Leeds United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce will become their third manager of the season as they look to avoid the drop in the final four games of the season, marking the return of one of the Premier League stalwarts.
The Yorkshire side fell to a 4-1 thrashing against former relegation candidates Bournemouth on Sunday, a result that left them on just 30 points, though they were spared falling into the relegation zone thanks to a draw between fellow relegation candidates Leicester City and Everton on Monday night.
Despite a strong start to his Leeds United tenure, Gracia’s reign has quickly gone sour, with the club having taken just 11 points from his 11 games in charge and, in recent weeks, conceding goals for fun, including 5 against Crystal Palace, 6 against Liverpool and 4 against the Cherries.
Desperate to stay in the top flight, they have turned to old hand Allardyce, whose last spell in the Premier League came in 2021 when he tried and failed to keep West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
FBL-ENG-FA CUP-BLACKPOOL-WEST BROM West Bromwich Albion’s English head coach Sam Allardyce gestures on the touchline during the English FA Cup third round football match between Blackpool and West Bromwich Albion at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool, north west England on January 9, 2021. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
He has managed eight Premier League clubs during his three decades in management, but may face his toughest test yet with Leeds likely needing to find at least three points from their final four games.
That run starts with a trip to Premier League leaders and reigning Champions Manchester City, while it also includes a home tie against high-flying Newcastle as well as games against Tottenham and West Ham, which is where he will likely be hoping to pick up points.