“Dave Hockaday, told me the owner said you’re not allowed to train, He wanted to make sure I didn’t get injured, If I didn’t leave, the club would have been in serious danger”- Ross McCormack finally speaks out on Leeds exit as he reveals club lied to the public to make him look bad, reveals real circumstances surrounding Elland Road exit

Ross McCormack had an outstanding career in the EFL but is perhaps best remembered for his spells at Leeds United and Fulham.

After making a name for himself north of the border with Rangers and Motherwell, the striker was snapped up by Cardiff City in 2008, where he would spend two seasons in South Wales and establish himself in the Championship as a top marksman. McCormack scored 30 goals and collected five assists for the Bluebirds in just over two seasons with the club, prompting a switch to West Yorkshire with recently promoted Leeds, then managed by Simon Grayson.

Life started slowly for the Scot with the Elland Road outfit, but he would go on to make more appearances for them than at any other club. He struck twice in 21 appearances during his first season with the club, but started to come alive in season two with 19 goals in all competitions.

However, no season was better than when he finished the 2013/14 campaign scoring 29 goals in all competitions for the Whites, and was second to Danny Ings in the Championship Player of the Year voting.

McCormack was, at the very least, named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year and scooped all of the Player of the Year awards for the club that season, who had finished in mid-table for the third consecutive year, but his goals were vital in making sure relegation was never a concern.

The Scottish international striker made Leeds a one-man team during that campaign, and showcases individual moments of brilliance to keep them away from the relegation battle, but such form was always likely to mean plenty of interest in his services.

He collected 58 goals and 31 assists in 157 games for the West Yorkshire outfit, before moving to Fulham for a fee of £11 million in 2014. Massimo Cellino decided to cash in on Leeds’ talismanic striker that summer.

The lack of funds at Leeds had become an issue, and McCormack claims that Dave Hockaday told him he was not allowed to train. Speaking to Open Goal, he said: “If I didn’t leave, the club would have been in serious danger.

“They sacked kitchen staff, people had packed lunches, staff wasn’t getting paid, players weren’t getting paid, no dough.

“They had absolutely no money. It was that bad that they were protecting their assets. When I came in the first day of pre-season, you know, you walk out in your trainers, you carry your boots.

“Dave Hockaday, he said you won’t need them, the owner said you’re not allowed to train. He wanted to make sure I didn’t get injured. When I left, he said I refused to train. Just trying to cover their back.“

Leeds fans have retained their admiration and love for McCormack despite the circumstances of his exit, and perhaps the latest information shedding light on the situation will only add to their warm feelings towards him.