03 May 2023 , 09:30
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Leeds have sacked Javi Gracia less than three months after appointing him - with Sam Allardyce replacing him at Elland Road.
The Yorkshire side are fighting to retain their Premier League status after a damaging 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday with the hierarchy desperately trying to find answers at this late stage of the season. Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch, who was sacked in early February, but has been unable to get the desired results.
The former Watford boss has now been shown the door and Allardyce now has just four games to keep Leeds, who are outside the bottom three on goal difference, in the league. The Whites are without a win in their last five games, conceding 18 goals in the process.
Allardyce has previously kept the likes of Bolton, Blackburn and Sunderland afloat during his managerial career, but did suffer relegation in his most recent role at West Brom. The former England boss is known for having a solid defence and grinding out results, which could prove key in the final weeks.
Allardyce will pocket £500k for his four-game spell in charge and could get a further £2.5m should he keep Leeds in the Premier League.
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Former Whites forward Robbie Keane and Karl Robinson are both members of his backroom staff. Leeds' final four games see them travel to Manchester City before hosting Newcastle. They then take on West Ham at the London Stadium before welcoming Tottenham to Elland Road on the final day.
Allardyce told TalkSport regarding his appointment: “Obviously there’s a tingle that runs through your veins when you take over a football club. “I know it’s in a lot of trouble. I’ve seen a lot of trouble before and hopefully – I could have done a little bit more time, but four games – hopefully we can make a difference and keep this fabulous club in the Premier League.”
Sam Allardyce could be tasked with keeping Leeds in the top flight (MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)He also added: “[I was] shocked, I never thought at this, at this stage of the season, there would be jobs offered. “When the phone popped up with a name that I knew pretty well, I knew who it was straight away. So it took me about two seconds to say yes. “Yes, Karl Robinson [joins]. And hopefully following will be another member of staff, maybe a bit more. We don’t know yet, but certainly Karl at this moment in time.”
Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports regarding the potential appointment: "We know that in the past Sam Allardyce has done that job before but I don’t think he’s ever come in this late. He’s normally come in, had a January transfer window, he can bring his own players in and have that time to change it, but I think he’s probably a decent appointment."
Victor Orta, the club's director of football, has left the Yorkshire club after six years by mutual consent. Orta was key in the hiring of Marcelo Bielsa but, after a successful first year in the top flight, managerial appointments and recruitment decisions have not proved a success.