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Leeds United: Strength in depth builds a sense of optimism
Whites boss Simon Grayson has voiced his satisfaction with his crop of players for the season.
A growing sense of optimism seems to be seeping through the club and fans alike after Grayson added no less than 11 new players to his squad for Leeds's first season back in the second tier.
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Grayson has often stated his desire to bring his promising side back to the big time, with a return to the Premier League, but in spite of missing out on his 'icing on the cake' deadline day signing, he is confident that his players can make an impression on the Championship.
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He said: "We have a good squad here now, we have added to it, we have players coming back after injury and we have some really good competition for places."
He continued: "It is a settled squad now, ready to try and hit the Championship with a few more victories."
The lifelong Leeds fan also added that he was always looking at new players to improve the squad, whether it be out of contract players, loan signings or possible additions during January.
One such name to have recently been linked to the Elland Road outfit is 33-year- old Senegalese international midfielder Amdy Faye.
Although no official interest has been confirmed, it is rumoured the ex-Stoke man, who spent much of last season out of action with a back injury, is being closely watched by both Leeds and Blackburn.
However, one midfielder who is definitely on the books now is Adam Clayton.
The Manchester City youth product saw his chances of breaking into first team football at Eastlands ended by the influx of expensive signings.
After spending most of last season on loan at League One rivals Carlisle, the youngster is relishing his new challenge of taking Leeds back to the promised land.
After joining the club on a permanent basis, Clayton wasted no time in paying tribute to the club, claiming Leeds are "just as big as Manchester City."
Clayton's form at Carlisle brought him high praise from manager Greg Abbott, a former coach at Elland Road, who is sure he can make an impression on the Championship.
The Cumbrians' boss said: "I think he'll do very well. Once he breaks into the team, Leeds are going to see a really creative, hard-working midfield player."
Meanwhile, with a week off from the league schedule due to the international break, Leeds can look to future matches with justified confidence.
Coming off the back of consecutive league wins and sitting just inside the play off places, the break gives more time for Leeds to nurse their injured players back to action.
The trio of Rob Snodgrass, new recruit Billy Paynter and home-grown left back Ben Parker are looking to return to fitness and provide Grayson with a wealth of options and a selection headache.
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -5 C to 2 C
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