Key was named Leeds director of rugby ahead of the 2009/10 season

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key says he needs extra finances before he can sign more players for the club.

The West Yorkshire side have brought in 11 new players this summer, with 17 leaving the Headingley-based outfit.

Key told BBC Radio Leeds: "We felt we needed 13 players in. We have brought in 11 top-quality players, but feel we need strengthen at full-back and 13.

"The finances have stopped us doing that but, if and when that comes in, we can go out and get what we want."

Steve Thompson, Lachlan MacKay, Daniel Browne, Warren Fury and Semi Tadulala are among the players who have been added to the Leeds squad.

It's very exciting here now when you bring in the quality and names we have Leeds director of rugby Andy Key

"The board have been great with us and backed us since ever since we've been here," Key added.

"They've said to us that as we find that extra finance over the next few weeks and months then they will give us that money to allow us to go back into the marketplace and strengthen the squad further.

"We knew we had to strengthen the squad this summer to try and get to where we want to be, but we also knew where the club was financially and the two didn't totally match up.

"So this is where patience comes in as it takes time to grow and build a squad. Over our next three-year plan we intend to compete on all three competitions.

"To do that you are going to have to have massive strengthen in-depth. You are almost talking two world-class players in each position.

"It's very exciting here now when you bring in the quality and names we have.

"We feel we are much further ahead in our plans for the new season this year, than the last two years."

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