Kilgallon tips Farke to be hit at Leeds

FORMER Leeds defender Matt Kilgallon is backing Daniel Farke to lead an Elland Road promotion charge next season.

Highly-rated Farke is favourite for the vacant managerial job as Leeds rebuild from the wreckage of Premier League relegation.

The 46-year-old German guided Norwich to the top flight as Championship title winners in two of the past five seasons.

Kilgallon, 39, a member of the last Leeds side to fall out of the top flight, in 2004, said: ‘The Leeds United fans need a lift and Farke would provide that. He’s got a proven track record of winning promotion from the Championship.

‘I’ve also heard Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira mentioned, plus a cheeky little shout for

Lee Bowyer.

‘The fans would love someone like Bowyer, but it’s looking like it could be Farke. I’ve been speaking to Grant Hanley, my old Blackburn team-mate who played under Farke at Norwich. Grant said he’s an excellent manager and a top bloke too, so Farke would be a good shout. If they go for someone without his kind of pedigree, the fans won’t be happy.’

Kilgallon did warn an exodus looms. He said: ‘Players will leave and next season’s squad will be completely different.

‘It will be built around stalwarts like Luke Ayling and Liam

Cooper and youngsters such as Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt and Archie Gray.

‘I’d be very surprised if Rodrigo, Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison are still there next season.’