London, June 2 – Leeds United has announced the departure of Sam Allardyce, following the club’s relegation to the Championship during his brief tenure as interim manager. The decision comes after Allardyce was unable to rescue the team’s Premier League status in his four-game spell at the helm.
Allardyce, 68, arrived at Elland Road in a bid to replace the sacked Javi Gracia and steer Leeds away from relegation. However, the team suffered three defeats and managed only one draw under the former England boss, culminating in their demotion on the final day of the season.
Despite expressing his willingness to continue as Leeds’ manager and lead their campaign for an immediate return to the top flight, discussions between Allardyce and the club hierarchy on Thursday resulted in a mutual agreement to part ways. Leeds United issued a statement confirming the decision and expressing gratitude to Allardyce for his efforts.
“Leeds United and Sam Allardyce can confirm that both parties have mutually agreed for Sam’s spell at the club to end following the completion of the 2022-23 season,” the statement read. “Sam joined the Whites for the final four games of the campaign, and despite spirited performances against Manchester City and Newcastle United, the objective of staying in the Premier League was not reached.”
Leeds United is now focused on finding a new head coach and aims to announce their appointment “in the coming weeks.” The club had struggled throughout the season, leading to the dismissal of Jesse Marsch, who was subsequently replaced by Javi Gracia for a brief period before Allardyce’s arrival.
Allardyce’s managerial career took a hit in the 2020-21 season when he suffered his first top-flight relegation with West Bromwich Albion. The experienced manager faced criticism when he compared himself to renowned managers Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool during his introductory press conference at Leeds.
As Leeds prepares for a season in the Championship, it remains uncertain whether Allardyce will return to the game or retire from his illustrious managerial career. Reflecting on his time at Leeds, Allardyce expressed gratitude for the opportunity and conveyed his hope for the club’s future success.
“It has been an honor to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League,” Allardyce said. “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 United was positioned 17th in the Premier League table, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference when Allardyce assumed control. However, defeat in his first match against Manchester City and subsequent losses to West Ham and Tottenham sealed their fate.
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Leeds United’s chief executive, Angus Kinnear, expressed gratitude to Allardyce, along with assistant coaches Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane, for their contributions in lifting the atmosphere at the training ground and Elland Road during a challenging period.
“We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us,” Kinnear stated. “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 United now faces the task of finding a new manager who can reinvigorate the team and guide them back to the Premier League, aiming to regain their rightful place among England’s elite clubs.
