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Leeds United | 2022/23 and 2023/24 Seasons
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James
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Huge win yesterday and a massive three points.
A thrill to witness live at Elland Road.
A thrill to witness live at Elland Road.
IAJ
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Huge win yesterday and a massive three points.
A thrill to witness live at Elland Road.
Wow, lovely. I watched the highlights and the noise at ground sounded great, can't imagine how it must be witnessing it and be part of it on the ground.
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A significant factor in Leeds struggling near the bottom of the table this season has been their terrible away form.
They had won just once before the trip to Stamford Bridge, picking up just six points, but they did comfortably beat Chelsea 3-0 in the reverse fixture and must have fancied their chances against a side struggling for goals.
But that is a problem Leeds share. They have played plenty of excellent football this season but it often falls apart in the final third and once again they simply failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper enough in this game.
They did not manage any shots on target until the 90th minute, when goalkeeper Meslier headed a last-gasp free-kick at his Chelsea counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A positive result at Stamford Bridge would have been a bonus for Leeds, who will likely target points elsewhere in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
They had won just once before the trip to Stamford Bridge, picking up just six points, but they did comfortably beat Chelsea 3-0 in the reverse fixture and must have fancied their chances against a side struggling for goals.
But that is a problem Leeds share. They have played plenty of excellent football this season but it often falls apart in the final third and once again they simply failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper enough in this game.
They did not manage any shots on target until the 90th minute, when goalkeeper Meslier headed a last-gasp free-kick at his Chelsea counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A positive result at Stamford Bridge would have been a bonus for Leeds, who will likely target points elsewhere in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
IAJ
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Very important 3 points today.
James
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Probably the best result of Leeds United’s season for them down at Wolves.
Amazing what an away win does to the league table.
Amazing what an away win does to the league table.
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Leeds United are interested in re-signing England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 27, this summer despite him only joining Manchester City last year. (Daily Star)
James
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A tough fixture away at Arsenal coming up, but after that Leeds have three constructive home games against Forest, Palace and Liverpool, where Leeds will want to be picking up a decent handful of points to make the season look a bit safer if they can.
IAJ
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As many as 9 teams are fighting to stay up in PL. This is going to be extremely tough battle of survival, every single match remaining is like a play off.
Leeds needs at least 11 points more, should be possible with 9 games left.
Leeds needs at least 11 points more, should be possible with 9 games left.
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Leeds United say the proposed independent football regulator would pose a risk to the club's finances.
The plan for a regulator, recommended by a fan-led review last year, was confirmed by the UK government in February.
It comes as the Whites filed their annual accounts, which showed an operating loss of £34.4m.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also filed their accounts, which showed a £114m loss for 2021-22.
Both clubs submitted their annual accounts to Companies House on Saturday.
Leeds reported an increase in turnover from £171m to £189m, helped by an increase in ticketing revenues from £1.9m to £24.6m following the return of fans to stadiums after the Covid pandemic.
They spent £86m on new players including Daniel James and Junior Firpo, while the dismissal of manager Marcelo Bielsa in February 2022 cost £3.5m.
In their strategic report, Leeds said the primary risk to their finances was relegation from the Premier League. Also listed among the risks was an independent regulator, with the club saying it is predicted to "materially impact both the club's finances and elements of the way it currently operates".
The main purposes of the independent regulator include blocking clubs from joining breakaway leagues that are judged to harm the domestic game, preventing clubs going out of business, giving fans greater input and a new owners' and directors' test.
Chelsea did not describe the regulator as a risk, instead saying they were "looking forward to working with the government and relevant football governing bodies" as elements of the fan-led review "continue to be discussed and implemented".
The Premier League was understood to be wary of a regulatory body when the proposals were announced in April last year.
The league says it is "vital" a regulator does not lead to any "unintended consequences" that could affect its global appeal and success.
Chelsea's losses would have been larger had £142m not been raised from player sales, including Tammy Abraham to Roma, Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan and Kurt Zouma to West Ham.
The club also operated under a special licence from the government for three months from March to May after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
That licence restricted what the club could earn from ticketing and merchandise sales, as well as player trading and the issuing of new contracts.
It was set to expire shortly after a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital completed a £4.25bn takeover of the club in May.
The Blues also paid £49.75m to former directors Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia for "services related to the sale" of the club to Boehly.
The accounts do not include the £550m spent on new players under Boehly's ownership in the summer 2022 and January 2023 transfer windows.
BBC
The plan for a regulator, recommended by a fan-led review last year, was confirmed by the UK government in February.
It comes as the Whites filed their annual accounts, which showed an operating loss of £34.4m.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also filed their accounts, which showed a £114m loss for 2021-22.
Both clubs submitted their annual accounts to Companies House on Saturday.
Leeds reported an increase in turnover from £171m to £189m, helped by an increase in ticketing revenues from £1.9m to £24.6m following the return of fans to stadiums after the Covid pandemic.
They spent £86m on new players including Daniel James and Junior Firpo, while the dismissal of manager Marcelo Bielsa in February 2022 cost £3.5m.
In their strategic report, Leeds said the primary risk to their finances was relegation from the Premier League. Also listed among the risks was an independent regulator, with the club saying it is predicted to "materially impact both the club's finances and elements of the way it currently operates".
The main purposes of the independent regulator include blocking clubs from joining breakaway leagues that are judged to harm the domestic game, preventing clubs going out of business, giving fans greater input and a new owners' and directors' test.
Chelsea did not describe the regulator as a risk, instead saying they were "looking forward to working with the government and relevant football governing bodies" as elements of the fan-led review "continue to be discussed and implemented".
The Premier League was understood to be wary of a regulatory body when the proposals were announced in April last year.
The league says it is "vital" a regulator does not lead to any "unintended consequences" that could affect its global appeal and success.
Chelsea's losses would have been larger had £142m not been raised from player sales, including Tammy Abraham to Roma, Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan and Kurt Zouma to West Ham.
The club also operated under a special licence from the government for three months from March to May after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
That licence restricted what the club could earn from ticketing and merchandise sales, as well as player trading and the issuing of new contracts.
It was set to expire shortly after a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital completed a £4.25bn takeover of the club in May.
The Blues also paid £49.75m to former directors Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia for "services related to the sale" of the club to Boehly.
The accounts do not include the £550m spent on new players under Boehly's ownership in the summer 2022 and January 2023 transfer windows.
BBC
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Leeds collapsing here at home to Palace. 3 goals conceded in 10 minutes
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Leeds 1 - CRY 5
Leeds remain in trouble after worrying 45 minutes
There were concerns that Leeds would pay the price for not making the most of their first-half dominance, but no-one could have foreseen what would unfold at Elland Road after the break.
For as sharp and hungry as they were in the first 45 minutes, Leeds were disjointed and lethargic after the break as the players and fans were left in disbelief as Palace tore them apart with clinical efficiency.
As good as Leeds are going forward, a question mark remains over their defence and they left huge gaps that the excellent Olise took great joy in exploiting as he claimed a hat-trick of assists.
Only Bournemouth have conceded more goals than Leeds' 54 this season and that is the area Javi Gracia will need to address quickly to ensure his side are playing Premier League football again next season.
