Leeds United legend Peter Lorimer thinks Darrell Clarke’s record in the lower leagues is one which simply cannot be argued with when it comes to looking at who should take the head coach job at Elland Road.
The Bristol Rovers boss has been heavily linked with succeeding Steve Evans at Leeds in the summer.
Although the Whites are yet to officially part ways with Evans, they have already made a formal approach for Clarke and are looking to agree compensation so that they can open talks.
The 38-year-old helped Bristol Rovers to gain promotion to League One by guiding the club to a third-place finish in League Two in the 2015/16 season.
Just a season earlier he guided the Pirates back to League Two after beating Grimsby Town in the 2015 Conference Premier playoff final.
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And Lorimer, who admitted that he is still not fully familiar with Clarke, however, feels the young manager has what it takes to succeed at Leeds.
“I couldn’t claim in all honesty that I’m familiar with Darrell Clarke but, on paper, he reads like an up-and-coming coach. Ambitious, hungry and already successful in the jobs he’s held so far”, he wrote in his column in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“Coming to Leeds United would be a huge step up, make no mistake about that, and no one should be arrogant about taking this club on, but when it comes to his record it’s pretty hard to argue with.
“There’s a train of thought which says that Leeds need an expensive, big-name coach who’s been there, done it and can carry the strain of expectation at Elland Road, but there is definite potential in the lower leagues and Clarke seems to be one of the better prospects at that level.”
Leeds finished the 2015/16 campaign in 13th spot with 59 points from 46 games, 15 points adrift of the playoffs.
