Leeds United wait on ‘exceptions panel’ to decide Javi Gracia fate ahead of Southampton Premier League clash
Leeds United are waiting on an “exceptions panel” to meet to decide whether Javi Gracia will be allowed to take charge of Saturday’s clash against Southampton, according to the Daily Mail.
The Spaniard has yet to be granted a work permit after taking the job at Elland Road, which has seen Leeds’ caretaker team take training this week.
The Daily Mail claim (22 February) Gracia is “almost certain” to receive a work permit, but there could be an issue with the time taken for the exceptions panel to come to a conclusion, which could delay the process.
“Javi Gracia has been blocked from taking training at Leeds while he waits for a work permit and faces a race against time to be in the dugout for Saturday’s crunch clash with Southampton,” wrote the Mail.
“His case is therefore likely to have to go to an ‘exceptions panel’, which could delay the process. The three-person panel must decide whether the manager is of the ‘highest calibre and is able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England’.
“It is almost certain the panel will vote in Gracia’s favour and grant him a GBE given his previous success at Watford, who he took to the 2019 FA Cup final. But whether he can obtain it in time for Saturday’s visit of relegation rivals Southampton depends on how quickly the FA can convene a panel and resolve the matter.
“Training this week has therefore again been led by the Whites’ caretaker coaching team of Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, who will have to take charge against the Saints should Gracia not be cleared in time.”
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If Gracia cannot take charge of Leeds for their huge clash against Southampton then the board have a lot to answer for. Stuff like this should have been dealt with before his appointment was confirmed and considered long in advance.
Leeds desperately need the Spaniard in charge for this fixture. It’s simply a must-win game and they need a fresh approach in the dugout. Even if Gracia has one training session with the players, it could well give the Whites the edge against the Saints.
Southampton are coming off an impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea and will head to Elland Road believing they can pick up all three points. A win will leave Leeds bottom of the table and likely cut adrift from the all-important 17th spot.
Michael Skubala could once again find himself in charge on Saturday and has to ensure his side are more of an attacking threat. Their performance against Everton was pitiful and they simply have to improve this weekend.
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