Oh, Leeds United have a new manager do they? What else is new?
Steve Evans recently became the sixth manager in just eighteen months when he replaced Uwe Rosler in the hot-seat at the Yorkshire giants earlier this month. Owner Massimo Cellini seems hell bent on a return to the Premier League, and will stop at nothing to get it.
The new boss has described promotion as ‘a case of when, not if’, though he seems to have quite the job on his hands. The Whites are currently just above the relegation zone, though only a good run of form away from the playoffs.
No doubt the managerial merry-go-round at the club is likely to have an impact on their season, and probably why they’re in limbo at the current moment. However, Evans will hopefully last until the January window – though oddly enough, it is not guaranteed.
Should he make it, he will likely want to tinker with his squad, though will have to sell before he can buy.
Here are FOUR players to axe in the New Year…
SCOTT WOOTTON
Having played under Evans at Rotherham, Wootton could conceivably be given a chance to prove himself, though it looks unlikely.
Captain Sol Bamba is obviously the beating heart of the defence, with vice-captain Liam Cooper partnering him. Giuseppe Bellusci can offer back-up, and Wootton looks most likely to go in regards to a ‘sell before you can buy’ strategy likely to be in place.
SOULEYMANE DOUKARA
The French forward at time looks clumsy and is if he’s not really that bothered about even being there in the first place. No doubt blessed with some decent ability, Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci look strong enough as first choice in the frontline.
You just get the feeling, that if the 24-year-old upped his work rate, he would be some player. However, Leeds can scarcely afford a passenger in their current state, and he should be sold at the first opportunity.
LUKE MURPHY
Murphy is a decent squad option, one who regularly pushes for a first-team place, but his departure is unlikely to have a huge impact on the squad.
Despite regularly appearing in the first-team, Evans has a few options to call in in central midfield, and the former Crewe captain could be sold in order to strengthen other areas.
TOMMASO BIANCHI
The Italian’s injury in preseason has unfortunately shown how the side can cope without. A former Italy under-21 international, the midfielder arrived last year with decent pedigree.
He had carved himself a regular starting place last season, before a serious knee injury cut his season short. The 26-year-old is too injury prone to rely on, especially as Evans is under immense pressure already.
