Big Sam jubilant as Leeds roll the Dyce in drop battle

Leeds have sacked head coach Javi Gracia after less than three months in charge of the West Yorkshire outfit, replacing the Spaniard with Sam Allardyce.

Gracia, 53, was only appointed by the Premier League strugglers in February but failed to steer them away from the relegation zone despite a promising start.

Allardyce, who boasts a reputation for saving struggling clubs from the drop, has been selected to oversee the final four league matches of the campaign.

The English tactician, 68, has been out of work since leaving West Brom at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I was shocked. I never thought [I would get a job] at this stage of the season. I thought there would be no jobs. 

"The phone popped up with a name I knew fairly well, I knew what it was, and it took me two seconds to say yes. 

"I'm here overlooking the training ground and the fabulous facilities and I'm excited to be involved. 

"A tingle runs through your veins when you take over at a football club. 

"I know they're in a lot of trouble, but I've seen a lot of trouble before. I could've done with more time, but we've got four games and hopefully I can keep this fabulous club in the Premier League."

The Whites have won just two of their last 10 league matches and remain in serious danger of relegation to the Championship.

Bournemouth hammered Gracia's men 4-1 on Sunday, meaning they now sit nine points behind the Cherries, who were one of the top picks to go down earlier in the year.

Currently sitting outside the drop zone on goal difference, a daunting run-in against Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham has prompted the club's board to roll the dice.

After his dismissal. Gracia insisted he was on course to keep the Whites up in a statement.

He said: "I would preferred a different moment, but the circumstances have changed. 

"We believed in this team. We considered our chances and had confidence. And we know it is possible. We are not talking about miracles, but about the efficient result of a well done work and a process of improvement. 

"The coaching staff and I took over the team in 19th position, with a run of 10 games without a win. Today, after 11 games played and four left in the league, the team is out of the relegation zone and has a good chance of achieving the objective. 

"It has been a very intense period for many reasons. A busy schedule, injuries and a young but skilled team. I am confident that the team will achieve its objective. It is a committed squad full of quality."