Leeds United manager news as Richard Keys reacts to Sam Allardyce developments with ‘dinosaurs’ verdict amid Everton incentive
Richard Keys has celebrated the “return of the dinosaurs” with Sam Allardyce set to take over at Leeds United for the final four games with the added incentive of downing his former side Everton.
After fellow former-England boss Roy Hodgson returned to Crystal Palace and former Whites manager Neil Warnock went in at Huddersfield this season it is a surprise renaissance for British managers who looked to be out of top level football.
Big Sam hasn’t had a job in management since he was relegated from the top flight with West Brom two years ago after six months in charge, but is set to take over from Javi Gracia after the Spaniard lost control of the spiralling relegation battle.
Reacting to developments on Twitter Keys wrote: “Big Sam is back! There’s a theme here. The return of the dinosaurs.
“Hodgson Warnock Allardyce. You can’t buy experience. Welcome back big man. What an incentive for him – keep Leeds up and relegate Everton.”
Surprise
Hodgson’s return to Selhurst Park has proven to be something of an Indian summer for the 75-year-old after he reeled off four wins in a row after taking over, and 74-year-old Warnock currently has Huddersfield in position to narrowly escape relegation to League One.
Andrea Radrizzani clearly hopes that 68-year-old Allardyce can recapture the old magic in the same way, although he has given him precious little time to do anything.
Manchester City away for his first assignment is about as unwelcoming as could be but the Elland Road owner has pressed the emergency button with the team looking like leaving the top flight with a whimper under Gracia.
The fourth Leeds United manager of the season, following Jesse Marsch and Michael Skubala before Gracia, previously kept relegation rivals Everton up five years ago but wasn’t kept on so Keys believes he will relish the idea of sending them down.
The Toffees are currently one point and two places behind the Whites in 19th, but Allardyce can surely afford to only concentrate on his own matches rather than looking elsewhere.
His previous reputation as a relegation specialist took a hit when he failed to keep West Brom in the top flight, but it would be boosted once more if he can pick up a late result or two in West Yorkshire.
The Baggies have still yet to return to the Premier League and are currently fighting to make the play-offs under Carlos Corberan, who turned down Leeds’ advances in February to sign a new deal, so if the incoming firefighter can’t do the job there is no guarantee the Whites come straight back up.
In other Leeds United news, one key player has been slammed for his childish reaction after the final whistle on Sunday.