By Rich B
August 18 2003

Out of Favour Right Back, Danny Mills has spoken of his anger and disappointment at being dropped for the first game of the season last weekend.

Leeds right back, Danny Mills has hit out at being omitted from the squad that faced Newcastle at the weekend.

Mills was dramatically dropped from the squad along side words from the manager that several players had let the team down, gave the ball away to easily and questioned their attitude although no dig was aimed specifically at the right back.

Explanation

Speaking on his own personal website today, Mills hit back, "I find it a slur on my character that the manager has questioned my training and, in his opinion, I have not performed in matches or training. If I'm honest, I could have played better against Burnley and Shelbourne, but every player who featured in those games would probably say the same. Yet to suggest that my training is not up to standard I find very difficult to take.

"I worked very hard in the closed season keeping my fitness at a very high level. It's something I've always done going right back to my early days at Norwich. Knowing I was coming back a week later than the majority of the other players I didn't want to be left behind, so I was pleased when the tests we were asked to do at the club showed that I was as fit as anyone else. On my first day back at pre season, the manager assured me that the rumours being circulated in the press during the summer that I could be on my way were rubbish. I was delighted to hear that as I have always wanted to stay, but if I now said that I wasn't wondering as to whether the manager was being completely straight with me, I would have to say that I would be lying".

England

Mills recently signed a new contract to keep him at Elland Road for four years although recent press speculation has linked him with a move to Wolves although this has since been denied.  The England International who has started the last three games for his country is still thinking of a future with Leeds, a club he loves and pledged his allegiance to over the summer.  His spirits were lifted after confirmation he has been selected by Eriksson for the friendly with Croatia this week.

"Mr Eriksson only saw 45 minutes of pre-season and that was enough to keep me in the England squad, so it's strange how different people have different opinions, but that's football I guess and at the end of the day it's the manager’s opinion that counts" he continues. "I'm proud and honoured to represent my country, and I just hope my situation at Leeds doesn't jeopardise that. Obviously I am hoping to play a part in the game against Croatia, but as I’ve said before I take nothing for granted as far as football is concerned. However, it was still a nice confidence booster when I got the call to say that I had been included in the squad.”

"Once again it's up to me to change a manager's opinion and perceptions of myself. I am determined to force my way back into the Leeds squad and if and when I do get the chance to play in the first team again, I will seize that opportunity with both hands.”

"I would love the chance to help put Leeds back to where the club belongs - at the top end of the table, challenging for European places. This is a club I am proud to be at and I have no intention of leaving, despite the fact that it feels like I am being forced out. I assure all the fans that I am here for the fight. I have proved people wrong in the past and I will do it again".

Danny Mills was speaking exclusively to his own website dannymills.sportlink.co.uk