Nottingham Forest’s relegation rivals Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as head coach.
The Whites have sacked Javi Gracia after just 12 games at the helm, with the Spaniard having been brought in to replace Jesse Marsch in February. Allardyce will be in charge for the final four games of Leeds’ season, becoming their third permanent manager of the campaign.
Forest are currently level on points with Leeds, although are below them in the Premier League table, in 18th spot, on goal difference. In one of the tightest relegation battles in years, Leicester City are also on 30 points, while 19th-placed Everton are on 29.
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A club statement read: “Leeds can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge. Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.
“We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances. The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.”
Former MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford boss Karl Robinson will come in as assistant coach. It is Allardyce’s first job since suffering his first Premier League relegation with West Bromwich Albion, when he left six months into an 18-month contract in 2021.
"I was shocked. I never thought at this stage of the season (this would happen). I thought there would be no jobs," the 68-year-old told TalkSPORT. "I could have done with more time, but we've got four games and hopefully I can keep this fabulous club in the Premier League."
Leeds travel to leaders Manchester City on Saturday, before hosting third-placed Newcastle United. Their season finishes with a trip to West HamUnited and an Elland Road encounter with European hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur.
Allardyce is reported to have agreed a basic salary of £500,000 for his four games in charge, with a £2.5 million bonus if he can keep Leeds up. The team have lost four out of their last five fixtures. The Yorkshire outfit had already removed director of football Victor Orta.
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