Leedsunited.com 7/1/10
BOSS - I EXPECT THE BEST FROM BECKS
United manager Simon Grayson says he expects Jermaine Beckford to continue perform at the highest level in a Leeds United shirt, despite the revelation that he has handed in a transfer request.
The striker handed in a transfer request on December 30 and after scoring the winner at Manchester United last weekend, Grayson is expecting his leading scorer to continue to demonstrate his ability until his future is known.
"There's too many scenarios that could happen, but while he is here, he is a Leeds United player and he will be considered for selection," said Grayson.
"If he plays on Saturday I expect him to do that and continue what he's been doing.
"You have to give him credit because there's been a lot of speculation since last summer. He was on the transfer list then he was off it, but he has got his head down and scored 20 goals already this season. We'll see his destiny.
"On Sunday he showed on a fantastic stage what he can do - the people behind him and the whole squad showed that too and I don't want that getting lost in all this - and he's scored five goals in three games now, and there's no reason why that won't continue."
The boss also expressed his disappointment that his transfer request had become public knowledge - and he insists that any decisions on the player's future will be made in the best interests of Leeds United.
"It's not ideal that it's come out," said the boss. "We didn't want to make it public knowledge because we didn't want any disruptions with what we are trying to do here.
"We wanted to keep it in-house and if we received an offer for him that we considered to be acceptable then we'd consider it. But we've said that all along.
"It was put into the public domain by whoever which is disappointing. I'm not like that. We try and do most of our business in-house and keep it under the wraps.
"Everyone is aware of the situation now, and if anything it highlights his position even more.
"The scenario from our side hasn't changed in that Jermaine will only leave the football club if we feel it is the right price for him. What's the right price? I'm not going into that, because as I've said we don't do our business in public.
"We don't have to accept the transfer request, we'll do what is right and if that means keeping him we'll do it - or if it means selling him we'll do that. We have to get the right man if he goes to keep things on track - that's why whatever I do is in the best interests of the club.
"Any approaches will be discussed by us. I'm sure the interest will be drummed up because people want to improve their squads. He is a good player, but he has a price on his head. "You do have to take into consideration from the person and representative that when they put in a transfer request it means that he wants to leave. Whatever the reasons, we'll take our stance and we'll dictate what we want to do."
BOSS - I EXPECT THE BEST FROM BECKS
United manager Simon Grayson says he expects Jermaine Beckford to continue perform at the highest level in a Leeds United shirt, despite the revelation that he has handed in a transfer request.
The striker handed in a transfer request on December 30 and after scoring the winner at Manchester United last weekend, Grayson is expecting his leading scorer to continue to demonstrate his ability until his future is known.
"There's too many scenarios that could happen, but while he is here, he is a Leeds United player and he will be considered for selection," said Grayson.
"If he plays on Saturday I expect him to do that and continue what he's been doing.
"You have to give him credit because there's been a lot of speculation since last summer. He was on the transfer list then he was off it, but he has got his head down and scored 20 goals already this season. We'll see his destiny.
"On Sunday he showed on a fantastic stage what he can do - the people behind him and the whole squad showed that too and I don't want that getting lost in all this - and he's scored five goals in three games now, and there's no reason why that won't continue."
The boss also expressed his disappointment that his transfer request had become public knowledge - and he insists that any decisions on the player's future will be made in the best interests of Leeds United.
"It's not ideal that it's come out," said the boss. "We didn't want to make it public knowledge because we didn't want any disruptions with what we are trying to do here.
"We wanted to keep it in-house and if we received an offer for him that we considered to be acceptable then we'd consider it. But we've said that all along.
"It was put into the public domain by whoever which is disappointing. I'm not like that. We try and do most of our business in-house and keep it under the wraps.
"Everyone is aware of the situation now, and if anything it highlights his position even more.
"The scenario from our side hasn't changed in that Jermaine will only leave the football club if we feel it is the right price for him. What's the right price? I'm not going into that, because as I've said we don't do our business in public.
"We don't have to accept the transfer request, we'll do what is right and if that means keeping him we'll do it - or if it means selling him we'll do that. We have to get the right man if he goes to keep things on track - that's why whatever I do is in the best interests of the club.
"Any approaches will be discussed by us. I'm sure the interest will be drummed up because people want to improve their squads. He is a good player, but he has a price on his head. "You do have to take into consideration from the person and representative that when they put in a transfer request it means that he wants to leave. Whatever the reasons, we'll take our stance and we'll dictate what we want to do."