Phil Hay has shared his verdict on whether San Francisco 49ers Enterprises would actually consider sacking Daniel Farke if Leeds United do not get promoted.
It is looking increasingly likely that it will be the play-offs for Leeds this season as they head into tomorrow’s final day with the top two very much out of their hands.
Ipswich Town are currently in the box seat as they sit second in the table and three points clear of Leeds, knowing they just need to avoid defeat at home to all but relegated Huddersfield Town to seal it.
With that in mind, Martin O’Neill now believes Farke has a big job on his hands getting Leeds back ready for the play-offs, given how close they have come to the top two.
Pundit Sam Parkin is worried about how Leeds’ defensive record has fallen off in recent weeks, but there is no reason why Farke’s squad cannot get back to their best again.
Hay shares whether 49ers would consider Farke exit
Given some of the players he has at his disposal, it would undoubtedly be seen as a failure if Leeds did not manage to get promoted this season.
Having just come down from the Premier League, the value of Leeds’ squad is higher than the majority of sides in this division, with the possible exception of Leicester City and Southampton.
Leeds also spent some big money for a second tier side on the likes of Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu, with the former costing in excess of £10 million, and the latter somewhere around £7 million.
It is unlikely Leeds will ever have a squad as strong as this in the Championship again, as there is no doubt key sales would have to be made this summer to comply with PSR and offset some of the £190 million owed in unpaid transfer instalments.
That said, Farke was handed a four-year-deal by 49ers Enterprises upon his appointment last summer, and so it is clear they view him as a long-term appointment.
And speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Hay believes it is highly unlikely Farke would be sacked even if Leeds were to fail to win promotion.
He said: “It is quite hard to argue with the season as a whole. The 49ers tend to be quite rationale in their thoughts so I guess if you were analysing it, you would probably say, yes you would probably have to sell players and dance around PSR.
“But if you can get a good squad together and get to around 90 points again, it could easily be enough as it tends to be enough in most seasons. He also has a long contract, which factors into PSR calculations and makes it more difficult to sack people. It feels a little harsh we are having this conversation.”
Farke would deserve a second season if Leeds fail
If Farke was to lead Leeds into a second Championship season, there is no doubt there would and should be more scrutiny over his capabilities in the job.
The 47-year-old took over a turbulent club last summer with players leaving left, right and centre, so to get Leeds to the 90 point mark is an impressive feat.
However, Leeds cannot afford to be stuck in this division for any longer than a further year, and so if things did start poorly next season, that is when his position should be called into question.
For now, though, he has certainly earned the right to be given another crack if Leeds don’t get it done this season.
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