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 our future. I've been impressed by Neil's fitness and his attitude."
Sullivan established himself as one of the best keepers in the country when he signed for Spurs four years ago, and his form at White Hart Lane earned him 28 Scotland caps. But the 34-year-old failed
to make a single first-team appearance during the 2002-03 campaign and he left for Chelsea last summer.
Sullivan, though, was kept out of Claudio Ranieri's side by the performances of Carlo Cudicini, and the summer arrival of Petr Cech for £7m effectively ended his Chelsea career.
Blackwell said: "It's been two years of total frustration for the lad. I don't think he expected Carlo Cudicini to hit the heights in quite the way that he did. My goalkeeping coach Martin Hodge has worked with him and was very happy. He'll be a good signing."
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 our future. I've been impressed by Neil's fitness and his attitude."
Sullivan established himself as one of the best keepers in the country when he signed for Spurs four years ago, and his form at White Hart Lane earned him 28 Scotland caps. But the 34-year-old failed
to make a single first-team appearance during the 2002-03 campaign and he left for Chelsea last summer.
Sullivan, though, was kept out of Claudio Ranieri's side by the performances of Carlo Cudicini, and the summer arrival of Petr Cech for £7m effectively ended his Chelsea career.
Blackwell said: "It's been two years of total frustration for the lad. I don't think he expected Carlo Cudicini to hit the heights in quite the way that he did. My goalkeeping coach Martin Hodge has worked with him and was very happy. He'll be a good signing."