Paul Heckingbottom is expected to take some time out of management following his departure from Leeds United earlier this month.
According to Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post, it is quite likely that Heckingbottom will take some time away from management after Leeds took the option to end his spell in charge at Elland Road after just four months.
An announcement came on the opening day of June that Heckingbottom would be departing Elland Road, just a number of months into the 18-month deal he agreed with the Whites back in February.
Leeds swooped to appointment Heckingbottom in February, with the 40-year-old turning his back on Barnsley, his boyhood club, in favour of a move to Elland Road.
Heckingbottom’s record at Elland Road was far from convincing, with Leeds managing to win just four of the 16 fixtures the 40-year-old oversaw.
Leeds suffered eight defeats in that time and stumbled to 13th in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Despite taking charge of Leeds’ post-season tour of Myanmar, Heckingbottom has departed, with Leeds in talks with Marcelo Bielsa.
Reports are suggesting that Bielsa could be appointed within the next 24 hours.
The Verdict
The Leeds job is a testing one that not many have had a good chance of getting right.
Heckingbottom arrived at a difficult time, and with Leeds struggling, his departure wasn’t really a surprise.
For Heckingbottom now, some time away from the game to reflect on a difficult year at both Barnsley and Leeds is probably best.
At just 40, Heckingbottom still has plenty of time to get back into management.
Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!