Smith Hits Out At Board

Last updated : 29 April 2004 By Kevin Markey
It would appear the groundwork is already being laid for a possible drop to Division One.

Smith says in The Sun: "Everyone knows I love this club and yet it seems they have appointed an agent to sell me somewhere I might not want to go.

"This doesn't just affect me, there are other players in the same position who are just as disappointed about what is happening.

"If I have to leave and that is not certain it will be to a club of my choice not theirs."

Leeds have defended their decision to bring in agent Philip Morrison to handle the sales. The club's managing director David Richmond said: "We are looking around the market place. We have never made any secret about the fact that we have to reduce the wage bill. We will not be selling players for knockdown prices. But it is very important that we are prepared, particularly if the worst comes to the worst and we are relegated.

"We're not actively looking to sell at this stage, but we are looking to see what is what. Whatever we do, we have to do it early to give us the best possible opportunity of building a strong squad for next season that is in place by the summer."