As Leeds United prepare to take on Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End, fans of the club may find themselves reflecting on Heckingbottom’s departure from Elland Road back in 2018.
After a short and challenging stint at Leeds, Heckingbottom made way for Marcelo Bielsa, who went on to lead the team to impressive successes. However, Heckingbottom has had his own share of accomplishments since leaving Leeds, most notably with Sheffield United, where he garnered respect from fans.
As Preston faces Leeds, Heckingbottom has the opportunity to potentially inflict a blow to his former club’s promotion aspirations. Though he appreciates watching Leeds play, his departure from the club in 2018 was not without its share of frustrations, particularly with former owner Andrea Radrizzani.
Radrizzani’s management style at Leeds was often regarded as unique, with Heckingbottom’s time at the club ending in what he described as an ‘absurd’ manner. The Italian owner’s decision to bring in Bielsa as Heckingbottom’s replacement certainly left a bitter taste for the former Leeds manager.
However, in a more recent press conference before a match against Bielsa’s Leeds with Sheffield United, Heckingbottom expressed gratitude towards the club’s ownership, acknowledging that his departure was likely necessary for the club’s growth.
Reflecting on his time at Leeds, Heckingbottom remarked that the club was in need of a shake-up and the decision for him to leave was ultimately the correct one. Despite any lingering frustrations, he acknowledged the progress that Leeds had made under Bielsa’s guidance and recognized the club’s development since his exit.
As Leeds faces Preston and Heckingbottom in the opposing dugout, the match serves as a reminder of the changes and advancements that have taken place since Heckingbottom’s departure from Elland Road.
