Phil Hay provides update on stress levels at Leeds United amid Javi Gracia work permit issue ahead of Southampton
Phil Hay has not sensed any “particular stress” at Leeds United amid the ongoing delay in Javi Gracia getting a work permit ahead of the game against Southampton.
The Spaniard was appointed on Tuesday (21 February) as the club scrambled to find a successor to Jesse Marsch after the loss to Everton three days earlier dropped them into the relegation zone.
The caretaker team headed by Michael Skubala is at risk of having to remain in charge for the huge relegation six-pointer against bottom side Southampton on Saturday though, with Gracia not automatically qualifying for a work permit and having to go through an exemptions panel, but Hay has suggested there is confidence in the situation at Elland Road.
Speaking on The Phil Hay Show on Thursday (23 February, 10min 35sec) Hay said: “I would be surprised if he hasn’t already been through the process and I would be incredibly surprised if they did reject him.
“But you need the governing body endorsement, you also need to go through the visa process that has to happen for the staff that he’s bringing in, and the plan is to bring staff with him alongside others.”
He went on: “But I’m not sensing any particular stress about this in terms of, ‘Will he get a permit?’.
“It’s just all been about the timing of it and the attempt to expedite everything to make sure he’s in charge for the weekend.”
Nerves
As with everything in this managerial search there seems to be an element of hoping for the best from the Leeds United hierarchy.
They seemed to think it would be possible to find a replacement for Marsch with ease when they sacked him on 6 February, before finding out other options currently in work were reluctant to move or blocked by their clubs.
As a result they hoped that Skubala, Chris Armas and Paca Gallardo could build on their encouraging start at Old Trafford for the 2-2 draw with Manchester United and stay in charge for the rest of the campaign while keeping the Whites up.
Following the dreadful display at Goodison Park last weekend they rightfully abandoned that plan and belatedly settled on Gracia, but the work permit issue has so far kept him from even taking training with the players.
It would be hugely disappointing for the entire club if the former Watford boss isn’t in the dug-out for the game on Saturday, and either way his time on the training ground will have been curtailed massively.
It should inspire confidence to hear that there is not a great deal of stress, and it seems likely that Gracia will get his permit at some point, but given how everything has gone in the last few weeks that won’t reassure many fans that he will be on the touchline at Elland Road this weekend and not in the stands.
In other Leeds United news, the club is looking to sign a 140-goal striker in the summer for free and have a “golden opportunity” to do so.