The former England manager has been appointed by Leeds United on a short-term deal

Sam Allardyce has been appointed manager of Leeds United following the sacking of Javi Gracia.

Having already sacked director of football Victor Orta, the Yorkshire club announced the departure of Spaniard Gracia along with their backroom staff on Wednesday morning.

A poor season at Elland Road sees the club languish in 17th place, with only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone.

Leeds have lost four in a five-game winless run and have four games left to save themselves.

A club statement read: “Leeds can confirm that Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge.

“Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.

“We thank Javi and his team for their efforts in difficult circumstances.

“The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.”

Former Dons MP, Charlton and Oxford boss Karl Robinson will be Allardyce’s assistant.

Leeds travel to leaders Manchester City on Saturday before hosting third-placed Newcastle. A trip to West Ham and a meeting at Elland Road with European hopefuls Tottenham complete the season.

Allardyce takes over after suffering his first Premier League relegation with West Brom when he left six months into an 18-month contract.

The 68-year-old former Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and England boss becomes Leeds’ third permanent manager of the season, after Jesse Marsch and Gracia.

Allardyce is said to have agreed a basic salary of £500,000 for his four games in charge, with a £2.5m bonus if he can keep Leeds up.

Gracia, who replaced Marsch in February, collected 10 points from his first six games in charge but a dreadful run of results in April left Leeds on a downward spiral.

The clubs have lost five of their last seven games, with Sunday’s 4-1 at Bournemouth following 4-1, 5-1 and 6-1 defeats to Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively earlier last month.

Leeds’ 23 goals conceded in April is a Premier League record for a single month.

On Sunday, fans’ group Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board issued a vote of no confidence in both the club’s board and Gracia.

The players later issued a statement on Monday apologizing for their performance at Bournemouth and for failing to acknowledge the fans at the team hotel.

Additional reporting from PA