Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 'Not Worried by Massimo Cellino's Ruthless Streak' if Handed Leeds Job

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes he is perfectly equipped to take on the Leeds United job and insists owner Massimo Cellino's reputation for sacking managers doesn't worry him.

Having completed his takeover at Elland Road in April, Cellino has already cut ties with two managers in Brian McDermott and David Hockaday, and is currently overseeing the search for the club's third manager in six months.

Hasselbaink, who enjoyed two successful years at the Yorkshire club between 1997 and 1999, has made no secret of his desire to return to the club and take the managerial reins.

While Cellino's penchant for firing managers without hesitation – formed after going through 36 managers during his 22 years in charge of Cagliari in Serie A – may dissuade some from taking the job, the former Leeds striker insists he will have no qualms in working alongside the trigger-happy Italian.

"I have not lost interest because of Mr Cellino's past," Hasselbaink was quoted as saying by Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur. "It is about whether you can handle the job or not. And I am confident that I can. If you are successful, you don't get fired. It is that simple.

"From what I have read, Mr Cellino wants to be successful and he does everything to achieve that."

Hasselbaink has just one full season in management under his belt, having led Royal Antwerp in Belgium's second division last season but is eager to take on a new challenge at the Championship club. While his own CV may be a little light, the 42-year-old points to his years working under some of Europe's most revered names as valuable experience that separates him from the pack.

"I want to continue my career in England, if the right job is passing," he said. "I have an English wife, my children are educated through the English system. I think people still see me as a foreigner but I am here since 1997 in England. That majority of my career I have spent in this country. Of course, I am very ambitious and I think I have a lot to offer.

"I realise that the competition is fierce, but I believe that I can bring something else. I speak five languages and have worked with the best coaches in football: trainers such as George Graham, Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, Claudio Ranieri and Frank Rijkaard. I am really my own person."

Ex-Liverpool and Leeds striker Robbie Fowler is another former player to have declared his interest in vacant manager's role as Cellino recently announced temporary boss Neil Redfearn is not in the running to become Hockaday's replacement on a permanent basis.