Leeds United could hire Patrick Vieira on Friday as birthday development emerges
Patrick Vieira could be appointed as Leeds United manager on his birthday, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper reported in its online edition (21 June) that the former Crystal Palace boss might be celebrating his 47th birthday this Friday in West Yorkshire by signing a deal to become Leeds’ new manager.
The Frenchman has moved to the top of the shortlist to fill the vacancy with the club’s board conducting their final round of interviews this week.
Scott Parker and Daniel Farke both remain in contention however Vieira, who was sacked by his former side Palace in March, is in pole position after expressing his enthusiasm for the role and has admirers among the club’s hierarchy as a result of his time at Selhurst Park.
Leeds have been without a manager since Sam Allardyce’s four-game run in which he failed to prevent the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
The appointment of Vieira would certainly be an interesting one.
While he did impress during his early days with Crystal Palace and has that Premier League experience to his name, he is yet to manage in the Championship.
Premier League football is technically a higher quality however the Championship is very different and provides its own unique challenges, some of which Vieira might not be experienced enough to handle.
Meanwhile, Parker and Farke both have experience promoting from the division – Parker has taken Bournemouth and Fulham up while Farke took Norwich up on two separate occasions.
It is therefore interesting the club looks set not to opt for a promotion expert and clearly believes Vieira has the qualities to get the job done.
Vieira, although not a promotion expert, is still an exciting appointment and has years of experience in football at the highest level, both as a player and manager, and will hopefully become a hit at Elland Road if he is to be appointed.
In other Leeds United news, the race for club defender has taken another twist.
