Showunmi: Why I delayed Elland Road move

8:44pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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Enoch Showunmi spent his first few hours as a Leeds United player explaining why he refused to join the club in January.

The 26-year-old striker, released by Bristol City at the end of last season, has signed a two-year deal at Elland Road, claiming he couldn't ignore 'the lure of Leeds.'

But then he had to explain why when he had the chance to make the same move last January, he turned it down after the clubs had agreed terms, and instead went to Sheffield Wednesday on loan.

"It wasn't the move I was ready to make at the time but now the lure of Leeds has brought me here," he said.

"You only have to look at the fan base, the players of the past and the fact that it was only seven years ago the club was in the Champions' League."

Perhaps things might have been different if Gary McAllister had taken over early in January rather than at the end of the month because the manager is one of the main reasons Showunmi has signed.

He added: "Gary McAllister was one of my idols as a player, and having seen what sort of footballer he was and with the football brain he has, it will be great to work under him."

Showunmi was a late starter in league football, joining Luton at the age of 21 and since then has scored 34 goals in 100 starts and 84 sub appearances.