Leeds remain in trouble after worrying 45 minutes
There were concerns that Leeds would pay the price for not making the most of their first-half dominance, but no-one could have foreseen what would unfold at Elland Road after the break.
For as sharp and hungry as they were in the first 45 minutes, Leeds were disjointed and lethargic after the break as the players and fans were left in disbelief as Palace tore them apart with clinical efficiency.
As good as Leeds are going forward, a question mark remains over their defence and they left huge gaps that the excellent Olise took great joy in exploiting as he claimed a hat-trick of assists.
Only Bournemouth have conceded more goals than Leeds' 54 this season and that is the area Javi Gracia will need to address quickly to ensure his side are playing Premier League football again next season.
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James
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Really weird game that. Leeds actually very good in the first 45 and then completely collapsed after half time in quite rare fashion. Hopefully a freak result that won’t be repeated for Leeds. They’ve had 3 wins in the last 7 games and have 8 games to go, therefore, from 16th place there is still a good chance of staying up. Teams keep looking up and down depending on their most recent result every week, so who knows what is going to happen really.
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Really weird game that. Leeds actually very good in the first 45 and then completely collapsed after half time in quite rare fashion. Hopefully a freak result that won’t be repeated for Leeds. They’ve had 3 wins in the last 7 games and have 8 games to go, therefore, from 16th place there is still a good chance of staying up. Teams keep looking up and down depending on their most recent result every week, so who knows what is going to happen really.
Would you make anything of that stadium reaction, even at 1-1? It sounded quite toxic, but maybe I've read it wrong.
James
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Lots of Leeds fans were leaving Elland Road before the final whistle. I think this time it was out of resignation at the scoreline rather than toxicity.
I can however see it getting toxic in a future home game if Leeds are doing badly again.
Not necessarily against Liverpool which is the next one, because we expect Liverpool to beat us, but Leicester is the one after that, and Leeds fans (given how bad Leicester have been all season) will be targeting that game as a must-win.
If Leeds are trailing in that Leicester game, which could be a bit of a relegation battle decider, the crowd will be ripe for turning. Not on the players or the manager, but definitely on the board of directors, who are widely hated by Leeds fans.
Amjid Javed
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Both Leeds and Everton leaking goals for fun game after game and the 2 most likely to go down I think.
IAJ
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We have conceded 22 goals in last 7 matches. This has been a horror show really and this new manager has made things worse. He has abosolutely no idea of what he is doing.
And well done to Bournemouth. They have come along well after losing 0-3 home to Arsenal in first game of the sesaon and then being smashed 0-9 by Liverpool. And Leeds started the season well with 7 points from first 3 games inclucing 3-0 over Chelsea. How quickly things change.
And well done to Bournemouth. They have come along well after losing 0-3 home to Arsenal in first game of the sesaon and then being smashed 0-9 by Liverpool. And Leeds started the season well with 7 points from first 3 games inclucing 3-0 over Chelsea. How quickly things change.
Geordie Ahmed
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Brutal season for Leeds, shipping goals for fun and then they ignore their fans to compound things
Also, do they not have another keeper? Because Meslier seems to have a howler every week
Also, do they not have another keeper? Because Meslier seems to have a howler every week
Agree regarding Meslier.
At this stage of the season you'd think they'd have an experienced guy to bring in and steady the ship.
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Absolutely unforgiveable.
Earn millions for each time they sneeze and they are so arrogant as to not acknowledge the very fans who make them important.
This is the video of them walking past their fans
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leeds United’s players ignoring their fans as they left the hotel this morning. <br><br>A club that’s troubled on and off the pitch.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/ExAqo3Je9B">pic.twitter.com/ExAqo3Je9B</a></p>— SPORTbible (@sportbible) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/1652763893138087937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Leeds United are set to sack manager Javi Gracia and are in talks to appoint former England boss Sam Allardyce.
Director of football Victor Orta has left by mutual consent.
Leeds are 17th in the Premier League, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, with four games left this season
Gracia, appointed in February as Jesse Marsch's successor, has won only three of 11 league games in charge.
Leeds have lost four of their past five matches and face leaders Manchester City on Saturday.
Spaniard Gracia joined Leeds on a "flexible contract", but the board is considering bringing in former Bolton, West Ham and Everton manager Allardyce.
The 68-year-old has been out of work since the end of the 2020-21 season when his West Brom side were relegated from the Premier League, the first top-flight relegation of his career.
Allardyce worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear at West Ham and would become the fourth Leeds manager this season, with Michael Skubala acting as interim head coach before Gracia's appointment.
Gracia will be the record-extending 15th managerial departure in the Premier League this season.
Leeds face arguably the toughest end to the season of the clubs battling relegation, with City and Newcastle up next before a visit to West Ham and then Tottenham at Elland Road to end the campaign.
They conceded 23 goals in April - a Premier League record for a single month and the most by any top-flight side since Birmingham also let in 23 in April 1965.
After Sunday's 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth, the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board issued a statement of no confidence in the club's management.
BBC
Director of football Victor Orta has left by mutual consent.
Leeds are 17th in the Premier League, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, with four games left this season
Gracia, appointed in February as Jesse Marsch's successor, has won only three of 11 league games in charge.
Leeds have lost four of their past five matches and face leaders Manchester City on Saturday.
Spaniard Gracia joined Leeds on a "flexible contract", but the board is considering bringing in former Bolton, West Ham and Everton manager Allardyce.
The 68-year-old has been out of work since the end of the 2020-21 season when his West Brom side were relegated from the Premier League, the first top-flight relegation of his career.
Allardyce worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear at West Ham and would become the fourth Leeds manager this season, with Michael Skubala acting as interim head coach before Gracia's appointment.
Gracia will be the record-extending 15th managerial departure in the Premier League this season.
Leeds face arguably the toughest end to the season of the clubs battling relegation, with City and Newcastle up next before a visit to West Ham and then Tottenham at Elland Road to end the campaign.
They conceded 23 goals in April - a Premier League record for a single month and the most by any top-flight side since Birmingham also let in 23 in April 1965.
After Sunday's 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth, the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board issued a statement of no confidence in the club's management.
BBC
James
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We have Joel Robles, who was specifically signed last summer as an experienced pair of hands to mentor the younger goalkeepers at the club (including Meslier) and to fill in for them when they needed a rest. Inexplicable that he’s not being used. Most Leeds fans think that Robles should have been playing the last few games and would pick him for the rest of the season as well. Meslier is a talented lad but his brain is scrambled at the moment and he needs to be taken out of the firing line for now.
This goalkeeping selection issue has been one of the numerous failings of Javi Gracia’s interim stint as boss.
Hence why we now seem to be looking at a quick exit for the Spaniard, and turning to an old veteran traditionalist in Big Sam. This is a surprise to say the least. But could be interesting. Can he grind out any of the required points?
Meanwhile, we’ve moved from a safe bet to stay up to a very high chance of relegation within the space of a month. Never a dull moment at Leeds United!
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Sam Allardyce will earn more than £3 million if he keeps Leeds United in the Premier League.
