Leeds United’s Championship rivals Huddersfield Town are the first club to change managers, with Neil Warnock leaving the club this week after their match with Stoke City.
With the pressure of promotion and relegation high in the Championship every season, it’s never a shock to see managers leave their post early in the season.
Huddersfield Town have switched managers a few times since Carlos Corberan left the club, and they are now replacing Neil Warnock.
Why did Warnock leave?
This week saw Warnock manage his final game at Huddersfield, which comes after miraculously guiding them to survival last term, to sign a one-year deal and stay on for this campaign.
Back-to-back wins in the league were followed by the veteran manager opting to part ways with the club as the Terriers aimed for a long-term appointment.
Warnock intends to stay in the game if an opportunity comes his way, instead of retiring at the age of 74.
Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?
League-winners
Automatic promotion
3rd-6th
Outside the playoffs
Good news for Leeds?
Aside from the potential shame that would come with just losing to a Warnock side in the league this season, there will be relief amongst fans, given Leeds’ record against the journeyman.
The Whites, having been managed by him, have faced Warnock on 16 occasions during his career, spanning across six clubs: Notts County, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, QPR, Rotherham United, and Cardiff City.
Leeds’ record in those games isn’t great, winning just five and drawing two, losing nine in the process.
What is most alarming about Leeds’ recent form against their former manager is that they haven’t taken as much as a point from him ever since he was sacked from the Elland Road dugout.
Five meetings against QPR, Rotherham, and Cardiff have all yielded no points and 12 goals conceded.
Leeds will face the Terriers under new management on October 28 at Elland Road, the first meeting between the two sides since Marcelo Bielsa brought a 2-0 win against Danny Cowley, the final game before the 19/20 season was delayed due to COVID-19.