Mighty Leeds Weblog

Leeds Today SULLIVAN SIGNS UP United seal keeper deal EXCLUSIVE by Phil Hay Leeds United were today poised to complete the signing of Chelsea keeper Neil Sullivan. The former Scotland international travelled north for a medical this morning and was expected to agree a two-year deal after accepting a free transfer from Stamford Bridge. Sullivan's arrival solves one of manager Kevin Blackwell's chief selection concerns with youngster Scott Carson the only other recognised keeper in the United squad. Carson is likely to be second choice next season but Sullivan has been signed to help with the development of the 18-year-old, who Blackwell still sees as Leeds' long-term number one. The United boss said: "I wanted to get the deal through before we travelled to Scotland to play Hibs tomorrow so I'm extremely pleased. "I need that experience in my squad and it was also important to sign somebody who I felt would help develop Scott Carson because he is...

Yorkshire Post Teen's spirit gives Leeds lift Leeds United 2 Valencia 2 Sam Wheeler at Elland Road Simon Walton has everything that Leeds United supporters usually require of their heroes: the 16-year-old midfielder is young, local, brash, combative, nerveless and foolish. With careful application of hair dye, he could soon take the place of Alan Smith in the fans' affections. Walton was intimidated neither by the opposition – reigning Spanish and UEFA Cup champions Valencia – nor by the occasion of his first senior game at Elland Road in front of a crowd of almost 20,000. In classic Smith-like fashion, he tormented the Spaniards with crunching challenges, grabbed the ball from infinitely more experienced team-mates to smash home the penalty that kick-started Leeds's come-back – and then got himself sent off. Manager Kevin Blackwell, who felt that Walton's second yellow card was a "nonsense" decision, could not curb his excitement, although...

BLACKWELL CAUTIOUS FOR LEEDS FUTURE: Sporting Life | Premiership, Coca Cola & Scottish Leagues, Football News, Live Scores, Results Kevin Blackwell feels Leeds can win this season's Coca-Cola Championship - but is also mindful of following in the troubled footsteps of Yorkshire rivals Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley. Over the last few years all three have graced the Premiership, only to take a mighty fall into what was the Second Division, flirting with financial oblivion along the way. Bradford represent the worse-case scenario for Leeds for twice they have almost gone out of existence, most recently this summer, and the club continue to tread a fine line. There is the fear that if Leeds, with debts still raging at around £50million, do not make an instant return to the Premiership this season, then they could plummet still further on and off the field. But, despite overseeing the departure of 21 players this season following relegation in May, Blackwell is ...

Yorkshire Post Leeds look to future despite vision of past Ian Appleyard Elland Road welcomes back Spanish champions Valencia as United gear up for new season THE LAW according to Kevin Blackwell is designed to give Leeds United a better future. It is based on over a decade of study in the classroom of Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and is currently being unveiled at Elland Road. Blackwell, who acknowledges Warnock's contribution to his education but appears keen to keep it at distance, took his players go-karting and ten pin bowling last week. If that is not borrowing a leaf from Warnock's book on management then neither is his use of witty one-liners at every possible junction in the sermon. Blackwell is a chirpy chap with a ruthless streak and, just like his mentor, can often finish soft words with the sharpest of tongues. Addressing the media ahead of his first match in charge at Elland Road, tomorrow's friendly against Spanish champions Valencia...

Leeds United Football Club - Oldham 0 Leeds 0 Trailist keeper Rami Shabaan pulled off a string of excellent saves to impress on an otherwise low key night for Leeds as they drew 0-0 with Oldham. For the second game running United had no goals to boast from a starting XI that also included two outfield trialists in Craig Hignett and Steve Guppy. Arsenal stopper Shabaan kept the scores level with a point blank range save from a David Eyres header and somehow beat out a fierce shot from Rodney Jack shot from five yards after a ball-watching defence had allowed the St Vincent international striker to pounce unchallenged at the far post. Shabaan's could have been tested even more but Oldham were as guilty of missing decent chances as Leeds were of presenting them with them. Steve Guppy's cross that Brian Deane just failed to convert in the opening few minutes was the best chance United got in the first half, and at the start of the second Ricketts turned provider but Hig...

