Warnock will tackle Leeds’s midweek malaise

In 22 matches played on either a Tuesday or Wednesday over the past two seasons, United have won just four and been on the end of several crushing losses.

The record-breaking 7-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest, for instance, came exactly four weeks ago tonight, while Blackpool’s 5-0 romp in November was in midweek, as was last season’s 6-4 humbling by Preston North End.

Barnsley’s 5-2 win at Oakwell was another Tuesday to forget for United, as were the four-goal hammerings inflicted by Cardiff and Birmingham at Elland Road.

Ahead of tonight’s trip to play-off chasing Blackpool, Warnock admitted those hammerings have persuaded him that the current squad is unable to cope with two games in quick succession.

He told the Yorkshire Post: “There is a certain type of player we need, ones who are mentally and physically strong, because that is something we don’t have at the moment.

“You only have to look at our midweek results to see what a problem there is.

“Some of those results are horrendous and that tells its own story.

“It is obvious we can’t play two games of high intensity football inside a few days and that is simply not good enough. Things have to change next season and with the players I want to bring in then I am sure they will.”

Warnock’s rebuilding job is already under way with Ben Parker, United’s longest serving player after making his debut in 2006, and Mika Vayrynen being released yesterday.

The Leeds manager has also made fresh attempts to keep Robert Snodgrass and Aidy White at the club by making new contract offers.

White, who will be out of contract in June, yesterday met Warnock, who said of the left-back: “By the end of next week, we will hopefully have a decision one way or the other.”

Last six games: Blackpool WDLWWD, Leeds United LWLLLW.

Last time: Blackpool 1 Leeds United 1; March 13, 1971; Division One.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).