SAM ALLARDYCE has left Leeds United after failing to keep them up in his four games in charge as the search for replacement begins.
The ex-Newcastle and West Ham boss, 68, exits after a 25-day reign following talks with CEO Angus Kinnear.
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The Elland Road side confirmed Big Sam’s fate as the survival specialist saw Leeds sink on the final day of the Premier League.
A statement read: “Leeds United and Sam Allardyce can confirm that both parties have mutually agreed for Sam’s spell at the club to end following the completion of the 2022/23 season.
“Sam joined the Whites for the final four games of the campaign and despite spirited performances against Manchester City and Newcastle United, the objective of staying in the Premier League was not reached.”
Allardyce said: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League. I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity.
“I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks.
“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.”
CEO Kinnear added: “We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us.
“Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful.”
An announcement on a new Leeds United head coach will be made in the coming weeks.
Sunday’s 4-1 home loss against Tottenham sent the Whites down by five points – while rivals Everton, who stayed up, and Leicester, both won.
Allardyce previously performed miracles in ensuring Bolton and Sunderland avoided the drop.
And Leeds were praying he could do the same again – as their third manager this season.
The Whites axed Jesse Marsch in late February and interim chief Javi Gracia in early May.
But Leeds picked up just one point from Allardyce’s four matches.
After opening with a 2-1 loss at champions-to-be Manchester City on May 6, the Whites rescued a creditable 2-2 home draw with Newcastle.
But they then slumped 3-1 at West Ham and by an even bigger margin at Spurs – when they needed to pick up three points and hope for help from elsewhere.
Following that Tottenham disaster, Allardyce said he would hold talks with club bosses to see whether both parties were “aligned”.
But now it appears Leeds will look for a longer-term appointment as they return to the Championship following just three years back in the top flight.
