Crainey Signs For £200k

A delighted Kevin Blackwell said: "The board are well aware we have gone a long way towards putting a squad together for nothing. But there's only so long you can carry on doing that because with the support we have and the expectations of this club, you have to look at adding a bit more quality and unfortunately that costs.

"So I asked the question of the board and they came up with the answer. They have dug deep and any manager who has money to spend is a very happy manager. Knowing I need two or three other players that will be crucial to the squad I'm looking to put together, thankfully they've come up with some money.

"It's a positive sign I've been able to spend. I'm aware Stephen is Leeds' first cash signing for two years and it might start to show people we are bottoming out and are starting to move forward. But I know I can't afford to waste a pound and I don't think I've wasted any of this money."

Crainey joined The Saints from Celtic in February, but no sooner had he arrived than the man who signed him, Gordon Strachan, quit.

The 23-year-old then made just five starts for Southampton during the closing three months of last season, with new boss Paul Sturrock making it clear further appearances would be few and far between.

After initially signing on loan on Friday to ensure he could be in the squad for Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship curtain-raiser at home to Derby, Crainey will tomorrow face Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium as a fully-fledged squad member.

"The last few days have been a bit frantic, but we've got it sorted and I'm delighted to be here and I just want to get down to playing some games for Leeds,' said Crainey. "There were never any doubts about dropping down a level. Paul made it clear I wouldn't be part of his plans and I would only play if there were injuries, but I wasn't interested.

"As soon as I heard of Leeds' interest I was desperate to come. I see this as a chance to get my career back on track after what happened at Southampton."