By Noel Whelan

27th Jan, 2023 | 4:46pm

Whelan issues ‘massive’ Chris Armas claim after Leeds United development

Noel Whelan has praised the “massive” appointment of Chris Armas at Leeds United following the departure of Mark Jackson last month.

The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes the appointment of the 50-year-old coach has helped to form a “complete setup” at Elland Road.

Leeds United’s official club website confirmed on Wednesday (25 January) that Armas had been appointed assistant head coach at the club.

Armas has previously worked with Marsch during his time as the assistant manager of the New York Red Bulls.

The American has also worked as the head coach of Toronto FC, while also briefly serving under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United recently.

Whelan believes the past relationship between Marsch and Armas means the Leeds boss can trust his new right-hand man to provide “hard work” on the training ground.

“Marsch is hiring people he knows, trusts and has worked with before,” he told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury.

“He knows what Armas brings to the party and will hope that he can improve and help him in his managerial career at Leeds United while also helping the players achieve their goal this season which is safety in the Premier League.

“But also in terms of identity and style of play, Marsch will know the hard work he’s going to get from Armas on the training field.

“I think it’s a really good appointment.

“Leeds needed to fill the void that was left by Mark Jackson and the club now has a complete set-up in coaching staff that the players need.

“It’s always good to have different voices and people working with the players day-in and day-out and Marsch knows him and trusts him which is massive.“

In other news, Football Insider sources reveal Weston McKeinnie has cleared out his locker at Juventus ahead of his move to Leeds United