:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58584181/877229200.jpg.0.jpg)
So it appears that Paul Heckingbottom is the new manager at Leeds United.
Heckingbottom expected at Elland Road tonight. Wanted the job and Leeds activated the recall clause earlier today so very little in the way. Should be announced in time for him to take training at Thorp Arch tomorrow morning. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) February 5, 2018
While this was a surprise appointment, it’s interesting that the club chose an English manager from a club, Barnsley FC, that has not had success in the Championship this season. Heckingbottom did have Barnsley within a sniff of the playoffs last season before his best players were sold out from underneath him, and he’s rumoured to be highly regarded in football circles, for whatever that’s worth.
In the meantime, let’s hope this doesn’t get all screwed up before he’s announced in the morning.
On to the links.
Leeds United Links
Did Thomas Christiansen take the fall for Victor Orta? Or did TC lose the plot? [Through It All Together]
Steve McClaren would be a terrible hire. Thankfully, he’s not in the running. [Through It All Together]
Ah, what could have been. Former Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund youth manager Hannes Wolf was a early favourite to be named boss at Leeds, but it sounds like it was just a rumour. [Through It All Together]
England and English Football Links
The Premier League is considering a winter break as part of a new TV deal. [BBC.com]
Chelsea lost 4-1 at Watford FC after Tiemoue Bakayoko was sent off less than 30 minutes into the match. [Sky Sports]
World Football Links
Hertha Berlin fans can win a chance to get a tattoo of their season ticket on their arm. [Bundesliga.com]
Gennaro Gattuso rued the missed chance to put Udinese away over the weekend, as AC Milan drew 1-1 after going down a man. [AC Milan Offside]
A not-so-serious look at the Western Conference in the upcoming MLS season. [Dirty South Soccer]
Pumas UNAM continued their hot start to the Clausura season by beating reigning champions Tigres 2- at home on Sunday. [FMF State of Mind]