Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has been in the news recently for a variety of reasons, most recently for lashing out at his side's players in the wake of their terrible current form.

The Whites have won just once in fourteen matches and Radrizzani questioned the "commitment, passion and spirit" of their players.

Local journalist Phil Hay believes he was right to do so. Writing in the Yorkshire Post, he said: "There comes a point, and Leeds United have gone beyond it, where a squad’s collective ego no longer deserves to be massaged. Their season is lost and two months of dead rubbers can only lead to harsh introspection. Criticism is never more pointed at a football club than when it comes directly from the top."

Hay believes the turning point came in the recent clash with Middlesbrough, a game which Leeds lost 3-0 thanks to Patrick Bamford's hat trick.

"Radrizzani saw the sign of submission at Middlesbrough two weeks ago and that night was the end of the line. Three points separated Middlesbrough and Leeds beforehand and Boro played like a side with the play-offs in their nostrils. The smell around Leeds was rotten."

Since that match Leeds have lost heavily at home to Wolves, before sharing a point with relegation haunted Reading. They face Sheffield Wednesday this weekend with little left to play for but pride, although several players will doubtless have Radrizanni's comments ringing in their ears.

The Verdict

Controversial Radrizzani made his comments after the recent 2-2 draw with Reading, but far from hiding away he offered to 'meet the players face to face' to tell them the same he told the press. His pre-season goal of a play off spot is now nothing but a faded dream, an unacceptable position after such good pre-Christmas form. There will be a huge clear out at Elland Road this summer, especially if the dreadful run continues through until May.