Allardyce will be unveiled tomorrow and has been offered a heavily incentivised deal after agreeing to take charge for the season's final four games
Allardyce will be unveiled tomorrow and has been offered a heavily incentivised deal after agreeing to take charge for the season's final four games
James
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Very difficult. Most Leeds fans were long of the opinion that the team would need 35 points before this run in started, in order to finish outside of the bottom three.
As it is, we’re on 30 points — but the required total to stay up this season looks like it could be lower than usual — so a mostly awful situation is not yet entirely hopeless.
I’d say that Big Sam needs to squeeze out a minimum of 4 points from those 4 games to give Leeds a chance of staying up.
Man City and Newcastle will both beat Leeds easily. So he needs to smash & grab a draw and a win from the West Ham & Spurs games you’d think, in whichever order, which would be 34 points, and henceforth, perhaps a 50-50 chance of getting over the line….
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Allardyce - who will be assisted by former MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford United manager Karl Robinson - told Talksport it "took him two seconds to say yes" to the job.
"I was shocked. I never thought at this stage of the season [this would happen]. I thought there would be no jobs," he said.
He added: "I could have done with more time, but we've got four games and hopefully I can keep this fabulous club in the Premier League."
Director of football Victor Orta left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday having been in disagreement with the board over Gracia's position.
Gracia was appointed on a "flexible contract" on 21 February - two weeks after the dismissal of former boss Jesse Marsch, who was sacked less than a year after replacing Marcelo Bielsa.
The 53-year-old Gracia's final match in charge was Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
It was the club's latest heavy defeat under the former Watford boss, following 6-1, 5-1 and 4-1 thrashings by Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Arsenal respectively last month.
It also meant the Whites' winless run extended to a fifth match - including four losses - since a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on 4 April.
In a statement, Gracia said he was "grateful for the opportunity" and "proud of the team" after a "very intense period".
"I am confident the team will achieve its objective. It is a committed squad full of quality," he said.
Gracia also paid tribute to Orta, describing him as "honest, sincere and committed to the club".
Premier League table: Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest are all on 30 points - one more than 19th-placed Everton
Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest are all on 30 points - one more than 19th-placed Everton
Gracia, who led Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019 before spells at Valencia and Qatari side Al Sadd, won three of his 12 games in charge as Leeds manager.
In a promising start they kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Southampton in his first match at Elland Road but more recently they have been on the receiving end of a number of heavy losses.
Gracia's dismissal takes the total of managerial changes in the Premier League to 15 for the season - five more than in any other previous campaign. Leeds are the fourth top-flight side to have sacked two managers this season.
Allardyce to do 'all I can'
Allardyce has four games to guide the Yorkshire club to safety, however Leeds have arguably the most difficult run-in among their relegation rivals with Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham to come.
Having previously worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear at West Ham, Allardyce becomes Leeds' fourth manager this season, with Michael Skubala having been interim head coach prior to Gracia's appointment.
Allardyce has been out of management since the end of the 2020-21 season when his West Brom side were relegated from the Premier League - the first top-flight relegation of his managerial career.
Speaking to Talksport about the "difficult games" ahead, Allardyce said: "We can only do what we can try and achieve, from my point of view, that is stopping the goals from going in.
"We've conceded 28 goals in the last 10 or 12 games and that has to stop if we're going to get out of trouble. We're needing to score three goals every game to win.
"If we're left to do that, that will be impossible. I'm doing all I can with the staff to try and get the players out of trouble."
BBC
"I was shocked. I never thought at this stage of the season [this would happen]. I thought there would be no jobs," he said.
He added: "I could have done with more time, but we've got four games and hopefully I can keep this fabulous club in the Premier League."
Director of football Victor Orta left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday having been in disagreement with the board over Gracia's position.
Gracia was appointed on a "flexible contract" on 21 February - two weeks after the dismissal of former boss Jesse Marsch, who was sacked less than a year after replacing Marcelo Bielsa.
The 53-year-old Gracia's final match in charge was Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
It was the club's latest heavy defeat under the former Watford boss, following 6-1, 5-1 and 4-1 thrashings by Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Arsenal respectively last month.
It also meant the Whites' winless run extended to a fifth match - including four losses - since a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on 4 April.
In a statement, Gracia said he was "grateful for the opportunity" and "proud of the team" after a "very intense period".
"I am confident the team will achieve its objective. It is a committed squad full of quality," he said.
Gracia also paid tribute to Orta, describing him as "honest, sincere and committed to the club".
Premier League table: Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest are all on 30 points - one more than 19th-placed Everton
Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham Forest are all on 30 points - one more than 19th-placed Everton
Gracia, who led Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019 before spells at Valencia and Qatari side Al Sadd, won three of his 12 games in charge as Leeds manager.
In a promising start they kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Southampton in his first match at Elland Road but more recently they have been on the receiving end of a number of heavy losses.
Gracia's dismissal takes the total of managerial changes in the Premier League to 15 for the season - five more than in any other previous campaign. Leeds are the fourth top-flight side to have sacked two managers this season.
Allardyce to do 'all I can'
Allardyce has four games to guide the Yorkshire club to safety, however Leeds have arguably the most difficult run-in among their relegation rivals with Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham to come.
Having previously worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear at West Ham, Allardyce becomes Leeds' fourth manager this season, with Michael Skubala having been interim head coach prior to Gracia's appointment.
Allardyce has been out of management since the end of the 2020-21 season when his West Brom side were relegated from the Premier League - the first top-flight relegation of his managerial career.
Speaking to Talksport about the "difficult games" ahead, Allardyce said: "We can only do what we can try and achieve, from my point of view, that is stopping the goals from going in.
"We've conceded 28 goals in the last 10 or 12 games and that has to stop if we're going to get out of trouble. We're needing to score three goals every game to win.
"If we're left to do that, that will be impossible. I'm doing all I can with the staff to try and get the players out of trouble."
BBC
Geordie Ahmed
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Fat Sam hates us, of the remaining games that is the one he'll be absolutely motivated for
I went from having the Leeds game to be a nailed on win to now being worried because of him and his motivations
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Javi Gracia has defended his record as Leeds manager following his sacking.
Gracia was replaced by Sam Allardyce this week with four games of the Premier League season remaining.
Leeds were 19th in the table when Gracia took over from Jesse Marsch in February, and are currently 17th - above the relegation zone on goal difference.
"We got 11 points in my 11 matches," Gracia told the Athletic.
"Everton got eight points, Leicester and Southampton took six and (Nottingham) Forest five. So everyone else down there got fewer."
Gracia, who was also in charge for an FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Fulham, earned wins against Southampton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest in his first six league games.
However, Leeds lost four of their next five matches, including a 5-1 defeat by Crystal Palace, a 6-1 loss to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth.
"We are in a moment during the last few games that were not what we hoped, but, from another point of view, other teams are doing worse than us. So you can be optimistic in some way," Gracia said.
"My evaluation of my work is that we could have done things better, of course, but we arrived in a difficult position with 10 matches without a win.
"We left the team outside the drop zone. So this is the evaluation that is most crude and real, about points and the place in the table. It is the most objective verdict."
