Paul Robinson reacts as Gotts and Stevens both exit Leeds United on deadline day
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Leeds United were one of the busiest clubs on deadline day on Tuesday with permanent exits for Robbie Gotts and Jordan Stevens taking Paul Robinson by surprise.
The two 21-years-old had spent last season out on loan for clubs in League One and League Two with varying degrees of success.
However, neither of them managed to convince Marcelo Bielsa they were worthy of a spot in his first-team plans for this season and both were allowed to join League Two club Barrow AFC on deadline day.
Barrow tweeted on Tuesday that both players had penned two-year deals with them after leaving Elland Road.
Both are versatile players who had been handed a number of first-team appearances by Bielsa.
And while Robinson is surprised that Gotts and Stevens secured permanent exits than loans, he does admit that at their age, they needed to be in the first-team plans to stay.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I’m surprised Bielsa’s let them go permanently.
“I thought they may get a loan with a view [for a permanent deal] and see how they develop this year but there’s only room for so many players in the squad.
“If they’re not making the first-team squad regularly at that age then it’s maybe time to move on.”
Gotts leaves Leeds having made three senior appearances for the club.
The versatile midfielder spent last season on loan at Lincoln in League One before joining Salford in League Two in January.
Stevens played six times in Leeds’ first-team and the winger was loaned out to Swindon and Bradford last season.
In other Leeds United news, Trevor Sinclair expects this player to quit Elland Road next year.