United in no hurry to tie up duo's deals
Two of Leeds United’s most experienced players will be kept waiting for talks over their future at the club.
The contracts of captain Frazer Richardson, 26, and Republic of Ireland international Jonathan Douglas, 27, are due to expire in the summer, but United are in no rush to negotiate new deals for the pair.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Rotherham-born defender Richardson and former Blackburn midfielder Douglas will leave at the end of the season, as United are waiting to see which division the team will be playing in next term before committing themselves.
Manager Simon Grayson said: “Obviously we are aware of the situation. Contract talks have not started because we don’t know what division we will be in next season.
“The players are aware of that and are relaxed about the situation.
“I am sure if we are promoted they will be desperate to stay, and even if we are in League One again they will want to be associated with this club, so contract talks will be put on hold until the summer.â€
Rright back Richardson, who is currently injured, is United’s longest-serving player, while Douglas has filled the role of emergency right back in the last two games during the absence of Richardson and Andrew Hughes.
The first-team squad return to training tomorrow after two days off to recover from their two games in three days against Scunthorpe and Oldham, which reaped four points.
Jonathan Howson returns from a one-match ban at Bristol Rovers on Saturday, but Bradley Johnson is missing through suspension, having reached five bookings for the season last weekend.
Meanwhile, more than 8,000 United fans have pledged their allegiance by renewing their season tickets before the early deadline, which expired on Monday.
That is around 70 per cent of current season ticket holders, with the rest presumably hanging on to see which division Leeds are in next season.
Leeds are currently in the play-off spots but they face another tricky period starting at the end of the month.
They have six matches in three weeks, including four against sides in the promotion race, starting with second-placed Milton Keynes and also including runaway leaders Leicester.
thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
