Leeds set to appoint Sam Allardyce for final four games as fans say they've 'sunk so low'

Leeds United are poised to appoint ex-England manager Sam Allardyce after two years out of action with relegation from the Premier League looming under Javi Gracia

Posted Wednesday, May 03, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Sam Allardyce is taking over at Leeds

Sam Allardyce is set to make a dramatic return to management by taking charge of Leeds United for the final four games of the season.

Head coach Javi Gracia is poised to be sacked just two months after being brought in as Jesse Marsch’s successor. The Spaniard suffered a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday which encapsulated his side’s horrendous form of late.

Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Everton on Monday night leaves Leeds 17th in the Premier League and staring relegation in the face, so Gracia's time at Elland Road is coming to an end.

In pole position to land the job is 68-year-old Allardyce. The Englishman has been out of management for almost two years, with his last role being at West Bromwich Albion.

‘Big Sam’ accepted the monumental task of attempting to rescue the Baggies from relegation during the 2020/21 season but was unable to do so. That is not believed to have deterred Leeds’ pursuit of the man who was England manager for just two months.

Allardyce and Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear know each other from their time at West Ham. During his time as Hammers boss, Allardyce secured promotion from the Championship before finishing 10th, 13th and 12th in respective seasons.

Leeds fans, though, are largely underwhelmed regarding his appointment, with one disgruntled supporter tweeting: "I can't believe the club would appoint Sam Allardyce we have sunk that low."

Another wrote: "Wow. How we have fallen in such a short space of time," while a third added: "NO NO NO PLEASE NO!"

Director of football Victor Orta has no future at the club either with the sack imminent for him too due to Leeds finding themselves in a relegation dogfight for a second consecutive season.

Leeds face a big test against leaders Manchester City next on Saturday afternoon at the Etihad before having to welcome third-placed Newcastle to Elland Road. An away game at relegation rivals West Ham follows, and Leeds finish the campaign with a potentially crucial visit from European football-chasing Tottenham.