He wanted the Leeds United job despite Massimo Cellino, now he’s set for Strictly Come Dancing

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It’s the summer of 2014, and Massimo Cellino has finally been able to conduct his takeover of Leeds United after initially being rejected by The Football League and the scrupulous owner test.

Dave Hockaday, a complete unknown who had been working as Forest Green Rovers manager, had been installed as manager but lasted just six games. Many forget that Hockaday did actually win two of those.

Cellino’s record and reputation for hiring and firing managers in Italy had crossed into Yorkshire. There was plenty of speculation over who would take on the Leeds job and risk Cellino’s immediate wrath.

But Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was willing. In an interview with The Independent, the former Leeds striker made it clear that he would be willing to take over at Leeds, having done a solid job at Royal Antwerp.

• READ MORE: Leeds’ next contract can only be one player after Jamie Carragher’s praise

Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink wanted Leeds United job in 2014

But nothing ever materialised. Hasselbaink told The Independent: “Mr Cellino’s record for hiring managers doesn’t put me off. It’s all about whether you can do the job or not – and I am confident I can.

“If you’re successful, you don’t get fired, it’s that simple. From what I’ve read, Mr Cellino wants success and he’ll do everything it takes to try to achieve that. I know that’s the deal and I can buy into it.”

Instead, Leeds hired Darko Milanic. Another unprecedented failure, while Hasselbaink joined Burton Albion and won 33 of 54 games before spells at QPR, Northampton and then back at Loftus Road.

Hasselbaink is no stranger to withdrawing from his comfort zone. But after being willing to do so as Leeds manager under Cellino, he is about to take it to a whole new level, leaving football as an entire entity.

11 years after wanting Leeds job, Hasselbaink is set for Strictly

Not many will have seen this coming, but three years after his last managerial job and only a few months since being part of the coaching staff with England, Hasselbaink is set to enter Strictly Come Dancing.

Alongside stars like influencers George Clarke and Tom Skinner, Jarrod Bowen’s wife and Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani Dyer, and former England rugby star Chris Robshaw, Hasselbaink will be dancing away.

The 23rd season of BBC’s famous show will begin on September 20. Hasselbaink will be hoping to go from legendary Premier League striker, thanks to his moves in front of goal, to striking the legendary Strictly audience with his moves on the dancefloor.