By Peter Lodge
June 26 2002

Last season’s sensational signing, Leon Knight will not be coming back to Town next season.
19-year-old Knight, who came on loan to Town from Chelsea last season, has opted for First Division football with South Yorkshire club, Sheffield Wednesday.


The Owls swooped on Knight after witnessing his performances for Town last season. The diminutive striker captivated McAlpine crowds with his pace and skill, notching up 17 goals to finish the season as Town’s top scorer.


Ex-Town club secretary, now Sheffield Wednesday chairman, Alan Sykes said, “We were watching Leon last season and were impressed with what we saw. He was one of several players that had interested the manager and we approached Chelsea during the summer.


“Negotiations reached a conclusion in the past 7 days and I am happy with the signing. He did very well at Huddersfield and I’m sure he will be a good asset for us.”


Mr Sykes added, “It is fair to say that Chelsea’s feelings were that Leon’s development would be better served at a First Division Club.” - a sentiment shared by Town chairman David Taylor.


“I am very disappointed,” stated Mr Taylor. “I have been chasing Leon for the past four weeks but it became increasingly apparent that he would to go to a First Division club.


“We’ve always said that it was our aim to gain promotion and I believe that if we had then Leon would still be with us. It became evident that Chelsea were looking at First Division clubs for Leon, if not Sheffield Wednesday then another one.


“There has been a change in the regime at Chelsea that has made it difficult to negotiate. I would like to stress that it has nothing to do with the departure of Lou Macari.”


The news of Leon’s move will come as a blow to manager-less Town who already have a depleted squad, losing Kevin Gray, Delroy Facey and now Leon Knight in a fortnight.


“The budget we set aside for Leon is still there for the use on one or two players, but we now expect that money to be used on longer term players, rather than loan ones,” added Mr Taylor. “Who ever we bring in, a decision will be made in conjunction with the new manager.”


Town director Paul Haigh added, “I was informed of Leon’s decision to move to Sheffield Wednesday at quarter past four this afternoon, and I am very disappointed. Leon was a great asset to the team and a firm favourite with the fans.”


Mr Haigh echoed Mr Taylor’s comments saying, “The decision has nothing to do with Lou leaving. The monies set aside for Leon Knight will be at the disposal of the new manager.”