Phil Hay sheds light on Leeds United Alfred Schreuder managerial snub
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed Leeds United were “highly likely” to appoint Alfred Schreuder as their new manager before giving the job to Michael Skubala.
The under-21s boss was given the role for the upcoming fixtures against Southampton and Everton as the board look to give themselves more time in their hunt for a new boss.
Hay has since claimed that there’s no “doubt” the former Ajax boss would’ve been appointed until the end of the season, had there not been a bad reaction to his presence at Elland Road.
“The appointment of Skubala makes sense to me instead of someone like Alfred Schreuder, partly on the basis of his recent record and what happened to him at Ajax,” said Hay (Phil Hay Show, 19m 33s, 17 February).
“But also on the basis of the reaction to the news that it looked like it would be Schreuder coming in until the end of the season and I know there’s been a bit of talk over how close it was.
“We know he was at the game against Manchester United and the team hotel before and he was seen walking around the pitch afterwards. I don’t think there’s any doubt that had there not been the reaction which made the board think again, then it’s highly likely he would’ve been appointed and would be here till the end of the season.”
Good call
Giving the job to Schreuder would’ve been a really poor call from the board. The Dutchman endured a miserable time at Ajax and isn’t a coach who would’ve inspired much confidence. Furthermore, if it had just been an interim appointment, then the move would’ve made even less sense.
Skubala taking the reins whilst the board regroup is a much better route to go down. The under-21s boss has shown he has what it takes to put a competitive side out, and the games against Everton and Southampton are certainly more favourable. Four points from the two fixtures is an absolute must, with avoiding defeat this weekend being vital.
The Toffees are just one place and one point behind Leeds and have recently made a change of manager themselves. They’re coming off of a defeat against Liverpool and the Yorkshire side certainly have enough to cause them problems at Goodison Park.
It promises to be a tense afternoon on Merseyside, with the relegation clash certainly having a season-defining feel to it.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.