LONDON: Leeds United have appointed Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom as their new manger until the end of 2018-19 season, the English Championship club said on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old will replace Thomas Christiansen, who was sacked on Sunday after an eight-month spell at Elland Road.

Christiansen’s sack came after a 4-1 home defeat by Cardiff, a seventh straight match without a win.

During his time at Oakwell, Heckingbottom led Barnsley to the Football League Trophy in 2016 before guiding them to the second-tier Championship through the League One playoffs.

Last season, he steered the team to a 14th-placed finish and in total, oversaw more than 100 matches at Barnsley.

The 40-year-old, who had been in charge at Oakwell since February 2016, agreed new terms with Barnsley on Friday but has swapped that rolling contract for an 18-month deal with their Yorkshire rivals.

In a statement, Barnsley said they were “shocked” by Heckingbottom’s desire to leave, having signed a new contract with the club last week.

“Yes, it was unexpected. Yes, it has come during an already complicated period,” Barnsley’s chief executive Gauthier Ganaye said.

“Leeds United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as new head coach of the club,” said a statement from the club. Heckingbottom will begin his Leeds tenure with Saturday’s Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United in the league at Bramall Lane.

Agencies