Grayson hits out at loan dodgers (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Grayson hits out at loan dodgers

3:59pm Thursday 22nd January 2009 in Sport By Sports Desk

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has taken a swipe at out-of-favour players who would rather be dragged round the shops by their wives than go out on loan.

Grayson is expecting a busy week in the transfer market next week, though he is looking to offload one or two players, either permanently or on loan, to help pay for any incoming transfers.

He said: “Sometimes players don’t fancy moving to other clubs even after I’ve told them they won’t be playing.

“It annoys me and says something about them that they would rather go shopping with their wives on Saturday afternoons or sit on their backsides than play football but that kind of thing happens at all football clubs.”

Bradley Johnson, who recently completed two months on loan at Brighton, hopes to stay at Leeds for good.

Johnson, who made his comeback in the win over Brighton, is set to keep his place in Saturday’s home contest against high-flying Peterborough.

The midfielder revealed that it was his choice to go out on loan to improve his fitness.

He said: “I’ve had a chat with Simon Grayson and he says I am in his plans. It was a great feeling to get back in the team against Brighton. Now my aim is to keep the shirt because I feel I am back for good.”

Johnson, 22, chiefly operated on the left flank and at left back before going on loan as a central midfielder but, with Fabian Delph and Jonathan Douglas doing well in the centre, he is content to play anywhere.

Skipper Frazer Richardson misses Saturday’s game with the thigh injury he collected at Brighton. The right back is having a scan tomorrow and is also doubtful for Tuesday night’s home game against Southend, along with defender Paul Telfer who injured a thigh in the reserves in midweek.

However, leading scorer Jermaine Beckford is ready to return after his lay-off with hamstring trouble and fellow striker Robert Snodgrass has recovered from a foot injury.