EPL: Leeds sack Javi Gracia, appoint Sam Allardyce

Leeds United have announced the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their manager after sacking Javi Gracia.

Allardyce, who has been out of work since leaving West Brom in May 2021, makes a shock return to football to try and save Leeds from Premier League relegation with only four games of the season remaining.

The 68-year-old faces a daunting run-in that includes a visit to leaders Manchester City, before home games against Newcastle and Tottenham as well as a trip to West Ham.

“I know it [Leeds] is in a lot of trouble,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.

“I have seen a lot of trouble before and – I could have done a little bit more time, but four games – hopefully we can make a difference and keep this fabulous club in the Premier League.”

Allardyce added: “[I was] shocked [to get the opportunity], I never thought at this stage of the season there would be jobs offered.

“When the phone popped up with a name that I knew pretty well, I knew who it was straight away, so it took me about two seconds to say yes.”