Bates - Warnock already planning long-term

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates feels that they have a less than 50% chance of reaching the play-offs this season although they will not give up until it is mathematically impossible.

Bates feels new boss Neil Warnock is already planning for next season, despite not giving up on the play-offs. Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "I think he is already looking towards next year. Obviously, he is still hoping to win promotion via the play-offs but being reasonable and realistic our odds are less than 50% but that will not stop us from trying until it is mathematically impossible to get into the play-offs.

"Once in the play-offs anything can happen as we know from the clubs that have won promotion into the Premiership in the past, with some unlikely teams as well, so there is always a hope for us there.

If Leeds play-off chances diminish, Bates is expecting to see many changes to the personnel in Warnock`s squad over the coming months.

He is also glad to see Warnock is already planning towards next season, no matter what division they are in. "When you are running a football club, a good manager has three plans in his mind, short-term, medium-term and long-term and it is nice that Neil is thinking medium to long-term rather than immediate.

"I think that will be reflected in the coming weeks and months when you will see departures from Elland Road who obviously don`t fit into Neil`s plans and are surplus to requirements, or to be fair to them, given an opportunity to pursue their careers elsewhere and be in a first team rather than a big squad," continued Bates.

Leeds remained in tenth place last night after their 0-0 draw at Hull City and are five points outside the play-off places with eleven games remaining.




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