This week Leeds United confirmed the departure of manager Gary Monk. After one season at the helm, the former Swansea boss resigned. In addition to this owner Massimo Cellino also sold his remaining stake-hold in the club. Therefore with a new era dawning at Leeds United; Who will be appointed manager at Elland Road?
Here at the potential candidates in-line for the Elland Road hot seat.
Nigel Pearson
The former Leicester City manager has been heavily linked with the vacancy. There is no doubt that Nigel Pearson holds valuable experience, especially in the Championship. Previously guiding Leicester City to the title in 2014, his appointment would not go a miss.
Pearson’s last job was a short tenure at Derby County. Given that the board can provide him with the correct resources, he possesses every chance of cementing a strong campaign for the club.
Due to his experience in the second-tier, at this point he remains perhaps the strongest candidate to take the job. Furthermore one could also argue he remains the most realistic target. None the less Nigel Pearson could prove to be the decisive factor to push Leeds United one step closer to the top-flight.
Claudio Ranieri
How long have you got? Two seasons ago Claudio Ranieri instigated the biggest sporting upset ever, as he won his first Premier League title with Leicester City. Now 12 months later, he is linked with the Leeds United job, football is mad.
Ranieri boasts a very decorated managerial career, which he has traveled the globe in world football. From a two month job with Greece to managing Chelsea Pre-Abramovich.
However with a lack of Championship experience, this appointment may be unrealistic. Also Leeds United fans shall have to consider the likelihood of this appointment, which is very doubtful indeed. Overall it is a nice candidate to ponder, as it proves how strange the English game can truly be.
Alex Neil
Following his spell at Norwich City, Alex Neil is currently available. The former Canaries boss was sacked by the club after a poor season in the Championship, as they did not achieve their aim of promotion. However despite his sacking, Neil guided Norwich to promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
During his tenure at Norwich City Alex Neil worked well with the resources. More specifically during his time in the Championship with the club, the Scotsman established a strong brand of football at the club.
If Leeds are looking for a manager to adapt to his surroundings and enforce a new brand of football, then Alex Neil is the man for the job. Thus with this in mind one shall not rule him out of the running for the job. He also remains to be one of the odds on favorites for the job at Elland Road.
Aitor Karanka
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is amongst the candidates, for the vacant hot seat at Elland Road. Achieving promotion with Brough last season, he was only sacked from the job back in March, following a poor season in the top-flight. Regardless, there is no doubt that Karanka has the relevant experience to take the job.
The former Real Madrid number two possesses all the right tools to implicate new football at Elland Road. He has proven to be a very tactically capable manager, which was evident during his time at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Among all the candidates linked with the vacancy at Elland Road, Aitor Karanka is most certainly one of the strongest. Therefore it would not surprise me to see Karanka appointed manager at Leeds United in the summer, as he would tick all the proverbial boxes.
Leeds United fans; Who do you want to see appointed manager this summer? Who ticks all your boxes? Leave a comment below.
