Michael Bridges fears Allardyce call came 'too late'…

Michael Bridges fears Allardyce call came 'too late' in Leeds United relegation verdict

Michael Bridges admits 'miracles do happen' and feels it is too close to call for Leeds United and their relegation rivals on the final day. However, the former Whites striker fears the appointment of Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff came a 'little bit too late' to preserve their top-flight status.

The damaging defeat to West Ham last time out means Leeds must beat Tottenham at Elland Road on Sunday while hoping results elsewhere go in their favour. Everton could condemn both United and Leicester City to the Championship with a home win over Bournemouth, while the Foxes need to defeat the Hammers and hope the Toffees do not emerge victorious at Goodison Park.

Bridges has seen enough from all three sides to suggest they could each pick up victories, a scenario which would end Leeds' three-year stay in the Premier League. The pundit insists the Whites 'definitely have a chance', but has bemoaned Allardyce only being afforded four matches to transform the club's fortunes.

He told the GegenPod Football Podcast: "You would much rather be in a situation like Everton who are sitting above the relegation zone, knowing that they have some breathing space. Leeds United definitely have a chance because Tottenham have lost two matches back to back.

"You don't know where Tottenham are at this moment in time, the players' minds are elsewhere, their club is in total disarray. So that game is definitely winnable, but then you have to rely on other results.

"Leicester City the other night against Newcastle, having Harry Souttar back in the team and playing a back five, defensively it was the most organised I've seen them this season. They can definitely pull something out against West Ham, because they have a final in Europe so they might rest some players, or they might have their heads elsewhere.

"Then you look at Everton against Bournemouth, he [Gary O'Neil] has done a great job to keep them up. I really can't call this, I don't know which way it is going to go.

"Obviously being a part of Leeds United's history and being with the club through thick and thin this season, I don't want it to be them. I just feel the decision was made a little too late bringing in Sam Allardyce, because after speaking to the staff and players around the club at this moment in time, they've absolutely loved the environment since Sam, Robbie Keane and Karl Robinson have come in.

"They've said it's so refreshing, and sadly I just think it's a little bit too late in coming. You need that kind of environment where everybody is on the same page and getting together, and it's been so disjointed before they came in.

"It's too far gone, but I'm hoping that final day, miracles do happen and they have a chance. I've got my fingers crossed that Leeds United will survive."

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Michael Bridges fears Allardyce call came 'too late' in Leeds United relegation verdict

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