Wise words: A blessing in disguise

Dennis Wise was today reflecting on his sides exit from two cup competitions in eight days, both to lower league opposition at Elland Road. A Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Bury was last night followed by elimination from the F.A. Cup at the hands of Hereford United. However, the Leeds boss was willing to take his share of responsibility after witnessing a lacklustre display by his players.

''I can't fault what they've done so far this season,'' he said. ''I've changed the players so maybe it's down to me - it's my fault really. I've changed the team that's played in the cup, but you think the fringe players will be well capable of getting us through against Hereford. Unfortunately we haven't performed and it's cost us.''

Rather than dwell on what might have been Wise was keen to focus on greater challenges ahead, namely the race to the Championship. ''We're out of all the cups, and it's very disappointing. But we've got an important game in the league and that's where our bread and butter is now. We aren't going to play so many games, and we won't pick up so many injuries or suspensions.''

''So it's probably a blessing in disguise. If anyone had turned round to me at the beginning of the season and said 'would we take going out of the cups and doing very well in the league', I'd have said yes straight away. But that's not to say I wanted to be out of these cups. I'm disappointed and the whole team is - especially with our performance. We've got to brush ourselves down.''