UNDER-FIRE Leeds boss David Hockaday has received derby-day backing from Phil Parkinson over the “crazy” situation at Elland Road.

Controversial owner Massimo Cellino was poised to axe Hockaday after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Watford but reversed his decision 24 hours later.

Hockaday’s future still hangs in the balance and City chief Parkinson said: “Dave is working hard, like we all are, to piece a squad together to bring success to Leeds.

“For him to be the one whose head is about to roll after a defeat is crazy.

“One man stands out there in the dug-out and takes that responsibility. But there are other people in that club who’ve got to be equally as culpable.

“For a manager to be under pressure after four games is ridiculous. It does gripe on me a lot.”

Hockaday had a two-hour conversation with Cellino on Sunday when he was told his job was safe – for now.

Hockaday, who has lost three out of four in the Championship, said: “I didn’t feel I had to justify anything or defend myself. I’m not daft, I know the pressures but then I start wandering away from my remit.

“If I believed everything I read and heard, I could be in the eye of a storm. But then I’m lost and the team’s lost.

“However he is portrayed, the president is unbelievable passionate. This guy wants Leeds to be in the Champions League.

“I believe that will happen over time; it’s inevitable. The timescale I don’t know but I want to be part of that journey.”

Danish international Casper Sloth became the 12th signing of the summer on Monday but the midfielder is not expected to be involved against City.

Souleymane Doukara, Steve Morison and Aidy White are still out while Sam Byram and Giuseppe Bellusci are both suspended.

Hockaday added: “It’s a big game. I was always told that this is one of the six major conurbations in the league.

“It’s massive for both sets of fans. In my career I’ve been involved in lots of local derbies and everyone thinks theirs is the biggest.”