New Leeds priority emerges after two January bids, Marsch decision made - report
By Sam Stone
23rd Dec, 2022 | 1:35pm
Leeds United Mark Jackson exit set to be confirmed, further departures could follow
MK Dons have chosen Leeds United coach Mark Jackson to become their new manager with his appointment set to be confirmed, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon.
Nixon has reported (via his personal Patreon, 23 December) that Jackson has opted to take the job in his own right after spending several years behind the scenes at Elland Road.
It's believed MK Dons are expected to appoint a "couple" of Leeds' backroom staff to assist Jackson at Stadium MK. Leeds will receive compensation for the 45-year-old, with the move now a formality.
Jackson certainly deserves the chance to be given a manager role. He has been at Elland Road since 2015 and has risen through the ranks at the club, having previously been under-18s and under-21s manager. His departure will be a big loss to Jesse Marsch and it's now up to the club to promote or employ a suitable replacement.
Management opportunities, particularly in the EFL cannot be turned down, and if Jackson had said no he may not have had another chance come up again in the future. It will be interesting to see which members of the Whites' backroom staff follow him to the League One side, although they're unlikely to be as high-profile.
Jackson will certainly have his work cut out at Stadium MK with the Dons currently sitting third from bottom and in the relegation zone after a difficult start to the season.
Liam Manning took them to the brink of the playoff final in the 2021/22 season and was given plenty of time to turn things around this season. Jackson will be hoping he will be afforded a similar level of patience when he completes his move away from Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, we can exclusively reveal a major decision being made on Liam Cooper after he missed the friendly defeat to Monaco.
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