Venables furious as Leeds’ sales fever continues

TERRY VENABLES has conceded to being more frustrated than at any other time in his career – which could lead to the Leeds boss considering his future.

Venables has endured an agonising six-and-a-half months in the Elland Road hot-seat, and has had to stand by and watch as the club’s “dire financial situation” has led to the sales of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane, Lee Bowyer and Olivier Dacourt.

Seth Johnson is also close to a £4million move to Middlesbrough, however the most consternation has been caused by the talk surrounding a potential £10million deal by Newcastle for England international centre-back Jonathan Woodgate.

While there has been no bid from the Magpies, Kieron Dyer has been urging Woodgate to pack his bags and move back to his native north-east and join a club with Champions League ambitions.

While Venables remains unconcerned about Dyer’s comments as it is simply one friend talking to another, Woodgate’s departure could lead to the 60-year-old saying “enough is enough.”

“It’s always been a difficult job, but it’s getting harder,” stated Venables ahead of his side’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium.

“It’s certainly the most frustrating time I’ve ever had at a club, and it’s a tough situation. But there’s no point looking back and asking whether I would have taken the job on if I’d known what would happen because what’s done is done.

“I am here and I’m battling hard, like everyone, to make progress within the club. It’s just that the financial situation is not good. I don’t know what it is in pounds, shillings and pence, but it is not good.

“I would be lying if I said I’m not going to think about it. But everyone has that choice. It’s the same as a player. If he gets an opportunity to go he sits down and considers it. It doesn’t mean he is going to go.”