LUFC Bates looking forward to local games

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates is already looking forward to a number of northern-based games in the championship next season.

Leeds have already been joined in the championship by Lancashire sides Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers following their relegation from the Premier League.

They are also guaranteed two Yorkshire derbies from League One. Sheffield Wednesday have already clinched their place back in the championship and they will be joined by either Sheffield United or Huddersfield Town who will go head to head at Wembley in the League One play-off final on Saturday May 26th.

Bates is already looking forward to next season but he is wary it will make the league even more wide open with the number of local derbies. Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "We are going to have nine regional games next year and it will cut down the travelling costs for the Leeds fans at away games.

"It will make the league much more uncertain and exciting as derby games are always much more unpredictable.

"We will have Hull, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday and either Sheffield United or Huddersfield Town. That means four derbies in our immediate region. We will also have Middlesbrough, Burnley, Blackburn, Bolton and possibly Blackpool, so it is looking very strong in the north.

"I can`t wait for the fixtures to be announced."

Leeds will find out this Saturday whether they will be making a trip to Blackpool or West Ham next season when the two clash at Wembley in the championship play-off final.

The fixtures for the 2012/13 season will be announced on Monday June 18th at 9am.




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