LUFC Warnock unsure on the future of Paynter

Leeds United boss Neil Warnock was full of praise for striker Billy Paynter but was not sure if he would remain at Elland Road next season.

Paynter was making his first start of the season for Leeds having suffered a frustrating couple of years at Elland Road since arriving from Swindon Town in the summer of 2010.

The striker netted Leeds equaliser on the stroke of half time against Peterborough and wrapped the game up with his second late in the game.

Warnock decided to give the striker his chance after impressing in training all week.
Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Warnock said, "He has been very good all week. I am a big Becchio fan and I thought he needed a rest after doing a lot of running recently when we have been down to ten men and he looked a bit drained.

"Whereas Billy he has been fantastic when he came on as sub last week and he has been so sharp in training. I thought after being so good in training I was going to start with him."

Paynter has a year remaining on his current contract and looked surplus to requirements at the club.

The 27 year old was close to joining Brighton during last summer`s transfer window with the two clubs failing to agree on a fee for the striker.

He later joined Brighton on loan where he made ten appearances without scoring.

Warnock was unsure whether Paynter would remain with Leeds next season as he looks to build a squad good enough to challenge for promotion. "I haven`t got a clue whether he will be with us next season. I wanted to look at him and he has been brilliant in training.

"When I look at the future and look at who I want to bring in and what I want to do, I don`t think I can say yes or no at the moment. I have my own ideas and we will play it by ear," added Warnock.

Paynter joined Leeds on a free transfer after enjoying a good season in front of goal for Swindon where he scored 29 times, including four against Leeds has the Wiltshire club reached the play off final.

He struggled in his first season at Elland Road netting just once in 23 appearances after missing the first two months of the season through injury.

Paynter has been a regular scorer for the Leeds reserves this year but he has made just ten starts in his two seasons with the club.




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