Yorkshire Post Blackwell starts United strengthening Matt Reeder VETERAN striker Brian Deane will be offered a one-year deal with Leeds United this weekend as manager Kevin Blackwell steps up his efforts to strengthen the Elland Road squad. The 36-year-old will be given an opportunity to spend a second spell with his home-town club having impressed during a short trial spell on tour in Sweden; Craig Hignett and Steve Guppy could also earn similar deals next week. Blackwell has already spoken of his desire to sign up four, possibly five, new faces before the start of the season and it appears the trio will form part of his plans for the coming campaign. Just who will make up numbers four and five is likely to depend on the outcome of a board meeting yesterday which saw directors and chief operating officer Shaun Harvey discuss the size of budget available for the manager's re-structuring. Somewhat in the dark while the money-men counted up their marbles and stacked up the f...

Yorkshire Post Everton target United's Bakke Matt Reeder EIRIK BAKKE, one of the few big-earners to remain at Leeds United this summer, could be on his way to Everton after the Merseysiders failed in a bid to lure Robbie Savage. Eager to strengthen his Premiership squad before the start of the new campaign, Toffees manager David Moyes is understood to have switched his attentions to Bakke after his No 1 target signed a new four-year contract at Birmingham. The Norwegian international was in United's starting line-up for last night's 2-0 win in the pre-season friendly against Swedish side Bodens in which new signings Brian Deane and Michael Ricketts both scored. Bakke has stated his desire to stay at Elland Road but is realistic enough to accept his fate may lie elsewhere. Twelve first-team players have already been sold off by a Leeds board desperate to slash the wage bill in preparation for a season outside the top flight. The drastic exodus of Alan Smith, Mar...

Leeds United Football Club - Pay-Back Time For Ricketts United striker Michael Ricketts is determined to reward Kevin Blackwell's faith in him by scoring goals - hopefully lots of them. The burly striker grabbed his first goal for Leeds in Wednesday night's friendly against Bodens BK, his first since putting a penalty past Scott Carson for his former club Middlesbrough in January's 3-0 defeat for the Whites, and is feeling good about his football again. He quite openly admits that his time at Middlesbrough was a disaster. A £3.5m move produced just four goals and in 16 months at the Riverside he made just 17 starts in all competitions which came as a major disappointment after two very successful spells at Bolton and Walsall. Understandably keen to leave his Boro nightmare behind him, he has no qualms about dropping down a division if it means he can make a fresh start. "I just need to look at the club I have stepped into here - it's still a massive club...

Leeds United Football Club - Season Ticket Sales Soaring Leeds United are well on their way to exceeding all expectations for season ticket sales after reaching the 17,000 mark. And interest in the club's 'United for 20 Years' season ticket scheme is still growing after one supporter arrived at Elland Road today with a cheque for £37,500 to buy ten of them for himself and an unofficial supporters group as a gesture of their commitment to the club. The board had anticipated a drop of around 8,000 season ticket holders following last season's relegation from the Premiership, but that figure has already been bettered with just under a month to go before the start of the season. Interest generally picks up and the number of season ticket holders is on course to be in excess of 19,000. The club have frozen season ticket prices to encourage sales. David Thomson, United's Head of Ticketing & Retail, said the now tremendous support the fans gave the tea...

Leeds United Football Club - Boss Wants Four More Whites boss Kevin Blackwell is looking to strengthen his squad by bringing in at least another four players before United begin their Coca Cola Championship campaign against Derby County. Leeds have so far added eight new players to the squad but 20 players have left the club since the beginning of last season and Blackwell is keen to find cover for a number of positions. Blackwell did hope to be able to announce the signing of another keeper before the squad left for Sweden, but that deal is on the back burner now until the squad return next week. United are still confident of getting their man. "I don't think it's a secret that I have put a few bids in for players and we're waiting on the progress of those now," said the Leeds manager. "I have no doubts that we will get four or five new players in before the season starts." Three of those signings could be trialists Craig Hignett, Brian De...

