Sam Allardyce appointed Leeds United boss as Javi Gracia was sacked. After Leeds fired Javi Gracia, Sam Allardyce takes over until the end of the season, with the club above the relegation zone based on goal difference; Allardyce: ” I knew who it was right away when the phone rang with a name I was pretty familiar with, so it took me about two seconds to say yes.
After the club fired head coach Javi Gracia after only two and a half months in charge, Sam Allardyce has been hired as Leeds’s manager until the end of the season. Previous Britain director Allardyce, who has been jobless since leaving West Brom in May 2021, makes a shock return to football to attempt to save Leeds from a Heads Association transfer with just four rounds of time remaining. The 68-year-old has a challenging schedule that includes a trip to Manchester City, the current champions.
Sam Allardyce appointed Leeds United boss as Javi Gracia sacked
Allardyce, who previously rescued Sunderland and Crystal Palace from potential relegation, becomes the club’s fourth head coach of the season and will hold a press conference on Wednesday at 4 pm.
Gracia leaves the club after just 12 games in charge. Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia, and Juan Solla have also departed.
A club statement reads: “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.
“Allardyce will be assisted by former MK Dons, Charlton Athletic, and Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.”
Robbie Keane is also expected to join Allardyce’s backroom team. Sammy Lee is unable to join Allardyce’s backroom team because he is on jury service.
Gracia has released a statement following his departure.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and proud of the team, both players and coaching staff. That’s how I would like to summarise my time at Leeds United. I would have preferred a different moment, but the circumstances have changed.
“We arrived on a short three-month contract. And we did it because we believed in this team. We considered our chances and had confidence. And we know it is possible. We are not talking about miracles but about the efficient result of a well-done work and a process of improvement.
