Eater'. Also, he was charged with embezzlement issues regarding the construction of Cagliari's stadium.

Obviously, the Italian wasn't the best choice to restore Leeds to their former glory. Yet, GFH Capital agreed on selling 75% shares to Cellino's company, Eleonora Sports Ltd. in 2014. He promised promotion to the Premier League, only to fail in fulfilling it.

The Football League banned him from the chairmanship owing to the tax evasion cases he had to face in Italy. In 2015, however, Cellino was cleared to return to his position at the club.

At Leeds, Cellino sacked six managers in a period of two years, staying true to his aforementioned pseudonym. Also, he had a split with the club's star performer Sam Byram, who left after he was offered a contract with lower wages. He sold the club when it was in neck-deep in debts to Andrea Radrizzani in May 2017.

Once a club who were seen as Manchester United's fierce rivals, Leeds United are still struggling to book a way back to the Premier League.