Pugh first through United exit
EXCLUSIVE
By Phil Hay
Yorkshire Evening Post
Danny Pugh has become Leeds United's first close-season departure after reaching the end of his contract at Elland Road.
Pugh's two-year deal expired after Sunday's Championship Play-off final in Cardiff, and the former Manchester United midfielder
has exercised his right to become a free agent this summer.Pugh made an initial impression after moving to Yorkshire as part of the deal which took Alan Smith to Old Trafford in 2004, but his opportunities dried up during the 2005-06 season as Kevin Blackwell relied on other players to maintain the club's challenge for promotion.The 23-year-old's last appearance came on the final day of the term at Preston, but his future prospects seemed limited with Blackwell planning major changes to his squad before the start of next season.Blackwell said: "Danny will be leaving us. He's exercised his right to become a free agent and look for another club."I can't speak highly enough of him, and he's done a good job for us. But he hasn't had too much first-team football here and I'm sure he'll be able to find that elsewhere."MutualBlackwell has also confirmed a significant departure from his coaching team after assistant manager Sam Ellis left the club by mutual consent.Ellis had been with United throughout Blackwell's two-year reign but he ended their partnership after turning down an alternative position within the backroom team.Head coach John Carver is favourite to step into the assistant manager's role, but Blackwell said: "I haven't decided anything yet."Ellis said: "The gaffer offered me a different position but it wasn't one I felt committed to. There are no hard feelings and I've loved my time here, but the best decision was for me to move on."
EXCLUSIVE
By Phil Hay
Yorkshire Evening Post
Danny Pugh has become Leeds United's first close-season departure after reaching the end of his contract at Elland Road.
Pugh's two-year deal expired after Sunday's Championship Play-off final in Cardiff, and the former Manchester United midfielder
has exercised his right to become a free agent this summer.Pugh made an initial impression after moving to Yorkshire as part of the deal which took Alan Smith to Old Trafford in 2004, but his opportunities dried up during the 2005-06 season as Kevin Blackwell relied on other players to maintain the club's challenge for promotion.The 23-year-old's last appearance came on the final day of the term at Preston, but his future prospects seemed limited with Blackwell planning major changes to his squad before the start of next season.Blackwell said: "Danny will be leaving us. He's exercised his right to become a free agent and look for another club."I can't speak highly enough of him, and he's done a good job for us. But he hasn't had too much first-team football here and I'm sure he'll be able to find that elsewhere."MutualBlackwell has also confirmed a significant departure from his coaching team after assistant manager Sam Ellis left the club by mutual consent.Ellis had been with United throughout Blackwell's two-year reign but he ended their partnership after turning down an alternative position within the backroom team.Head coach John Carver is favourite to step into the assistant manager's role, but Blackwell said: "I haven't decided anything yet."Ellis said: "The gaffer offered me a different position but it wasn't one I felt committed to. There are no hard feelings and I've loved my time here, but the best decision was for me to move on."