Yorkshire Evening Post 29/5/08
Kenton out as United regroup
By Phil Hay
Darren Kenton has followed Alan Thompson out of Elland Road as Leeds United begin a rebuilding process which could see as many as 10 players leave the club this summer.
The experienced defender has been released by Leeds after reaching the end of his short-term deal, and other fringe players will be allowed to exit the club following United's unsuccessful attempt to reach the Championship.
Leeds have confirmed their retained list and offered new one-year contracts to goalkeeper David Lucas and young striker Tomi Ameobi, but Kenton will not be kept on by manager Gary McAllister.
The 29-year-old full-back arrived at Elland Road in January, initially on loan from Leicester City, and United made the agreement permanent shortly before the end of the transfer window.
Kenton made a total of 12 league appearances for Leeds, his last against Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on April 15, and his departure – along with the news that Thompson has retired from professional football at the age of 34 – has started the reorganisation of McAllister's squad.
Ian Westlake and Sebastien Carole are among those who United are believed to be willing to listen to offers for, and Leon Constantine may also be allowed to move on after making only seven outings for Leeds last season.
All three players have one year remaining on their contracts at Elland Road, and Westlake and Constantine spent time on loan with Brighton and Oldham respectively during the 2007-08 term. Centre-back Matt Heath has already been allowed to join Colchester United.
Leicester City's Alan Sheehan and Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman, meanwhile, have returned to their parent clubs after successful loan spells at Elland Road, though Leeds are expected to move to sign Sheehan permanently this summer.
The 21-year-old full-back is out of contract at the Walkers Stadium but has been offered a new deal by Leicester and could command a transfer fee as a result of his age, while the prospect of Freedman joining Leeds for a second time may depend on the striker's personal circumstances.
Freedman's family are based in London, and the 34-year-old still has responsibility for coaching Palace's reserve team. He scored six goals in 14 matches during United's run to the play-offs, however, and would be a welcome addition to McAllister's squad before next season.
Kenton out as United regroup
By Phil Hay
Darren Kenton has followed Alan Thompson out of Elland Road as Leeds United begin a rebuilding process which could see as many as 10 players leave the club this summer.
The experienced defender has been released by Leeds after reaching the end of his short-term deal, and other fringe players will be allowed to exit the club following United's unsuccessful attempt to reach the Championship.
Leeds have confirmed their retained list and offered new one-year contracts to goalkeeper David Lucas and young striker Tomi Ameobi, but Kenton will not be kept on by manager Gary McAllister.
The 29-year-old full-back arrived at Elland Road in January, initially on loan from Leicester City, and United made the agreement permanent shortly before the end of the transfer window.
Kenton made a total of 12 league appearances for Leeds, his last against Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on April 15, and his departure – along with the news that Thompson has retired from professional football at the age of 34 – has started the reorganisation of McAllister's squad.
Ian Westlake and Sebastien Carole are among those who United are believed to be willing to listen to offers for, and Leon Constantine may also be allowed to move on after making only seven outings for Leeds last season.
All three players have one year remaining on their contracts at Elland Road, and Westlake and Constantine spent time on loan with Brighton and Oldham respectively during the 2007-08 term. Centre-back Matt Heath has already been allowed to join Colchester United.
Leicester City's Alan Sheehan and Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman, meanwhile, have returned to their parent clubs after successful loan spells at Elland Road, though Leeds are expected to move to sign Sheehan permanently this summer.
The 21-year-old full-back is out of contract at the Walkers Stadium but has been offered a new deal by Leicester and could command a transfer fee as a result of his age, while the prospect of Freedman joining Leeds for a second time may depend on the striker's personal circumstances.
Freedman's family are based in London, and the 34-year-old still has responsibility for coaching Palace's reserve team. He scored six goals in 14 matches during United's run to the play-offs, however, and would be a welcome addition to McAllister's squad before next season.