Leeds Today CAPTAIN'S CALL TO ARMS By PAUL DEWS In Sweden Leeds United skipper Paul Butler today savoured the start of a new era for the Elland Road club and declared: "We can't wait to get started." The 31-year-old will wear the captain's armband for the first time tonight when Kevin Blackwell's new-look United side kick-off their pre-season programme. Leeds take on Swedish outfit Boden and Butler is relishing the prospect of leading his new team-mates into battle for the first time. Said Butler: "I can't wait to get started playing games now. "We've been doing more fitness work, but this is a great opportunity for the squad to get together and work on bonding. With all the new players we have here that is important. "All the lads are looking forward to the games. When you start playing, the gaffer can start sorting the team out. You get an idea of how we're looking to play and can start working on things in a game ...

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Richmond leaves Leeds board Richmond leaves Leeds board David Richmond has stepped down from his position as Leeds managing director for personal reasons. The son of former Bradford chairman, Geoffrey Richmond was an integral part of the consortium that saved the club from going out of business last March. "His decision has come as a surprise," Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner told the club's official website. "He has done a wonderful job with the players and without him we would have had big, big problems." Richmond follows his father out of the club - Geoffrey Richmond resigned from his role as advisor to the board in April. Krasner said the club's chiefs would meet soon to discuss their future structure. "Hopefully David will be around to help us with the changeover," added Krasner. "The board wish him well and we are very sorry to lose him."

Leeds Today United's sell-off is over BY PHIL HAY Leeds United were today preparing to close the exit door at Elland Road as Danny Mills finalised a move to Manchester City. The England international has lined up a three-year contract with Kevin Keegan's side and United chairman Gerald Krasner confirmed that his departure will complete the summer exodus from West Yorkshire. Mills, who joined Middlesbrough on loan last season, has endured a frustrating summer with potential moves to the Riverside and Newcastle failing to materialise, but Keegan has stepped in to take the defender back to the Premiership. Krasner said: "He will be the final major departure this summer. "We're happy that we've got the wage bill down but it's still slightly higher than we would like. However, things have probably gone better than we had hoped for." Mills was one of several high earners that Leeds could no longer afford to keep following the club's rele...

Leeds United Football Club - More Cuts May Be Necessary Leeds United are still looking to reduce the club's once crippling wage bill despite having managed to slash it by half in less than a year. The wage bill has over the past two years dropped from £57m to £41m last year and now, after recent departures that have seen Mark Viduka, Dominic Matteo and Alan Smith leave, stands just over £18m. Danny Mills pending move to Manchester City will still leave that figure above £18m, a figure that is the board's maximum limit and as such more departures from Elland Road are still likely. The current board are still having to compensate for the mistakes of the past. "We will have to trim the squad slightly more," confirmed United chairman Gerald Krasner. "That is largely because we are still having to subsidise the wages of some players we have got rid of. A player may have been on £40,000 a week here but may only receive £20,000 or £25,000 elsewhere, and w...

Guardian Unlimited Football | News | Leeds to sell home to fund wage bill Louise Taylor Monday July 12, 2004 The Guardian Leeds United will almost certainly have the highest wage bill in the Football League this season and their anticipated £18m outlay partly explains why they announced over the weekend that Elland Road is up for sale. Since being relegated from the Premiership Leeds - who are adamant they will insist on leasing the ground back from any buyer - have sold an array of high-earning players including Mark Viduka, Alan Smith, Paul Robinson and Nick Barmby. As Gerald Krasner, the club chairman who has reduced the debt from £103m to around £50m now, explained: "There were 18 players earning over £1m a year when we came in and the total wage bill was over £40m. It is down to an £18m maximum this season but, in order to ensure a viable future, we still have to get the financial model right." Last season Sunderland's £17m bill - slashed this summer ...

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Elland Road up for sale Leeds United's home ground Elland Road is up for sale, the club's chairman Gerald Krasner has confirmed. Krasner is currently negotiating a sale and lease agreement in a bid to cut the club's debts of more than £50m. However despite the talks, Krasner insists that the club will not be leaving their 100-year-old home. "Any deal will have to include a minimum 25-year lease because football will be staying at Elland Road," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "We are currently talking to a number of people about a sale and lease agreement."

