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David O’Leary, Terry Venables, Peter Reid and most recently Eddie Gray have all lost the manager’s job since the summer of 2002 and after a delay this week they finally confirmed that coach Kevin Blackwell, in temporary charge at the end of the season, will take over as the new manager.
Blackwell arrived from Sheffield United last summer, brought in as coach by Peter Reid and now he steps up for his managerial post. Having played as a goalkeeper for Barnet and Scarborough he has worked as a coach at Huddersfield, Plymouth and Bury before moving to Bramall Lane. All his coaching roles prior to Leeds were with Neil Warnock.
The new job almost didn’t happen and the announcement was delayed on Monday when Steve Parkin, expected to take over the club, wanted current Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie.
Parkin’s take over collapsed though and the cash strapped club have now confirmed Blackwell’s appointment. Given the recent changes it does seem somewhat generous that they have awarded Blackwell a two year contract.
It is to be hoped that Ken Bates doesn’t make a bid for Leeds – with Blackwell a former goalkeeper he would have little chance of keeping the job.