Barmby departs Leeds for home

SOCCER NEWS: Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner yesterday saw yet another player leave Elland Road and then insisted: "More will follow."

Former England international Nick Barmby ended his less-than-illustrious Leeds career by joining hometown club Hull, and Australian striker Mark Viduka is on the verge of completing a move to Middlesbrough.

James Milner and Ireland's Stephen McPhail left the club last Friday, for Newcastle and Barnsley respectively, but Krasner insists the Elland Road exodus is far from over.

The Leeds director yesterday met director David Richmond to discuss which players may leave before the start of the season in order to get the wage bill below £20 million (€30 million) - it was £40 million during their last campaign, which ended in relegation from the Premiership.

"It is likely that a number of players will be moving over the next three or four days but until everything is signed, sealed and delivered, I cannot say who will be leaving," Krasner said.

Dominic Matteo has been linked with a move to Blackburn and Ian Harte is understood to have attracted the attention of several clubs, including newly-promoted Spanish Primera Liga outfit Levante.

Midfielders Seth Johnson and Eirik Bakke are also believed to be Elland Road high-earners.

Barmby, who is believed to have accepted a £1 million pay-off from Leeds, made just 31 appearances for the Whites and was farmed out to Nottingham Forest on a month's loan this year.

Hull City chairman Adam Pearson expressed his delight at landing such a big name and is confident Barmby can resurrect his faltering career.

Pearson said: "We could not be happier to sign Nicky. This is massive for the club and town as Nicky's a local lad and he'll be keen to impress."

Barmby (30), is relishing the prospect of playing for the team he supported as a child.

"I've been a Hull supporter ever since I was little and even though I'm dropping down a couple of leagues, I assure everyone I'll be giving it everything from day one."