Diouf and McDermottIt’s one week since Brian McDermott replaced Neil Warnock as Leeds United manager. During that time, the club has won back-to-back games and the new boss is impressed with the team’s work ethic.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after their 1-0 victory at Burnley, McDermott told reporters that he had spoken to the squad and told them that a clean sheet did not just involve the back four, praising the blocking towards the end of the match.

“The most important thing is that we learn to win and we get the details right.”

It’s been a poor season for The Whites, mid-table in the league with nothing left to play for, Neil Warnock’s only real success came in the League and William Hill sponsored FA Cup cup runs, where the Whites beat Premier League opposition including Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Neil Warnock’s departure came after just 14 months with the club. The team was on a three game losing streak and seven games without a victory when he departed earlier this month, leaving Leeds just 5 points clear of relegation with six games left. At that time he said.

“I have given it my best shot, but, being honest, we haven’t been good enough in the final third of the pitch.”

McDermott’s next challenge will be an away trip to Birmingham City, opponents Leeds last met in the FA Cup, drawing 1-1 at Elland Road before a 2-1 win at St. Andrews earned the Whites a fifth round tie against Manchester City.

There’ll be much less to play for this time however, Leeds United and Birmingham City city sit 11th and 12th respectively, separated by only one point. With no realistic chance of making the play-offs and no danger of being relegation, both teams may use this opportunity to experiment with youth and fringe players.

Leeds’ new manager Brian McDermott has emphasised the importance of the club’s development squad, appointing Academy Chief Neil Redfearn to a first team coaching position which he hopes will help bridge the gap between Leeds United’s development and first team squad.

With only three games remaining before McDermott begins his summer overhaul of Neil Warnock’s squad, both youth and senior players will be looking to impress the new manager and stake their claims for a position in the 2013/14 team.