Paul Heckingbottom has been unveiled as Leeds’ new manager.
Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as manager after deciding to axe Thomas Christiansen on Sunday – and Barnsley have posted a bitter statement following the announcement.
Heckingbottom, 40, has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract with Leeds as he becomes Andrea Radrizzani’s third manager since the Italian took over full control of the Whites from Massimo Cellino in May 2017.
He follows Garry Monk and Christiansen into the Elland Road dugout, but Yorkshire rivals Barnsley are not happy at all following the departure of Heckingbottom who had just signed a new contract with the Tykes.
Barnsley vented their frustration in a statement on the club’s website, stating that they are “shocked” that Heckingbottom wanted to leave just four days after agreeing a rolling contract at Oakwell.
The Barnsley statement read: “The Club are shocked at Paul Heckingbottom’s desire to leave, having agreed a new contract with Barnsley Football Club last week following the completion of the January transfer window, where the Board of Directors worked tirelessly along with Paul to secure their targets, resulting in a successful window.
“This left the Club optimistic in a turnaround in form and a strong end to the 2017/18 campaign as we battle to retain our position in the league.”
Heckingbottom takes over at Leeds with the club in a dismal run of form, failing to pick up a win in their last seven matches which has included four red cards and a FA Cup giant killing by Newport County.
With Leeds fans still harbouring expectations of a place in the Championship play-offs, Heckingbottom must hit the ground running with Leeds in tenth place and eight points behind the top six.
His first game will be somewhat of a baptism of fire, as the Whites travel to Bramall Lane to face bitter rivals Sheffield United.
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