Massimo Cellino’s search for a successor to David Hockaday will end with the appointment of Darko Milanic early this week.

In an emotional press conference this morning (Sunday), Sturm Graz’s chairman appeared to be fighting back the tears as he handed Milanic a one-way ticket to Leeds and confirmed Darko’s departure.

The 46-year-old former Slovenian international enjoyed great success at Maribor where he won nine trophies in a five year spell before joining Sturm Graz, but he’ll have a tough job following Neil Redfearn at Elland Road whose caretaker spell came to an end with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town yesterday making it 10 points from a possible 12 for Leeds’ popular Academy chief.

Speaking yesterday, Darko said Leeds is a “top club with big tradition” and that he’d never received an opportunity like this in his lifetime.

Sturm Graz’s Sporting Director meanwhile described Milanic as a “gentlemen” and said the club wouldn’t stand in the way of such a great opportunity for him.