Here are your Leeds United evening headlines on Friday, February 24.
Joleon Lescott makes Javi Gracia 'effect' claim ahead of Southampton clash
Former Premier League defender and BT Sport pundit Joleon Lescott has predicted Javi Gracia's tenure to get off on the right foot ahead of Leeds United's clash against Southampton this weekend.
The Whites are currently 19th, just a point above their bottom-of-the-league opponents, meaning both sides are desperate for all three points when they meet at Elland Road on Saturday.
"Another huge game down at the bottom," Lescott told LiveScore. "And if Javi Gracia is going to keep Leeds out of trouble, these kind of games are important.
"Southampton keep plucking the odd win out of nowhere but they've lacked consistency all season, so can they really go to Elland Road and make it back-to-back victories?
"Given the new manager effect, I'll opt for a home win.
"Prediction: Leeds 2-0 Southampton."
Leeds United's new backroom staff profiled as trusted trio join Javi Gracia for survival mission
With the arrival of Leeds United's newest head coach Javi Gracia at Elland Road, it should be no surprise that fans will be seeing some new faces alongside the Spaniard in the dugout and at Thorp Arch over his tenure.
With previous interim boss Michael Skubala settling into his new role in helping with the first team setup, Paco Gallardo is now taking on the Under-21s head coach job.
That then means that Gracia's fresh faces, Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Jose Solla, will be the main forces alongside Gracia trying to help the Whites escape the relegation zone and stay in the Premier League.
All three are Spanish and have history with Gracia, which is sure to be key in helping the new Whites boss traverse the tricky times the club has both seen in recent weeks and will see going forward.
Here LeedsLive takes a deep dive into the past of Leeds and Javi Gracia's new backroom staff...
'Humble and focused' - Leeds United faithful issue verdict after Javi Gracia press conference
Leeds United supporters have hailed Javi Gracia for the way in which he conducted himself during Friday afternoon's pre-match press conference ahead of a vital Premier League clash with Southampton.
News of Gracia's work permit being approved came through just 15 minutes before the Spaniard was due to speak to the media ahead of Saturday's match against the Saints. The former Watford boss will be in the dugout at Elland Road where fans will be ready and waiting to welcome with open arms the man tasked with maintaining their top-flight status.
The Spaniard will have 15 matches to move Leeds up and out of the bottom three come May and that will start with a crucial relegation clash against the south coast club. Gracia refused to give too much information away during his first outing with the media, as he spoke with authority on a wide range of topics.
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