Ben Parker praises Leeds for appointment of Nick Hammond as director of football

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Ben Parker has told LS11’s Thursday podcast that the appointment of Nick Hammond as Leeds United’s director of football on a short-term basis is a “really measured” move by the club – and suggests he could stay on longer.

Hammond, 55, joins after previous spells with Reading, West Brom, Celtic and Newcastle. The latter of which was a similar role to the one he has undertaken at Leeds – overseeing a three-month period, for one transfer window.

Indeed, at Newcastle, Hammond was the man that oversaw the 2022 January window – Eddie Howe’s first window as Toon manager. Newcastle signed Chris Wood, Matty Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn.

A month credited with helping Newcastle not only save their Premier League status, but pushing them well up the table. Here, we compiled his best five deals in his footballing career. Now, he is at Leeds, overseeing the summer.

Ex-Leeds defender Parker gave his verdict on the appointment of Hammond. He feels it is a smart move by the club, preventing us from making a rushed move to find a long-term replacement for Victor Orta, a bit of breathing space.

“I think it’s a really good, strategic move by the club. Instead of rushing to get a director of football in, it just gives you that breathing space – going for who you think the best is out there,” Parker told LS11 on Thursday’s podcast.

“Look, if Nick does well and the club likes him and he likes the club, he might stay on for longer. But if not, he can then advise on the next appointment. It’s a really good move from the club, it’s not rushed. Really measured.”

Ben Parker says Nick Hammond appointment at Leeds is really measured

It is a smart move. It is a chance for the club to bring in a quick appointment, when other issues are more important and need to be sorted out as soon as possible. The takeover is done, Orta’s replacement is done. Manager next.

Then, the playing squad can be sorted. Tyler Roberts has gone. Diego Llorente is likely to go next and Marc Roca is closing in on a move to Betis. Plenty of others have been linked. But nothing can be done until a manager is in place.