‘I looked at’ – New Leeds United signing excited to see how 49ers differ from Ken Bates era

After Joe Rodon reached a permanent deal, the club has since made a smart move to bolster squad depth and locker room experience.

Confirmed: Alex Cairns joins Leeds from Salford City

31-year-old goalkeeper Alex Cairns has been confirmed as the Whites’ latest summer signing, joining from League Two Salford back to the club where he made the transition from youth to senior football.

Cairns left Leeds in 2015 after just one appearance in the ill-fated home game at Blackpool, replacing Paul Rachubka.

He has now returned in a deal described as Leeds paying a “nominal fee”, helping the club fill their quota of home-grown players while adding depth to their goalkeeping department after selling Kristoffer Klaesson.

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Cairns has now shared his reaction to his return to Leeds from Salford City, posting this message on social media, keen to see what awaits him at the club after previously being here while Ken Bates and GFH Capital were owners:

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Delighted to join the club that taught me my trade and a club I have a lot of affection for. For years I have watched and seen the club make incredible strides and I can’t wait to be part of it. Now let’s get stuck with work and help by any means necessary 💙💛 @LUFC

— Alex Cairns (@AlexCairns30) July 9, 2024

A lot has changed in Leeds since Cairns was last here

It will no doubt be very interesting for Cairns to see what the club looks like now with ambitious owners not running it into the ground.

Especially for Cairns, the return to Thorp Arch will be a surreal moment with the complex renewed after years of neglect by Ken Bates and GFH while it was in our ranks.

He might not play for us this season, but his importance in the dressing room is something that could go a long way.