Yorkshire Post Now Mills quits in Leeds exodus FORMER England defender Danny Mills is set to join the Leeds United exodus and return to the Premiership with Manchester City. His departure, hot on the heels of Ian Harte's move to Spanish club Levante, will all but complete the demolition of a squad that reached the semi-finals of the European Champions League just three years ago. In a strange twist of irony, Leeds have arranged to play Valencia, their semi-final conquerors, in a pre-season friendly at Elland Road in just over two weeks' time. Only two of the players who lined-up in the Leeds squad on May 8, 2001, will still be around to renew acquaintances with the Spaniards; long-serving full-back Gary Kelly and Norwegian midfield player Eirik Bakke. The break-up of that talented and exciting group of players has been as hasty as it has been brutal. Leeds have struggled to survive financially and are preparing for life in the Coca-Cola Championship after being rel...

Times Online - Sport Mills closes on City move as Harte leaves for Spain By Oliver Kay THE exodus from Leeds United continued yesterday when Ian Harte became the eighth high-profile player to leave the Yorkshire club during the close season and Danny Mills prepared to become the ninth. Harte, the Ireland full back, completed a surprise move to Spain to join Levante on a free transfer, while Mills, the sometime England defender, spent the day discussing personal terms with Manchester City. City hope to sign Mills on a free transfer as Leeds continue to slash their wage bill after their relegation to the Coca-Cola League. Harte, James Milner, Stephen McPhail, Dominic Matteo, Nick Barmby and Mark Viduka have all left Elland Road for new clubs in the past eight days, with Paul Robinson and Alan Smith having joined Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United respectively earlier in the summer. Mills, 27, was expected to join Middlesbrough, where he spent most of last season on loan...

Leeds United Football Club - Harte Joins Levante Ian Harte has completed his move to newly promoted Spanish side Levante. The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international has signed a four year deal with the Spaniards and joins the long list of players heading out of the exit door at Elland Road this summer. Harte joins high profile names such as Alan Smith, Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka, James Milner Stephen McPhail and club captain Dominic Matteo who have all moved on to pastures new in an attempt by the board to release funds for new boss Kevin Blackwell. By releasing the high earners Blackwell can now concentrate on rebuilding the squad. Harte expressed his sadness at leaving Leeds but says he sees it as a new chapter in his career. "I'm sad to be leaving Leeds as they are the only club I have ever played for but I see this as a fantastic opportunity to further my career. "It's exciting times for Levante as they have just been promoted and I'm really ...

Leeds Today Butler at your service United boss Blackwell names new skipper EXCLUSIVE BY PAUL DEWS PAUL BUTLER was today confirmed as Leeds United's new captain. The ex-Wolves defender will take over the armband from Dominic Matteo, who has joined Blackburn. United boss Kevin Blackwell said he was looking for a similar character to lead his troops. Butler, 31, was Blackwell's second summer signing when he joined Leeds on a free transfer. He has played more than 500 senior games, enjoying successful spells with Wolves and Sunderland, and his experience made him the number one candidate for the job. Butler has captained his previous clubs and Blackwell says he has a vital role to play. Said Blackwell: "Paul has shown leadership qualities at every club he's been at. He's captained Wolves, Sunderland and Bury and he's a great leader of men. "One of the reasons I was so keen to bring him was because of his experience and the fact that he sets a ...

Sport Viduka signs for Boro as Leeds exodus accelerates The exodus from Leeds United gathered fresh pace yesterday as Mark Viduka completed his long-touted £4.5m move to Middlesbrough while the defenders Ian Harte and Danny Mills were both in transfer talks. Viduka was one of the main scapegoats as Leeds slipped out of the Premiership last season with horrendous debt problems and the move puts an end to an acrimonious few months. The 28-year-old Australian international signed a three-year deal at the Riverside Stadium, which includes the option of a fourth. However, the former Celtic forward, who is understood to have waived around half of the £2m he was owed by Leeds, has insisted that he will look back on his time with the club with great fondness despite the sourness with which it ended. "That's the sort of thing that happens when you're involved in a club that's going through that sort of period," he said. "I gave my best for the whole f...

