‘Honestly’: Fowler shares what surprised him about trip to Leeds training ground this week

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Robbie Fowler has suggested that he was left impressed by what he saw from Sam Allardyce after visiting the Leeds United training ground this week.

Fowler was speaking to the Sunday Mirror (28/5; page 71) ahead of the final day of the Premier League season. Leeds, of course, are the massive underdogs to get themselves out of trouble.

Leeds need to beat Tottenham Hotspur and hope that neither Everton or Leicester City win their games. A draw for Everton could be enough to keep the Toffees in the Premier League on goal difference.

Fowler tips Leeds to spring final day surprise

It is hard to see Leeds producing another great escape – particularly after what happened at West Ham last week. The scenes after the full-time whistle at the London Stadium suggested that Leeds were already beaten.

But it seems that Sam Allardyce has done an excellent job to pick up the players again. Robbie Fowler suggested that his trip to Thorp Arch left him wondering if Leeds are done yet after all.

“Everton are favourites to win the desperate scrap for safety at the foot of the Premier League, but, believe me, it’s no formality,” he told the Sunday Mirror (28/5; page 71).

“I know, because I have inside information. I went down to the Leeds training ground last week to have a look at how Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff are handling the pressure of a must-win game with so much at stake.

“Honestly, I was impressed.

“You could see how relaxed Big Sam has got the squad, there was a warmth around the place and, given what Leeds are up against, the atmosphere was really good, surprisingly positive.”

Necessary rebuild will be much easier in the top-flight

Whatever happens today, it is hard to be too optimistic about Leeds’ immediate future. The good news is we do not appear to be in anything like the financial turmoil of two decades ago.

If Leeds go down, the club is in a decent position off the pitch to build a team which can get back on the right track.

But there is no question that a massive overhaul is required, whatever league we are playing in. We have no director of football and no permanent manager. There is also a question mark over who will be running the club next season.

It is good to hear that Allardyce has got the team in good spirits. Obviously, the rebuild will be significantly easier if Leeds are still in the Premier League.