Leeds United need to resolve their ownership situation as the 'priority' before re-examining the club's DNA when it comes to appointing Sam Allardyce's successor. That is the view of former Whites striker Michael Bridges, who is confident there is a manager out there who can replicate Vincent Kompany's impact at Burnley and guide United back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Allardyce's departure from Elland Road following a four-game stint in the dugout was confirmed on Friday, with just one point picked up in the run-in. Carlos Corberan, Steven Gerrard, and Scott Parker are among the frontrunners for the vacancy according to the bookmakers.
Kompany inherited a similar scenario at Turf Moor last summer, but led Burnley to the Championship title with a hugely impressive return of 101 points. Bridges believes the 'calibre' of Leeds' playing squad means the next manager could achieve a similar feat in the new season, but fears any talk over Allardyce's replacement is pointless until the club's ownership saga is finally resolved.
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Bridges told the GegenPod Football Podcast: "I would love to think so, there's definitely someone out there with that pedigree. Who that is, I don't know at this moment in time because Leeds have got a lot of other things to worry about. The ownership is the priority because the last thing you want to do is appoint someone and then find out the ownership has changed and they want somebody different. That can happen, that's the reality.
"It's one step at a time and we'll have to see how everything unfolds, but there is definitely somebody out there because the calibre of players Leeds have has shown they can get up and survive in the Premier League before. They have the experience, and it's about getting the right person in place.
"That is a decision you can't just make overnight, that's going to have to be a long process and it's going to have to be the right process because Leeds have gone away from their vision and philosophy to bring in somebody like Sam Allardyce. They are going to have to readdress that, and have a look at what do Leeds want as their DNA and what type of manager do they want."
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