Leeds Today A piece of me will always be Leeds United - Matteo EXCLUSIVE By PAUL DEWS FORMER Elland Road skipper Dominic Matteo today insisted: "A small piece of me will always be Leeds United." The 30-year-old became the club's 16th summer departure yesterday when he completed his switch to Blackburn Rovers. Matteo had said he wanted to see out career his at Leeds, but sacrificed his desire to stay on in the hope that his exit will help the club re-build on a firmer footing. He said: "It was a hard wrench to leave because I have made so many close friends inside and outside of the club since I came to Leeds. "It was very difficult, but the club thought it was in their best interests and I wanted to help. "Maybe they will be able to use the money they have saved to bring other players in and build again. "I was very happy at Leeds - I think most people knew that - but the circumstances surrounding the club changed over the past 12 mon...

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Duberry stays at Leeds Duberry stays at Leeds Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell believes it made "no footballing or economical sense" to allow defender Michael Duberry to move to Wolves. United pulled out of the proposed deal after Blackwell feared he would be left short of centre-back cover following Dominic Matteo's transfer to Blackburn. "What we were saving on wages was negligible," he said. "It was going to cost us as much to replace him. "Michael expressed a desire to stay and I know he can do a very good job." Duberry had agreed in principle to having his contract terminated but he will now stay put. "I would have hated to see him playing for one of our rivals next season," Blackwell added. Blackwell is due to appoint a new captain to replace Matteo in the next few days.

Leeds United Football Club - Viduka Makes Boro Move Viduka Makes Boro Move Mark Viduka has become the latest departure from Elland Road after completing his move to Middlesbrough. The Australian striker passed a medical with the Teesside club last weekend and was given permission to train with the Teesside club before officially become a Middlesbrough player today. Viduka arrived at Leeds from Celtic in July 2000 for £6m and quickly began to find the net, scoring 22 goals in his first season. In 166 appearances for The Whites he scored 72 times, perhaps the most memorable performance being the four goals he scored in one game against Liverpool in November 2000. Meanwhile, Ian Harte is also moving closer to leaving Elland Road. The Irish international is set to undergo a medical with newly promoted Spanish Primera Liga side Levante, and is understood to have already agreed personal terms with the Valencia based club. Harte is set to be unveiled as a Levante player on Fr...

Leeds United Football Club - Dom's Rover And Out Dom's Rover And Out Leeds United are looking for a new club captain after Dominic Matteo completed his move to Blackburn Rovers today. The 30-year-old passed a medical at Ewood Park and has now agreed personal terms on a three-year contract. Leeds Chief Operating Officer Shaun Harvey said: "I would like to thank him on behalf of everyone at Leeds United for his efforts whilst at the club and we wish him every success in the future." Matteo was an inspirational figure during his time at Elland Road, having played through considerable pain for the club over the past two seasons to try to save the club from relegation. Dominic was handed the captain's armband by former boss Terry Venables following Rio Ferdinand's departure for Manchester United in the summer of 2002. He made 146 appearances in all competitions for Leeds, scoring twice in Europe including a memorable goal against AC Milan, and twice ...

Leeds Today A tearful farewell Milner: I didn't ask to leave United EXCLUSIVE by Paul dews TEENAGE star James Milner today delivered a tearful farewell message to Leeds United supporters. The 18-year-old homegrown winger joined Newcastle in a £5m deal on Friday and was today preparing to meet his new team-mates for the first time. The youngster has maintained a dignified silence during a summer of speculation, but he opened his heart to the YEP and revealed the truth behind a move that shocked United's loyal supporters. Said Milner: "I want people to know that I didn't ask for a move from Leeds. I was hoping to talk about a new contract and was preparing for the start of the new season. "I'd seen all the speculation, but all I've been bothered about is the football and being ready for Dean Riddle's notoriously tough pre-season training sessions at Leeds. "As far as I was concerned, up until the end of last week I was all set to start...

Leeds United Football Club - Viduka Exit Closer : "Viduka Exit Closer United striker Mark Viduka is expected to complete his move to Middlesbrough in the next 24 hours. The Australian striker passed a medical with the Teesside club at the weekend and after all the loose ends are tied up will officially become a Middlesbrough player. Viduka arrived at Elland Road from Celtic in July 2000 for £6m and quickly began to find the net, scoring 22 goals in his first season. In 166 appearances for The Whites he scored 72 times, perhaps the most memorable performance being the four goals he scored in one game against Liverpool in November 2000. Another player potentially on the move is Nicky Barmby. The former England midfielder is in talks with Leeds to try and reach a settlement on his contract, after which he would become a free agent. Barmby arrived at Elland Road for £2.75m in August 2002, but has failed to make a big impact at the club, making just 17 league starts. His...

