Leeds United chief shocks Elland Road with sudden resignation

Adam Pearson, who left an advisory role at Sheffield Wednesday to work alongside Massimo Cellino in May, has resigned as chief executive of Leeds United.

Pearson, who was the Leeds United director during the club’s successful run in the late 90’s, has been largely credited for adding stability behind the scenes at the Championship club since joining several months ago.

During his short time at Leeds, Pearson oversaw thehiring of Liverpool’s former club secretary Stuart Hayton in June, and the appointment of Uwe Rosler as the club’s new manager.

His shock departure was announced shortly after Leeds lost its first game of the Championship season at home to Ipswich Town.

Pearson broke the news via an open letter published on the Leeds United website. He said: “It is with great disappointment that I have to confirm I’ll be taking a break from Leeds United and football in general, in order to focus on other personal and business interests.

“I’d also like to thank Mr Cellino for allowing me to work closely with him in what I feel has been a very productive summer for the football club. There are some outstanding staff members in both coaching and administrative roles and an emerging young team that I am sure, with Mr Cellino’s continued support, will ultimately find their way back to the Premier League.”

Massimo Cellino, Leeds United owner, added: “I want to thank Adam for his efforts and his loyalty to Leeds United. I will be keeping the role open for him and I hope to welcome him back at some point in the future.

“We worked very well together and we will remain good friends. He will always have my support. It saddens me that he is stepping away to focus on other personal and business interests, but he knows that he is welcome back at the club if he feels ready.”

As well as being commercial director at Leeds until he first left in 2001, Pearson has also had key roles in Hull City, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday.