Suspension problems as Leeds chief looks to recruit

Defender Darren O’Dea is now banned for Saturday’s game at Cardiff City after being dismissed for a second bookable offence in the closing stages of Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Blackpool.

O’Dea, who is on loan from Celtic, had only recently returned from a two-game ban for 10 yellow cards.

It was also the fourth red card in five games for Leeds and raised more questions about the team’s discipline.

“We’ll have to grin and bear it and get on with it,” reflected Warnock. “When you’ve been booked, you leave yourself wide open. I think it’s irresponsible and I’m not very happy about it, if I’m being honest.”

Midfielder Michael Brown is also suspended for the Cardiff game but youngster Zac Thompson is available after serving a three-game ban. Defender Paul Connolly was sent off against Watford five games ago.

Warnock confirmed that he is in talks with potential transfer targets and aims to unveil his first signing of the summer in three weeks.

“Two games to go, then I’ve got no excuses in pre-season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to bringing players in and the first one should come at the end of the first week in May. I think it’s agreed.

“There’ll be a lot of action in the summer. We have to change a number of things,” he added. “The chairman has said he will do his best to support me and we need an influx of new blood.

“I’m very close to making a couple of signings and I want to crack on. There’ll be quite a lot happens these next few days behind the scenes and the sooner the better really. We all know what’s needed but I can’t fault the effort the lads have given me.

“You watch games like Tuesday’s (against Blackpool) and think ‘Well, if that’s one of the best teams in this league, roll on next season’.”

Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass is still considering the offer of a new deal while talks are ongoing with Aidy White’s representatives.

Former Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has revealed that he wants to return and lead the club to promotion in the future.

McCall is manager of Scottish Premier League club Motherwell and on course to qualify for the European Champions League due to financial problems at second-placed Rangers.

“If I was to say I had one desire or ambition, it wouldn’t be to manage in the Premier League, it would be to get a promotion with Bradford City,” said McCall. “That’s one thing I’d love to do and it will always rankle with me that I let people down during my time there.”