'Would really like to keep him': Backroom figure has impressed Leeds hierarchy this summer - Hay - Leeds United News 10/9/23
Jordan Harris
Phil Hay has suggested that Leeds United would now really
like to keep Nick Hammond at the club after his spell as interim football
advisor.
Hay was speaking on The Square Ball as he discussed the
fall-out following their extensive interview with Angus Kinnear this week.
Plenty of Leeds fans will be delighted to see the back of
the transfer window. It was a chaotic time for the Whites. So many will be
relieved that Daniel Farke now knows the squad he has to work with until
January.
Of course, one figure who played a key role in Leeds’ window
was Nick Hammond. The club announced in June that he had taken up a position at
Elland Road to help the club throughout the summer.
Hay noted that Hammond’s contract will be up soon enough, if
it is not already. However, the Leeds hierarchy were left very impressed by the
job Hammond did. And thus, there may be scope for him to stay for much longer.
“I think what I’ve seen at Leeds has convinced me more and
more that there’s definitely a place at the club for a sporting director,
director of football with an awful lot of authority,” he told The Square Ball.
“At the moment, Leeds have got this set-up of Nick Hammond
and Gretar Steinsson. Hammond, I think, must be out of contract or thereabouts
now. But Leeds would really like to keep him. It will be interesting to see
where that goes. I think they like what he’s done through the summer. They like
the way he operates and the way he works. And he’s very experienced.
“So you might well see him stay on if he’s willing. But it
wouldn’t surprise me that much if they do at some stage employ an overarching
director of football, sporting director, whatever the title is who goes above
them.”
Of course, Leeds had their hands tied in certain situations,
with players leaving on loan due to clauses in their contracts which allowed
them to go.
But it does appear that the club have enjoyed a decent
window. Obviously, there are a couple of areas which would ideally be stronger.
But Leeds look well-equipped for a potential promotion push this season.
The club’s relegation and subsequent full takeover has led
to a real reset at Elland Road. They have made a smart appointment in Daniel
Farke. And the signings who have come in all appear to have the potential to
make a really decent impact.