Leeds Today A tearful farewell Milner: I didn't ask to leave United EXCLUSIVE by Paul dews TEENAGE star James Milner today delivered a tearful farewell message to Leeds United supporters. The 18-year-old homegrown winger joined Newcastle in a £5m deal on Friday and was today preparing to meet his new team-mates for the first time. The youngster has maintained a dignified silence during a summer of speculation, but he opened his heart to the YEP and revealed the truth behind a move that shocked United's loyal supporters. Said Milner: "I want people to know that I didn't ask for a move from Leeds. I was hoping to talk about a new contract and was preparing for the start of the new season. "I'd seen all the speculation, but all I've been bothered about is the football and being ready for Dean Riddle's notoriously tough pre-season training sessions at Leeds. "As far as I was concerned, up until the end of last week I was all set to start...

Clarets call Leeds bluff over deal for Chaplow : "Clarets call Leeds bluff over deal for Chaplow BURNLEY have called Leeds' bluff by turning down over £1m for midfield star Richard Chaplow. I can reveal that, contrary to earlier reports, United's second attempt at luring the England U21 ace to Elland Road included several add-ons to the £500,000 bid, which would have eventually landed the cash-strapped Clarets a windfall in excess of seven-figures. That protracted offer winged its way to Turf Moor late last week after an initial £250,000 bid for the highly-rated midfielder was rejected out of hand by Burnley chairman Barry Kilby. He is determined to keep hold onto Chaplow, even offering the 19-year-old protege a new, improved contract despite two years remaining on his present deal. And Kilby, who insists no more star players need to be sold to ensure financial stability, appears to have won the fight after Chaplow's agent, former Burnley defender Gordon Armst...

Leeds United Football Club - Blackwell Ready To Spend Milner Money : "Blackwell Ready To Spend Milner Money United boss Kevin Blackwell is ready to spend money on new signings after his warchest was boosted by the sale of James Milner. Blackwell will be able to use a considerable amount of the £5m received as a transfer fee after 18-year-old Milner's departure for St James' Park, and although in an ideal world he would have liked to have kept the future England star, believes that the board have made the right decision. Said the United boss: 'It is disappointing to lose a player of James calibre, someone who is going to have a fantastic future in the game, but it is a deal that suits everyone at this time. 'James gets to stay in the Premiership, and I know Sir Bobby is looking to build that club with a base of British players, and for my part I now have a bit more money available to build a decent squad with. 'I am delighted with the players we have m...

MORE LEEDS SALES ON WAY- CHAIRMAN: Sporting Life | Euro 2004 Football News, Live Scores, Results & Comment : "MORE LEEDS SALES ON WAY- CHAIRMAN Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner has warned the Yorkshire club's fans to expect more departures next week as the club seeks to halve their Premiership wage bill. James Milner, previously thought to be untouchable by Leeds fans, has departed for Newcastle in deal worth up to �5million while Australia international Mark Viduka has all but completed a �4million move to Middlesbrough. And Krasner said: 'We haven't finished yet. I won't discuss what's happening next week but there's a number of options.' Paul Robinson and Alan Smith have already left and, although Milner's departure in particular has alarmed Leeds fans, the chairman wanted to make it clear that slashing costs at the club had to be a priority. He added: 'This was the plan from day one. The wage bill was �40million last season, next se...

Leeds Today : "UNITED SET TO BUY! Milner sale to fund re-building plans EXCLUSIVE By PAUL DEWS LEEDS UNITED manager Kevin Blackwell will be handed a transfer war chest following the sale of James Milner to Newcastle. Newcastle's interest was first revealed in the YEP last month and the player put pen to paper on a five-year Magpies contract last night. The clubs have agreed a �5m deal with Newcastle expected to make a downpayment of more than �3.5m. The remainder of the controversial deal is subject to add-ons, and there is also a sell-on clause. Milner was hoping to sign a new deal with United, but no talks took place and the Toon Army were quick to swoop for the disappointed teenage star. The homegrown youngster left Leeds with a 'heavy heart', but United chairman Gerald Krasner today moved to ease the pain among fans by insisting Blackwell will receive funds for a shopping spree. Leeds haven't paid cash for a player for two years � Nick Barmby was th...

