'Unbelievable strides' - New Leeds United signing can't hide delight at Elland Road return as first words revealed — YEP 9/7/24

-

By Joe Donnohue

Leeds United's newest addition Alex Cairns says he can't wait to help in whatever capacity he is required after signing for the club from Salford City.

Cairns re-joins the Whites nine years after departing and importantly is categorised by the EFL as a 'club-trained player' which mitigates for academy duo Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell's exits in recent days.

In the EFL, clubs are required to name minimum of one 'club-developed player' and seven 'homegrown players' in their 25-man squad lists. Players under the age of 21 are not allowed to be named in the squad list, but can all be used at any point. Leeds now have two club-trained players on the books in Cairns and Sam Byram.

Sharing a message to supporters on his official Twitter account, Cairns said: "Delighted to join the club that taught me my craft and a club I have much affection for."

Cairns only made one appearance for the Whites during his first stint having came through the academy setup at Thorp Arch and while he may not feature all that often under Daniel Farke, the experienced stopper appears to have acknowledged his role.

"For years I’ve looked on and seen the club make unbelievable strides and can’t wait to be apart [sic] of that. Now to get stuck in with the work and to help in whatever means necessary," the 31-year-old added.

The goalkeeper also bid farewell to previous club Salford with a separate message, which read: "Just want to say a big thank you to everyone associated with @SalfordCityFC you took me in and I’ve loved every minute of the journey. Some really good people within the football club. I wish you all nothing but success in the future and will always be watching on."

Cairns is expected to be behind Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow in the pecking order at Elland Road.

Popular posts from this blog

Jack Clarke stance on Leeds return revealed as Sunderland offer rejected — Football Insider 19/8/24

-
Wayne Veysey Leeds United could re-sign Jack Clarke this month in a sensational move after the forward rejected a new contract at Sunderland, sources have told Football Insider. Leeds are in the market for a proven forward before the transfer window closes after Crysencio Summerville’s exit and Georginio Rutter’s soon-to-be-completed Brighton move. The west Yorkshire giants have registered an interest in the 23-year-old, but Southampton are also keen on signing him. West Ham had been interested in Clarke back in January but have not followed up on that since then. Clarke graduated from Leeds United’s academy and played for the club until 2019 when he signed for Tottenham Hotspur. The forward is under contract at the Stadium Of Light until 2026. Daniel Farke wants to add a proven forward to his squad in this window after losing two of his most creative sources. Clarke is an experienced winger who could be put straight into the starting lineup and does have the knowledge
Read more

The huge initial fee Leeds are set to receive for Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham — Leeds United News 31/7/24

-
Will Butcher West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, and Ben Jacobs has shared how much Leeds will receive for the Dutchman. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with the Elland Road exit door all summer and was targeted as the one big sale Leeds needed to make before the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline this month. But instead, Leeds sold Archie Gray for £40m to Tottenham. Leeds have since sold five more players in the form of Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell – raking in around £60m in total. But more exits were always likely and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday afternoon that West Ham had agreed personal terms with Summerville, and talks for a fee were ongoing with the Yorkshire side. Now, the story has moved on with multiple sources claiming a deal is done between Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s old club. The Dutchman is expected to sign a five-year at the London Stadium, until Jun
Read more

Leeds United board break silence after transfer window with statement on upcoming Elland Road development — YEP 2/9/24

-
By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed supporters' commemorative stones at Elland Road's Centenary Square will be replaced free of charge in a bid to improve their longevity. Beginning next month, Leeds supporters' personalised stones will be replaced with exact replicas, courtesy of a new company, to ensure of a 'much better quality' installation. The work is expected to take around two months to complete. An official club statement confirmed 'three larger stones dedicated to former managers Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa' will also be installed, 'similar to those located in Bremner Square', while additional space for supporters to purchase new stones has also been factored into the project. “The club have taken on board recent feedback from supporters on the stones at Centenary Square, and we are really happy that we can now announce that all of the stones will be replaced," chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed,
Read more