Leacock Looking Forward

Dean Leacock has vowed to put his injury problems behind him and is looking forward to the new season as a chance to prove his fitness and his worth to Nigel Clough after an injury hit two years have reduced his opportunities. After an early return for pre-season training Leacock told the official website:

"I know that when I'm fit and in the team I can do an important job for this club and that's my target for the new season. There is going to be strong competition for places in defence. There's Shaun Barker, Russell Anderson, Jake Buxton and me who can play centre half."

After struggling in pre-season Leacock made a return to the side at the tail end of last season but then missed the final weeks after needing an operation on a knee injury picked up at the Ricoh Arena against Coventry City just as he looked set for a run in the side. Leacock came in for training over the summer to speed up his rehabilitation and knows that a good pre-season is vital if he is to regain his place in the side and added:

'Being fit for the warm up campaign is vital for me and that is why I have been back in early getting myself in the best possible shape for when it all begins. The Gaffer is very clear about his expectations of the lads and that means you have to take personal responsibility and be ready.'

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