HECK STRESSES LEEDS SQUAD HAVE TO RELAX

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM has taken the heat off his Leeds players by telling them to forget all about the play-offs.

A top-six finish virtually evaporated after a 3-0 midweek defeat at Elland Road by Championship leaders Wolves.

But boss Heckingbottom (above) made it clear he wants the squad to perform stress-free for the rest of the season and prove they can be part of his plans.

Leeds are nine points off the play-off places before today’s trip to Reading.

And Heckingbottom said: ”I said to the lads that if the pressure of reaching the play-offs is weighing them down, they should forget about it because the teams above us deserve to be where they are.

“They’re playing for something different – the chance to be in this group competing for the top six next season.”