Leeds United are set to appoint a new manager to replace Paul Heckingbottom next week after choosing to axe the former Barnsley boss on Friday, according to BBC journalist Adam Pope.
The reporter, who works as a sports broadcaster for BBC Radio Leeds, has claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Whites are looking for an immediate replacement and that an appointment could be made over the coming days.
I understand #lufc want a new head coach in swiftly once Paul Heckingbottom’s departure after 16 games is confirmed. I would expect an appointment next week.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) June 1, 2018
The Whites confirmed Heckingbottom’s exit via their official Twitter account and website, bringing his short time at Elland Road to an end, having only joined the club back in February and winning just four games of his time in charge.
? | Leeds United can confirm that Paul Heckingbottom has left his role as Head Coach
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 1, 2018
Opinion
Leeds have no time to waste with their decision to change manager and making sure they have the right man in the dugout is crucial going into the depths of the summer transfer market. Sacking Heckingbottom could have been done weeks ago but owner Andrea Radrizzani showed patience and faith to mull over the decision before finally pulling the trigger. It seems as though something changed behind-the-scenes which forced his hand and now sounds as if an appointment could be made sooner rather than later. Did Radrizzani have someone lined up? It is a possibility, and at least the Elland Road faithful will not have too long to wait until they find out who the new man could be. Once again, it is another summer of change at Leeds, and following their bitterly disappointing Championship campaign, they seriously need it if they are to fulfil their hopes of pushing up the table and challenging for the playoffs.