http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Grayson-gets-busy-at-Leeds.4915288.jp
Grayson gets busy at Leeds before transfer window closes
Published Date: 27 January 2009
By Richard Sutcliffe
LEEDS UNITED manager Simon Grayson is expecting to be a busy man in the
transfer window once tonight's League One meeting with Southend United
is out of the way.
The Elland Road chief has already made three signings since the start of
the month with Lee Trundle, Richard Naylor and Carl Dickinson having
joined on initial one-month loan deals.
There has also been activity out of the club with Ian Westlake having
had his contract cancelled in order to allow the midfielder to join
Cheltenham Town.
However, with the window due to close at 5.00pm next Monday, Grayson has
stressed that the comings and goings are far from over.
The United manager said: "There have been plenty of phone calls - both
about players coming in and out. The situation at the moment is that
clubs are making contact and that, once the Tuesday games are out of the
way, I would imagine it being a mad scramble to get players in before
the weekend.
"I would like to think we will have some new faces in, whether it is
loan deals or permanent ones. I would be quite surprised if we don't
have some new players and also some going out, too.
"Hopefully, with a few new players, we can kick on from here.
"The chairman has been away on holiday in South Africa and New Zealand
but I have been speaking to him on a regular basis. I have also spoken
to (chief executive) Shaun Harvey regularly."
Grayson's recruitment so far – albeit in the loan market – has been
impressive with his trio of signings having all made a significant impact.
Both Ipswich defender Naylor and Stoke City left-back Dickinson have
brought some much-needed stability to a back four that was bordering on
the shambolic at times, while Bristol City's Trundle underlined his
class with a superb display in the weekend victory over Peterborough United.
That triumph over Posh, only the second time Darren Ferguson's side had
been beaten in 22 league outings, has raised optimism at Elland Road
that the final few months can bring a challenge for promotion.
With tonight's home game against Southend being followed by trips to
Walsall and Leyton Orient, the coming eight days represent a golden
chance to put pressure on the top six.
Grayson, whose first five games have yielded 10 points, said: "We have
had a decent start but achieved nothing. What matters is where we are in
the first week of May. We have to be in the top six, and preferably the
top two.
"We are a match for anyone, we have shown that by drawing against
Leicester and then beating Peterborough, a team who were flying.
"We looked vibrant (on Saturday) and that gives the players a lift. When
you win on a Saturday, the thing you want to do is play on the Tuesday
because it is a chance to keep the momentum going."
Since beating Leeds at Roots Hall in the final week of October, Southend
have won just once in 11 league outings to slip out of the promotion race.
Nevertheless, manager Steve Tilson - a lifelong Leeds fan - will be
hoping to spring a shock by trying to frustrate the home fans in an
attempt to create an air of anxiety.
Grayson said: "There is a big expectation level here. As an opposition
manager, you use that in your career.
"When I was at Blackpool in League One and we went to clubs like
Sheffield Wednesday or Nottingham Forest, we were well aware that the
fans can become anxious and the key was to keep the home team quiet.
"But full credit to our fans on Saturday because they got fully behind
the players. It is a two-way thing, because we need to inspire them and
they also can inspire us."
Andy Robinson is a slight doubt with a calf strain picked up in the win
over Peterborough, while captain Frazer Richardson (thigh) is unlikely
to be risked. Paul Huntington is facing an extended spell on the
sidelines after undergoing a groin operation last Friday.
Last six games: Leeds United LDWLWW, Southend United LDLLDL.
Last time: Leeds United 4 Southend United 1; August 18, 2007; League One.
Referee: D Foster (Tyne & Wear).
_______________________________________________
the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators
accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors.
Leedslist mailing list
[email protected]
http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
Sorry Macca - it's the curse of Bates old lad
