'HIGHLY REGARDED' DUO RETURN

\'HIGHLY REGARDED\' DUO RETURN

Former Academy youngsters back with Leeds...

Aidan White

Academy products Aidy White and Tom Lees have returned to Leeds United after enjoying successful loan spells elsewhere.

Aidy, 19, spent the second half of the season on loan with Oldham Athletic while Tom, 20, spent the full campaign with Bury.

Aidy made 24 appearances for Paul Dickov's Latics in League One, scoring his first Football League goals, ending the season with four.

Tom clocked up 50 appearances with Bury and won a League Two promotion winners medal after helping the Shakers escape the basement division.

Both players returned to Thorp Arch on Monday to sign off for the summer, and United manager Simon Grayson is looking forward to welcoming them back in July.

"They've both enjoyed successful loan spells," said the boss.

"I'm a big believer in that if players aren't playing and they can get out and play and gain experience elsewhere then that's for the best. It's certainly worked well for Aidy and Tom.

"Aidy has played regularly at Oldham and the experience will have done him the world of good.

"Tom has nearly 100 appearances now after a couple of loan spells which is terrific for someone of his age, and he also has a promotion winners medal.

"We've been keeping a check on them both so we know how they've done and we'll look forward to having them back with us.

"They are two players we hold in high regard so we will see where we are them after pre-season and how things go."

Fellow Academy product Will Hatfield has also returned from a loan spell at York City. The central midfielder, who made a handful of appearances for the Blue Square Premier Division side, has a year remaining on his United contract.

One loan man who hasn't returned yet is Adam Clayton, who is set to play his part in the League One Play-Offs for MK Dons.

The summer signing from Manchester City is another player Grayson has spoken highly of, and the central midfielder has the opportunity to help the Dons win promotion from League One.

MK are due to play Peterborough in the Play-Off semi-final with either Huddersfield or Bournemouth awaiting in the final.

Two senior players loan spells have also come to an end. Fede Bessone has returned from Charlton where he featured regularly and Mike Grella's loan spell with Swindon Town has now officially ended.

 

X