Leeds United have appointed Chris Armas as Mark Jackson’s replacement in a reunion with Jesse Marsch as assistant head coach at Elland Road – prompting reaction from both Mike Grella and Ben Parker, following the announcement.
Armas, 50, reunites with Marsch having worked with the current Leeds boss as his assistant at New York Red Bulls. He even replaced Marsch after leaving, before his move to Salzburg, as NYRB manager. He coached ex-Leeds ace Grella.
An ex-United States international with more than 300 appearances at playing level, Armas joins Leeds after leaving a certain rival last summer. He worked under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United for six months, before Rangnick left.
Indeed, Leeds avoided actually naming our bitter rivals in the club statement, announcing Armas’ arrival. Following the confirmation of Armas coming in for MK Dons manager Jackson, Mike Grella took to Twitter – praising the move.
Grella and Parker react as Leeds appoint Armas as Jackson replacement
Ex-Leeds defender Parker also gave his take, speaking on the latest LS11 podcast: “He is a guy the manager knows, the staff know, he will know the system. He should fit straight in, hit the ground running. Good appointment. Good fit.”
Armas brings a wealth of experience with him. Both as an assistant, and as a manager. A man that Marsch trusts, a man that knows the system and a man that has worked in the Premier League before. He is a solid replacement for Jackson.
Armas then, is likely to be in the dugout at Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Leeds are next in action against League One side Accrington after they beat Boreham Wood on Tuesday night 1-0. The Whites should reach the fifth round.
He will be on a level playing field with Marsch’s main assistant so far in Rene Maric. Above Cameron Toshack and Ewan Sharp, who are both termed as just assistant coaches. It can only help Leeds and Marsch to have Armas at Elland Road.
