Leeds United have officially sacked manager Javi Gracia after just 10 weeks in charge as The Whites continue to flirt with relegation, with Sam Allardyce now confirmed as his replacement.
Barring their 2-1 victory over fellow relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at the start of April, Leeds are without a win in their last five games — a run which has included just one draw and heavy defeats to Bournemouth, Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
With 15 goals conceded in those three games alone, there were always going to be questions over Gracia's future, and the club confirmed his departure in a statement on Wednesday, just a day after Director of Football Victor Orta left by "mutual consent", with Allardyce's appointment announced simultaneously.
📰 #LUFC can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club, with our remaining four games overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce. We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
Although Gracia may have hay only been at the club for a relatively short time, Orta was considered a key figure in the Peacocks' resurgence and return to the Prem during his tenure, arriving at Elland Road in 2017 after the club was bought by Andrea Radrizzani.
Having helped recruit several important players and staff over the past few years, Radrizzani said he is "deeply saddened by the way that this chapter closes", thanking him for "some of the best moments of [his] time as owner of Leeds United".
Nevertheless, the Italian businessman went on to admit that there is clearly a need "to change direction" and while he understands "supporters are hurt and upset", he is calling for "unity" with what he dubbed as "four cup finals left to play this season"
Allardyce hasn't had a professional coaching job since 2021, when he was at West Bromwich Albion, becoming the first manager to take charge of eight different Premier League clubs.
The 68-year-old isn't just an experienced coach and the only England manager to ever boast a 100% win record — admittedly, only lasting 67 days and playing one game before being sacked for illegal activities — but he also has a well-established track record of keeping clubs up during crunch time.
With the squad themselves issuing a statement following the recent run of results and apologising for a video of the players seemingly ignoring supporters (including one young fan), on the way out of the team hotel, they have now apologised and assured they will "keep going until the last ball is kicked".
With just four games left to play and every point absolutely crucial to their survival, will Big Sam be the man to keep Leeds out of the drop zone?
Featured Image — Leeds United/FA TV
Sport
Three-acre padel court development set to move into historic Leeds landmark
Leeds-based Ollo Padel have revealed plans for a new three-acre padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse.
It seems like padel is taking over the world at the moment, and it's about to take over Leeds.
Three years after the plans were first put forward, Ollo Padel is set to bring a state-of-the-art padel and leisure centre to the outskirts of the city centre.
The Roundhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian landmark that first opened in 1847 and will be brought back to everyday use as a community-led space before the end of 2026.
Image: Supplied
The new space will feature five covered and four open courts, alongside hospitality and social spaces, retail space, fitness studios, gyms and more.
Being a Leeds-based company, Ollo Padel are working to put Leeds’ communities at the heart of the new centre, with plans for free school coaching lessons, school partnerships, inclusive programmes for women and juniors and focusing on providing a non-intimidating environment for all-ages and abilities.
The development is expected to create 14 permanent on-site roles, spanning coaching, front-of-house, hospitality and operations, with a strong commitment to local recruitment.
Image: Supplied
Will Linley, Co-Founder (Founder of Linley & Simpson) said: “These proposals focus on sensitively bringing one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings back to life — restoring the Roundhouse and creating a place people can enjoy, feel proud of and use as part of everyday city life.
“Padel is a brilliant way to bring people together. We’re designing Ollo around the social side of the sport — creating a place that supports both physical and mental wellbeing through movement, play and connection”
Luke Gidney, Founder, Ollo Padel said: “We are so excited about the opportunity to create this centre for Leeds. We’re still at an early stage, and that really matters to us, because it means local residents, businesses and community groups can help shape the plans. We want to listen, learn and make sure the Roundhouse works day to day for the people around it.”
Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Danny Jones -
3rd May 2023 
