Wise is ready to splash United's cash to fuel promotion fight
Dennis WiseDENNIS WISE has sent out a chilling message to the rest of League One: Not only can Leeds United get better, but he also has money to spend in the January transfer window.
So phenomenal has the Elland Road club's start to the season been that, but for the 15-point penalty imposed by the Football League, they would be 10 points clear at the top.
As it is, Leeds sit fifth but victory at home to Huddersfield Town tomorrow lunchtime will be enough to nudge Wise's side into the automatic promotion places for, at least, a couple of yours.
The United manager, pictured, is understandably pleased to have dropped just 10 points from a possible 54 on the field but is determined there will be no let-up ahead of the hectic Christmas/New Year period.
As Elland Road prepares to host the Third Division's biggest crowd in more than a quarter of a century, Wise, who recently set his players the target of being top by the New Year, said: "We expect a lot from the players. You can never have the perfect game so you try to get more and more out of your players.
"It (being top) was a target I put to the players and I asked 'are you capable?' The key is to keep challenging them and keep them on their toes.
"Every now and again, they need a kick up the backside. And they also have to be told how great they are.
"We have had stages (in the season) where we have had to get to a certain place. First, it was out of the bottom four. Then, it was the next group, then the play-offs and then the final group, which is automatic promotion.
"We are slightly in front of where I expected and it would be nice if we could be second (tomorrow), even if for just a couple of hours."
On possible funds being available once the transfer window opens at the start of next month, Wise added: "The chairman says I have some money and we will have a chat to find out how much.
"It is always nice to bring people in, providing they are the right people. If it is right to do it, I will do it. If not, then sometimes you do not want to upset the applecart.
"I am happy with what I have got at the moment. But if I get any injuries, then obviously I will need to tweak. The players I do want to bring in are the ones looking to the future. Younger ones, not so old.
"And to look for a few years down the line, as in to be here for quite a few years and develop them. There are a few names that have cropped up."
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