LONDON, May 3 (silubaba) -- Leeds United on Wednesday sacked coach Javi Gracia after two and a half months in charge and named Sam Allardyce as his replacement until the end of the season.
The decision was taken in the wake of Leeds' 4-1 defeat away to Bournemouth at the weekend which leaves them 17th in the Premier League, level on points with Nottingham Forest, who occupies the last relegation place.
Former Watford and Valencia coach Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch on February 21. Although he initially got a reaction from the team, Leeds' results in April have been disastrous, conceding four goals in matches against Arsenal and Bournemouth, as well as suffering a 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and a 6-1 loss at home to Liverpool.
The experienced Allardyce will come in for the last four games of the season, with the task of saving Leeds from relegation to the Championship.
"I could have done a little bit more time, but four games - hopefully we can make a difference and keep this fabulous club in the Premier League," said Allardyce.
"I was shocked, I never thought at this stage of the season there would be jobs offered," he added.
"When the phone popped up with a name that I knew pretty well, I knew who it was straight away, so it took me about two seconds to say yes," said Allardyce, who hasn't worked since leaving West Bromwich Albion two years ago.
On Tuesday, Leeds also sacked Director of Sport Victor Orta, who had been at the club for six years.
"I am deeply saddened by the way that this chapter closes as Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United and I thank him and his people for all they have done in the past six years," commented Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.
"However, it is clear that it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed that Victor will leave the club," said Radrizzani. ■
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