It’s been announced today that captain Richard Naylor and goalkeeper Shane Higgs will leave Leeds United when their contracts expire in June.

Shane Higgs had the unenviable role of being an understudy for most of his Leeds career, notching up just 29 appearances in two years. Nevertheless he always remained professional and gave his best when called upon. The 33 year old is now free to find a new club and he goes with our best wishes and thanks for his service to the club.

Richard Naylor was manager Simon Grayson’s first signing at the club and has since made 76 appearances for the Whites.  His arrival rejuvenated the Leeds defence and though his form may have dipped this season, making just 15 appearances, he bowed out in style with some impressive displays when called back into the team. In a season where the downs came as frequently as the ups he was often singled out for criticism but it must be said how much of a loyal servant he has been in his two years at the club. Like Simon Grayson, he was a boyhood Leeds fan and the manager paid tribute to his captain:

“He’s been a great captain for the club, both on and off the field and I can’t speak highly enough of him and what he has done.

“There was no one prouder than Richard last May when we won promotion back to the Championship and he has played a big, big role in the turnaround of this football club.”

Grayson goes on to say how the club isn’t in a position to offer him a new deal and it is only fair to give him the opportunity to find football elsewhere. We’re thankful for his efforts in a role we would all dream about filling and he goes with our best wishes.

In other news, Ramon Nunez has had his contract extended by the club following a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe United. The 25 year old Honduran will now return to Leeds and look to make an impression in the summer. He had made just two substitute appearances for the Whites but looked impressive during his time on loan and on international duty.