Interim Manager, Sam Allardyce has departed Leeds United following the club’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Allardyce replaced Javi Garcia for Leeds’ final four matches of the season but could only guide the team to just one point out of a maximum 12 points, which ultimately saw the club relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season following a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham.
Leeds’ sole point under Allardyce came during his first home game in charge at Elland Road, as Rasmus Kristensen snatched a 79th minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Newcastle in which Luke Ayling had put the hosts in front before Callum Wilson’s brace of penalties put the Magpies ahead.
Discussions since took place between Allardyce and Leeds about the possibility of him staying on, which ultimately failed to come to a successful conclusion.
Addressing his decision to leave the club, Allardyce issued the following statement: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League.
“I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank [Leeds CEO] Angus Kinnear for the opportunity. I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.
“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.”
Leeds’ CEO, Kinnear in-turn thanked Allardyce “for being brave enough” to take the job despite Leeds’ difficult run-in.
Kinnear however praised Allardyce for how he managed to change the mood at the club as he added: “Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful.”
Leeds will now commence a search for a new manager with further news to follow in due course.
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