Blackwell cagey over keeper deal
09 Aug 2006 - 12:24:12
Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell was non-committal when asked if he would make loan goalkeeper Tony Warner's stay at Elland Road a permanent deal.
The Whites swooped to sign the former Liverpool and Millwall shot-stopper from Fulham ahead of the new Championship season and he impressed in the win against Norwich and 2-2 draw at QPR on Tuesday.
Despite the Cottagers probably willing to sell Warner for the right offer, Blackwell would not discuss the possibility of him remaining in the long-term.
He said: "I've always said I don't talk on camera about who I want to sign. We have an open mind.
"Everyone's counted in and everybody's got to make sure that, when they come, they do a good job. At the moment, Tony's done that so I've an open mind on that."
Meanwhile, Blackwell blasted his side after they twice let the lead, given to them by Eddie Lewis and Geoff Horsfield, slip to end up with just a point from the trip to Loftus Road.
He said: "I've let a few players know I'm not happy. If they do not buck their ideas up they will not be around here long enough to make me unhappy again.
"We shot ourselves in the foot, and, as a professional footballer, you have to learn not to shoot yourself in the foot.
"The players have felt the sharp edge of my tongue, and they had better learn from it. The finishing is not good enough for where we want to be.
"We committed hara-kiri and I'm not putting up with it. When you get in a winning position, you do not throw it away. If I've upset a few people, I'm sorry - but that's life."