Leeds announce Allardyce exit after four games in statement on new head coach

02 June 2023 , 08:11

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Sam Allardyce has left Leeds (Image: Getty Images)

Sam Allardyce has left Leeds United by mutual consent after the club were relegated from the Premier League.

Allardyce joined Leeds with four games left of the season in a last-gasp effort to avoid the drop, but failed in his brief. Leeds were relegated on the final day of the campaign following a 4-1 home defeat by Tottenham. He has lasted just 30 days in the job.

“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," Allardyce said. "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 [assistants] 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.”

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Leeds United chief executive 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.”

Sam Allardyce could not keep Leeds up (Getty Images)

The club statement added: "An announcement on a new Leeds United head coach will be made in the coming weeks."

Allardyce was Leeds' third manager of the season, following on from Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia. He arrived on May 3 and took just one point from a possible 12 in his four games against Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham.

"It's professional suicide," he said after the Spurs defeat. "We prepare for games, but when you do things like we did with the huge errors, people like Harry Kane will take full advantage. We messed up again. Without stopping the goals going in we couldn't pick the points up.

"We wanted to go out with a sense of pride - but I just didn't see that. It's all about the basics. It's very sad this club is getting relegated, having worked so hard for so long to get back into the Premier League."

Leeds are facing a huge rebuild over the summer ahead of a season in the Championship. They are without a manager or a director of football, after Victor Orta left by mutual consent in May.

Felix Keith