Leeds United supporters let down by Elland Road board as Javi Gracia appointed – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has claimed Javi Gracia isn’t the man Leeds United fans would’ve wanted as their new head coach after his appointment was confirmed on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old has been given the unenviable task of ensuring the Whites’ Premier League status and is taking over with Leeds in 19th position.
Despite suggesting there will be frustration from the fans, Robinson believes the former Watford boss earned a lot of plaudits during his time at Vicarage Road.
“I just find it very hard that they backed Jesse so heavily in the transfer window with his fellow countrymen and his former players and then two days later he’s sacked,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“Everton didn’t bring a player in but they brought Sean Dyche through the door. If that was in Leeds’ thinking he walks through the door and all of a sudden we’ve got a chance.
“The remit is to stay up. They’re not building a project. They’re not looking for a manager who is going to be a work in progress and gradually implement his style on things.
“They needed a man manager and in my mind, there was no one better than Dyche and they’ve missed that. With Javi Gracia, obviously, he survived a lot longer than a lot of people at Watford. He won manager of the month and took them to an FA Cup final for the first time in a long time.
“His record there with a very dysfunctional board saw him earn a lot of plaudits and looking at the candidates Leeds had there was no one who stood out.
“It’s now about getting behind him. It’s taken too long, and it’s not what the fans want but it’s time to get behind him and try and keep this team in the Premier League.”
Gracia has no time to ease himself into his new role at Elland Road, with Leeds facing a must-win match against a rejuvenated Southampton on Saturday (25 February).
The Saints are coming off an impressive win away at Chelsea and will leapfrog Leeds with a win at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.