Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Tuesday, April 11.
Leicester City hire Dean Smith
Leeds United's relegation rivals Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Dean Smith as their new first-team manager for the rest of the season following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
The Foxes are languishing in 19th and have decided to turn to the former Aston Villa and Norwich boss to save the club from relegation. A defeat to Bournemouth at home over the weekend sees the club sit two points from safety with eight games left to play.
Read more: Javi Gracia makes Luke Ayling comment after Leeds United horror show against Crystal Palace
A trip to reigning champions Manchester City is first on the cards for Smith and he knows just how big the task is that lies ahead of him over the next month-and-a-half.
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season," he told club media. "The challenge in front of us is clear, but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before and, with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable.
“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week. Saturday [Manchester City away] will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world.
"I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.”
Leeds United make pre-season tournament decision amid Premier League struggles
Leeds United have reportedly pulled out of plans to take part in a Premier League pre-season tournament in the United States. The Athletic claims the Whites are set to pull out of the proposed tournament with Fulham set to take their place.
Last weekend's 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace has seen the Whites goal difference take a battering in their fight to stave off relegation, with their focus now solely on surviving in the top flight. Javi Gracia's side have shown signs of recovery and victory at the weekend would have taken them five points clear of the drop.
However, as things stand, Leeds have just a two-point cushion to the drop zone and eight games to save their Premier League status. The Whites' participation in the aforementioned USA tournament, were said to be dependent on their divisional status next season.
Leeds United board reveals strategy to cope with Premier League relegation
Leeds United are in a strong enough position to be able to cope should they be relegated from the Premier League this season. That’s according to an Angus Kinnear-written report included in the club’s latest accounts, which were released on Sunday morning, prior to the club’s 5-1 drubbing against Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
The defeat leaves Leeds sitting 16th in the Premier League table and just two points above the relegation zone as they approach the final eight games of the campaign. As such, at the time of writing, their position in the top flight is at real risk and head coach Javi Gracia will be doing all he can over the coming weeks to avoid dropping into the bottom three.
However, the numbers posted last season appear to give the board confidence regarding the club’s long-term standing and future in the top flight. Leeds recorded a turnover of £189m during their second season back in the Premier League and that’s a rise of £18m from the previous year, with growths in merchandise sales, commercial revenue streams and ticket sales being credited.
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