Sturrock: We Are Ahead Of Leeds

Sturrock said in the Yorkshire Post: ''If you look back at history, and the things that they (Leeds) have been involved in down the years, that would sway me but, as far as fan-base is concerned, there is no competition, we are miles ahead of them.''

Bates was keen on buying into the Hillsborough club before Leeds caught his eye and Sturrock's comments are bound to raise a few eyebrows.

The former Southampton manager added: "There will be a lot of comments made about the leadership of both football clubs but I think that is unimportant to this event. I don't think that it will have any influence at all on the football pitch. We want a good game of football played in a derby spirit. The most important thing is to win a football game.''

Forward Barry Corr, who joined the Owls after being released by Leeds last season, may feature in the game tonight.