Sam Allardyce agrees SHOCK return as Leeds United boss

Sam Allardyce has agreed a shock return to football with Leeds United.

The former England and Bolton manager is set to start on Wednesday with the aim of keeping the club in the Premier League.

Allardyce, who replaces Javi Gracia, will be in the dugout for Leeds’s next match, which is with Manchester City.

He replaces Javi Gracia, who was saying his goodbyes to staff this morning.

Sporting director Victor Orta is also leaving the Yorkshire club.

Gracia said his goodbyes to Leeds staff on Tuesday with the Spaniard leaving after two months

Allardyce will be tasked with keeping Leeds on the top flight with just four matches remaining

BUT HE WON’T USE BIELSA’S BUCKET!

Allardyce tried out Marcelo Bielsa’s famous Leeds United bucket, back in 2019, on a visit to talkSPORT… but wasn’t best impressed. 

The now-incoming Leeds boss said: ‘It’s a no. What’s it worth? How much did it cost to make it, a tenner?’ 

On being told the bucket cost £80, he responded: ‘No way!’

Allardyce has been out of work since failing to beat the drop as West Brom boss in 2021.

The 68-year-old is one of the most experienced coaches in the game having held managerial and coaching positions at 13 different clubs throughout his career.

The Englishman is renowned for his work helping multiple clubs including Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland avoid relegation.

Allardyce will take charge of the Whites with only four games remaining of the Premier League season.

Leeds face a daunting trip to Premier League leaders Man City on Saturday, before hosting Champions League chasing Newcastle.

The Whites will conclude the season with an away trip to West Ham and a home match against Tottenham.

Leeds are only outside of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference having earned just one point from their past five games, conceding 18 goals in the process.

The run increased pressure on Gracia, who has now been dismissed after just two months in charge.

Supporters had confronted the Spaniard during Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Bournemouth.

A vote of no confidence in the club’s board and manager was issued by fans following the defeat.

Leeds have sacked sporting director Victor Orta on a day of change at the Premier League club

Allardyce had been out of work since failing to avoid relegation as West Brom boss in 2021

Mail Sport understands the dressing room was lacking motivation under Gracia, which resulted in a dire performance at the Vitality Stadium against the Cherries after an initial positive start.

Mail Sport also understands that Orta wanted to keep Gracia at the club, while owner Andrea Radrizzani didn’t.

Orta – who joined the club from Middlesbrough in 2017 – has now left the club. 

Mail Sport first revealed uncertainty over Orta’s position at Elland Road on February 10 following the club’s difficulties in replacing the sacked Marsch.

Orta tried to appoint Andoni Iraola from Rayo Vallecano and Arne Slot from Feyenoord, but failed to lure both.