NEW Leeds boss David Hockaday was far from idle during his eight months out of the game after leaving Forest Green.

Hockaday, who left The New Lawn last October, told The Yorkshire Post: “I spent my time learning,” reveals the former full-back.

“I went to various clubs, listening and learning. That is what you should do. No-one is too old to learn.

“I ended up at a couple of Championship clubs and League One clubs. I was there for quite a while and ended up seeing more than 100 games, at every level from Conference through to Championship and the Premier League.”

The Leeds United head coach explained: “I felt I needed to reacquaint myself with the scene. Find out the players that were coming through. Those that I knew of, I needed to know how they were doing. It was very useful.

“I also wanted to let people know I was still alive.”

Asked to name the clubs he visited, Hockaday replied: “The clubs were all over the country. North, south, east and west.

“You are never too old to learn and that is what I did. I opened myself up and was allowed to put sessions on.

“I also watched how others conducted their sessions. And I studied the feel and the vibe of how others manage players – how people play certain systems.

“But I was blessed with a lot of people who were willing to open their doors to me. They welcomed me in and I won’t forget that.

“They know who they are and I am grateful to them because they helped make those few months more enjoyable.”

Leeds start the Championship season at Millwall today.