Danny Murphy believes Leeds United should have appointed Sam Allardyce after Jesse Marsch was sacked and if they had done then their Premier League status would be secured by now.
The former England and Liverpool midfielder has come up against teams managed by the new Leeds boss on countless occasions and has rarely found himself on the end of a winning result.
He's also rubbed shoulders with him since his retirement and also worked with various staff members who have had spells under Allardyce elsewhere in their career.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer critical of what Patrick Bamford did at Manchester City as Leeds United warned
Murphy is a big fan of Allardyce and would like to have seen him in the Elland Road dugout sooner. He says whatever happens in these remaining three matches, Leeds United should stick with the former England manager next season, even if he cannot keep them up.
"Getting to know him over the years, too, working with him at Soccer Aid, you cannot help but love him," he wrote in his column for the Mail on Sunday. "He’s a likeable character, such an infectious personality and, crucially, he knows his football.
"I think it’s a great move by Leeds to bring him in. They should have done it sooner. They should have done it when Jesse Marsch was sacked. I am not of the opinion that everything in football needs to be about the new school. Crystal Palace have shown that with Roy Hodgson while Neil Warnock has worked wonders at Huddersfield.
"If Leeds had brought Allardyce in then, they would not be in this position now. His new Leeds side showed fight and spirit at the end of the Manchester City game
"It means nothing in terms of points, especially at this stage of the season, but they will take heart from it going into some massive games. Not getting dismantled also avoided too much damage to their goal difference, which could be crucial come the end of the season — though they will need points from somewhere.
"Sam’s got a big job to do but there’s still a chance. Even if the worst should happen and Leeds go down, they could do worse than leaving him in charge. I think he’d bring them back up!"
READ NEXT
- Leeds United news as Alan Shearer delivers Whites survival verdict, Sam Allardyce warned
- Sam Allardyce's first big Leeds United decision vindicated after ruthless break with trend
- Manchester City 2-1 Leeds United as it happened
Leeds United player ratings as Firpo and McKennie struggle in one-way City loss
Sam Allardyce 'masterstroke' praised as fans react to his first Leeds United XI
