Leeds United: Warnock’s plans continue to discount takeover cash

He spent the entire close season a year ago waiting for a takeover of his then club QPR to be completed.

Not being sucked into making any presumptions this summer was also something uppermost in the mind of the 63-year-old.

Instead, as talk turned to the topic of squad rebuilding the United manager explained to his coaching staff that they should plan for the new season as if the deal involving a Middle East group – and an accompanying pumping in of transfer funds – would not be done in time.

Such prophetic thinking is why Leeds, despite the takeover saga having dragged on for the best part of three months, have been able to make 10 permanent signings already this summer with another in El-Hadji Diouf likely to follow this week.

The fruits of Warnock’s labours were clear to see last Saturday when newly-relegated Wolves were beaten as the Yorkshire club put a marker down for the campaign with a hugely encouraging display.

A further stiff test will follow 
tonight at Blackpool with Warnock promising that the Seasiders will see a very different United to the one that lost at Bloomfield Road four months ago.

Another positive result against a side strongly tipped to be in the promotion mix would further fuel optimism among supporters.

As, it has to be said, would a successful conclusion to the protracted takeover saga, something that insiders are suggesting appears much more likely following Salem Patel and David Haigh of GFH Capital, the Dubai-based investment company believed to have been involved in talks, being spotted alongside chairman Ken Bates in the directors’ box during the Wolves clash.

Not, however, that Warnock is allowing himself to get sucked in by such speculation as he continues to plot a path forward.

“I have not spoken to the new people about anything,” said the Leeds manager when asked by the Yorkshire Post if he had any further signings lined up that were dependent on the takeover going through.

“I am just looking at what is going off now. I am always looking for reinforcements, but at the moment we have to try and get money in from players going out.

“Paul Connolly went at the weekend (to Portsmouth on loan) to join (Billy) Paynter and (Andy) O’Brien in having gone (to Doncaster Rovers and Vancouver Whitecaps respectively). That helps but we still have two or three here.”

A year ago, Warnock was in a similar situation at QPR, who after a protracted saga were taken over during the first week of the 2011-12 season as Tony Fernandes bought a 66 per cent share in the club.

Transfer funds were immediately handed to Warnock, who because of the looming deadline was forced to rush through a host of deals as Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Armand Traore were among those signed in the final few days of the window.

Asked if he had a shopping list in mind if the Leeds takeover can be completed in time, Warnock replied: “Players have been mentioned (at times this summer) and we have spoken about spending money. But the other side of the coin is I have had to go along without us having any money and persevere.

“The staff just get on with trying to win games. What will be, will be. We could be talking about this at Christmas so I can’t plan anything round it (a takeover).

“Anyway, it can be awkward to spend money in the final week of a window. I looked at QPR over the weekend and the result they got (when losing 5-0 to Swansea).

“Last year, we lost 4-0 in the first game and I hadn’t signed a player then. Right from winning the league in May, I hadn’t been able to sign a player.”

A more pressing concern for Warnock tonight is taking on Blackpool without Paul Green, whose injured knee is being examined by the doctors.

Diouf could deputise on the right, while another option for the United chief is pushing Sam Byram forward into midfield and bringing Tom Lees back into the back four as Lee Peltier switches to full-back.

Whatever decision he makes, Warnock is adamant that the side he sends out at the seaside will be a much tougher nut to crack than the team that lost 1-0 at Bloomfield Road in April on a night when Darren O’Dea was sent off and subsequently sent back to parent club Celtic.

The United chief said: “We did well to lose 1-0 last year, to be honest. I remember thinking that night, ‘It will be nice to come back with a proper team next year’.

“There were a lot of things missing that night and I didn’t like that.”

Last six games: Blackpool DWDLLW, Leeds United WLDLWW.

Last time: Blackpool 1 Leeds United 0; April 17, 2012; Championship.

Referee: D Whitestone.