Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Matthew Hobkinson

Leeds United told why Javi Gracia appointment 'ticks a lot of boxes' despite Watford sacking

Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has claimed that Javi Gracia's appointment at Leeds United "ticks a lot of boxes" despite Watford's decision to sack the Spaniard back in 2019.

The 52-year-old arrives at Elland Road on a flexible contract as the Whites finally replace Jesse Marsch following a frantic two-week search. A vast array of names were linked with the top job - some good, some bad - and now Gracia has been confirmed as the person entrusted with the club's top-flight status for the remainder of the season.

He will have 15 matches to move Leeds out of the relegation zone. Gracia takes over with his new side in 19th, a point above last-placed Southampton and two points from safety.

ALSO READ: Leeds United faithful 'get behind' Javi Gracia as verdict delivered on new head coach

Despite the former Watford coach being sacked by the Hornets over three years ago, Cundy has now revealed that he is confident the club have made the right choice with their new appointment.

“From memory, it did seem at the time a bit of a strange decision to get rid of him at the time when they did,” Cundy told talkSPORT regarding Watford’s decision to part company with Gracia in 2019.

“Leeds are desperate right now, they have to have a manager in place. Even though they got a result at [Old Trafford], the two subsequent games have not gone their way. So they needed a change of fortune and the typical relegation six-pointer is coming up this weekend against Southampton.

“It’s a game they can ill-afford to lose really, so I think the decision to bring a manager in now who wants the job, who has managed in the Premier League, who has got a team [Watford] in trouble out from the bottom of the table – it ticks a lot of boxes.”

READ NEXT:

Four Leeds United Premier League fixtures chosen for TV including Liverpool with new dates set

Leeds United transfer rumours as managerial offer caused Rayo Vallecano chief's offices to 'tremble'

Leeds United U21s ratings as Greenwood and Aaronson stand out in hard-fought Aston Villa win

Ben Foster on Javi Gracia's tactical approach which would be perfect for Leeds United

Gary Rowett delivers 'outstanding' assessment as Leeds United loanee Jamie Shackleton shines in Millwall win

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.