Sam Allardyce could be set for a “dramatic” return to the Premier League with the task of saving Leeds United from relegation to the Championship, as reported by Phil Hay for The Athletic.
Javi Gracia’s position as head coach is under consideration, ahead of the final four games of the season.
Allardyce has an existing link to Elland Road as he worked with current Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear during their time together at West Ham United, whilst the veteran boss has been out of top-flight management since his last role at West Bromwich Albion, for almost two years ago.
The update from Hay adds further doubt on Gracia’s chances of a reprieve which is understandable given the current plight that the club faces.
“Allardyce has emerged as a leading contender to take over at Elland Road with current head coach Javi Gracia increasingly likely to be sacked on the back of Leeds’ 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday,” he stated.
“Gracia has been in charge of Leeds for only two months, appointed in February as successor to Jesse Marsch on an initial deal to the end of the term, but a weak display at Bournemouth and a severe downturn in form appears to have spelled the end of his time in the post.”
Instant impact
As the climax of the season draws nearer, it is up to those clubs threatened by the drop to find a way to secure the required points to stay in the top flight.
Leicester City and Everton came away from an entertaining contest on Monday evening with a point each, after a markedly improved showing from Sean Dyche’s men, in particular, which will give them a lift.
Leeds needs a similar boost, following a run of abject performances with Bournemouth likely to have been the last stand for Gracia.
Any new manager will need to come in and hit the ground running for an instant impact but the chances of that are tempered with the next two games coming against Manchester City and Newcastle United, respectively.
It is a daunting prospect but just one point separates the clubs from 16th to 19th position meaning that the race is very likely to go down to the wire on the last day of the campaign.
To have any chance, change is required at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, senior figures are on the brink after ’emergency’ developments and may now follow Gracia out of the club.
