Clarke: Hard Times Ahead
Last updated : 28 April 2004 By Kevin Markey
Clarke feels Leeds will have no chance of making a quick return if the majority of the squad are sold.
"I think it could get worse before it gets better," said Clarke.
"If they do go down then there will have to be a big rebuilding job, by that I mean the club is going to have to produce its own players again. You are not talking two or three years, you are talking five years to bring youngsters on and there are going to be hard times ahead.
"I just hope that all the Leeds fans, who are the best in the country for the way they have supported these players, but have still been let down by these players, stick with us."
Clarke hopes the players who wear the white shirt next season show more grit than some of the present squad, who have let the club and the supporters down.
"I just hope that when these young lads do come through they are prepared to die for that famous white shirt like the players who put this club on the world map," added Clarke.
"We would have died for this club and I just hope that any future player who comes to Leeds United has the same attitude we gave, that's all I ask. They must give everything for the famous white shirt."
