MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 10:23:45| >> :120:22584:22584:

Leeds United confirm Paul Heckingbottom as new head coach

Leeds confirm Heckingbottom arrival
Leeds United confirm the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as the club's new head coach, just four days after he signed a new deal at Barnsley.

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as the club's new head coach.

The 40-year-old became an early contender for the position following Thomas Christiansen's dismissal on Sunday.

Just four days ago, Heckingbottom signed a rolling contract extension at Barnsley following his initial 2016 appointment, but the ex-Darlington player swiftly made a change and has now penned a deal until 2019 with Leeds.

During his time in charge of Barnsley, Heckingbottom guided the team to Football League Trophy glory and promotion to the Championship via the playoffs.

After Leeds confirmed the coach's appointment, the Tykes released a statement saying: "The club are shocked at Paul Heckingbottom's desire to leave, having agreed a new contract with Barnsley Football Club last week following the completion of the January transfer window, where the Board of Directors worked tirelessly along with Paul to secure their targets, resulting in a successful window. This left the club optimistic in a turnaround in form and a strong end to the 2017/18 campaign as we battle to retain our position in the league."

Chief executive Gauthier Ganaye added: "Yes, it was unexpected. Yes, it has come during an already complicated period. Yes, it will make things more difficult short term, but our club is full of resources and it is certainly not dependent on one man alone.

"I'm asking everyone from the players, employees and our loyal fans to come together as we have an important game on Saturday."

Heckingbottom's first Leeds game will be Saturday's Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

ID:318074: cacheID:318074:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3030:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Paul Heckingbottom poses with his League One manager of the month award for March 2016
Read Next:
Leeds keen to appoint Heckingbottom?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd20135228111742
2Leeds UnitedLeeds20125336142241
3Burnley2010822471738
4Sunderland20107329151437
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn1910452317634
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2071122314932
7Middlesbrough209473425931
8Watford199462725231
9Swansea CitySwansea207672119227
10Norwich CityNorwich206863530526
11Bristol City206862525026
12Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds207582329-626
13Millwall196762017325
14Derby CountyDerby216692626024
15Preston North EndPreston2041062026-622
16Luton TownLuton2064102335-1222
17Coventry CityCoventry205692529-421
18Stoke CityStoke205692126-521
19Queens Park RangersQPR204972026-621
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd194692030-1018
21Portsmouth193882134-1317
22Cardiff CityCardiff1945101730-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth1945101940-2117
24Hull City2037101828-1016


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!