‘I played at Leeds when they made mad cutbacks – we had to bring packed lunches’
The life of a top-class footballer isn’t all fine dining and Michelin stars.
In fact, Stephen Warnock was exposed to another side of the sport when he was once told to provide his own packed lunches. It was shortly after Massimo Cellino purchased a controlling stake in Leeds in 2014 that it became clear he wouldn’t be running the club in the normal fashion.
After coming through the ranks at Liverpool before spending time on the books with the likes of Blackburn and Aston Villa, Warnock had become accustomed to a certain level of professionalism. However, that soon took a dip after Cellino started having his say over the operation in Yorkshire.
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“Massimo Cellino, that was a s***show. The set-up at Thorp Arch was incredible, good training facilities. They had a swimming pool, ice baths, and jacuzzis. I remember being in the jacuzzi and he walked in,” he said on the Undr the Cosh podcast. “He blanked us, turned around and spoke to one of the guys showing him round and said, ‘this can go’ about the ice bath and jacuzzi. He said, ‘That needs to be emptied’ about the pool. He cost-cut everything.
“I get a message, and I’m thinking, ‘This is a wind-up, this can’t be true.’ You need to buy your own slips and socks. And I’m thinking, ‘Really?’ Next message, you need to bring in your own lunch. A packed lunch, and your breakfast if you want breakfast.
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“You can make it in the kitchen, there will be a toaster, kettle and a fridge. Got rid of all the chefs and everything. . .It was an absolute shambles.”
Leeds were battling to make their way out of the Championship and regain their place in the Premier League at the time. However, Cellino’s focus on frugality perhaps wasn’t an example of the changes that were needed to reach the promised land.
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Warnock went on to thank one “unbelievable” staff member in particular, ex-footballer turned broadcaster Lucy Ward, who took it upon herself to handle meals for the players. However, it’s unthinkable to conceive of similar happening at any team in England’s second tier a decade on.
Cellino lasted just three years as Leeds’ majority shareholder and saw the club record Championship finishes of 15th, 13th and seventh under his charge before selling to Italian countryman Andrea Radrizzani. Footballers and fans alike may often yearn for the good old days, but Warnock’s packed lunch phase at Leeds isn’t one hell long for anytime soon.
