Leeds chairman Ken Bates has ruled out re-signing experienced striker Dougie Freedman.
Leeds not looking to bring back experienced striker
Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has ruled out re-signing experienced striker Dougie Freedman, stating 'youth' is the future.
The Whites secured Freedman's services on loan last season and the Crystal Palace forward impressed during his time at Elland Road.
It had been mooted Leeds boss Gary McAllister could make a fresh move for the 35-year-old, but Bates believes the club need to look to the future by giving youth a chance.
McAllister has already given one of his promising youngsters a chance this season with 17-year-old midfielder Fabian Delph impressing in Leeds' 5-2 Carling Cup win over Chester.
Good job
"Dougie did a good job for us last season, there is no doubt about that," Bates told the club's
official website.
"But he's 35, is an East London boy, he's got four kids, is happily married and he's obviously not going to move his family up here for what would be only a one or two-year contract. It would not be fair to ask him to live in a hotel for 12 months.
"We have to look forward not back. Our future is in youth."
