Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has revealed that he wanted to sack head coach Dave Hockaday following his side's 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.

Reports had suggested that the former Forest Green Rovers boss would be dismissed by the Elland Road club following the result, but Cellino has now changed his mind and decided to back the 56-year-old.

"At Watford, I decided to sack him," Cellino told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "I said, 'He's finished'. I wasn't happy. I was ashamed of the performance and it [sacking Hockaday] was what I wanted to do. But, in my life, I have learned that with your decisions, take 24 hours.

"Why should I blame the coach? The squad isn't finished and that is my fault. Signing players has been harder than I thought so if I fire anyone, I should fire myself or else I am a coward. I have to control my ego.

"This coach, he might not be a good coach, but sacking him now is not fair. I cannot say if he is good or not. When the squad is finished, I will see what he does then."

Hockaday was appointed by the Championship club in June.