Departing Hunt remains positive about Leeds

NOEL HUNT insists he has no axe to grind with Leeds United president Massimo Cellino or sections of the club’s support after finalising his exit from Elland Road.
FAREWELL: Noel Hunt yesterday brought about a premature end to his time at Leeds United.FAREWELL: Noel Hunt yesterday brought about a premature end to his time at Leeds United.
FAREWELL: Noel Hunt yesterday brought about a premature end to his time at Leeds United.

The 32-year-old agreed to end his contract at United six months early yesterday after a nightmare time at Leeds which saw him fail to score in 22 games after joining the club in the summer of 2013.

Injury in his first season didn’t help his cause, while comments last year from Cellino, wrongly stating the Irishman was earning £25,000 a week in an interview, resulted in him being the subject of criticism from fans.

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Hunt, who spent a loan spell at Ipswich Town late last year, said: “The president has been brilliant with me, honestly he has, and our relationship has been great.

“When I sat down with him to ask if I could go out on loan before Christmas, it was not a problem. He was not difficult.

“There’s no grudge on my part, not with anyone.

“When you see what this club’s gone through in the past 10 years or so, you see why fans get frustrated.

“The only thing I would say is that players get frustrated too.

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“A lot of us live and breathe this place and we suffer when it’s not going well.”

Meanwhile, Luciano Becchio’s agent has confirmed the Norwich City striker would love to return to Leeds, after his former club were linked with a loan move for the Argentinian.

Becchio’s representative Horacio Rossi said: “Leeds is Luciano’s home and if they want to sign him they know where we are.

“Leeds is always going to be a special club for Luciano.

“It’s a club that he loves.”

Doncaster Rovers have a six-figure incentive to battle for as well as FA Cup kudos in their third-round replay at Bristol City next Tuesday evening.

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The winners of the tie will host either Premier League outfit Everton or West Ham United in round four on Sunday, January 25 (2pm kick-off), with the game bradocast live on BBC1.

In addition, the victors at Ashton Gate will see their coffers swelled by £211,500, with each club selected for television coverage receiving £144,000 and the prize money for each round three winner being £67,500.

Barnsley’s Roses clash with League One rivals Oldham Athletic at Oakwell, postponed back on December 29, has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 3 (7.45pm).