Leeds United chairman Ken Bates says it was difficult to persuade Town to part with club captain Richard Naylor yesterday. The 31-year-old's permanent free move to the Whites on a two-and-a-half-year deal was completed with less than an hour of the transfer window remaining.

Bates said: "It's been very difficult. We couldn't get Ipswich to make their mind up.

"They were a little difficult and the deal was resolved after four o'clock. We're very pleased to have him because he's strong in defence and a good leader as well."

Meanwhile, Northern Irish U16 and U17 international Josh Carson signed his contract with the Blues last Friday. A fortnight ago, we reported that the Antrim-based midfielder or striker had agreed to join the academy full-time from next season.

Carson played for the Blues U15s at the Galway Cup competition last summer and was named the Player of the Tournament.

If you want to pay your tribute to Naylor's 15 years with the club, we've been collecting them here and will pass them on to him.

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