Blackwell ready for new challenge

Former Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell says he is ready to return to football after a five-month absence.

The 48-year-old has been travelling Europe and South America learning new coaching techniques since being sacked by Leeds in September 2006.

Blackwell, who has also coached at Sheffield United, told BBC Sport: "I hope my record speaks for itself.

"I have reached four semi-finals and two finals in the last four years so I must be doing something right."

Blackwell was Neil Warnock's long-term right-hand man at Bramall Lane before becoming head coach at Leeds in 2003.

He succeeded Eddie Gray as Elland Road boss in May 2004 and guided his side to the Championship play-off final in 2006 but was sacked at the start of this season.

"I have not wasted my time away," Blackwell added.

"I am one of the most qualified coaches in Europe but I still think you have got to try to learn more and that is why I chose to go abroad.

"It is difficult to know which way to go. I am proven as a coach and I have shown I can manage.

"I have always thought it is important to have an open mind and I accept I need to have one over which direction my career goes."

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