|
Post by rugbytoffee on May 3, 2023 19:35:34 GMT
Javi Gracia has been sacked as Leeds United manager with Sam Allardyce handed the task of masterminding their Premier League survival bid.
Gracia departs Leeds with the club in relegation trouble. The Spaniard won just three of his 11 matches in charge and leaves them in 17th place and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
In their last five matches, Leeds have conceded 18 goals, including back-to-back 5-1 and 6-1 home losses against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, and a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Widespread reports that veteran manager Allardyce would be appointed imminently to guide the Yorkshire club for the final four games of the season were confirmed with the team announcing his appointment in the same statement.
The former England manager, 68, has vast experience in the English top flight with the likes of Bolton, West Ham and Everton and has a reputation as something of a survival specialist.
However, he has been out of work since his West Bromwich Albion side were relegated in 2020/21, the first top-flight demotion of Allardyce's career.
Allardyce faces a daunting start to his new job; Leeds' next match is against Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday before they host third-placed Newcastle United a week later.
Leeds then travel to London to face West Ham United, before a potentially crucial final game of the season against Tottenham at Elland Road.
Leeds' statement on the manager change read as follows: "Leeds United can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge.
"Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.
"We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances. The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.
"Allardyce has managed over 500 Premier League games in a managerial career stretching 29 years and he brings a wealth of knowledge in fighting for survival, having guided a number of his previous clubs to safety.
"His first experience of the top-flight came with Bolton Wanderers, who he would guide into Europe for the first time in the club’s history. Following this, he went on to manage Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, earning promotion to the Premier League in his first season with the Hammers.
|
|
|
Post by halewoodblue on May 3, 2023 22:40:18 GMT
Bizarre appointment in first place, even more bizarre sacking especially with the 4 games coming up
|
|
|
Post by Avinalaff on May 4, 2023 4:29:49 GMT
Bizarre appointment in first place, even more bizarre sacking especially with the 4 games coming up Allardyce is a good manager, so not the best news for us, but hey ho.
|
|
|
Post by halewoodblue on May 4, 2023 8:47:18 GMT
Bizarre appointment in first place, even more bizarre sacking especially with the 4 games coming up Allardyce is a good manager, so not the best news for us, but hey ho. He is good but he isn't a miracle worker. Only game I can see them getting any points is the West Ham game
|
|
|
Post by Avinalaff on May 4, 2023 9:41:30 GMT
Allardyce is a good manager, so not the best news for us, but hey ho. He is good but he isn't a miracle worker. Only game I can see them getting any points is the West Ham game Where do you see us getting points?
|
|