Leeds United had a bright start to their Championship campaign under the tutelage of Thomas Christiansen and seemingly appeared to be a side capable enough to earn a promotion to the Promised Land of Premier League. The Whites, however, have been struggling of late and have accumulated merely 2 points from their last 6 Championship outings.
Besides, the Yorkshire based outfit were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Newport County and unarguably, it was indeed a disappointing result for them. The crowd were getting vocal against Christiansen and Leeds United’s 1-4 defeat at the Elland Road eventually proved to be the final nail in the coffin for him as he was sacked from his managerial post by the board yesterday.
The Peacocks are now placed at the 10th spot in the league standings with 44 points to their name after 30 games and are currently trailing Bristol City, who are placed at the 6th spot, by a handsome margin of 7 points. The second half of the season is likely to shower more animosity and it goes without saying that Leeds United do need to find their next manager very soon.
As per one of the latest reports by Daily Mail, Leeds United are keen to lure Barnsley’s boss, Paul heckingbottom, to the Elland Road to fill the managerial hot-seat. Heckingbottom signed a new deal with his current employers this month and thus, it would not be easy to prise him out of Oakwell. However, his contract consists a release clause and Leeds United’s owner, Andrea Radrizzani, is perceived to sign him by hook or by crook.
Heckingbottom might be a relatively fresh face in terms of managerial experience but has done quite a decent job with the Tykes. He guided them to promotion from League One and to Football League silverware in 2016 and has been proving himself as a gaffer who puts the resources at his disposal to the best possible use. Besides, his man-managing skills are also proving to be commendable.
Leeds United do have the requisite players in their arsenal and the January transfer window was a productive one for them as they signed the likes of Adam Forshaw and Laurens De Bock. They need a manager who could bring could shake them out of apathy and instil a sense of resurgence and Heckingbottom could be a decent fit. If they manage to sign the 40-year-old, it might prove to be a season-changing move by them.
