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Leeds United: We won't rush Richard Naylor declares Glynn Snodin
Leeds United UNITED will take no chances with injured skipper Richard Naylor's fitness, according to assistant boss Glynn Snodin.
The defensive lynchpin is facing a race-against-time to make the big kick-off against Exeter City on Elland Road on August 8 after undergoing back surgery in London last week.
The former Ipswich stopper, a revelation since joining his hometown club – initially on loan – in January, has been ruled out for six weeks and will miss all of United's pre-season programme.
And Leeds face the prospect of being without the rock-solid central defensive pairing who finished last season so impressively in Naylor and loan ace Sam Sodje for the Grecians' opener.
But Snodin insists the last thing United will be doing is pushing Naylor to be ready and gambling on his fitness – for fear of him suffering a relapse.
Snodin, who remains hopeful the 32-year-old will be able to take his place in the heart of the back four for the 2009-10 curtain-raiser, said: "Richard's a honest boy and a great pro and a leader and great to have around the club.
"He'll know when he's right and, hopefully, we'll get him ready for that first game. but, if not, we'll take it day by day after that.
"I know he'll be trying and wanting to be ready for that Exeter game. We want him there; but we'll be patient and make sure he's 100 per cent right. We don't want his back to go again."
United's players, including transfer-listed striker Jermaine Beckford, returned to pre-season training at Thorp Arch yesterday in high spirits
and in tip-top condition as they embark on their quest for promotion to the Championship third time around.
Boss Simon Grayson said: "The boys are in good order. We've done tests with them and checked their body fats and weights and they've done a bit of running and ball work and the lads are in good spirits.
"Typical for a first day of the season, it was absolutely red hot. But the lads got used to that and we had a good morning.
"Obviously, the players are aware that if they come back overweight, then there's a few fines to be thrown around.
"But, full credit to them, they are all back in good shape, revitalized and full of energy and ready to go for a successful season, hopefully."
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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