leedsutd365.co.uk

Despite a storming finish to the 2007-08 season with Leeds United and a Wembley appearance, former loanee Dougie Freedman has told The Croydon Advertiser that he has yet to speak to Crystal Palace Manager Neil Warnock to sort out his future since his return to Selhurst Park.

Such inexplicable treatment of a player who has reiterated his commitment to Palace on a number of occasions and is meant to be part of the coaching set-up at Palace only offers hope to the thousands of Leeds fans who saw the impact the 34 year-old Scotsman had on a stuttering team last season and who would like him to sign on permanently at Elland Road.

Dougie has made it clear that for family reasons he would like to see out the remaining 12 months on his Crystal Palace deal. But he also gave hope to Leeds fans when he made it crystal-(palace)-clear that if he doesn’t play he will walk.

“I’ve not spoken to Neil Warnock since the end of the season,” Freedman told The Croydon Advertiser.

“I’ve heard that there’s a meeting scheduled but I’ve not heard from the manager. As far as I know I’m still reporting for pre-season training on July 2.

“I want to stay at the club (Palace), that’s for sure.

“If the manager turns round to me and says he wants me to fight for my place then I will do that. But if he tells me that there’s no chance of me playing then I’ll have to look elsewhere.”

Apparently Neil Warnock needs to work on his man-management skills, but that’s not news, but Palace are selling tickets for Freedman’s testimonial so what is Freedman meant to read into that - a golden goodbye? (hopefully, from a Leeds UnIted perspective!)

Despite his age would Leeds fans want to see him in the side from the start next season?