Leeds United are once again searching for a new manager after Garry Monk’s departure.
General view inside Elland Road
Leeds United were left stunned last month after manager Garry Monk handed in his resignation, less than a year into the role.
Monk, 38, had taken the Leeds job last summer after the Whites picked the former Swansea boss as Steve Evans’ replacement, handing Monk a return to football in the process.
Monk looked to be on the verge of guiding Leeds to a play-off place after an initially slow start to life at Elland Road, but a late season collapse saw the Whites only finish in seventh place.
New Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk
Having only penned a one-year deal upon his arrival, many fans were worried about Monk’s future with the club – and whilst Leeds wanted to activate a one-year option on his deal, Monk shocked the world by resigning instead, moving on to Middlesbrough on Friday afternoon.
Owner Andrea Radrizzani must now find yet another manager to take the reins at Elland Road – and here are some of the key names in the frame with bookmakers, as compiled by Oddschecker.
Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro: 2/1
The new favourite for the Leeds job today is Spanish legend Fernando Hierro, who left his position as Real Oviedo boss on Tuesday. A Real Madrid hero who was prominent in Qatari football even after his days with Al-Rayyan, Hierro – who won 89 caps with Spain – should be familiar to Leeds director Ivan Bravo. The 49-year-old doesn’t have bags of experience in management, but he did guide Oviedo to an eighth-placed finish in the Spanish Segunda Division this past season, and would be free to move on having left Oviedo.
Victor Sanchez: 7/2
Another Spaniard in the frame with bookmakers is Victor Sanchez, who is also available after leaving Real Betis last month. The 41-year-old worked at Sevilla during Victor Orta’s time with the club, and the new Leeds director of football could call on that to reunite with Sanchez. However, inauspicious spells in charge of Deportivo La Coruna, Olympiacos and Betis will do little to inspire Leeds fans, but he’s the second favourite at just 7/2.
Former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores
Quique Sanchez Flores: 5/1
Yet another Spaniard is also being touted by bookmakers, with Espanyol’s Quique Sanchez Flores another name mentioned. The 52-year-old had just one season in charge of Watford before heading back to Spain with Espanyol, where he finished eighth in La Liga this past season. Leaving Espanyol for Leeds would be something of a shock unless he really wants a return to England, but his odds of 5/1 put him among the frontrunners.
Alan Pardew: 6/1
A link that has been simmering with seemingly little foundation is with Alan Pardew, who has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace in December. Often unpopular with his own fans – particular at Newcastle – Pardew has been guilty of starting well with clubs but ultimately failing to bring long-lasting success, and whilst he is just 6/1 for the Leeds job this evening, it would be a major shock to see Radrizzani go for Pardew as Monk’s successor.
Pep Clotet: 7/1
Clotet has been in and around the favourite since Monk left his position, given that he was Monk’s assistant at Elland Road and hasn’t left the club, unlike coach James Beattie. Clotet has little managerial experience and hasn’t taken charge of a team since managing Malaga B in 2013, but he would be a strong option if owner Radrizzani wants some form of continuity following Monk’s exit.
Who would you like to see Leeds appoint as their new manager?
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