The Clearout begins
Gary Mc.Allister has begun the process of reshaping his squad for another promotion push next season.
Alan Thompson has announced his retirement at the age of 34, after a final season when his number of appearances was restricted by a series of injuries. His last game was the 1-0 win at Swindon Town on March 1, although he was part of the squad for Sunday’s play-off final
Thompson told the Yorkshire Post "I have had a good career, but I have decided to call it a day. I am going to take a bit of time out now, but I would like to stay involved in the game." Thompson said his time at Leeds was "enjoyable", but added: "I had hoped to have played more of a part and it was disappointing to finish on a low at Wembley."
Meanwhile, Darren Kenton has been released by Leeds after reaching the end of his short-term deal. The 29-year-old full-back arrived at Elland Road in January, initially on loan from Leicester City, and Leeds made the agreement permanent shortly before the end of the transfer window. He made a total of 12 league appearances for Leeds, the last against Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium on April 15. He seemed to offer cover in several positions, but it has been suggested he didn’t always see eye to eye with Mc.Allister.
Leeds will also listen to offers for several other players, including Ian Westlake. Westy has one year remaining on his contract, but had a successful loan spell at Brighton last season, and the Sussex club are likely to be interested in a permanent signing. The player is unsettled in Leeds, as his girlfriend still lives in Ipswich, so he would welcome a move back down south.
Mc.Allister is also likely to part with Sebastien Carole, even though the Frenchman played his part in our victories in the first seven games of the season, and would give the team some much needed width. Leon Constantine will also be allowed to move on after an injury hit season when he made only seven appearances before going to Oldham on loan.
Alan Sheehan and Dougie Freedman have returned to their parent clubs after successful loan spells at Elland Road, though Leeds are expected to make a bid to sign Sheehan permanently this summer. He is out of contract at Leicester but has been offered a new deal by Leicester and could command a transfer fee as a result of his age. Leeds would also like to sign Freedman after his excellent form at the end of the season, but he hasn’t yet committed himself to moving north on a permanent basis. His family still live in London, and the 34-year-old still has responsibility for coaching Palace's reserve team.
The club’s retained list has confirmed that new one-year contracts have been offered to reserve goalkeeper David Lucas and young striker Tomi Ameobi.
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