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Relegation-threatened Leeds United have fired Javi Gracia after only 12 games in charge of the team – bringing in Sam Allardyce with four games to go.
The former Watford and Valencia boss has been handed his marching orders after a miserable run of five games without a which has left Leeds staring into the Premier League abyss, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Allardyce, who suffered a first career relegation with West Brom in his last outing, has been brought in with just four fixtures left with Karl Robinson as assistant and according to The Times, Robbie Keane as a coach.
READ MORE: Leeds fans say club is 'messed up' with Lee Bowyer 'close to being named' as next manager
“I’m stood here in my office overlooking the training ground, the fabulous facilities here at Leeds, excited to be involved again,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.
“Obviously there’s a tingle that runs through your veins when you take over a football club.
“I know it’s in a lot of trouble. I’ve seen a lot of trouble before and hopefully – I could have done a little bit more time, but four games – hopefully we can make a difference and keep this fabulous club in the Premier League.”
Will Leeds hang on to keep their Premier League credentials for next season? Let us know in the comments section.
The club statement reads: "Leeds United can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge. Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.
"We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances. The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.
"Allardyce has managed over 500 Premier League games in a managerial career stretching 29 years and he brings a wealth of knowledge in fighting for survival, having guided a number of his previous clubs to safety."
Retaining Premier League status looks like a huge task for Gracia's successor, starting with a trip to pace-setters Manchester City on Saturday.
Leeds are due to host Newcastle the following weekend before concluding the campaign on back-to-back Sundays against West Ham (away) and Tottenham (home).
Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020 under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa and finished ninth in their first season back among the big time. Marsch replaced the Argentinian midway through the 2021/22 campaign and secured survival by the skin of his teeth, but the Yorkshire outfit may not be as fortunate a year on.
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- Leeds United FC
- Premier League
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