Jermaine Beckford has stressed that Leeds United must act quickly to appoint a new manager ahead of another set of crucial fixtures in the fight for Premier League safety.
Leeds relieved Jesse Marsch of his duties on Monday following a run of just two wins in 17 games, which has left the Whites just one place above the relegation zone.
Only goal difference separates Leeds from the bottom three, and they face fellow relegation rivals Everton and Southampton respectively immediately after back-to-back league meetings against fierce rivals Manchester United.
Ex-Leeds assistant and under-23s coach Carlos Corberan and Real Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola have emerged as early contenders.
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Beckford suggests that Marsch never settled on his best XI during his spell at Elland Road, and believes his successor must create cohesion within the squad.
"[They need to act] very, very quickly," the former Leeds forward told BBC 5 Live. "After those two Manchester United games, there is a massive game against Everton, followed by another humongous game against Southampton.
"So we're talking about four vital games within the space of a couple of weeks that Leeds desperately need to pick up points. They need a structure, they need a format that works for them.
"They have fantastic footballers, they have broken the transfer record a number of times during the last couple of windows. Jesse Marsch has been backed by the board, there's been over £120 to £130 million spent, but there just doesn't seem to be the right cohesion between the squad right know.
"I don't think Jesse Marsch really knew his best XI and that's the hardest part of the whole situation and why it's not quite worked."
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