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Matty Hewitt

Sam Allardyce’s reputation as a relegation firefighter damaged after Leeds United drop

Former Fulham goalkeeper and Australian international believes Sam Allardyce's reputation as a relegation survival specialist will be damaged following Leeds United's relegation from the Premier League. The Whites interim boss was given the last four games of the season to save the club's dismal campaign, but just one point from a possible four saw them relegated to the Championship.

A difficult run of Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham saw Leeds drop into the second tier of English football after a three-year stay in the top flight. They headed into the final day of the season needing to beat Spurs, but a 4-1 defeat at Elland Road saw them limp out of the division without a fight.

Three points against Ryan Mason's side would not have save them in hindsight, given Everton's 1-0 win over Bournemouth at Goodison Park, with Leicester City joining Leeds in the Championship. Allardyce had not worked since relegation with West Brom back in 2021 - making it back-to-back relegations on his managerial CV.

READ MORE: Leeds United's early Championship advantage over Leicester City amid relegation complications

When asked by The GegenPod Football Podcast, by Optus Sport whether Allardyce's reputation had been damaged, Schwarzer said: "I think certainly people will say obviously Allardyce came in so late, what was it four games? The impact was next to zero.

"One point they picked up in those four games. It's one of those ones where in the future it won't necessarily be one a club will turn to in their dire need.

"To use the example of Roy Hodgson, I know he had a lot more games to keep Palace in the league, but his impact was instant from the minute he walked through those doors. Where as with Sam Allardyce, unfortunately for Leeds United it hadn't been.

"There seems to be a lot more going at Leeds United than some of the other clubs."

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