Leeds United star delighted by board’s backing

Middlesbrough and Blackpool were both rebuffed as the Whites insisted Scottish international McCormack was going nowhere and entered talks with the player over a new contract.

The result was a new improved four-year deal signed by McCormack and a player delighted to be staying at Elland Road.

He told the club website: “The board have shown by turning down offers for players that they want to keep the squad together and they have made a statement in some respects that we’re not a selling a club and we’re keeping players.

“It’s not about signing players either for the sake of It or quantity, it’s about quality.

“I was fed up because everyone was asking if I was going to leave or stay and I said all along that I wanted to stay here.

“I think people weren’t believing me because it dragged on, but the board offered me a contract and I was delighted.

“It was pretty common knowledge that Middlesbrough put some big bids in for me and the club kept turning them down, so I didn’t think I would be leaving. People from the outside were saying the club were ready to sell, but that obviously wasn’t the case.

“I’m at a club where I feel I belong and want to spend the best part of my career. I need to learn a bit more about how I can influence a game in the position I’m playing now. Hopefully I can help get the club get where it belongs over the next few years.”

McCormack is pleased with United’s start to the season as they have only lost once in the Sky Bet Championship and are through to the third round of the Capital One Cup with a lucrative third round tie to come at Newcastle.

He added; “We should probably be three points better off because we could have got a point against QPR and beaten Sheffield Wednesday. That would have been a great start. But it’s still be a good start and is a springboard to kick-on.

“The boys have a break now to recharge their batteries. We’re only seven games in, but it’s good to get away for a few days and have a break.”