Leeds Today : "NEW FACES Blackwell on the lookout BY PAUL DEWS LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today vowed to continue his summer recruitment drive. Blackwell's eight new signings were on show at Thorp Arch for the start of pre-season training but the manager insists his shopping is far from over. With Mark Viduka set to join Middlesbrough and Stephen McPhail heading to Barnsley, Blackwell has additional funds for wages and the Leeds manager's position will again be boosted by any further departures. Said Blackwell: 'I'm still hoping to bring in more players. Some of what we can do depends on other deals being done, but I'm looking around and have a few irons in the fire. 'I'm still looking for a couple of left-sided players and I feel we need to have more strength in depth in the squad. 'Last season we looked around at the subs bench at times and we didn't have the players you could bring on to change a game. 'I don't want ...

Yorkshire Post : "The future is Milner � the future is sold TEENAGE star James Milner finally completed his controversial move to Newcastle United last night less than two months after the Leeds United board promised they would keep him. Frustrated supporters, resigned to the likes of Alan Smith and Mark Viduka leaving Elland Road following relegation, had their worst fears realised as one of the brightest young talents in the English game departed for Tyneside. Struggling to make ends meet financially, the Leeds board have been forced to sell a player loved by the fans and one whom they insisted would remain at the club no matter what. To make matters worse, it has emerged that while reports have suggested the transfer fee to be �5m, the Yorkshire Post understands Leeds are only likely to see �3.5m of the funds up front with the rest dependent on future performances for club and country. Milner, for his part, did not ask for the transfer and is understood to have waive...

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World : "MAGPIES SEAL MILNER CAPTURE James Milner has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle United in a deal that could be worth up to £5.25 million to Leeds United. The young midfielder, one player Leeds had seemed determined to keep despite their relegation to The Coca-Cola Championship, has already put pen-to-paper with The Magpies. Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell was concerned that he could lose his teenage starlet when interviewed on Thursday, and his fears have been justified following the announcement of the deal. The Premiership's youngest-ever scorer is believed to have deliberated over the transfer due to his allegiance with Leeds, but the pressure on the Elland Road outfit to sell has proved too strong. Tottenham have previously failed in a bid to sign the Horsforth-born youngster, and Sir Bobby Robson will be delighted at landing one of his chief summer targets. 'I know the fans will be disappointed, but...

Leeds Today : "NOW THE END IN NEAR Viduka leads hat-trick of departures from United By PAUL DEWS LEEDS UNITED were today bracing themselves for a triple exit with striker Mark Viduka heading the Elland Road exodus. On a day when the United squad returned to pre-season training, Viduka was expected to head north to Teesside for a medical with a view to completing his move to Middlesbrough within the next 24 hours. Leeds and Boro have agreed a fee - believed to be around �4m - and the Aussie marksman has been involved in lengthy discussions about his personal terms. Viduka's move to Middlesbrough will save Leeds around �3m a year in a wages. And Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen McPhail is set to follow Viduka out of Elland Road. The 24-year-old, who only returned from honeymoon earlier this week, has agreed personal terms with Barnsley and is set to undergo a medical with the Oakwell club. McPhail had one year remaining on his existing United contract. James Mi...

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Middlesbrough | Viduka passes Boro medical : "Viduka passes Boro medical Striker Mark Viduka is set to complete his £4m move from Leeds to Middlesbrough on Monday after passing his medical. The 28-year-old Australia international travelled to Teesside to undergo tests on Thursday ahead of the deal. 'Mark has passed his medical and we're hoping to complete a deal by Monday,' said Boro spokesman Dave Allan. Viduka earns a reported £65,000 a week at Leeds and is likely to want Middlesbrough to match those wages. When Viduka, who joined Leeds from Celtic in a £6m deal four years ago, completes his move he will become the latest in a long list of big names who have left the Yorkshire over the past year. Alan Smith joined Manchester United for £7m in May, while goalkeeper Paul Robinson moved to Tottenham for £1.5m and Newcastle have just completed the £5m signing of youngster James Milner. Leeds have recruited Luton's Matth...