Leeds confirmed Gracia's sacking and Allardyce's appointment on Wednesday, but he said he was told by owner Andrea Radrizanni on Monday.
"It was my birthday," said 53-year-old Gracia. "It was a phone call."
Director of football Victor Orta left by mutual consent after disagreeing with the board over the decision to sack Gracia.
Gracia said: "I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around.
"It's been a very intense period. It hurt me a lot to lose my job, but I have to say Victor's exit is just as difficult for me, if not more."
BBC
Gracia was replaced by Sam Allardyce this week with four games of the Premier League season remaining.
Leeds were 19th in the table when Gracia took over from Jesse Marsch in February, and are currently 17th - above the relegation zone on goal difference.
"We got 11 points in my 11 matches," Gracia told the Athletic.
"Everton got eight points, Leicester and Southampton took six and (Nottingham) Forest five. So everyone else down there got fewer."
Gracia, who was also in charge for an FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Fulham, earned wins against Southampton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest in his first six league games.
However, Leeds lost four of their next five matches, including a 5-1 defeat by Crystal Palace, a 6-1 loss to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth.
"We are in a moment during the last few games that were not what we hoped, but, from another point of view, other teams are doing worse than us. So you can be optimistic in some way," Gracia said.
"My evaluation of my work is that we could have done things better, of course, but we arrived in a difficult position with 10 matches without a win.
"We left the team outside the drop zone. So this is the evaluation that is most crude and real, about points and the place in the table. It is the most objective verdict."
Leeds confirmed Gracia's sacking and Allardyce's appointment on Wednesday, but he said he was told by owner Andrea Radrizanni on Monday.
"It was my birthday," said 53-year-old Gracia. "It was a phone call."
Director of football Victor Orta left by mutual consent after disagreeing with the board over the decision to sack Gracia.
Gracia said: "I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around.
"It's been a very intense period. It hurt me a lot to lose my job, but I have to say Victor's exit is just as difficult for me, if not more."
BBC
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Sam Allardyce says the fear of relegation should motive his Leeds United side to fight, as they prepare to host Newcastle United on Saturday.
With three matches remaining, Leeds sit 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.
"The fear needs to drive them on," said Leeds manager Allardyce.
"The fear of relegation and the fear of losing Premier League status should make them fight and want to fight for their Premier League status."
Leeds' final two matches see them travel to face West Ham next week before hosting Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season and Allardyce admitted he would be pleased just to have a chance of staying up on the final day.
"We have nine points to go for [and] I would be very satisfied if we were still in it when we take on Tottenham," he said.
Eddie Howe's Magpies are the visitors to Elland Road for Allardyce's first home game since taking charge last week.
Newcastle are third in the table and pushing for Champions League qualification, something Allardyce had ambitions of overseeing during his time in charge of the club.
"Was I disappointed? Yes," he said, referring to being dismissed at Newcastle in 2008.
"[It was a] massive knockback but I always recover and move on.
"It was a blow to my career at that point in time and I wanted to take [the club] to where it is now. That was the ambition of me and [previous owner] Freddie Shepherd at the time."
Good omens for Leeds and Allardyce
Since Allardyce's departure from Newcastle, he has managed five different sides against the Magpies.
His 13 wins against the North East side are more than against any other club in his managerial career and in his last five fixtures against the Magpies - with three different clubs - he has won three times and drawn twice.
With three matches remaining, Leeds sit 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.
"The fear needs to drive them on," said Leeds manager Allardyce.
"The fear of relegation and the fear of losing Premier League status should make them fight and want to fight for their Premier League status."
Leeds' final two matches see them travel to face West Ham next week before hosting Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the season and Allardyce admitted he would be pleased just to have a chance of staying up on the final day.
"We have nine points to go for [and] I would be very satisfied if we were still in it when we take on Tottenham," he said.
Eddie Howe's Magpies are the visitors to Elland Road for Allardyce's first home game since taking charge last week.
Newcastle are third in the table and pushing for Champions League qualification, something Allardyce had ambitions of overseeing during his time in charge of the club.
"Was I disappointed? Yes," he said, referring to being dismissed at Newcastle in 2008.
"[It was a] massive knockback but I always recover and move on.
"It was a blow to my career at that point in time and I wanted to take [the club] to where it is now. That was the ambition of me and [previous owner] Freddie Shepherd at the time."
Good omens for Leeds and Allardyce
Since Allardyce's departure from Newcastle, he has managed five different sides against the Magpies.
His 13 wins against the North East side are more than against any other club in his managerial career and in his last five fixtures against the Magpies - with three different clubs - he has won three times and drawn twice.
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Leeds still in the fight
==
Leeds United's Premier League survival hopes received a late lift as they came from behind to earn a battling point against Newcastle United at Elland Road - in a match with three penalties and a red card.
Interim manager Sam Allardyce will be delighted by the spirit shown by Leeds as it looked like they would suffer a damaging defeat despite taking the lead through Luke Ayling's early goal.
In a thunderous atmosphere, the game appeared to have turned when Patrick Bamford's penalty on the half-hour was saved by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, the disappointment deepening when Callum Wilson restored equality for the visitors from the spot moments later.
Wilson put Newcastle, who are looking to confirm a place in the top four, ahead with another penalty after 69 minutes when the video assistant referee ruled Junior Firpo had handled.
Leeds looked beaten but staged a rally and equalised when Rasmus Kristensen's shot deflected in off Kieran Trippier's head 11 minutes from time.
Allardyce's team, who had Firpo sent off in the closing seconds, remain in the bottom three a point behind Everton but he may yet come to see this as a valuable result.
==
Leeds United's Premier League survival hopes received a late lift as they came from behind to earn a battling point against Newcastle United at Elland Road - in a match with three penalties and a red card.
Interim manager Sam Allardyce will be delighted by the spirit shown by Leeds as it looked like they would suffer a damaging defeat despite taking the lead through Luke Ayling's early goal.
In a thunderous atmosphere, the game appeared to have turned when Patrick Bamford's penalty on the half-hour was saved by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, the disappointment deepening when Callum Wilson restored equality for the visitors from the spot moments later.
Wilson put Newcastle, who are looking to confirm a place in the top four, ahead with another penalty after 69 minutes when the video assistant referee ruled Junior Firpo had handled.
Leeds looked beaten but staged a rally and equalised when Rasmus Kristensen's shot deflected in off Kieran Trippier's head 11 minutes from time.
Allardyce's team, who had Firpo sent off in the closing seconds, remain in the bottom three a point behind Everton but he may yet come to see this as a valuable result.
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Sam Allardyce might have had trouble deciding if his glass is half full or half empty when he settled his nerves after a pulsating introduction to Elland Road's fevered atmosphere as Leeds United manager.
Do not mistake pulsating for quality because there was precious little of that commodity on show as Leeds went ahead then looked to have turned potential victory into defeat before snatching a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Instead, amid the sound and fury of one club fighting for Premier League survival against another reaching out for the riches offered by the Champions League, both Leeds and Newcastle were left nursing regrets.
Leeds will have to wait until the final reckoning before they can measure just how vital Patrick Bamford's missed penalty when they were leading 1-0 and rattling Newcastle in the first half will be.
