BBC journalist delivers Leeds manager Twitter update, reveals three-man shortlist
By Richard Parks
Leeds United are working on a deal to appoint Paul Heckingbottom as their new manager tonight (Monday) after he emerged as the club’s pick from a three-man shortlist, according to a reliable journalist.
BBC Sport correspondent Ian Dennis took to his personal Twitter account this evening to report that United have identified the Barnsley manager, 40, as their first choice to take on the vacant role.
Dennis claims Leeds top brass are expected to name Heckingbottom as their new manager as long as there are no issues with his contract and terms, with the likelihood that he will get the job within the next 24 hours.
Dennis does not name the other two men who were on the shortlist compiled by Leeds after the dismissal of Thomas Christiansen on Sunday night.
The Denmark-born Spaniard, 44, was given his marching orders in the wake of a poor run that had left Leeds 10th in the Championship table and seven points adrift of the play-offs.
Former defender Heckingbottom is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in England after impressing in his role at Barnsley.
The 40-year-old initially took over in a caretaker capacity and guided the Tykes to League One promotion in the 2015/16 season and victory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy while serving on an interim basis before being appointed as the club’s head coach in June 2016.
Heckingbottom steered Barnsley to a highly creditable 14th place finish in the Championship last season despite operating with one of the smallest budgets in the league and selling star play Conor Hourihane to Aston Villa in the January window.
The Tykes have not fared as well this season and are 21st in the division, 17 points behind Leeds, but the manager has been forced to continually sell his best players.
United are next in action when they make the short journey to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
In other Leeds United news, it can be revealed that Heckingbottom has a significant release clause in his Barnsley contract.