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The future was always white for Leeds United's Prutton
Though he joined a club which had become entrenched in a mindset of insolvency and short-termism, David Prutton had no desire for his relationship with Leeds United to pass off as a meaningless fling.
The midfielder was one of a group of patient players signed up in a hurry by Leeds last year with no certain idea of how fruitful their transfers would be.
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As an example of that unpredictability, only four of the eight individuals recruited by Dennis Wise in the final week before the 2007-08 season are still present at Elland Road.
Last week, Prutton agreed a second extension to the year-long contract he signed 12 months ago, negotiating a third year with Leeds and increasing his longevity in West Yorkshire.
Prutton's first extension was secured last November by a clause in his initial deal which guaranteed him longer terms after his 15th league outing for the club, but the offer made to him ahead of the start of this season was purely the result of his consistent influence during United's first campaign in League One.
Forty three league appearances and four goals were the sum of his successful introduction to Leeds, and while several of Wise's other signings processed towards the exit at Elland Road, Prutton's position in Gary McAllister's grand scheme was confirmed by his inclusion in the starting line-up at Scunthorpe last Saturday.
"I always saw coming here as much more than a short-term move," Prutton said. "I had to look at it like that. It's not really acceptable to join a club like Leeds and think about clearing off a year later.
"Sometimes it works the other way and a year down the line you're no longer wanted or needed, but I hoped I'd be involved at Leeds for a long time. From the first day, I've thoroughly enjoyed being here.
"I couldn't have asked for a more eventful first season, and this summer has been very different to last summer – we've been paid for one thing, and there's been nothing in the way of serious problems. That's how a football club should be and it makes you feel more secure personally when they're asking you to stay for another season.
"One of the most important things for a player is to be at a club where you're wanted, and a new contract is a pretty good example of where you are in a manager's plans.The only way you can influence that is by playing well and people at the club must be happy with the contribution I've made."
All that Prutton lacked during his introductory year at Elland Road was a fitting and triumphant end to the season but he is not alone in believing that a second attempt to win promotion to the Championship will prove successful.
United were heavy favourites to dominate League One before their victory over Scunthorpe last Saturday, and a defeat of Oldham Athletic at home tomorrow would only enhance that reputation.
Oldham reached the play-off semi-finals two years ago and were narrowly off the pace last season, finishing eighth in a tight division which is unlikely to be any less competitive during the 2008-09 term.
The club's campaign began with a resilient 4-3 victory over Millwall six days ago, and Oldham are one of the crowd of clubs who Prutton would class as possible top-six teams. United, however, have already beaten another after outclassing their opening-day opponents at Glanford Park.
"Our games against Oldham last season were both difficult, and they beat us quite comfortably at Elland Road," said Prutton, who played throughout United's 3-1 loss to John Sheridan's side on New Year's Day.
"We didn't have too many off-days but that was definitely one. It was cold, wet and miserable – a bit like our performance. We probably owe them one for that. But they're obviously a good team and I can't see many clubs who you can write off at this stage of the season.
"We've got to take a lot of confidence from the Scunthorpe game, not only because we beat a pretty strong side but because we played some really good stuff during the second half. It was a case of our quality shining through in the end. It's a good start, which is what we were looking for.
"I've been asked hundreds of times how we'd respond to losing the play-off final, and the best thing for us was to forget it completely. Difficult things happen at different stages of your career and I've learned that you don't get much from dwelling on them. It's better to let go.
"The older you get the more you realise that, but the squad's pretty mature in that respect. If anyone thought or still thinks there might be a hangover from the play-offs then our first two games have said differently."
Prutton missed Tuesday night's Carling Cup first-round rout of Chester City with a minor Achilles injury – the result of wear and tear after a decade as a professional footballer – but he is likely to return to a line-up which McAllister was given no reason to alter last weekend.
The final half-hour of United's performance at Scunthorpe was as convincing and dominant as any other passage of play seen under their present manager – not to mention Dennis Wise – and it may have surprised the Leeds boss to see his first team settle and gel so quickly.
"The way we played was probably down to the fact that we had a very positive pre-season," Prutton said."It took us a while to get going but once we did we were fairly comfortable. You won't get a lot out of Scunthorpe this season and we deserved the win.
"But it's the first game of a very long year, and your season is built block by block and point by point. You can read all sorts into one result but the real analysis will come when we've 10 games or so under our belt. That's when you want to be sure that your season's under control."
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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