This would surely have been a very different game with Leeds holding that advantage in this atmosphere but Bamford, who suffered fierce criticism after missing a stoppage-time sitter in the recent home draw with fellow strugglers Leicester City, looked a bag of nerves as he placed the ball and there was a sense of inevitability as Newcastle keeper Nick Pope saved his spot-kick with some comfort.
It looked a potentially decisive miss when Newcastle went ahead through two Callum Wilson penalties before Leeds, to their great credit, roused themselves to earn a point, Elland Road exploding with elation and relief as Rasmus Kristensen's shot deflected past Pope via Kieran Trippier's head.
Allardyce certainly struck a note of frustration when he said: "We shot ourselves in the foot quite a few times but we also showed enough to say that if we cut out the mistakes we can get three points in games rather than one.
"I believe with the spirit and commitment we showed, if we had gone 2-0 up we would have won the game but the way we came back after getting knocked back a couple of times was very good."
Allardyce was smiling while he added: "I needed two Valium at the end to calm me down - no, I enjoyed it because I thought the lads did their very best and I can't ask for more than that."
There was no doubting the size of what was at stake here, especially for Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, who was in the tunnel to send the players on the way before kick-off. The Italian was smiling - but it looked very much like a smile masking nerves.
Elland Road, never the shrinking violet of Premier League arenas, was a cauldron even by its own standards before kick-off, Allardyce emerging into the Yorkshire sunshine to return warm applause before pumping his fist towards supporters desperate for something to cheer.
They got their wish after seven minutes when Luke Ayling reacted first after Pope pushed out Rodrigo's header.
Allardyce punched the air twice in sheer joy as Leeds were on their way until they inflicted the wounds on themselves that so clearly irked their manager.
The 68-year-old is obviously open to a collegiate approach at Leeds as he was closely shadowed throughout by assistants Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane, both adopting the close marking role that Jason Tindall was also utilising in the opposite technical area with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Allardyce has stated his intention to have survival still on the line when Tottenham visit Elland Road on the season's final day and this point, even though it could have been three, may yet be of assistance in that quest.
Leeds were full of endeavour, albeit short of class, and Allardyce was rightly satisfied at how they showed resilience to come back, and even the Elland Road volume levels - rarely dipping below deafening din - dropped for a few minutes as Newcastle finally took a measure of command.
The support, sadly let down by one of their number who somehow got close enough to Newcastle boss Howe to verbally abuse him and give him a shove in the closing moments, did not give up on their team and Allardyce has already tapped into just what a huge factor the fans will be if they can reach that final home game with a chance of staying up.
Amid the ever-shifting scenery near the bottom of the Premier League table, Allardyce knows he has no time to lose and must eradicate the moments of self-destruction from Bamford, Maximilian Wober - who gave away that vital first penalty with a recklessly poor challenge on Alexander Isak - and Junior Firpo.
Firpo was lucky to escape with only a yellow card for a wild tackle on Bruno Guimaraes, gave a penalty away for handball, then was eventually sent off for hauling back Anthony Gordon as he raced clear.
It was chaotic and Allardyce was right to suggest Leeds had contributed to their own demise when it came to casting aside what might have been a priceless win.
The reaction from Leeds United's supporters as the players gathered in front of the Don Revie Stand after the final whistle suggested they were satisfied with both the outcome and the effort.
Time, and two more games, will tell if that optimism was justified.
BBC
Do not mistake pulsating for quality because there was precious little of that commodity on show as Leeds went ahead then looked to have turned potential victory into defeat before snatching a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Instead, amid the sound and fury of one club fighting for Premier League survival against another reaching out for the riches offered by the Champions League, both Leeds and Newcastle were left nursing regrets.
Leeds will have to wait until the final reckoning before they can measure just how vital Patrick Bamford's missed penalty when they were leading 1-0 and rattling Newcastle in the first half will be.
This would surely have been a very different game with Leeds holding that advantage in this atmosphere but Bamford, who suffered fierce criticism after missing a stoppage-time sitter in the recent home draw with fellow strugglers Leicester City, looked a bag of nerves as he placed the ball and there was a sense of inevitability as Newcastle keeper Nick Pope saved his spot-kick with some comfort.
It looked a potentially decisive miss when Newcastle went ahead through two Callum Wilson penalties before Leeds, to their great credit, roused themselves to earn a point, Elland Road exploding with elation and relief as Rasmus Kristensen's shot deflected past Pope via Kieran Trippier's head.
Allardyce certainly struck a note of frustration when he said: "We shot ourselves in the foot quite a few times but we also showed enough to say that if we cut out the mistakes we can get three points in games rather than one.
"I believe with the spirit and commitment we showed, if we had gone 2-0 up we would have won the game but the way we came back after getting knocked back a couple of times was very good."
Allardyce was smiling while he added: "I needed two Valium at the end to calm me down - no, I enjoyed it because I thought the lads did their very best and I can't ask for more than that."
There was no doubting the size of what was at stake here, especially for Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, who was in the tunnel to send the players on the way before kick-off. The Italian was smiling - but it looked very much like a smile masking nerves.
Elland Road, never the shrinking violet of Premier League arenas, was a cauldron even by its own standards before kick-off, Allardyce emerging into the Yorkshire sunshine to return warm applause before pumping his fist towards supporters desperate for something to cheer.
They got their wish after seven minutes when Luke Ayling reacted first after Pope pushed out Rodrigo's header.
Allardyce punched the air twice in sheer joy as Leeds were on their way until they inflicted the wounds on themselves that so clearly irked their manager.
The 68-year-old is obviously open to a collegiate approach at Leeds as he was closely shadowed throughout by assistants Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane, both adopting the close marking role that Jason Tindall was also utilising in the opposite technical area with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Allardyce has stated his intention to have survival still on the line when Tottenham visit Elland Road on the season's final day and this point, even though it could have been three, may yet be of assistance in that quest.
Leeds were full of endeavour, albeit short of class, and Allardyce was rightly satisfied at how they showed resilience to come back, and even the Elland Road volume levels - rarely dipping below deafening din - dropped for a few minutes as Newcastle finally took a measure of command.
The support, sadly let down by one of their number who somehow got close enough to Newcastle boss Howe to verbally abuse him and give him a shove in the closing moments, did not give up on their team and Allardyce has already tapped into just what a huge factor the fans will be if they can reach that final home game with a chance of staying up.
Amid the ever-shifting scenery near the bottom of the Premier League table, Allardyce knows he has no time to lose and must eradicate the moments of self-destruction from Bamford, Maximilian Wober - who gave away that vital first penalty with a recklessly poor challenge on Alexander Isak - and Junior Firpo.
Firpo was lucky to escape with only a yellow card for a wild tackle on Bruno Guimaraes, gave a penalty away for handball, then was eventually sent off for hauling back Anthony Gordon as he raced clear.
It was chaotic and Allardyce was right to suggest Leeds had contributed to their own demise when it came to casting aside what might have been a priceless win.
The reaction from Leeds United's supporters as the players gathered in front of the Don Revie Stand after the final whistle suggested they were satisfied with both the outcome and the effort.
