Leeds ponder Gerrard appointment and former Liverpool team-mate to help
Leeds United could make a move to install Steven Gerrard as their new boss after a number of rejections.
The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager would link up with Elland Road favourite Gary McAllister, a member of the 1992 Championship winning side under Howard Wilkinson.
The McAllister factor has been discussed by the Leeds hierarchy, desperate to avoid another scramble to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Both Gerrard and McAllister were in the frame before the club went for Marcelo Bielsa.
Now their names have come up again after failed attempts to land number one choice to succeed the sacked Jesse Marsch, West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and in the last 48 hours Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.
The big difference is that Gerrard and McAllister are available after being sacked by Aston Villa in October. The pair are desperate to prove themselves in the Premier League following their success at Rangers where they won the Scottish Premiership.
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For McAllister it would represent an emotional homecoming, the Scot still feted as one of the famed midfield quartet of McAllister, David Batty, Gary Speed and Gordon Strachan which helped bring the title to Elland Road.
For Gerrard it’s the opportunity to prove himself back in the Premier League following the disappointment at Villa after once being hailed as the natural successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Leeds know they have to avoid relegation to ensure the planned summer take over by shareholders 49ers Enterprises goes through.
Steven Gerrard is being eyed by Leeds (PA)Weston McKennie arrived at Leeds as one of Marsch's last signings at the club, joining a week before the US coach was axed. And his countryman has admitted it was a quick, yet not surprising, decision.
"I think for me it was probably the quickest manager change that I've had, but obviously as a football player that is moving away from home [at an] early stage, and the stuff that I went through in my life, it's something that's not new," he told Stadium Astro after the draw at Old Trafford.
"I was ready for it, and obviously I know my game and how I can play under any manager and hopefully moving forward we'll find someone that fits as well."
After being dismissed by Villa in October, Gerrard said: "I would like to thank everyone connected to Aston Villa Football Club, for the support shown to me during my time there. I would personally like to thank the board of directors, the players and all the staff for their hard work.
"To the fans, it is regrettable that it didn’t work out in the end, but I owe you a debt of gratitude for the way you welcomed me into your club, and continued to push the team on during difficult times. Aston Villa is a club with a special history, I really wanted to bring back those memorable achievements, unfortunately it wasn’t to be. I wish everyone at the club all the very best for the future. SG."
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