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Leeds United: Bates' pledge on United's 2009/10 squad
Leeds United will have a squad fit for promotion next season regardless of where Jermaine Beckford's future lies, chairman Ken Bates vowed today.
The 77-year-old described United's summer transfer plans as "in hand" and pledged to ensure that Simon Grayson has the players necessary to lift the club out of League One at the end of his first full term as manager.
"I can't say what's going to happen with Jermaine," Bates conceded, "but if he goes then we're prepared for that. One way or another we'll have a squad that's right to get us out this league."
Grayson has accepted that his squad may be hit by the loss of Beckford, whose position has been a major topic of discussion since he was transfer-listed last month, but, like his chairman, he is confident United can cope without their top scorer.
United are still waiting for a serious bid – confirmation the 25-year-old is available has not prompted a flurry of offers – and he will begin pre-season with Leeds unless a deal is completed in the next seven days.
However, Bates insists Grayson will not start the new campaign with a weakened squad.
Bates believes United already have stronger playing resources than they did 12 months ago and claimed the improvement in their defence under Grayson's management would be crucial in dictating the club's league position next season.
Bates said: "The players were ready for last season, but we had problems defensively.
"That's been rectified and the defence isn't a soft touch any more – in fact, we're very strong in most areas of the field."
Meanwhile Sunderland striker David Healy is hoping better times are ahead for both him and his club.
The former Leeds United hitman did not make much of an impression with the Barclays Premier League club last term.
Previous manager Roy Keane signed him from Fulham in August 2008 but the striker found game-time limited before and after the Irishman's departure and scored just three goals for the club in all competitions.
However, the arrival of Steve Bruce has given the 29-year-old hope for the future.
Healy said: "He's an inspirational manager who hopefully can get the best out of the players we have.
"We don't want another season like last season. Hopefully we've got enough to challenge for a top-10 place maybe."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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