Time, and two more games, will tell if that optimism was justified.
BBC
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Everton only take a draw against Wolves, which means Leeds can climb above them out of the drop zone with a win at West Ham.
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Leeds flop when it mattered most
Allardyce's typical responses to his side's shortcomings - a furious rant at Pascal Struijk for not charging forward at a second-half corner and chewing gum thrown to the ground in frustration at another attack that floundered in its infancy - made it obvious what he thought about the situation.
At the start of the game when West Ham - showing six changes to the team that started against AZ Alkmaar - looked lethargic and again in the middle when they went back into their shell, Leeds lacked the guile to open up David Moyes' side.
When the hosts did rouse themselves, Leeds lacked the ability to keep them out.
The final score could have been even worse but Pablo Fornals and Rice passed up clear opportunities to score.
Last season at Brentford they managed to save themselves despite starting the last day in the bottom three. This time - having sacked two managers in Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia as well as football director Victor Orta in search of an escape - the chances of a successful outcome look more remote.
Allardyce's typical responses to his side's shortcomings - a furious rant at Pascal Struijk for not charging forward at a second-half corner and chewing gum thrown to the ground in frustration at another attack that floundered in its infancy - made it obvious what he thought about the situation.
At the start of the game when West Ham - showing six changes to the team that started against AZ Alkmaar - looked lethargic and again in the middle when they went back into their shell, Leeds lacked the guile to open up David Moyes' side.
When the hosts did rouse themselves, Leeds lacked the ability to keep them out.
The final score could have been even worse but Pablo Fornals and Rice passed up clear opportunities to score.
Last season at Brentford they managed to save themselves despite starting the last day in the bottom three. This time - having sacked two managers in Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia as well as football director Victor Orta in search of an escape - the chances of a successful outcome look more remote.
Kianig89
T20I Star
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Pathetic they fluked it last year but lightning doesn't strike again, lack of a quality goalkeeper is one of the main reasons they leaked so many goals,nonetheless championship awaits them
IAJ
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- Post of the Week
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Could do it again, if we somehow win our last match against Spurs, and both Leicester and Everton mess up their last matches
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Leeds manager Sam Allardyce gave a team news update before Sunday's match at home to Tottenham: "Rodrigo trained today and we are going to give Patrick Bamford as long as we can. We will find out tomorrow morning."
Are you prepared to gamble on players' fitness?: "We will be happy to gamble on anyone's fitness, if they want to play and if I think they can make a contribution, then I will consider it. After Sunday they will have a summer to recover.
"Of course, if the medical team say the risk of damage is too high, then that is another thing. But a lot of it is up to the player."
On the mood in the camp: "I love the mood and application. We have been training at the ground because here is where we will live or die on Sunday, in terms of the result.
"All we can try to do is give the players the best opportunity possible to get the result they need.
"It's all about this stadium on Sunday and the fantastic atmosphere that will go with it, as it was when we played Newcastle [in a 2-2 draw last time at Elland Road]. I hope we can go one step further and win the game."
Are you prepared to gamble on players' fitness?: "We will be happy to gamble on anyone's fitness, if they want to play and if I think they can make a contribution, then I will consider it. After Sunday they will have a summer to recover.
"Of course, if the medical team say the risk of damage is too high, then that is another thing. But a lot of it is up to the player."
On the mood in the camp: "I love the mood and application. We have been training at the ground because here is where we will live or die on Sunday, in terms of the result.
"All we can try to do is give the players the best opportunity possible to get the result they need.
"It's all about this stadium on Sunday and the fantastic atmosphere that will go with it, as it was when we played Newcastle [in a 2-2 draw last time at Elland Road]. I hope we can go one step further and win the game."
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Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League as they lost their final game of the season to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Whites' fans turned on both their team and the club's owners as the West Yorkshire side's three-year top-flight stay came to a meek and pitiful end at Elland Road.
Needing to win to stand any chance of preserving their Premier League status, Leeds trailed inside the opening two minutes through Harry Kane's excellent finish.
Pedro Porro then doubled Tottenham's lead when he fired in from a tight angle early in the second half.
Jack Harrison made it 2-1 to give Leeds brief hope of pulling off an unlikely escape, but Kane's 30th league goal of the season restored Spurs' two-goal advantage.
Lucas Moura marked his farewell appearance by scoring a fine solo goal in injury time, although Tottenham's first top-flight win outside London since October was not enough to prevent them missing out on European qualification for the first time since they finished eighth in 2008-09.
For Leeds, however, the damage is far worse.
Chairman and majority owner Andrea Radrizzani was not at the game but was told in no uncertain terms to sell the club by the Leeds supporters, who chanted "sack the board" during the latter stages.
And, after a pitch invader had been hauled away by half a dozen stewards 15 minutes from time, they chanted "he's got more fight than you" in a damning assessment of their team - with further songs in support of Marcelo Bielsa, the beloved coach who returned Leeds to the top flight in 2020 but was sacked last season.
With uncertainty over a proposed takeover by the San Francisco 49ers owners, who already have a 44% stake in the club, and Radrizzani's holding company buying a stake in Sampdoria, who have just been relegated from Serie A, there is a lack of clarity at the club that needs to be dealt with.
The last time Leeds went down, in 2004, it took 16 years before they came back. The time before that, in 1982, it was eight. They can only hope nothing similar awaits them on this occasion.
BBC
The Whites' fans turned on both their team and the club's owners as the West Yorkshire side's three-year top-flight stay came to a meek and pitiful end at Elland Road.
Needing to win to stand any chance of preserving their Premier League status, Leeds trailed inside the opening two minutes through Harry Kane's excellent finish.
Pedro Porro then doubled Tottenham's lead when he fired in from a tight angle early in the second half.
Jack Harrison made it 2-1 to give Leeds brief hope of pulling off an unlikely escape, but Kane's 30th league goal of the season restored Spurs' two-goal advantage.
Lucas Moura marked his farewell appearance by scoring a fine solo goal in injury time, although Tottenham's first top-flight win outside London since October was not enough to prevent them missing out on European qualification for the first time since they finished eighth in 2008-09.
For Leeds, however, the damage is far worse.
Chairman and majority owner Andrea Radrizzani was not at the game but was told in no uncertain terms to sell the club by the Leeds supporters, who chanted "sack the board" during the latter stages.
And, after a pitch invader had been hauled away by half a dozen stewards 15 minutes from time, they chanted "he's got more fight than you" in a damning assessment of their team - with further songs in support of Marcelo Bielsa, the beloved coach who returned Leeds to the top flight in 2020 but was sacked last season.
With uncertainty over a proposed takeover by the San Francisco 49ers owners, who already have a 44% stake in the club, and Radrizzani's holding company buying a stake in Sampdoria, who have just been relegated from Serie A, there is a lack of clarity at the club that needs to be dealt with.
The last time Leeds went down, in 2004, it took 16 years before they came back. The time before that, in 1982, it was eight. They can only hope nothing similar awaits them on this occasion.
BBC
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Leeds United: Andrea Radrizzani remains in advanced negotiations to sell club to American owners of San Francisco 49ers
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani remains locked in advanced negotiations over a revised deal to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises after their relegation to the Championship.
