It's Leeds by Heck'

Paul Heckingbottom

Andy Sims

Leeds have appointed Paul Heckingbottom has as their new head coach - less than a week after he signed a new contract at Barnsley.

The 40-year-old, who had been in charge at Oakwell since February 2016, agreed new terms with the Tykes on Friday.

But Heckingbottom has swapped that rolling contract for an 18-month deal with their Yorkshire rivals to replace Thomas Christiansen.

A Leeds statement read: "Leeds United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom as new head coach of the club.

"The 40-year-old has signed a contract running until the summer of 2019 and succeeds Thomas Christiansen who left Leeds United on Sunday."

Christiansen was sacked after a 4-1 home defeat by Cardiff which made it seven matches without a win. That poor run included an embarrassing third-round FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two Newport.

Leeds began the season with a seven-game unbeaten run but they have slipped to 10th in the Championship. Heckingbottom will be expected to swap Barnsley's relegation battle for an assault on the play-offs - Leeds are currently six points behind sixth-placed Bristol City.