Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor O'Neill

Sam Allardyce could be about to enter Everton relegation battle with shock rival appointment

Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce has emerged as a surprise contender to take over from Javi Gracia at Leeds United.

Gracia has failed to reverse Leeds’ poor form since replacing Jesse Marsch as manager on a ‘flexible contract’ in February. And it was widely reported on Monday morning that the Elland Road club were considering sacking him.

The 53-year-old, previously in charge of, among other clubs, Watford and Qatar’s Al Sadd, started well at Elland Road but has latterly presided over a run that has seen Leeds collect one point from a possible 15 and concede 18 goals in five fixtures.

VERDICT: Everton have just made crucial change that could save them from relegation

YOUR SHOUT: Rate the Everton players in 2-2 draw with Leicester City

READ MORE: Seamus Coleman stretchered off with horror injury for Everton at Leicester City

And now it is being reported by The Athletic that Allardyce is firmly in the frame for the Leeds job if, as expected, Gracia is sacked. The Whites have just four Premier League games remaining and only sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Allardyce was confirmed as Everton’s replacement for Ronald Koeman back in November 2017. But he left Goodison Park following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season, having guided the Blues to an eighth-place finish.

The 68-year-old suffered his first Premier League relegation with West Bromwich Albion back in May 2021. The role at the Hawthorns was his last job in football management.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.