Allardyce confirms departure from Leeds following relegation
02 Jun 2023 10:39pm
Leeds United's English head coach Sam Allardyce gives a pre-match interview ahead of the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
LONDON, UK - Sam Allardyce will not continue at Leeds United after the club's relegation from the Premier League.
The 68-year-old was in charge at Elland Road for the last four games the season, but was only able to claim one point as Leeds slipped back to the Championship.
Despite the relegation, the club were reported to have been impressed with Allardyce's work and had looked into the possibility of gaining promotion back to the top-flight next season under his charge.
However, Allardyce confirmed on Friday morning that talks had now worked out and that he would definitively leave the club.
"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," explained the coach.
Allardyce was appointed after Leeds began the season with Jesse Marsch in the dugout, but sacked him in February, with his successor, Javi Gracia shown the door at the start of this month.
Leeds are now thought to be in interested in former Brighton and Chelsea coach Graham Potter and former Leicester City coach Brendan Rodgers, although any decision on a new coach could be delayed given that the club also sacked its Director of Football, Victor Orta. Enditem
