Bates Backs Blackwell

Last updated : 12 May 2005 By Kevin Markey

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, Bates said: "Within our financial limitations we have supported his judgement and he made sure we were not relegated.

"If his judgement is bad he will have to go and if his judgement is good he's here for the forseeable future.

"Kevin is quite happy to be judged by his record and on his results.

"He did very well this year with very limited resources and now he'll get the chance to start with a level playing field.

"He now has an excellent opportunity to show how good he is."