Leeds United has sacked manager Javi Gracia and appointed Sam Allardyce to take charge for the rest of the season as it bids to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Having already removed director of football Victor Orta, the Yorkshire club announced the departure of Spaniard Gracia on Wednesday morning along with his backroom staff.
A poor season at Elland Road sees the club languishing in 17th, with only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone.
Leeds have lost four in a winless run of five matches and have four games left to save themselves.
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A club statement read: “Leeds can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge.
“Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.
“We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
“The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.”
Former MK Dons, Charlton and Oxford boss Karl Robinson will be Allardyce’s assistant.
Leeds travel to leaders Manchester City on Saturday, before hosting third-placed Newcastle.
A trip to West Ham and an Elland Road encounter with European hopefuls Tottenham round out the season.
Allardyce takes charge after suffering his first Premier League relegation with West Brom, when he left six months into an 18-month contract.
The 68-year-old former Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and England boss becomes Leeds’ third permanent manager of the season after Jesse Marsch and Gracia.
Allardyce is reported to have agreed a basic salary of £500,000 ($751,000) for his four games in charge, with a £2.5million ($3.7 million) bonus if he can keep Leeds up.
“Obviously there’s a tingle that runs through your veins when you take over a football club,” Allardyce said in an interview with British radio station talkSPORT, which was given before his appointment was officially announced.
“I know it’s in a lot of trouble. I’ve seen a lot of trouble before and hopefully – I could have done with a little bit more time, but four games – hopefully we can make a difference and keep this fabulous club in the Premier League.”
Allardyce said he was “shocked” to get the opportunity.
“I never thought at this stage of the season, there would be jobs offered,” he said.
“When the phone popped up with a name that I knew pretty well, I knew who it was straightaway. So it took me about two seconds to say yes.”
-with AP