The American group, who own NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, still want to purchase the remaining 56 per cent stake from Italian Radrizzani despite the drop - but not at the previously agreed price.
Radrizzani is understood to have flown to the US late last week to broker the terms on a new deal, with the previous price agreed only if they had stayed up.
He was not present at Leeds' last game of the season on Sunday - a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham at Elland Road that confirmed the relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Two days later, the long-discussed takeover is hanging in the balance, with Radrizzani still deciding whether or not to pull the trigger on the sale.
Sources have indicated to Sky Sports News that it is still expected to be completed and, once it has, there is a plan in place for Radrizzani to oversee a transition period into the new ownership alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.
Kinnear is also expected to stay on in his role at least until the end of the 2023-24 season, and top of the agenda for the new regime will be the appointments of a new head coach and sporting director.
The 49ers and Kinnear are understood to have been working on sporting director candidates already and high on their list are the likes of Middlesbrough's Kieran Scott and Genk's Dimitri de Conde.
The club want to act quickly to secure their new hierarchy in order to advance with plans for next season, including pre-season training and squad turnover in the transfer market - and they will need to do so with fellow high-profile, relegated clubs Leicester and Southampton already embarking on their plans for next term.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...lub-to-american-owners-of-san-francisco-49ers
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani remains locked in advanced negotiations over a revised deal to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises after their relegation to the Championship.
The American group, who own NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers, still want to purchase the remaining 56 per cent stake from Italian Radrizzani despite the drop - but not at the previously agreed price.
Radrizzani is understood to have flown to the US late last week to broker the terms on a new deal, with the previous price agreed only if they had stayed up.
He was not present at Leeds' last game of the season on Sunday - a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham at Elland Road that confirmed the relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Two days later, the long-discussed takeover is hanging in the balance, with Radrizzani still deciding whether or not to pull the trigger on the sale.
Sources have indicated to Sky Sports News that it is still expected to be completed and, once it has, there is a plan in place for Radrizzani to oversee a transition period into the new ownership alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.
Kinnear is also expected to stay on in his role at least until the end of the 2023-24 season, and top of the agenda for the new regime will be the appointments of a new head coach and sporting director.
The 49ers and Kinnear are understood to have been working on sporting director candidates already and high on their list are the likes of Middlesbrough's Kieran Scott and Genk's Dimitri de Conde.
The club want to act quickly to secure their new hierarchy in order to advance with plans for next season, including pre-season training and squad turnover in the transfer market - and they will need to do so with fellow high-profile, relegated clubs Leicester and Southampton already embarking on their plans for next term.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...lub-to-american-owners-of-san-francisco-49ers
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"Change is needed" at Leeds United following the club's relegation from the Premier League, says their chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
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Sam Allardyce and Leeds have decided to go their separate ways after the Elland Road club’s relegation to the Championship.
Although Allardyce presided over the collection of only one point during his four-match interim tenure at the end of the season, the staff and players at Leeds were highly impressed by his management style and the possibility of keeping the former England manager in the post next season was seriously considered.
Yet after a day of discussions with the West Yorkshire club’s chief executive, Angus Kinnear, on Thursday, it emerged that no agreement was reached, and it was confirmed on Friday that Allardyce had left as Leeds step up their search for a manager to lead a Championship promotion challenge.
“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,” said Allardyce, who described it as an honour to have managed the club. Leeds said the decision had been mutually agreed.
Allardyce’s appointment came at the end of a chaotic campaign in which Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch in February and his interim successor, Javi Gracia, at the start of May when they enticed the 68-year-old out of retirement for the final four games.
Whoever takes charge next season is likely to do so against a backdrop of considerable uncertainty. While it is unclear whether a successor to the recently sacked former director of football, Victor Orta, will be appointed or that position scrapped, the club’s ownership remains opaque.
Had Premier League survival been secured, the San Francisco-based investors 49er Enterprises, were set to increase their current 44% stake in Leeds by buying out the majority stakeholder, Andrea Radrizzani, but that deal now appears very much in the balance.
Radrizzani, meanwhile, is involved in a consortium buying Sampdoria, and Leeds fans reacted angrily when a report in The Athletic revealed that the chairman had offered Elland Road as collateral as he endeavoured to secure a £26m loan to help purchase the Italian club. Although it is not thought that Radrizzani, who owns the ground, did ultimately use it as security, the episode is not believed to have gone down too well with some of his fellow board members in Yorkshire.
This turbulent backdrop is unlikely to persuade either Brendan Rodgers or Graham Potter – two managers much admired by Leeds executives – to take charge of the team this summer. Nonetheless, both are likely to feature on a shortlist also expected to include West Brom’s Carlos Corberán and Lorient’s Régis Le Bris.
While Corberán previously served as Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team coach at Leeds, Le Bris is regarded as a rising star of French coaching. Allardyce is not expected to pursue another full-time football post.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...dan-rodgers-on-new-shortlist?CMP=share_btn_tw
Although Allardyce presided over the collection of only one point during his four-match interim tenure at the end of the season, the staff and players at Leeds were highly impressed by his management style and the possibility of keeping the former England manager in the post next season was seriously considered.
Yet after a day of discussions with the West Yorkshire club’s chief executive, Angus Kinnear, on Thursday, it emerged that no agreement was reached, and it was confirmed on Friday that Allardyce had left as Leeds step up their search for a manager to lead a Championship promotion challenge.
“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,” said Allardyce, who described it as an honour to have managed the club. Leeds said the decision had been mutually agreed.
Allardyce’s appointment came at the end of a chaotic campaign in which Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch in February and his interim successor, Javi Gracia, at the start of May when they enticed the 68-year-old out of retirement for the final four games.
Whoever takes charge next season is likely to do so against a backdrop of considerable uncertainty. While it is unclear whether a successor to the recently sacked former director of football, Victor Orta, will be appointed or that position scrapped, the club’s ownership remains opaque.
Had Premier League survival been secured, the San Francisco-based investors 49er Enterprises, were set to increase their current 44% stake in Leeds by buying out the majority stakeholder, Andrea Radrizzani, but that deal now appears very much in the balance.
Radrizzani, meanwhile, is involved in a consortium buying Sampdoria, and Leeds fans reacted angrily when a report in The Athletic revealed that the chairman had offered Elland Road as collateral as he endeavoured to secure a £26m loan to help purchase the Italian club. Although it is not thought that Radrizzani, who owns the ground, did ultimately use it as security, the episode is not believed to have gone down too well with some of his fellow board members in Yorkshire.
This turbulent backdrop is unlikely to persuade either Brendan Rodgers or Graham Potter – two managers much admired by Leeds executives – to take charge of the team this summer. Nonetheless, both are likely to feature on a shortlist also expected to include West Brom’s Carlos Corberán and Lorient’s Régis Le Bris.
While Corberán previously served as Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team coach at Leeds, Le Bris is regarded as a rising star of French coaching. Allardyce is not expected to pursue another full-time football post.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...dan-rodgers-on-new-shortlist?CMP=share_btn_tw
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Leeds United: Chairman Andrea Radrizzani agrees £170m deal to sell club to 49ers
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has agreed a £170m deal to sell his stake in the relegated club to co-owners 49ers Enterprises.
