Leeds United confirm Sam Allardyce departure

Leeds United confirm that interim head coach Sam Allardyce has left the club by mutual consent following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Leeds United have confirmed that interim head coach Sam Allardyce has left the club by mutual consent.

The 68-year-old took the reins at Elland Road on a short-term basis at the beginning of last month, returning to management after nearly two years away following the dismissal of Javi Gracia.

Allardyce arrived at Elland Road with the Whites sitting 17th in the Premier League table and was given just four Premier League game to steer the club away from the relegation zone.

However, the former England boss lost three of his four matches in charge, with a heavy 4-1 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season confirming Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, finishing 19th in the top flight and five points adrift of safety.

Allardyce had admitted following the defeat to Spurs that he would consider remaining at Leeds and would hold talks to see if he and the club were ‘aligned’

However, Allardyce’s short stint in charge has come to an end as both parties have come to the decision to part ways by mutual consent.

© Reuters

A statement from Allardyce read: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League.

“I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity.

“I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.

“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.”

Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear added: “We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us.

“Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful.”

Leeds have confirmed that an announcement on a new head coach to replace Alarrdyce “will be made in the coming weeks.”

Former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter are both believed to be admired by Leeds, but it seems unlikley at this stage that either manager would consider a move to Elland Road.

West Bromwich Albion boss and former Leeds coach Carlos Corberan, who was linked with the Whites before the arrival of Gracia earlier this year, is also said to be on the club’s managerial shortlist.

A potential swoop for Lorient coach Regis Le Bris has also been mooted, while Leeds could reignite their interest in Andoni Iraola, who has confirmed that he will leave his role as head coach at Rayo Vallecano when his contract expires this summer.

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