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" The problem for us was a mental one and that's very hard to come out of. It wasn't really about doubting ourselves but when you're conceding a lot of goals you know that something is wrong. I've been in that situation a couple of times in my career, not just at Leeds, and it's one of the most difficult moments when you're suffering from these mental effects.
" Every time we started a game - and even when you're trying to do your best - we always had the feeling that we were going to concede a goal. Even when we played well, there would be one minute when we would concede. It's not a feeling you like to have. I believe it was a mental thing in the last games we had under Gary (McAllister).
"It was a problem not just with me but with most of the lads. With a new manager and new methods of work we have a chance to clear our heads and bring back our confidence. This is everything to do with confidence and it's about believing. It's positive for the whole group of players that the manager is making us feel that we can do much better and improve - making us feel that we can still do a job."
Meanwhile pantomime villain Lee Trundle managed to stay on his feet long enough to comment to Yorkshire Radio on his one-month loan move to Elland Road from Bristol City today :
" I haven't played much first team this season and it's been frustrating for me. I'd been looking to go on loan and Leeds is a massive club. To go there, have a month, get some games in, and in front of a massive crowd...it's exciting for me.
" If it was going to be a League One club I joined on loan it would only be Leeds United. It's massive, and to have the chance to play in front of that many fans is going to be brilliant for me. Everything seems in place at Leeds and it's about pushing on. They were unlucky last year, but hopefully they will go one better this season.
" I hope the Leeds fans will get behind me and I hope to repay them with some goals. I'm ready if called upon. I've been working hard in training and playing reserve games. It's not the same but I have my match fitness.
" If I am involved on Saturday that will be brilliant. I've played most of my football in this division and had good times in it. I'm looking forward to getting back, getting some games in, and hope to bring some experience. "
In team news for Leeds another pantomime villain, in Carlisle-born centre-half Paul Huntington, is sidelined as he continues to recover from groin surgery, while the final pantomine villain, in former Blues-loanee Jermaine Beckford is rated as highly doubtful with a hamstring strain. The addition of Trundle on loan today as well makes even larger, quite literally, an already bulging Leeds squad.
The referee for tomorrow's match is Kevin Friend from Leicester, and he will be assisted down the lines by two Bury men in Nicholas Greenhalgh and Darren Handley. Meanwhile the fourth official is Alf Greenwood from York.