Post by Taxigirl on Aug 7, 2005 8:16:40 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=186451&cc=5739
AKA - WHERE LIONS WILL WHIMPER ;D
Leeds defender Sean Gregan believes the decision to refuse Millwall fans entry to their opening match of the season at Elland Road could work in the visitors' favour.
The Lions travel north having sacked manager Steve Claridge less than five weeks after appointing him and replaced him with Colin Lee, with reports suggesting players encouraged the dismissal of the man who succeeded Dennis Wise.
The fact Millwall will have no supporters to cheer them on will only increase their players' will to take three points, Gregan warned.
He said: "There's been quite a lot said about how they chopped and changed their manager. You're not quite sure whether they are a wounded animal or not.
"But they will come here without any fans and there will probably be a bit of a siege mentality about them because everyone seems to be having a pop at them in the newspapers.
"We must be very wary of them. We didn't beat them last season so we expect a tough game against them again."
With new signings such as Eddie Lewis, Ian Bennett, Steve Stone and Robbie Blake all recruited by Leeds under new chairman Ken Bates, Gregan is keen to start what he hopes will be a much-improved season after the club finished 14th last term.
He said: "Pre-season has been hard work and now we just can't wait for kick-off. Last season we were being tipped for another relegation. Hopefully the opposite is now true because people are expecting us to do very well. We have made some great signings this summer and are in good shape."
Gregan looks set to play alongside Paul Butler in the heart of defence and insists he is happy to perform at the back instead of as a defensive midfielder.
He added: "I don't mind playing there. I started my career there and played nearly 40 games there for West Brom so I'm comfortable there.
"The manager had a conversation with me about it and it's a case of needs must. Whether I play at the back or return to midfield I'm not too bothered - the important thing is to play."
Millwall are struggling to provide a back-up goalkeeper for Andy Marshall, with Lee having just failed to recruit a target.
He said: "As far as I was concerned everything was agreed, but then at the last minute the player told me he wanted first-team football and I replied that I couldn't guarantee him that.
"We have a very good goalkeeper in Andy Marshall and while I promised there would be fair competition for the number one spot, I couldn't automatically put him ahead of Andy. Consequently the player decided not to come and I'm very disappointed."
AKA - WHERE LIONS WILL WHIMPER ;D
Leeds defender Sean Gregan believes the decision to refuse Millwall fans entry to their opening match of the season at Elland Road could work in the visitors' favour.
The Lions travel north having sacked manager Steve Claridge less than five weeks after appointing him and replaced him with Colin Lee, with reports suggesting players encouraged the dismissal of the man who succeeded Dennis Wise.
The fact Millwall will have no supporters to cheer them on will only increase their players' will to take three points, Gregan warned.
He said: "There's been quite a lot said about how they chopped and changed their manager. You're not quite sure whether they are a wounded animal or not.
"But they will come here without any fans and there will probably be a bit of a siege mentality about them because everyone seems to be having a pop at them in the newspapers.
"We must be very wary of them. We didn't beat them last season so we expect a tough game against them again."
With new signings such as Eddie Lewis, Ian Bennett, Steve Stone and Robbie Blake all recruited by Leeds under new chairman Ken Bates, Gregan is keen to start what he hopes will be a much-improved season after the club finished 14th last term.
He said: "Pre-season has been hard work and now we just can't wait for kick-off. Last season we were being tipped for another relegation. Hopefully the opposite is now true because people are expecting us to do very well. We have made some great signings this summer and are in good shape."
Gregan looks set to play alongside Paul Butler in the heart of defence and insists he is happy to perform at the back instead of as a defensive midfielder.
He added: "I don't mind playing there. I started my career there and played nearly 40 games there for West Brom so I'm comfortable there.
"The manager had a conversation with me about it and it's a case of needs must. Whether I play at the back or return to midfield I'm not too bothered - the important thing is to play."
Millwall are struggling to provide a back-up goalkeeper for Andy Marshall, with Lee having just failed to recruit a target.
He said: "As far as I was concerned everything was agreed, but then at the last minute the player told me he wanted first-team football and I replied that I couldn't guarantee him that.
"We have a very good goalkeeper in Andy Marshall and while I promised there would be fair competition for the number one spot, I couldn't automatically put him ahead of Andy. Consequently the player decided not to come and I'm very disappointed."