Former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has explained how his experiences at Ewood Park and Newcastle influenced his decision to leave Leeds.

Allardyce’s most recent stint in the dugout was at Elland Road for the final four games of the 2022/23 campaign as the Yorkshire club aimed to pull off a great escape.

Leeds were ultimately relegated and the 70-year-old stepped away, stating at the time he didn’t want to commit to the potentially “long-term project” of getting back to the top flight at this stage of his career.

He was replaced by Daniel Farke, whose side were beaten by Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley last season and are currently three points clear at the top of the table.

Allardyce has now shed more light on his exit and how the club’s takeover by 49ers Enterprises - which was confirmed in July 2023 - played a part in his decision.

During the latest episode of the Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, he said: “Why didn’t I stay? Well, I wasn’t staying at that time because I was thinking about once the club changed hands, was I going to be left with a case of the new owners coming in and getting rid of me?

“I’d had that happen at Newcastle and I’d had that happen at Blackburn Rovers, and I really didn’t want that to happen again.

“I don’t know if they would’ve stayed with me or they wouldn’t but I thought new owners, clean break. But a fantastic club.”

Allardyce added: “I always think with more games to go, I would have kept their Premier League status, but I can’t thank enough the help and support I got in those four games, not only the staff but also the fans.

“They tried, they were behind us, and I was so disappointed, especially after the Tottenham game.

“We’d seen such an upturn, even though it was a loss at Man City, 2-1, and then we really threw it away for Newcastle at home. West Ham, we had an opportunity and got in front but that Tottenham game was a real disappointment in the end.”