Leeds United fans have just three days to wait until the 2024-25 starts with Portsmouth visiting Elland Road on Saturday, but one player admits he knows he might struggle to play all season.
Having won four of four games in pre-season against difficult opposition like Schalke and Valencia, fans are confident that The Whites can get off to a better start than they did last season and push to go up.
Leeds have lost Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, but have bought Joe Rodon permanently and have added Jayden Bogle and Joe Rothwell. Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober have now returned.
A few more signings are expected but perhaps not before Saturday’s clash against Portsmouth. One new signings though, understands that it will be tough to play at all for Daniel Farke’s squad this season.
Alex Cairns admits he may struggle to play for Leeds
The Thorp Arch academy product has returned to Leeds after his departure in 2015, to act as the club’s third-choice stopper. Norwegian Kris Klaesson had left his role as third-choice, joining Polish side Rakow.
Cairns returns then having only ever managed just one senior outing for Leeds, in a 5-0 loss to Blackpool in 2011. Illan Meslier is first choice and Karl Darlow is firmly the club’s no.2, in front of 31-year-old Cairns.
Speaking to Leeds Live, Cairns said he is aware it is unlikely he might not play at all for Leeds this season but is ready to do so if called upon. Klaesson played three matches for Leeds last term, when needed.
“This is a good group and it’s something I’m excited to be involved in. Who knows, if I do get games then I’ll represent the club to the best of my ability. “I’m wanting the chance, of course I am, but I understand.
“I might not get that chance. If I don’t get that chance, and Illan and Karl are performing to the best of their abilities, I like to think that’s partly down to me and Ed and Harry who are pushing from within.”
Cairns already making an impression behind Leeds scenes
The difference Leeds have between Cairns and the departing Klaesson is that the new signing will actually compete with Darlow to be Meslier’s back-up. Klaesson was some way off the quality of Darlow at Leeds.
But Cairns is Leeds through and through, with more than 300 senior appearances to his name. Last term, he played all 46 games for League Two side Salford City and that experience will be key off the pitch.
What Meslier now has, aside from goalkeeping coaches, is two experienced shot-stoppers helping him in training. Harry Christy is fourth choice and the youngster will also benefit from Cairns’ presence.
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