Faye looks to relax Leeds United and take them back top

AMDY FAYE insists his wealth of experience can help fire Leeds United back towards the Premier League.

The former Senegal international joined the Elland Road club in early September after having been released by Stoke City towards the end of the 2009-10 season.

Faye, who feared during that final year at the Britannia Stadium his career might be over due to a long-standing back problem, played a crucial role in Leeds edging out Middlesbrough on Saturday at the Riverside Stadium.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 2-1 win, which piled further pressure on under-fire Boro manager Gordon Strachan, helped nudge United up to ninth place in the Championship.

And 33-year-old Faye – whose seven years in the top flight included stints with Portsmouth and Newcastle United – insists promotion is an attainable goal for Simon Grayson's side.

He said: "We are all very happy with the three points. I think we showed that we can do something good with this team.

"It was only my second game for Leeds and I see my role as trying to talk to the others and help them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We need to be more relaxed. We panic too much sometimes, like we did when they scored the goal.

"It was a very stupid goal to give away. We should not be conceding like that. They cannot score if we have the ball.

"It is not up to one player, it is up to all the players.

"But what I will say is that these players can play football. The thing is they are learning. So, I try to help. I like to speak, saying things like, 'You don't need to do that next time'.

"I am also learning, this is a division I have never played in before. But I believe I can help Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This is a great club with really passionate fans. They are like a Premier League club."

Faye, who has signed a contract at Elland Road until January, was released by Stoke following an injury-plagued 2009-10 that saw the midfielder make just one appearance.

That came in the Carling Cup back in August, meaning his debut for Leeds against Ipswich Town at the start of this month was his first outing in more than a year.

Despite that, Faye showed more than enough against Boro to suggest he could make a big impact in this season's Championship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The midfielder, who insists the ankle injury that forced him out of the game in the closing stages is "not serious", said: "It was only my second game but I already feel to be getting stronger. My fitness is better.

"Last season was very frustrating. I had two operations (to cure a back problem) and was thinking, 'I might not be able to play football again'.

"They were bad injuries so I am very happy to be playing for Leeds. I enjoy it.

"West Ham asked me to train with them in the summer but they said, 'You are good but not fit enough'. So I didn't stay.

"Leeds gave me a chance and I am delighted to be here."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked whether talks had begun over possibly extending his current deal beyond January, Faye said: "I am not worried about a contract, I am just happy to be playing. I want to play as much as possible."

Leeds maintaining their record of never having been beaten at the Riverside Stadium means back-to-back home games against Leicester City tomorrow night and Cardiff City the following Monday offer an opportunity to push further up the table.

Faye, who hopes to face the Foxes despite leaving Teesside with his ankle in a protective boot, added: "We need to get two good results from those home games. There is no point winning at Middlesbrough and then losing next week."

United's delight in returning to winning ways in front of the live Sky cameras was in stark contrast to the mood of the home fans who chanted for Strachan's dismissal during the closing stages of the game.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having invested heavily in bringing players from north of the border to the Riverside in the past year, the Scot is under intense pressure to deliver.

A return of 11 points from as many games has left Boro in 20th place, hence the urgings of many in the crowd for Strachan to be replaced by Tony Mowbray.

The players, however, insist they are fully behind the current manager.

David Wheater said: "We don't want anyone to lose their job. We are totally with the manager and his coaching staff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I will personally be upset if the worst does happen as I don't think he deserves it."

On the chants for Strachan to go, Wheater added: "I understand the fans' frustrations.

"I just wish they would wait until the end of the game before venting their feelings. We were still trying to win the game.

"We were getting corners (late on) and half the people were shouting for us and the other half shouting for the manager (to go)."