Departed AFC Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil should be wary of an approach from Leeds United should the Championship outfit make a move in the coming weeks.
That is the view of Simon Jordan; the former Crystal Palace owner telling talkSPORT (20 June, 11am) that a man sacked in highly-controversial circumstances on Monday morning must be ‘careful’ when it comes to weighing up his next move.
Whoever takes over at Leeds United will, after all, find themselves under pressure to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
This may be why Leeds appear to be prioritising managers with a proven track record in England’s second tier. Scott Parker and Daniel Farke have two promotions apiece on their CVs, while Carlos Carvalhal twice guided Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield Wednesday into the play-offs.
Leeds United need a manager as Bournemouth sack Gary O’Neil
As things stand, there is nothing to suggest O’Neil has joined Parker and co on Leeds’ radar following his sudden departure from the Vitality Stadium.
And Jordan believes that, even if things change, the 40-year-old should beware the risks of taking over a club with ambitious new owners and lofty expectations.
“I think Leeds is a tiger by the tail. You want to be careful when you’ve got new American owners with huge expectations,” Jordan tells talkSPORT.
After five years, the 49ers Enterprises finally agreed to take over from Andrea Radrizzani at Elland Road earlier this month. This is a Leeds side in transition; long-serving director of football Victor Orta also bringing an end to his time at the club.
Andoni Iraola arrives in England
One of the managers on Leeds’ radar became O’Neil’s Bournemouth replacement yesterday. Andoni Iraola held talks with the Yorkshire giants in the spring following Jesse Marsch’s departure. But he will instead bring his ‘incredible brand’ of Marcelo Bielsa-style football to the Premier League instead.
“We’re so excited to welcome Andoni to the club,” smiles Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley. “With his contract in Spain coming to an end this summer we wanted to act quickly.
“He was highly sought after by other clubs across the continent. His style of play has been an important factor in making this decision. His achievements in Spain have certainly been very impressive. And we’re confident that he is the right man to lead our next chapter.
“We have identified a number of targets in the transfer market, which along with our January additions will supplement our strong playing squad to give Andoni the best chance to consolidate our Premier League status and keep progressing.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
