Post by Taxigirl on Jul 20, 2005 14:16:10 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
United face Darlington tonight (7.30pm KO) in their first domestic friendly with Kevin Blackwell looking to push his players more.
The last game of the training break in Norway saw Blackwell give his starting XI at least an hour before he started to make changes, and it will be a similar situation at the Williamson Motors Stadium, with one or two players possibly getting a full 90 minutes under their belt for the first time.
"The first two and a half weeks of the season were purely concerned with fitness," explained the Leeds boss.
"The third week in Norway was about team spirit and bonding, and it was a great trip, now the next two and a half weeks are purely about stepping up our performances in training and games.
"It's about making sure every session we do is to our maximum and everything is geared towards that first game against Millwall.
"I want to get 90 minutes out of all my 23 players before the start of the season because I want them all to be ready to play against Millwall should they be required."
Leeds will take a 20-man squad minus the injured duo of Steve Stone and Rob Hulse, whilst winger Eddie Lewis will be rested as a precaution after picking up a knock and Ian Moore is also expected to sit it out after being troubled by shin splints.
New signing Robbie Blake will travel to his former club but is unlikely to play much part as his fitness is behind that of the rest of the squad.
United are likely to be up against two familiar faces in former Leeds strikers Clyde Wijnhard and Simon Johnson.
United face Darlington tonight (7.30pm KO) in their first domestic friendly with Kevin Blackwell looking to push his players more.
The last game of the training break in Norway saw Blackwell give his starting XI at least an hour before he started to make changes, and it will be a similar situation at the Williamson Motors Stadium, with one or two players possibly getting a full 90 minutes under their belt for the first time.
"The first two and a half weeks of the season were purely concerned with fitness," explained the Leeds boss.
"The third week in Norway was about team spirit and bonding, and it was a great trip, now the next two and a half weeks are purely about stepping up our performances in training and games.
"It's about making sure every session we do is to our maximum and everything is geared towards that first game against Millwall.
"I want to get 90 minutes out of all my 23 players before the start of the season because I want them all to be ready to play against Millwall should they be required."
Leeds will take a 20-man squad minus the injured duo of Steve Stone and Rob Hulse, whilst winger Eddie Lewis will be rested as a precaution after picking up a knock and Ian Moore is also expected to sit it out after being troubled by shin splints.
New signing Robbie Blake will travel to his former club but is unlikely to play much part as his fitness is behind that of the rest of the squad.
United are likely to be up against two familiar faces in former Leeds strikers Clyde Wijnhard and Simon Johnson.