BBC 30/6/10
Jonny Howson - Leeds can aim for Championship play-offs
Leeds United midfielder Jonny Howson believes the club can realistically target a play-off position this season.
Howson reckons manager Simon Grayson has built a squad that can be competitive in the Championship after winning promotion last season.
Howson told BBC Radio Leeds: "If we perform to the best of our abilities then I don't see why not."
Grayson has already brought in four new players as the Whites look for back-to-back promotions.
"I've had a look at the teams and if we get a good run of form then anything can happen," said Howson.
"But on the other hand if we have get a bad run of form we could be at the other end of the table."
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, defenders Paul Connolly and Federico Bessone and striker Billy Paynter have all arrived at Elland Road over the summer, and Howson is backing them to deal with the high expectations at the club.
"They might have a bit of a surprise once they actually learn the ins and outs and see the different things we have to do, but I think they'll have expected it.
"They're good players that I've seen of them, so we're looking forward to it, and with the players that we have got, it's a young, hungry side."
Yorkshire Evening Post 30/6/10
Opportunity knocks for Whites squad
By Phil Hay
Leeds United's transfer-listed players have been told that opportunities could arise for them under Simon Grayson this summer, despite the club's plan to remove them from the squad at Elland Road.
Grayson said he had no intention of being "stubborn" with the four professionals who he warned were surplus to requirements at the end of last season.United advised Andy Robinson, Alan Sheehan, Tresor Kandol and Lubomir Michalik to find new employers shortly after their promotion from League One but the quartet remain under contract with Leeds and will turn out at Thorp Arch tomorrow morning for the start of pre-season training.
Their search for new clubs will continue in the lead up to the 2010-11 season but Grayson plans to involve them fully in training with the first team and has not ruled out the possibility that some of the group could play their way back into contention before the new term begins.
United's manager said: "They're under contract here, their being paid by us so they'll be involved in pre-season like everyone else.
"The reason they've been made available is because they didn't play a great deal for us last season and it's probably in their interests as much as ours to be with a club where they can get regular football.
"They are all good players.
"But I'm not so stubborn that I'll take no notice if they come back in great shape and great form and make a real impression in pre-season.
"I've said that shirts are up for grabs and they shouldn't assume that they can't change my mind or catch my eye.
"All four players have 12 months left on their contracts with Leeds but the club are not expected to seek a transfer fee from teams interested in recruiting any of the group.
Swansea City are understood to have identified left-back Sheehan as a possible signing having lost another left-sided defender, Federico Bessone, to Leeds on a free transfer earlier this month.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has not played for United's first team since January 2009, spent last season on loan with Swindon Town and admitted after Swindon's defeat in the League One play-off final that he did not expect to receive another chance at Leeds.
Sheehan said: "I'll be leaving Leeds, as long as Simon Grayson is there I won't be there anyway.
"I'll be happy to be leaving I suppose and move on with my career. There are a few offers on the table at the moment, but I'm going to go and take a break and take one thing at a time."
Jonny Howson - Leeds can aim for Championship play-offs
Leeds United midfielder Jonny Howson believes the club can realistically target a play-off position this season.
Howson reckons manager Simon Grayson has built a squad that can be competitive in the Championship after winning promotion last season.
Howson told BBC Radio Leeds: "If we perform to the best of our abilities then I don't see why not."
Grayson has already brought in four new players as the Whites look for back-to-back promotions.
"I've had a look at the teams and if we get a good run of form then anything can happen," said Howson.
"But on the other hand if we have get a bad run of form we could be at the other end of the table."
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, defenders Paul Connolly and Federico Bessone and striker Billy Paynter have all arrived at Elland Road over the summer, and Howson is backing them to deal with the high expectations at the club.
"They might have a bit of a surprise once they actually learn the ins and outs and see the different things we have to do, but I think they'll have expected it.
"They're good players that I've seen of them, so we're looking forward to it, and with the players that we have got, it's a young, hungry side."
Yorkshire Evening Post 30/6/10
Opportunity knocks for Whites squad
By Phil Hay
Leeds United's transfer-listed players have been told that opportunities could arise for them under Simon Grayson this summer, despite the club's plan to remove them from the squad at Elland Road.
Grayson said he had no intention of being "stubborn" with the four professionals who he warned were surplus to requirements at the end of last season.United advised Andy Robinson, Alan Sheehan, Tresor Kandol and Lubomir Michalik to find new employers shortly after their promotion from League One but the quartet remain under contract with Leeds and will turn out at Thorp Arch tomorrow morning for the start of pre-season training.
Their search for new clubs will continue in the lead up to the 2010-11 season but Grayson plans to involve them fully in training with the first team and has not ruled out the possibility that some of the group could play their way back into contention before the new term begins.
United's manager said: "They're under contract here, their being paid by us so they'll be involved in pre-season like everyone else.
"The reason they've been made available is because they didn't play a great deal for us last season and it's probably in their interests as much as ours to be with a club where they can get regular football.
"They are all good players.
"But I'm not so stubborn that I'll take no notice if they come back in great shape and great form and make a real impression in pre-season.
"I've said that shirts are up for grabs and they shouldn't assume that they can't change my mind or catch my eye.
"All four players have 12 months left on their contracts with Leeds but the club are not expected to seek a transfer fee from teams interested in recruiting any of the group.
Swansea City are understood to have identified left-back Sheehan as a possible signing having lost another left-sided defender, Federico Bessone, to Leeds on a free transfer earlier this month.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who has not played for United's first team since January 2009, spent last season on loan with Swindon Town and admitted after Swindon's defeat in the League One play-off final that he did not expect to receive another chance at Leeds.
Sheehan said: "I'll be leaving Leeds, as long as Simon Grayson is there I won't be there anyway.
"I'll be happy to be leaving I suppose and move on with my career. There are a few offers on the table at the moment, but I'm going to go and take a break and take one thing at a time."
