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Michael Skubala promoted to Leeds United senior role as Javi Gracia confirmed - Phil Hay
Michael Skubala has been promoted to a first-team coaching role at Leeds United after the club announced the appointment of Javi Gracia, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist has revealed (via Twitter, 21 February) that the 40-year-old has signed a flexible contract with the Yorkshire side.
It’s understood the former Watford manager will bring backroom staff with him but Skubala will remain within the first team set-up.
Good news
Skubala returning to the under-21s would’ve been the most likely scenario, however, it’s good to see him retain some sort of presence in and around the first team.
Pace Gallardo will now take the under-21s and it’s important he continues the good work Skubala has laid down when it comes to Leed’s youngsters.
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Ensuring there is consistency and continuity in the youth system is absolutely vital and further upheaval would potentially cause more damage than good.
The Elland Road faithful will no be delighted to see the Whites’ managerial hunt reach a conclusion, with Gracia now the man challenged with the unenviable task of securing Leeds’ Premier League survival. The Spaniard was harshly treated at Watford and was extremely unlucky to lose his job at Vicarage Road.
The loss to Everton has clearly seen the board act decisively. They knew Skubala wasn’t the answer until the end of the season, with a manager with prior Premier League experience being an absolute requirement.
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