Paul Heckingbottom says Leeds a 'big opportunity'

By Danny Gallagher

New Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom has hailed the size of the club and admitted he now has a huge opportunity

New Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom has admitted the size of the club persuaded him to take the job, which he sees as a "big opportunity".

Heckingbottom was announced as successor to Thomas Christiansen, who was sacked by Leeds on Sunday, and left his role at Barnsley to take over at Elland Road.

The 40-year-old signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with the club and spoke to Sky Sports about the challenge ahead and the reasons behind his move.

"I can't wait, it's a big opportunity, a big football club and something you work hard for, so I'm planning to make the most of it," he said.

When asked about the main draw of a club like Leeds, Heckingbottom replied: "The size of the club.

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Image: Paul Heckingbottom says the size of Leeds United was a factor in him taking the job

"When I spoke to Victor and the owners [it was] really aligned in what I was thinking and how I like to work and I'm presuming that's why they thought I was the right man for the job as well because I'm aligned with how they like to work, so hopefully that'll be good for us going forward."

Heckingbottom, who had been in charge at Oakwell since Lee Johnson's departure to Bristol City in February 2016, will begin his tenure with a meeting against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football.

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He will be joined by his backroom team of Jamie Clapham (first-team coach), Nathan Winder (head of sports science) and Alex Bailey (first team performance analyst) who will also all leave Oakwell immediately.

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