Eddie Gray has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he feels sympathy for Sam Allardyce in bring brought to Leeds United with so few games left to save the club – but accepts the club made the right decision to replace Javi Gracia.
Allardyce was handed just four games to save Leeds as Gracia’s spell started superbly, only to tail off with the club destined for relegation. Allardyce has improved the atmosphere, and Leeds looked good against Newcastle United.
But a 2-2 draw was not enough. A missed penalty saw Leeds throw away the chance to secure three points, putting all the pressure on when we went to West Ham. A good start, but the pressure told – and we suffered a 3-1 defeat.
This weekend, relegation is inevitable and while there is a chance of survival, it is incredibly unlikely. We must beat Spurs at home, which is a tall order in itself – and Spurs are fighting for something, fighting for European football.
Even if we scrape a win at Elland Road, we would need Bournemouth to go to Everton and win – and West Ham to stop Leicester from winning at the King Power. Allardyce was brought in too late to save things, according to Gray.
“It was difficult for him, coming in at this stage with this many games left. You don’t get a real opportunity. It’s a difficult situation for everybody. But the club probably had to try something to try and get us out the situation.”
Eddie Gray sympathy for Sam Allardyce but Leeds made right decision
It was the right move to oust Gracia. Things looked bleak and without any hope when we lost 4-1 at Bournemouth. At least, Allardyce has given us a glimmer of hope. A win over West Ham and it would have given us a huge chance.
That Rodrigo goal seems a long way away now. That Patrick Bamford missed chance at Leicester, his missed spot kicks against Arsenal and Newcastle. So many opportunities, so few taken. Can we end on a high? It looks unlikely.
