Davies will listen if Leeds United come calling (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Billy Davies will listen if Leeds United come calling

6:34pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Leeds

Billy Davies has refused to rule himself out of the running for the Leeds job but insists he will only return to management when the right opportunity comes along.

The Scottish manager, 47, has been out of work since parting company with Nottingham Forest in June last year.

He says he is willing to speak to interested parties and Leeds could fall into that category after they sacked boss Simon Grayson last week.

Asked if he would be tempted by a move to Elland Road, Davies said: “I’m prepared to listen to anybody. I’ve got no preference – Scotland, England or abroad.

“I’m very happy and very much looking forward to discussing with any interested party.

“That will be at any level. I don’t care what division it is in. I will always give them the courtesy.

“We will wait and see and wait until the right thing comes along and then get back in again.”

The former Motherwell, Preston and Derby County boss says he is willing to bide his time for the right job.

He added: “I’m very comfortable taking the break at the moment and watching different levels of football.

“I’m getting to England and watching the Premier League and the Championship and I’m getting up here to Scotland to watch Division One and the Scottish Premier League.

“I’m also taking time out watching my two sons play and I’ve not seen them play for a number of years.

“I’m enjoying the break and I’m waiting for the right moment.

“When that comes along, I’ll go back into the hairy, scary football management again.”

After months of protesting against 80-year-old Bates on the terraces, the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust (LUST) have stepped forward and asked the former Chelsea owner to name his price as they seek to buy him out of power.

Bates last week told the the Trust to “put their money where their mouth is” and, in a statement released today, they have responded by asking interested investors to contact them.

They also asked Bates to “outline exactly what level of investment would be welcomed at Leeds United, so that informed expressions of interest can be made that are more likely to satisfy the club’s requirements”.

The LUST statement continued: “Given the lack of clarity about the level of investment required and following Mr Bates’ comments last week, the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust would like to hear from any parties who may be considering investing in Leeds United, with a view to working together.”

The Trust installed former United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn as its honorary president last year.