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Leeds United confirm departure of Sam Allardyce.
Leeds United have confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce has left the club by mutual agreement.
Allardyce was hurried into Elland Road with only four games remaining in the 2022/23 season to try to avoid relegation from the Premier League, replacing Javi Gracia.
He began his Leeds career with a close 2-1 loss away at eventual winners Manchester City before drawing 2-2 with top-four Newcastle United.
Leeds blew a 3-1 lead against West Ham United on the last weekend of the season and headed into the final day of the season having to beat Tottenham Hotspur to have any hope of survival. The Spurs thrashed them 4-1.
And Leeds have now released a statement confirming that Allardyce will not return to the club for the 2023/24 season.
“Leeds United and Sam Allardyce can confirm that both parties have mutually agreed for Sam’s spell at the club to end following the completion of the 2022/23 season,” a statement read.
“Sam joined the Whites for the final four games of the campaign and despite spirited performances against Manchester City and Newcastle United, the objective of staying in the Premier League was not reached.”
Allardyce told Leeds’ club channels: “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 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 also stated that an announcement on Allardyce’s replacement will be made in the coming weeks.
#LUFC and Sam Allardyce can confirm that both parties have mutually agreed for Sam’s spell at the club to end following the completion of the 2022/23 season
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 2, 2023