After finishing 19th in the Premier League points table, Leeds United were one of the 3 teams to be relegated from the top-tier English football league. They will now be playing the EFL Championship, which is the 2nd-tier English football league.
Now their manager Sam Allardyce will be leaving the club. This comes after a mutual agreement from both the parties. Allardyce was brought into the club just when 4 games were remaining in the Premier League and was given the task of rescuing the club from the jaws of relegation.
But he failed to keep them in the hunt and now he has decided to move in from the pole position at Leeds United.
“It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League. I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity. I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks,” said Sam Allardyce.
“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong,” he added.
Leeds United suffered 3 defeats in their last 4 PL games
When Sam Allardyce was roped in to the team, he had his task cut out. In the first game against the eventual Premier League champions Manchester City, Leeds United lost the game 1-2.
They then drew against Carabao Cup runners-up Newcastle United 2-2. Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen had netted the goals for The Whites.
In the last 2 games of Leeds United, they suffered thrashings at the hands of West Ham and Tottenham. The score-lines read 1-3 and 1-4. The fans were absolutely outrageous and they were simply lashing out at the club, the team management, coach and the players.
Sam Allardyce had replaced Javi Gracia at the club. Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear has lavished praise on Sam and has thanked him for his services at the eleventh hour.
“We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us. Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful,” said Angus Kinnear.
Southampton and Leicester City too faced relegation
Apart from Leeds United, Southampton and Leicester City are the two other clubs who faced relegation from the Premier League. Southampton managed to win only 6 games in this season in the Premier League.
On the other hand, Leicester City finished 18th and managed to win only 9 games in 38 matches. Both the teams will be now playing in the EFL Championship.
Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town are the 3 teams who have advanced to the Premier League from the EFL Championship.
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