Leeds United set to appoint cult hero Premier League manager

This Premier League season has given fans many twists and turns but now a familiar manager is set to make a return: Sam Allardyce

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds United is seriously considering appointing Sam Allardyce for the short term in hopes of maintaining their Premier League status. Spaniard Javi Gracia who is currently in charge of Leeds United looks set to leave with the club sitting just above the relegation zone. Fabrizio Romano further states that internal talks have been held by Leeds United over the potential sacking of Gracia.

It would be Leeds’ third manager of the season should Big Sam get the job. The club previously sacked Jesse Marsch on February 6th, 2023 after the club sat 17th in the league. Up until Marsch’s departure, Leeds had just 7 wins in 25 matches.

Things have not got better under Gracia, as the club has won just 3 matches out of 11 with the former Watford manager. Leeds now finds themselves facing the reality of relegation should they not find a way to stay above those fighting below them.

Sam Allardyce has become a cult hero figure among Premier League fans. Need to survive relegation? Call up Big Sam. That status took a punch when Allardyce’s West Bromwich Albion saw relegation in 2021. Over the course of his managerial career, Allardyce has helped Blackburn, Bolton, Crystal Palace, and Sunderland steer clear of relegation.

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While his tactics are often considered “boring” or “old-school’ he has shown to get the job done. There of course are still questions on whether or not he is capable of managing at the Premier League level. With just one managerial position since 2018, Sam Allardyce’s time managing looks to soon be done.

Additionally, a squad that was built for Red Bull football, which was constructed by Jesse Marsch, may not adapt well to a Sam Allardyce system. Nonetheless, many Premier League fans would welcome the return of such a popular figure, even if it could be just for four matches.

Leeds United face-off against Manchester City on May 6th at Etihad Stadium.