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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Steven Gerrard 'lined up' for shock managerial return but 'players don't want him'

Steven Gerrard has been lined up for a shock return to management with Leeds United, according to reports.

The former Rangers manager has been out of work since he was sacked by Aston Villa in October last year.

Gerrard has been linked with a number of jobs since, but no deals have got over the line.

The Sun now say the Liverpool legend could make a move to Elland Road if a proposed takeover is completed this summer.

Current owner Andrea Radrizzani is set to finally complete the club's sale to the owners of NFL giants San Francisco 49ers and it is understood they would be keen to bring in Gerrard as their manager.

This would throw a spanner into the works however, as the above report states the players at Leeds are keen for Sam Allardyce to stay on as manager, despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Allardyce apologised to the club’s fans after a 4-1 home defeat to Tottenham confirmed their Premier League relegation.

Allardyce, who Leeds had turned to in desperation with four games remaining, also urged the club to quickly resolve their ownership issue to aid their bid to bounce straight back from the Sky Bet Championship.

The former England manager said he had no regrets about taking on the job and will sit down with the board next week to discuss whether he will stay in the role.

Allardyce said: “I can’t say I’ve enjoyed it. I’m glad I came back. I tried my best to get Leeds out of trouble, but I can’t enjoy anything when I don’t win.

“We didn’t leave a stone unturned and it’s really sad that Leeds is in this position and to the fans, I apologise that I didn’t do better and the players didn’t do better.”

Leeds issued a statement shortly after the game also apologising to the club’s supporters for a “painful” relegation.

It read: “We apologise to our fanbase that the performances this season have not seen the club consolidate our status as we had all hoped.

“However, Leeds United remains in a strong position to build a team that can challenge for promotion from the Championship next season.

“We know things have not been good enough, we know we have to improve, but please be assured that behind the scenes we have worked hard to ensure that the past will not be repeated.

“Our focus is now on how we get straight back to the Premier League."

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