Gary Neville surely thrilled with Leeds United links to ‘outstanding’ Scott Parker
Leeds United have been linked with a move for former Bournemouth manager Scott Parker – and that news will surely delight Gary Neville.
The Telegraph reported on 2 June that Leeds are considering Parker as a potential replacement for Sam Allardyce after the former West Brom boss left Elland Road.
Speaking previously on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville brandished the former Fulham boss as an “outstanding student”.
“When I was finishing off my pro license, one of the coaching educators I was working with was Roy Hodgson, and he specifically mentioned that Scott Parker was an outstanding student in the pro license cohort at the time and that always stuck in my mind,” said Neville (Gary Neville Podcast, 15m 26s, 7 March 2021).
Parker being linked to the vacant Elland Road hot seat will surely delight the former Manchester United man. However, will it delight Leeds’ fanbase? On the face of it, Parker being linked with Leeds will disappoint many. He’s not the big name many fans want.
However, there aren’t many coaches who have a better record in the second tier. He’s earned promotion on both occasions he’s managed in the Championship.
He was backed heavily at Fulham and Bournemouth. If the board at Elland Road can replicate that level of expenditure, then there’s every chance of Parker steering Leeds back into the Premier League.
Short-term thinking has to be implemented. An immediate return to the top flight is required before any longer-term plans can be put in place.
It’s time for Andrea Radrizzani, the 49ers and Angus Kinnear to make fast and incisive decision-making in the best interests of the club.
In other Leeds United news, the future of one Whites-linked manager is now up in the air after a high-level resignation at his current club.