Leeds manager Dennis Wise made up for lost time yesterday by signing NINE more players, 24 hours after making Danish goalkeeper Casper Ankergren his first close-season capture.

Midfielders Curtis Weston and David Prutton, defenders Matt Heath and Rui Marques and striker Leon Constantine have all agreed contracts, along with youngsters Tomi Ameobi, Scott Gardner, Gavin Rothery and former Bradford loanee Ben Parker.

Wise's hands were tied until the Football League lifted the embargo on signings at Elland Road by handing Leeds back their golden share'.

Ankergren, who was on loan from Brondby last season, agreed a three-year deal on Monday evening and Constantine, Weston and Heath have since signed two-year contracts.

Constantine, 29, has played for Port Vale, Torquay, Peterborough, Brentford, Leyton Orient, Partick Thistle and Millwall, while Weston, 20, worked under Wise at Millwall and Swindon.

Weston, Constantine and Prutton have come through successful trials in pre-season while Heath and Marques had spells at United last term, when the club suffered relegation.

Midfielder Alan Thompson, who Wise has earmarked as his skipper for the new season, is also expected to put pen to paper.

And Norwegian striker Tore Andre Flo could sign as well if the club are satisfied with his fitness.

Meanwhile, United legend Norman Hunter fears the 15-point deduction inflicted on the club leaves them in real danger of slipping into the League Two.

Hunter said: "It's a massive obstacle to overcome. We must just hope and pray that we can stay in the division.

"People were talking about bouncing straight back to the Championship but I never thought that was likely because every game is going to be like a cup final. As soon as other clubs see the stadium, they will raise their game.

"This has been a terrible summer. Every time you think it's been sorted out, something else comes and kicks you in the teeth. We've just got to grit our teeth and hope the team gets off to a great start."