We need more Sol Bamba's in this world

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The former Leicester defender urged Cellino and United’s board to take heed of the mood among Leeds’ support and said he was not prepared to protect his own prospects by remaining silent.

“It doesn’t matter,” Bamba said. “I want to stay at the club but not for the wrong reasons. If he (Cellino) decides not to keep me because of what I’m saying, that’s up to him.

“I can’t just hide my feelings and when I think someone deserves something, I say it. If (Cellino) thinks I shouldn’t say it, that’s up to him. I speak the truth.

“It’s a great club and everything is there; the fanbase, training ground and stadium. The people upstairs have to make the right decision because it’s sad for the club and the city.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with me but it doesn’t matter. The club deserves better and the person in charge has to do better for our club and the supporters.

“We can’t give this image to other clubs and the football world. Leeds have a great history and what we’ve shown the last few years is wrong. I’ve embraced being here, it’s a great club. It’s ridiculous when you know the club. It deserves better.”

Thompson was removed from his post with seven games to go, suspended by sporting director Nicola Salerno who has been absent ever since.

“It was tough for everyone to take because he was doing a wonderful job,” Bamba said. “People don’t know but behind the scenes he was very, very good. The results showed that as well. Personally I was hurt when Thommo left.

“Some of the players think it was the right decision and fine. But I think it wasn’t.”


Asked about Redfearn’s future, Bamba said: “Everyone can see he knows the club. There’s no other man better for the job. I’d be very disappointed if he left.

“It doesn’t matter what happens to me or the players, he deserves to stay. He’s very good. If that was me I’d go mad so for him to keep his head...

“I think the people in charge need to take good decisions for the club and not for anyone personally – just for the club. Listen to the fans as well because the fans are the heart of the club. When they give their opinion, sometimes you have to listen.

“We saw when we played against the best in this league, we can compete. We’re not far away and we showed that this season. I think we’re not far away.”

Bamba has another two years on his contract at Palermo but Leeds negotiated an option to keep him permanently.

“I’m desperate to come back here,” he said. “It’s not only England, I love the club, but I’m like everyone – we have to wait because we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

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