Leeds Today
United boss set to step up his search
by paul dews
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell insists he will not be lowering his standards in his search for new talent.
Cameroon international Serge Branco yesterday became Blackwell's 14th signing when he agreed to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
But the United boss is still working hard to add more strength in depth after injuries to Lucas Radebe and Eirik Bakke reduced the numbers further.
"Losing two influential players has been a blow," said the United boss.
"We've Eirik out for the season and Lucas possibly for good, but we won't be rushing into anything.
"It's difficult to get the players who fit the bill.
"Maybe I'm being too hard on setting the standards I'm setting, but the minute I drop them we can only go one way.
Attitude
"As the board have said, any players that come in to this club have to be right for Leeds United because they are not just coming for a couple of games."
Radebe is hoping to return before the end of the campaign despite Blackwell's fears over his future and the manager is delighted with the South African defender's attitude.
"Lucas is a very resilient person," said Blackwell.
"He takes this as another one of life's difficult challenges and he'll deal with it.
"It was a complete rupture, but he received good medical attention and that meant the operation was more of a success than had he not received it at the point of impact."
United boss set to step up his search
by paul dews
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell insists he will not be lowering his standards in his search for new talent.
Cameroon international Serge Branco yesterday became Blackwell's 14th signing when he agreed to put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
But the United boss is still working hard to add more strength in depth after injuries to Lucas Radebe and Eirik Bakke reduced the numbers further.
"Losing two influential players has been a blow," said the United boss.
"We've Eirik out for the season and Lucas possibly for good, but we won't be rushing into anything.
"It's difficult to get the players who fit the bill.
"Maybe I'm being too hard on setting the standards I'm setting, but the minute I drop them we can only go one way.
Attitude
"As the board have said, any players that come in to this club have to be right for Leeds United because they are not just coming for a couple of games."
Radebe is hoping to return before the end of the campaign despite Blackwell's fears over his future and the manager is delighted with the South African defender's attitude.
"Lucas is a very resilient person," said Blackwell.
"He takes this as another one of life's difficult challenges and he'll deal with it.
"It was a complete rupture, but he received good medical attention and that meant the operation was more of a success than had he not received it at the point of impact."