Cup not Wise's priority

lil eva · Cup not Wise's priority

Dennis Wise has admitted ahead of Leeds United's Carling Cup trip to Macclesfield Town tonight that the competition is of secondary importance this season.
The Elland Road chief instead insists the priority remains wiping out the draconian 15-point penalty imposed by the Football League for a failure to follow insolvency policy.

Wise remains furious at what he perceives as a clear injustice against United and if given the choice of progressing to the second round tonight or taking three points off Southend United on Saturday, he would clearly opt for the latter.

He said: "I see it way behind the league, if I am being totally honest. I am a bit thin in terms of the squad so there may be a couple who have a slight rest.

"We have an important game on Saturday."

Wise, due to the transfer embargo that frustrated his rebuilding plans throughout the summer, may not yet possess the numbers to field a second string side at Macclesfield tonight.

But the United fans making their way to Moss Rose can expect several changes from the line-up that started the opening day victory at Tranmere Rovers.

Tore Andre Flo, who came off the bench 14 minutes from time at Prenton Park, is set to start his first game since breaking his foot in January.

Wise added: "This is a chance for the kids to show us. I know the ones I will put in are capable.

"The kids have had to grow up quickly. We have shown them a lot of things in terms of what we expect of them. The likes of Scott Gardner and Ben Parker.

"Scott has done very well. I think a few people saw him for the first time against Wigan (in a friendly 10 days ago) and saw that he is well capable.

"I am pleased because he is growing as well and is getting stronger.

"He reads the game well and has got a lot of pace. We have a few good youngsters coming through and they will help us this year.

"It may also be a game for people like Tore who haven't played and have missed a lot (of football). He knows he needs a game."

David Prutton and Jonathan Douglas will increase Wise's options tonight after missing the opening game through suspension but there is little doubt that United's squad remains short of numbers.

Casper Ankergren is the only goalkeeper on the club's books, while Eddie Lewis, who has been interesting Stoke City, was pressed into action at left-back against Tranmere which meant United lacked width in midfield at times with Curtis Weston and Ian Westlake not being conventional widemen.

Wise admitted: "We still want to add a few players to this squad because it is a long season.

"I want a lot of competition for places. But the people who come in have to be right for this group because, at the moment, they are very close.

"It is my group and I will be adding to make it nice and solid – and capable of getting where we need to get to.

"There will probably be one or two going and hopefully three or four coming in. But I do need to get people in first."

Defender Rui Marques is the only injury doubt as United prepare for their first visit to Macclesfield Town.

Josie-lufc

I totally agree, the League is our main priority this season, anything else is a bonus.

Joe1

Yep, just avoid embarrassments and who cares what else happens in the cups.