Leeds United should seriously consider keeping Sam Allardyce in charge even if the club are relegated from the Premier League.
That is according to Danny Murphy, who was speaking to the Daily Mail in the wake of the Whites’ 2-1 loss to Manchester City in Sam Allardyce‘s first game in charge.
Just a week ago, the idea of Allardyce taking charge of Leeds’ clash with Manchester City would have been unthinkable – even with everyone knowing that Javi Gracia was facing a must-win game against Bournemouth.
Ultimately, the scoreline probably flatters Leeds. Manchester City could have probably found another gear had they wanted to. And had Leeds scored earlier, they probably would have done.
Murphy backs Allardyce to bring Leeds back up if needed
But the Whites avoided the mauling many expected. And actually, the side have given many fans hope that they can pick up the points which may make them safe.
Unfortunately, Leeds are now in a position where it is no longer in their hands. And with Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham ahead, the Whites face a tough run until the end of the campaign.
Allardyce has only come in for those fixtures. But Danny Murphy believes that Leeds should seriously consider sticking with him if they are relegated.
“It means nothing in terms of points, especially at this stage of the season, but they will take heart from it going into some massive games,” he told the Daily Mail.
“Not getting dismantled also avoided too much damage to their goal difference, which could be crucial come the end of the season — though they will need points from somewhere.
“Sam’s got a big job to do but there’s still a chance.
“Even if the worst should happen and Leeds go down, they could do worse than leaving him in charge. I think he’d bring them back up.”
Whites probably need something else if relegated
If Leeds are relegated, appointing Allardyce on a permanent contract would be an underwhelming move. Admittedly, you only have to look on social media to see that plenty of us are starting to be won round by him.
But that is as an interim manager. It is a very different scenario if Leeds are looking for the boss that is going to take them out of the Championship and give them fresh hope in the Premier League.
Of course, if we go down, we cannot look too far ahead. Getting out of the Football League was difficult enough previously.
But the sides who have done best after promotion are the ones with a sense of stability; the ones who appear to be working on a project.
We had that with Marcelo Bielsa before the club threw his good work away. And several others have caught the eye on their return to the top-flight.
It has been a long time since Allardyce worked with a project. So it would be a big call to stick by him if relegation does happen.