Reid hails new-look Leeds

Peter Reid today hailed his “new Leeds United” following a transfer window he is glad to see now finally closed.

The last few weeks have been exhausting for Reid as he has wheeled and dealed in the market, and without a penny to spend given the club’s debts.

Despite a tight financial budget, Reid has been able to bring in eight players due to the savings in wages made by the departures of Harry Kewell, Olivier Dacourt, Danny Mills, Nigel Martyn, Stephen McPhail and Paul Okon.

Of the eight, though, only Jody Morris has signed a permanent contract with Leeds as Reid has had to opt for a short-term fix, with the other seven all on loan.

Roque Junior, Salomon Olembe, Cyril Chapuis, Didier Domi, Lamine Sakho and Zoumana Camara are on season-long deals, while Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant is at Elland Road for at least two months.

Given the constraints, Reid is delighted with his acquisitions and is confident of making positive strides following Saturday’s first win of the season at Middlesbrough.

“There’s been too many international players who have left this club from the point of view of the Leeds fans, so at least we’ve seen some come in,” said Reid.

“But the biggest thing at this moment in time is the spirit among the players. That is the most important aspect.

“The new lads have been involved in that, but certainly the lads who have been here for a while have been very instrumental. It’s like a new Leeds United at the moment.

“But there’s a lot of hard work and a long way to go, although I think you’re just seeing signs at the moment.

“The first goal (at Middlesbrough) was a great example. It was controlled football, with Viduka, Morris, Pennant, Smith and Sakho all involved. That’s the type of football we’re looking for.”

While there has been criticism in many quarters of the loan system, Reid has not been ashamed to exploit it, particularly as he has had no other option.

It has allowed him to bring in the likes of Brazil World Cup winner Roque Junior and Cameroon international Olembe.

“I’d like to have bought players if I’d had the chance,” added Reid.

“But that’s the way football is. I knew what the job entailed and I’ve just got on with it. I’m not moaning about it, I’ve done what I’ve had to do.

“As a manager you have to make decisions on people you think you can get out to then get players in, you have to do it.

“My job has dictated that. Everybody has different jobs because I don’t think you will see Chelsea or Manchester United getting in loan players.

“But I’m pleased with what I’ve done in the transfer market. Do I think it (loan system) is good? Well at least it’s given me a chance to change things around.”

Reid can now start working with his players again after spending too long away from the training ground in a bid to strengthen the squad.

“I’ve just wanted to jump out of that transfer window,” quipped Reid.

“It’s been hectic, but I’ve now got the opportunity to work with them again.

“Instead of working on a mobile phone, I’ll be working on the training pitch, which is what you want as a manager.”