Loan men leave and other news Tim Hodge May 9, 2011 Transfer News 24 Comments We announced earlier that Shane Higgs and Richard Naylor would be leaving the club at the end of their contracts and we revealed last week that Paddy Kisnorbo would be offered a new short term deal to prove his fitness. The deal isn’t yet finalised but the both parties are working towards a conclusion. A similar thing is true for Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny. The midfield pair’s future has been in doubt following difficulties in agreeing new deals. The club are looking to discuss options with both players and sort things out as quickly as possible. Meanwhile some new blood is coming through from the academy. Zac Thompson recently signed a professional contract and he has now been joined by twins Nathan and Lewis Turner, a central midfielder and a defender respectively and goalkeeper, Alex Cairns. The players have featured in the under 18s and reserves this season and we look forward to hopefully seeing them pull on the white shirt for the first team. Not so fortunate are James Booker, James Baxendale and Jonny Birbeck who have not been offered deals. Also exiting the club are this season’s loan men. They’ve been a mixed bag and, now they’ve left for a summer break before re-joining their respective parent clubs, it’s probably a good time to assess their performances for Leeds United. Sanchez Watt Unfortunate to be kept out of the side by injury and the form of Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel, he showed a lot of promise. He was somewhat of a flair player, exciting to watch and lightning quick, only let down by some weak finishing. He has made 26 appearances this season, scoring one goal. It’s a shame to see him leave as he seems to have thrown himself enthusiastically into life at Leeds United. If he was ever to leave Arsenal, I’d gladly have him back at Elland Road. B Eric Lichaj The American full back arrived from Villa for the last stage of the season and was extremely impressive on the right and the left. Despite an own goal against Sheffield United, he often looked the most assured in a shaky defence. He had bags of stamina and a long throw enabling him to get up and down the flank to help out the attack. I’d happily see him in the white shirt again. A Jake Livermore Had just a few appearances in which he failed to do anything noteworthy apart from gift a goal or two and escape getting sent off. Within a couple of weeks fans were questioning his inclusion in the squad let alone the starting line-up. It’s good to see the back of him. D George McCartney Seemingly completely uninterested in playing for Leeds United from the beginning of his time at Elland Road, he quickly became the target for many fans’ frustration. He had far many more dismal performances than memorable ones and how he ever demanded the transfer fee or wages that have been reported is a mystery. Good riddance, I hope we never have to see him again. D David Gonzalez Who? N/A What do you think of this season’s loanees and the future of Neil Kilkenny and Bradley Johnson?