Sam Allardyce shares what must ‘change dramatically’ for Leeds United to gain promotion

Sam Allardyce believes Leeds United need a Championship-level goalscorer if they are to get promoted next season.

The former Whites boss noted that his team struggled in that area when he was in charge for the final four matches of last season.

Allardyce watched in from the dugout as the West Yorkshire club lost 4-1 to Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League campaign, confirming their relegation.

“I would think that as long as they find themselves a goalscorer at that level, I think they’ll be fine,” Allardyce said live on talkSPORT.

“The trouble with the Premier League, when I was there for that short period, was that we couldn’t convert our chances. We had 21 attempts at goal against Tottenham and we got beat 4-1. We only had two or three of those shots on target.

“That would have to change dramatically while they’re in the Championship. But I wish them all the best. Fantastic club.”

Tough season ahead

Leeds will be well familiar with just how difficult it is to get promoted from the Championship, having been stuck in the competition for several years before their jump to the Premier League not so long ago.

A handful of years were enjoyed in the top flight, but now the Whites are back in the second division, and will be among a number of clubs looking for automatic promotion next season.

Their fellow relegated clubs Leicester City and Southampton will also be seeking that fate, as will a handful of usual suspects and a few surprise packages.

New manager Daniel Farke has it all ahead of him at Elland Road, but importantly the German has proven his ability to get out of the competitive league, having been promoted twice during his spell in the dugout at Norwich City.

However, things will be different at Leeds next season, with the Whites having lost several key players, including Rodrigo, their leading goalscorer last time out.

In other Leeds United news, one journalist has told Farke to find a number 10 as his recruitment team “work on solutions” in that area.