Alan Pardew is now an option for Leeds alongside Sam Allardyce as Javi Gracia prepares to lose his job at Elland Road.
The Whites have lost four of their last five Premier League games under the Spaniard, and Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth looks set to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for those in the boardroom at Leeds.
Now, some surprising names have emerged as potential replacements.
What’s the story?
Well, Pardew has not managed in England since leaving West Brom in 2018, departing the Baggies in April when they were bottom of the Premier League – they eventually suffered relegation to the Championship.
Nevertheless, the 61-year-old, who has won 109 games in the Premier League, has emerged as an option for Leeds in addition to Allardyce.
The 68-year-old also hasn’t managed in England since leaving West Brom, where he relegated the Baggies too before leaving in 2021.
It was the Guardian who claimed that Pardew and Allardyce are options for Leeds.
Lee Bowyer is also said to be on the shortlist for Leeds as the likes of Andrea Radrizzani, Angus Kinnear and Victor Orta hit the panic button in Yorkshire.
Leeds surely can’t hire Alan Pardew
The links to Allardyce – albeit underwhelming – make sense given his reputation as a relegation firefighter.
Before failing to keep West Brom up, the Dudley-born tactician had never previously been relegated from the Premier League, so he seems to know what he’s doing in that respect.
However, Pardew does not carry a similar reputation, and has rarely been hired as a relegation firefighter throughout his career, so it would be very strange if Leeds opted for him to replace Gracia with just four games remaining.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Leeds are expected to make a decision soon.
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