Warnock accepts Derry blame

Eagles boss says midfielder did not reject Leeds

By James Pearson   Last updated: 3rd January 2008

Shaun Derry Crystal Palace

Derry: No Leeds snub

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Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has stated Shaun Derry did not reject the chance to return to Leeds United.

Derry is currently with The Eagles after Dennis Wise opted to loan him out in order to regain his match sharpness.

However, a spate of midfield injuries left Wise scrambling for his phone in order to get Derry back to Elland Road.

It had been thought Derry refused the chance to return to Leeds, although Warnock has now confirmed it was his choice and not the midfielder's to make.

Refused

"Dennis asked me on New Year's Eve for permission to let Shaun go back to Leeds before January 19, but I refused because I have to look after the interests of my own club," Warnock told the Yorkshire Post.

"The loan deal runs until January 19 and I have told Shaun 'I am sorry, but I cannot let you go back before then'. We need him here.

"Shaun knows he is a Leeds United player, but the decision was not his to make. It was mine as the manager of Crystal Palace."