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STRIKER LIGHT
Now Blackwell turns to trialists for firepower
By PAUL DEWS
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today assessed his side's barren run in front of goal and insisted: "I know what the team needs."
United's 0-0 stalemate at Cardiff on Saturday was their third successive blank in front of goal and it's now nearly six hours since they last hit the target.
Blackwell admits the lack of firepower is a major concern – his strikers have netted just one league goal between them this term – but the United boss is keen to deflect the pressure on his marksmen.
"It's the pint glass half-empty, half-full syndrome," groaned Blackwell.
"We've kept eight clean sheets and have lost one in seven, but we haven't been scoring and that's what people want to talk about.
Pressure
"I am aware what the team needs, but if I hadn't built from the back we'd have nothing to build on and I want to take the pressure off the front men. a
"The strikers are frustrated because we've missed another good chance at Cardiff, but I don't want them putting themselves under pressure because no one will be able to take the chances.
"I want them to be bright and sharp and I don't want people to be harping on about the strikers because that will become a poisoned chalice.
"If people had been sitting here 10 weeks ago saying we were solid and keeping clean sheets then that would have been a big plus.
"I know what I've got to do and I don't need people telling me. However, there are certain circumstances when I can sign people and certain times when I can't. People are saying you've got to do this or that, but it won't happen overnight."
United now have a two-week break before their Championship campaign resumes against Preston North End at Elland Road on October 16.
Blackwell will again cast his net far and wide in the hope of attracting new blood and two European trialists will join for training.
Hungarian Andras Kohalmi joins from Ujpest Doza while Frenchman Phillipe Delaye will also be handed a chance to impress.
Said Blackwell: "We've had a look at lot of players. With trialists you never quite know what you're going to get, but there's always that chance you can unearth a diamond and that's what we're looking to do."
Blackwell has already drafted in Brett Ormerod on loan from Southampton to boost his firepower while Michael Ricketts, who scored United's last goal, against Swindon Town 13 days ago, is working his way back to fitness.
Blackwell added: "I said people have to be patient with Ricketts and he will come good. He's had 18 months in the wilderness and he's coming back."
STRIKER LIGHT
Now Blackwell turns to trialists for firepower
By PAUL DEWS
LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today assessed his side's barren run in front of goal and insisted: "I know what the team needs."
United's 0-0 stalemate at Cardiff on Saturday was their third successive blank in front of goal and it's now nearly six hours since they last hit the target.
Blackwell admits the lack of firepower is a major concern – his strikers have netted just one league goal between them this term – but the United boss is keen to deflect the pressure on his marksmen.
"It's the pint glass half-empty, half-full syndrome," groaned Blackwell.
"We've kept eight clean sheets and have lost one in seven, but we haven't been scoring and that's what people want to talk about.
Pressure
"I am aware what the team needs, but if I hadn't built from the back we'd have nothing to build on and I want to take the pressure off the front men. a
"The strikers are frustrated because we've missed another good chance at Cardiff, but I don't want them putting themselves under pressure because no one will be able to take the chances.
"I want them to be bright and sharp and I don't want people to be harping on about the strikers because that will become a poisoned chalice.
"If people had been sitting here 10 weeks ago saying we were solid and keeping clean sheets then that would have been a big plus.
"I know what I've got to do and I don't need people telling me. However, there are certain circumstances when I can sign people and certain times when I can't. People are saying you've got to do this or that, but it won't happen overnight."
United now have a two-week break before their Championship campaign resumes against Preston North End at Elland Road on October 16.
Blackwell will again cast his net far and wide in the hope of attracting new blood and two European trialists will join for training.
Hungarian Andras Kohalmi joins from Ujpest Doza while Frenchman Phillipe Delaye will also be handed a chance to impress.
Said Blackwell: "We've had a look at lot of players. With trialists you never quite know what you're going to get, but there's always that chance you can unearth a diamond and that's what we're looking to do."
Blackwell has already drafted in Brett Ormerod on loan from Southampton to boost his firepower while Michael Ricketts, who scored United's last goal, against Swindon Town 13 days ago, is working his way back to fitness.
Blackwell added: "I said people have to be patient with Ricketts and he will come good. He's had 18 months in the wilderness and he's coming back."
