Leeds United considered appointing Michael Appleton to Jesse Marsch’s coaching staff this summer before he became Blackpool boss.
The Whites appointed Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement back in February and he achieved the task of staying in the Premier League.
Marsch then wanted a new assistant over the summer and ended up bringing in Rene Maric.
Maric had been following Marco Rose around from Red Bull Salzburg to Borussia Monchengladbach and then Borussia Dortmund.
Marsch was happy to bring the 30-year-old to Leeds but two other options were also pursued.
Leeds United considered appointing Michael Appleton
One of them was Chris Armas after Marsch’s fellow American left Manchester United, but he rejected the offer in order to go back to the United States.
The other target hasn’t really been mentioned so far though, and it’s Michael Appleton.
The Athletic claim that Leeds thought about a move for Appleton but he ended up ruling out a move by becoming Blackpool boss.
Neil Critchley left Blackpool to join Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff at Aston Villa and Appleton made the move to Blackpool after leaving Lincoln City.
Appleton has only one three of 12 Championship games this season but Leeds were keen on him making a switch to Elland Road.
The 46-year-old has moved around a lot as a manager but has been highly rated as a coach.
Spells at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City saw Appleton earn a great reputation as a coach and Leeds fancied him to join Marsch.
Instead, Appleton wanted to continue his managerial career and made a somewhat controversial move given that he has strong ties to Blackpool’s bitter rivals Preston North End.
Appleton not only used to play for North End but settled in Preston and his son is a huge Preston fan, so his move to Blackpool caused a stir.
Appleton may remain on Leeds’ radar just in case he loses his job or Maric moves on in the near future, with contingency plans always a good idea.
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