Leeds Today
United striker heads north
By Paul Dews
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today packed striker Simon Johnson off to Sunderland on loan and declared: "Everyone is a winner with the deal."
The young marksman has joined the Black Cats on a month's loan and Blackwell will be following his progress closely.
Johnson was in the squad for Sunderland's clash with Gillingham today and he will be monitored by Leeds scouts during his stay on Wearside.
Said Blackwell: "This is a great opportunity for Simon and for us. The lad hasn't been involved here and he needs some exposure. This could be a great move for the kid.
"Sunderland will pick up his learning curve which is good for us because we already have quite a lot of young lads learning their trade in our first team and that eases the pressure on us a bit.
"It's also a chance for him to play first division football. Sunderland are getting a good player and it's a move that suits everyone."
Johnson was United's leading scorer in the reserves last term but has yet to figure in Blackwell's first team plans.
The 21-year-old, who has had loan spells with Hull and Blackpool, featured in United's senior squad at the end of the last two seasons but a regular place has proved elusive.
"Simon has come into the first team but struggled and that affected his confidence," said Blackwell. "I wouldn't want to throw him straight back in. This gives him a chance to come back to us with more experience.
Johnson, who won't play against Leeds when the two clubs meet on September 24, follows youngster Martin Woods to the north east.
The midfielder has joined Hartlepool on loan.
United striker heads north
By Paul Dews
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today packed striker Simon Johnson off to Sunderland on loan and declared: "Everyone is a winner with the deal."
The young marksman has joined the Black Cats on a month's loan and Blackwell will be following his progress closely.
Johnson was in the squad for Sunderland's clash with Gillingham today and he will be monitored by Leeds scouts during his stay on Wearside.
Said Blackwell: "This is a great opportunity for Simon and for us. The lad hasn't been involved here and he needs some exposure. This could be a great move for the kid.
"Sunderland will pick up his learning curve which is good for us because we already have quite a lot of young lads learning their trade in our first team and that eases the pressure on us a bit.
"It's also a chance for him to play first division football. Sunderland are getting a good player and it's a move that suits everyone."
Johnson was United's leading scorer in the reserves last term but has yet to figure in Blackwell's first team plans.
The 21-year-old, who has had loan spells with Hull and Blackpool, featured in United's senior squad at the end of the last two seasons but a regular place has proved elusive.
"Simon has come into the first team but struggled and that affected his confidence," said Blackwell. "I wouldn't want to throw him straight back in. This gives him a chance to come back to us with more experience.
Johnson, who won't play against Leeds when the two clubs meet on September 24, follows youngster Martin Woods to the north east.
The midfielder has joined Hartlepool on loan.
