Defender puts retirement plans on hold

Veteran Paul Telfer has revealed that joining Leeds has persuaded him to put off any plans to retire for the time being.

The 37-year-old former Celtic, Coventry and Southampton midfielder joined Leeds on a free transfer during the summer after cancelling his contract at cash-strapped Bournmouth.

Telfer wasn't sure how much he would be able to play for Gary McAllister's side this season because of a niggling foot injury which required surgery and had led to him thinking about hanging up his boots.

But his new role in the centre of Leeds' defence has given Telfer a new lease of life and he is relishing his new role at Elland Road.

Telfer told the Telegraph and Argus: "I wasn't sure I would be able to play football again after an operation on my foot.

"I asked the surgeon if I would be able to get my golf shoe on and he said although he couldn't say for sure that I would play football again, he guaranteed I would be able to get my golf shoe on.

"After surgery I felt really fit so I asked Gary if I could train with Leeds in pre-season and things have panned out really well. I thought it would be a bonus if I could play for another year at a club as big as Leeds."