Leeds chairman Ken Bates could find that three of his former employees get his Christmas celebrations off to a rocky start on Saturday.

Struggling Leeds travel to third-placed MK Dons, whose management team includes a trio who were at Chelsea with Bates.

Manager Roberto di Matteo and first-team coach Eddie Newton were both players, while fitness coach Ade Mafe filled the same role at Stamford Bridge.

And to prove that blue blood is thicker than water, Bates is making a rare appearance at an away game and will no doubt be warmly welcomed by his old friend di Matteo, whose £3.5m signing from Lazio was sanctioned by Bates.

When the Italian international took over from Paul Ince at the Dons, Bates waxed lyrical, describing di Matteo as “a lovely boy.

“Of course he’s in the history books already for scoring the fastest goal in a Wembley cup final.”

Di Matteo’s impressive start to his managerial career might lead a few Leeds fans to ask why Bates didn’t go for him instead of his other Chelsea protégé Dennis Wise but we are unlikely to ever find that out.