Grayson to make changes.
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is set to ring the changes as his side aim to bounce back from a disappointing week. Leeds face two crucial games over the Easter weekend against teams battling for points, albeit for very different reasons.
With Reading, in the midst of a nine game winning streak which has seen them rise from play-off hopefuls to contenders for an automatic promotion slot, up first on Friday, Grayson knows his troops must improve if they themselves are to remain in contention for a return to the Premier League.
Talking to the Yorkshire Post, Grayson expressed his disappointment at the failure of his players to win against Watford on Saturday, particularly coming off the back of a desperately disappointing defeat at Derby on the Tuesday evening: “I said to the players before I named my team that, of the 11 who went out, some of them were fortunate to be playing,” adding “The one I started with I thought would be good enough to beat Watford but unfortunately it didn’t happen. I’ve got to look at things now. Everyone’s got an opportunity to be involved.”
Bates calls on fans.
Ken Bates has called on the fans support, which he feels will be vital if Leeds United are to clinch a place in the Npower Championship Play-Offs.
The Chairman, speaking in his weekly address to Yorkshire Radio, said: “The crowd will get behind them and keep behind them.” With a sell-out crowd expected for the Friday night fixture, which will be shown live on Sky Sports, Bates has urged the fans to support the team, no matter what happens: “If a player is having a bad patch please help and pick them up. We’re all in this together.”
Bates was keen to point out that despite a recent poor run United’s fate was still in their own hands with just four games to go. “It’s the same as last season. We have all four games to play and if we win all four we will be in the Play-Offs.”
Teenager signs deal.
Teenage defender Zac Thompson has earned an extension to his contract with Leeds United, signing a new 1 year deal, with the option of another year.
The 18 year old right back was signed from Everton in the January transfer window and has made appearances for both the Under-18’s and the now defunct reserve team. His performances in those games have been enough to impress and earn him a new deal.
United boss Simon Grayson told leedsunited.com: “Zac’s done well. We feel he’s got a good future. He’s got a good work ethic and he’s got plenty of potential. He’s now got time to develop and we’ll be looking to see him pushing to be in and around the first team.”
