Phil Hay: White smoke close in Leeds United manager update
Phil Hay has shared that he expects the white smoke from Elland Road this week as Leeds United close in on their new manager.
The Athletic journalist has admitted that all of the big-hitters will be involved in meetings with it likely that the hunt for a new boss will conclude this week.
The 49ers Enterprises have kicked on with their hunt since the agreement for their takeover of the club was confirmed, with another announcement expected soon.
Speaking on the Squareball podcast on Monday 19 June, Hay shared what he expects to happen within days in this latest managerial hunt.
“It does need to conclude this week,” he said.
“I think we will see it conclude this week, you’ll have all the big hitters heavily involved on Leeds’ side in these discussions and in these meetings.
“It will be another week, like the one with the takeover where we’re just waiting for a verdict and white smoke.”
Get it done.
A new manager needs to be put in place within days, but it has to be done right.
Leicester have kicked on to appoint Enzo Maresca, and Southampton have had their deal with Russell Martin seemingly done for weeks now, although not announced.
Leeds are the only one of the relegated clubs not to have an idea of who will be in charge, although the 49ers Enterprises takeover will have somewhat delayed things.
Now the Americans have their agreement in place, they can now move on to the new manager and it looks as though they have certainly put their foot down.
Paraag Marathe is the new chairman and working alongside Angus Kinnear, he will be getting down to his final preferred candidates, hopefully with positive news to come.
Everyone is watching Elland Road for updates now, and with the club closing in, it may not be long until we see that white smoke and an announcement to follow.
In other Leeds United news, one player is hoping to finalise his exit from the club today