Leeds United Football Club - New Faces Report For Pre-Season Training : "New Faces Report For Pre-Season Training The Leeds United team of 2004/05 reported for the first day of pre-season training yesterday with eight new faces amongst them. New boss Kevin Blackwell has been busy over the past few weeks talking to out of contract players and players clubs have been prepared to release, and a number of those players will officially complete their moves today by signing on the dotted line. The new arrivals at the club on free transfers are Former Ipswich winger Jermaine Wright, Matthew Spring from Luton Town, Clarke Carlisle from QPR, Paul Butler from Wolves, Julian Joachim from Coventry, Michael Ricketts from Middlesbrough, and Danny Cadamarteri, formerly of Bradford City. Blackwell though has not finished there, he is hoping to complete at least another two further signings before The Whites step out onto the Elland Road turf for their first game against Derby on August 7...

SPRING JOINS LEEDS: Sporting Life | Euro 2004 Football News, Live Scores, Results & Comment : "SPRING JOINS LEEDS Luton midfielder Matthew Spring has signed a three-year contract with Leeds to become manager Kevin Blackwell's seventh summer signing. The 25-year-old playmaker passed a medical at Elland Road this week and joined his new team-mates for pre-season training on Thursday. Spring was on his way to link up with former Luton boss Joe Kinnear at Nottingham Forest until Blackwell came in with a late bid. He said: 'It was a bit of a shock because I was lined up to go to Forest and I was pleased with that. Then a couple of days later Leeds came in with an offer. 'I had a decision to make but as soon as I saw Elland Road and thought about the atmosphere of 35,000 fans at every home game my mind was made up. 'I feel great about it. It's all been a bit of a whirlwind but it's a great opportunity.'"

Leeds in £9m Vid jackpot By MICHAEL MORGAN LEEDS will land a £9million cash bonanza by selling Mark Viduka and James Milner inside the next 48 hours. Aussie hitman Viduka, 28, looks certain to complete his £4m switch to Middlesbrough today. And teenage whizkid Milner will undergo a medical at Newcastle before checking in as a £5m capture for Bobby Robson. Ditching Viduka will save the relegated club his annual £3.4m salary. The former Celtic striker, who arrived at Elland Road in a £6m deal four years ago, was earning £65,000 a week. He has taken a £25,000-a-week pay cut to join Boro, who clinched a European place by winning the Carling Cup last season. Milner, 18, became the Premiership’s youngest scorer when he netted against Sunderland on Boxing Day 2002 at 16 years 357 days. The Leeds-born youngster rejected a £4.5m switch to Spurs because he did not want to live in London. Now he will link up with his former team-mates Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer, despite being ...

The Wright Stuff Jermaine Wright has explained his decision to quit Ipswich Town for Leeds and says that he wanted a new challenge, and he likes the look of Leeds United. Wright, who had been with The Tractor Boys for five years making 221 appearances and scoring five goals also helped Ipswich reach the play-offs last season. But he says that the time is right to move on. "Having spent the last five years at Ipswich I just felt it was time for a new challenge really. Ipswich are a lovely club and I have made a lot of friends over the years, but I am now focussed on the challenge that lies ahead." Jermaine who has also played for Millwall, Wolves and Crewe felt the challenge posted by United boss Kevin Blackwell was too good an opportunity to pass up, as he explains: "Although there was interest from Premiership clubs, as soon as I saw the set-up at Leeds and spoke to the manager, I decided that this was where I wanted to play my football. Leeds are a huge club an...

Magpies land Milner Newcastle have completed the signing of Leeds midfielder James Milner on a five-year deal worth up to £5m. Milner had penned a new five-year deal at Elland Road only last year but agreed with a "heavy heart" to be sold to help the cash-strapped club. His agent Mick McGuire said: "He's glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term. "There has never been a more committed player to Leeds and he will always be a huge fan of the club." McGuire, also the Professional Footballers' Association deputy chief executive, added: "He signed a five-year deal (with Leeds) last year, he bought a house in the area and his mum and dad have already renewed their season tickets for the coming season. "However, it is common knowledge that, as part of Leeds' survival plans, they need to generate income from transfers. "We appreciate their dilemma and understand their decision to let Ja...