Sam Allardyce shares ‘mad’ Leeds United verdict live on talkSPORT ahead of Championship season
Sam Allardyce has shared a “mad” Leeds United verdict ahead of the new Championship season after the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Whites were demoted to the English second division on the final day of last season as they finished 19th in the Premier League table.
Former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham boss Allardyce was in the Elland Road dugout that day, having been placed in charge of the final four matches of the season.
“As mad as Leeds for four games was, I couldn’t turn it down,” Allardyce said live on talkSPORT. “Such a big club, such a big challenge I know. I had to try and do the best I could, but unfortunately it wasn’t good enough for us all.
“A great shame for a club like Leeds after they spent so much time trying to get back there, unfortunately couldn’t make relegation a non-starter, but hopefully they’ll get back into the Premier League next season.”
Huge season ahead
Leeds endured a very difficult Premier League season last time out, with the Elland Road club winning just seven of their 38 matches, drawing 10 and losing the other 21.
They struggled at both ends of the table, with the attackers largely struggling in the final third as the defence conceded a league-high 78 goals.
The turmoil in the dugout didn’t help matters in West Yorkshire, with Allardyce trying his best to keep the club up after the struggles of both Javi Gracia and Jesse Marsch.
It was a very disappointing drop back to the Championship after spending so many years trying to get out of the division.
And now they have a huge task on their hands in getting back to the top of English football, with the upcoming Championship season set to be a very competitive affair.
Leeds will give it their all, but promotion to the top flight at the first time of asking is no mean feat.
In other Leeds United news, one “frustrated” Whites talent wants to leave Elland Road in the summer transfer window.