The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers purchased a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018 and increased that to 44% in 2021.
Italian Radrizzani bought Leeds outright for £45m in 2017, but his stake has dropped to 56% since then.
Managerless Leeds were relegated from the Premier League on the final day and are preparing for the Championship.
The previous agreement, which depended on their top-flight survival, was worth about £400m - but negotiations restarted following their drop to the second tier.
A club statement read: "Leeds United can confirm an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club.
"Both parties continue to work through the details, and further updates will be provided soon. All of our focus remains on a quick return to the Premier League."
After their relegation was confirmed, Leeds United Supporters Club released a statement saying Radrizzani was "no longer an appropriate person to own Leeds United".
"His behaviour is appalling and he risks never being welcome at our club again," it added."The sooner he goes the better and we look forward to the 49ers Enterprises offer being accepted. The only way he can begin to salvage his reputation is through an immediate sale of the club and the stadium."
Radrizzani was popular with Leeds fans initially, with Marcelo Bielsa taking them back into the Premier League. But the relationship soured after he sacked the Argentine, and he did not attend their final game, a defeat by Tottenham which sealed their relegation, where fans chanted for him to leave.
His Aser Holding Company recently bought a stake in Italian side Sampdoria.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65863200
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has agreed a £170m deal to sell his stake in the relegated club to co-owners 49ers Enterprises.
The investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers purchased a 15% stake in Leeds in 2018 and increased that to 44% in 2021.
Italian Radrizzani bought Leeds outright for £45m in 2017, but his stake has dropped to 56% since then.
Managerless Leeds were relegated from the Premier League on the final day and are preparing for the Championship.
The previous agreement, which depended on their top-flight survival, was worth about £400m - but negotiations restarted following their drop to the second tier.
A club statement read: "Leeds United can confirm an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club.
"Both parties continue to work through the details, and further updates will be provided soon. All of our focus remains on a quick return to the Premier League."
After their relegation was confirmed, Leeds United Supporters Club released a statement saying Radrizzani was "no longer an appropriate person to own Leeds United".
"His behaviour is appalling and he risks never being welcome at our club again," it added."The sooner he goes the better and we look forward to the 49ers Enterprises offer being accepted. The only way he can begin to salvage his reputation is through an immediate sale of the club and the stadium."
Radrizzani was popular with Leeds fans initially, with Marcelo Bielsa taking them back into the Premier League. But the relationship soured after he sacked the Argentine, and he did not attend their final game, a defeat by Tottenham which sealed their relegation, where fans chanted for him to leave.
His Aser Holding Company recently bought a stake in Italian side Sampdoria.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65863200
James
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Good news for the club.
A chance for new investment next season and a possible redemption.
A chance for new investment next season and a possible redemption.
KingKhanWC
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No new Leeds thread?
Huge season for this club.
All over West Brom, but just managed to level at 1-1
5 mins + added time. Leeds need a winner here.
Huge season for this club.
All over West Brom, but just managed to level at 1-1
5 mins + added time. Leeds need a winner here.
IAJ
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Victor Orta and co have completely left the club in a mess. Dishing out stupid contracts to all players. And now you have players who refuse to play. They have not brought in quality players either. Just hope they can 2-3 players in this window. You got to feel for Daniel Farke.
James
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Some good performances this season despite the decimated squad. Unlucky on Friday with West Brom getting a “hand of god” goal which wasn’t spotted. Leeds require a big 2 weeks in transfer market now to get a bit more quality, and the results will come.
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Recording our first win of the season, 3-4 against an in-form Ipswich side.
Allthough I didn’t like VAR in PL, I really miss it in Championship. For the second match in row we have been left down by the refrees and the first goal of Ipswich yesterday was a clear Off-side situation.
While we were simply outstanding going forward we really need two new full-backs. Ayling is very poor and Byram injury-prone and Drameh looked all at sea, also involved in Ipswich’s second goal.
And finally we need to strengthen the midfield.
But all of the sudden things looks better with the signing of Piroe and Sini and Willy back. Let’s hope both stay.
Allthough I didn’t like VAR in PL, I really miss it in Championship. For the second match in row we have been left down by the refrees and the first goal of Ipswich yesterday was a clear Off-side situation.
While we were simply outstanding going forward we really need two new full-backs. Ayling is very poor and Byram injury-prone and Drameh looked all at sea, also involved in Ipswich’s second goal.
And finally we need to strengthen the midfield.
But all of the sudden things looks better with the signing of Piroe and Sini and Willy back. Let’s hope both stay.
James
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Looking much better now.
Got to grab some more big wins to keep up the momentum and climb the table.
Got to grab some more big wins to keep up the momentum and climb the table.
IAJ
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What a win yesterday at The Den, 0-3.
Millwall started well the first 5 minutes but after that it was all Leeds. So important to have a proper goal scorer in the team who knows where to be at the right time. Joel Piroe scoring twice and happy for Rutter as well getting one goal.
Ethan Ampadu was quality again and the young lad Archie Gray is a future star. If Leeds don't get back to PL I am afraid a team like City or Liverpool could snap him up.
Millwall started well the first 5 minutes but after that it was all Leeds. So important to have a proper goal scorer in the team who knows where to be at the right time. Joel Piroe scoring twice and happy for Rutter as well getting one goal.
Ethan Ampadu was quality again and the young lad Archie Gray is a future star. If Leeds don't get back to PL I am afraid a team like City or Liverpool could snap him up.
IAJ
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Leeds 3- 0 Watford at Elland Road.
Goals by Piroe, Byram and Anthony.
First win at home for Leeds this season, and what a win that was, the best match of the season for me, completely outplayed them. Even when we miss certain starters like Gnonto, Rodon and Spence we have so many quality players om bench now.
I am not good at lengthy well written posts, but it was great to see Rutter having fun at the field, good to see his confidience, will get better and better.
Ampadu is pure class, Kamara played extremely well and well done to the defenders and Meslier for yet another clean sheet.
And a speciall mention of Sir Dan James, 2 assists today lol.
Lovely days for us Leeds fan
Goals by Piroe, Byram and Anthony.
First win at home for Leeds this season, and what a win that was, the best match of the season for me, completely outplayed them. Even when we miss certain starters like Gnonto, Rodon and Spence we have so many quality players om bench now.
I am not good at lengthy well written posts, but it was great to see Rutter having fun at the field, good to see his confidience, will get better and better.
Ampadu is pure class, Kamara played extremely well and well done to the defenders and Meslier for yet another clean sheet.
And a speciall mention of Sir Dan James, 2 assists today lol.
Lovely days for us Leeds fan
James
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Leeds having a great season.
Definitely in the promotion mix
Definitely in the promotion mix
IAJ
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2024 has been an outstanding year for Leeds; 12 wins and 1 draw.
At one stage Leeds were 17 points behind Leicester and now we are at top of the table, this is going to be very close, 4 teams fighting it out.
At one stage Leeds were 17 points behind Leicester and now we are at top of the table, this is going to be very close, 4 teams fighting it out.
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