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Leeds Gears up for Wembley

19th May 2008

Leeds United boss Gary McAllister has promised fans that his team will be subject to “world-class preparation” for the League One play-off final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley on Sunday.

Leeds achieved their place in the Wembley final by beating Carlisle United, while Doncaster were granted their spot in the all-or-nothing play-off by thrashing Southend 5-1 in a match at their home ground, the Keepmoat stadium.

McAllister has said that he intends to make full use of the top-notch training facilities at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training complex as the team prepare to play their most important match since the 2006 Championship play-off final in Cardiff. McAllister told reporters that preparation is key to “have a chance of achieving something.” He explained: "We might not have world-class players, or players with wonderful technique and touch, but there's no reason why our preparation can't be world class. We'll try to prepare as best we can. This is why you get involved in professional sport and why you want to be at clubs who are competitive and have a chance of achieving something. That's the case here.”

Sean O'Driscoll, manager of Doncaster Rovers, has admitted that the “very good” Leeds United are “favourites” to win the all-Yorkshire final. He said: “You have to give them credit. I have watched the two play-off games against Carlisle and they are a good side.”

Despite being the underdogs, O’Driscoll said that his team would do their best to ensure they won. He said: “We will both be prepared and we have both got one foot in the door of the Championship. But only of us is going through – and we have to do our best to make sure it is us.”

Doncaster Rovers striker James Hayter also acknowledged that Leeds were “a good team.” He said: “Leeds are a good team… I watched the Carlisle game and thought they did very well. But if we get our passing football going, the Wembley pitch could suit us”

However, whatever the result, O’Driscoll was keen to emphasise that Sunday’s match will be great for Yorkshire. He said: “It’s a Yorkshire derby and it will be a good occasion for everybody.”

Source:

Yorkshire Evening Post
Yorkshire Post