Leeds managing director David Richmond has warned supporters that the club may have trouble finding buyers for some of their players because of the huge wages they are on at Elland Road.
The Yorkshire club were, barring a mathematical miracle, relegated from the Premiership yesterday after losing 4-1 to Bolton Wanderers and because of their financial troubles, Leeds will now have to sell many of their players.
However, Richmond revealed that they may be unable to off-load some of their higher earners as other clubs will be unwilling to match the wages they earn at Elland Road.
Richmond said: "We need a new team of hard-working players. Nobody wants our players because of their wages, some of which are beyond belief. But I will get rid of those players we need to as quickly as possible to give us the best possible chance of coming back stronger next season."
"I am shocked by the manner of the last two performances. To go down in the manner we have is not what we were hoping for at all - and I have to say I will work every hour possible, night and day, to rebuild this football club," he added.
The most likely players to leave Elland Road in the summer are strikers Alan Smith, Mark Viduka and goalkeeper Paul Robinson, while young midfielder James Milner may also be sold off.
Despite this, Richmond is confident that Leeds can bounce back to the Premiership next season. "We have the backing of the best fans in the country, and they deserve a lot better than they have got. Next year we will have passion on the pitch to compare with the passion shown by our fans," he insisted.
Filed by Rob Wright
