Leeds stars want Sam Allardyce to STAY despite failing to keep them up as potential US owners eye Steven Gerrard
SAM ALLARDYCE managed Leeds for just four games but if the players have their way, he will continue at Elland Road.
While this remains a possibility, the club is in limbo until Andrea Radrizzani finally sells it to the owners of the San Francisco 49ers.
It seems the situation could take another two weeks to get sorted.
And that is time Leeds do not have — as the Championship starts in 66 days.
The Americans were expected for the final game against Spurs on Sunday but SunSport understands they did not actually turn up.
With the team losing 4-1 they probably made the right decision.
The 49ers Enterprises group value the relegated club at £170million rather than £420m — which was agreed while Leeds were still in the Premier League.
So their first decision, which could be communicated to Radrizzani before the June date, is whether to keep Allardyce, who is clearly keen to stay on, having rediscovered his mojo.
Although the results were not great, the players seemed to enjoy working with the former England manager, who was assisted by former Oxford United boss Karl Robinson and ex-Spurs and Leeds striker Robbie Keane.
But it was obvious that the squad’s fitness was a major issue.
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The players struggled with Allardyce’s tactics in the second half of games because their levels dropped off alarmingly due to the fact they were not in good enough condition under Javi Gracia.
And while the perception is that the players do not care, the majority of them impressed with their attitude — particularly the home-grown ones, along with the likes of Robin Koch, Max Wober, Rodrigo and Rasmus Kristensen.
The key is whether the new owners listen to the current squad over the manager — or if they try to make their mark by bringing in another boss.
Brendan Rodgers has already been mentioned, although it is debatable whether he would want to drop into the Championship.
Steven Gerrard is a possibility.
GARETH’S GAIN
ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate would never admit it but he won’t be too unhappy that Harry Kane will not feature in Europe if he stays at Tottenham next season.
West Ham play their 15th European game of the season in next Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina in Prague.
So going into next summer’s Euro 2024, Three Lions skipper Kane — who looks increasingly likely to stay at Spurs — should be fit and fresh without having so many extra midweek matches.
THE LEVY LEVY
DANIEL LEVY is not exactly Mr Popular with the Tottenham faithful — although the club chairman is still making sure he gets every last penny out of the fans.
Spurs supporters have until 5pm tomorrow to renew their season tickets — which are now accessed via a phone app.
Despite having to fork out more than £1,000 for them, fans are less than impressed they have been charged a £2.25 booking fee.