LUFC v Yeovil: Can it be a new beginning?

And so after a tumultuous seven days which saw McDermott rightly back in charge and footballing wise the teams tails up, the whites headed to Yeovil with the spectre of the criminal hanging over the boardroom. Barring the Football League growing a pair and actually standing up for Leeds for the first time in their existence, the Crim who will be at the Brighton game mid week will be in charge.


As you might guess, I aren't overly thrilled with this prospect but what to do. Do I want to remain at loggerheads with our owners for ever, can I forget the events of last Friday and say lets draw a line and judge you from here on. Its difficult because I have a deep mistrust of him because of that weeks actions and I cant put them to bed until he comes out and talks honestly to us.

Brian McDermott says he will meet with the crim after the Brighton game, wouldnt you just love to be a fly on the wall at that one...high on the agenda is sure to be Uncle Festa, still hanging around like a bad smell at Thorpe Arch, he is sure to be involved with the coaching in some form but lets hope its on McDermotts terms, he has his team already which we assume he is happy with so why upset the balance. To be fair to Brian, he says he's happy with that. Publicly at least.

And so to Yeovil

Lets be fair, this was never going to be a showpiece match regardless of the weather, but a drenched pitch and near gale force winds gave each team the advantage, Yeovil in the first half and Leeds in the second. 

I fail though to understand why when playing into such strong winds, with Paddy Kennys' goal kicks landing about 10 yards outside his penalty area that we decided to resort to lumping the ball forward. One one or two occasions we got into advanced positions by using the pace of both Stewart and Kebe but we didn't learn the lesson. Yeovil for their part gambled on wind assisted punts, wicked inswinging corners. 

All the goals owed something or other to the wind. Yeovils opening, one of those corners, simply nodded in, Ross equalising on 47mins collecting a goal kick that held up in the wind and fair lashing it home. Warnocks free kick into the box carried on the wind and floated beyond a despairing keeper. Chances came and went, mostly for Leeds in that second half but the key moment was probably Yeovils missed first half penalty, score that and at 2-0 Yeovil would have fancied a point at least. As it was, the penalty has just landed in Bristol we hear...

So not a game to judge the football but as Brian recognised after, the team spirit is immense, the work rate has upped dramatically and it seems the events of the last week or so have really galvanised the team, the fans and the relationship between the two. If that's one good thing to come out of this..

I look forward to tomorrow just being about reflection on the game, Monday being about the prep for Brighton, Tuesday being about the game before no doubt some form of madness will commence via Twitter regardless of score after the game as the crim meets with Sir Brian. 

For now we rejoice in a  hard fought win, and a team that look capable of winning, believing they can win. The play offs are not beyond us...along as we dont sign Del Piero for fucks sake..

What we learned about Cellino today...

In the never ending circus that is the Criminal wanting to purchase our beloved club..

The crim smells shit

The criminal has made public a text he says is from LUFC Chairman Salah Nooruddin from 5pm last Friday. which read "Congratulation. You are now the new owner of Leeds..I tried to call you but the line wasnt connecting" On the basis of which the events of Friday night unfolded. It took him less than an hour to sack McDermott
The criminal says "The money was paid on Friday. Me and the Bahraini (Nooruddin), we are serious people. Between us, there is no problem...but in the middle, there is a problem, there is a lot of shit going on. I know there was a deal." The payment from Cellino to Leeds last week was merely a loan of £1.5m. No payment for shares has been made and no deal has been signed.

The crim checks he actually has any..

The criminal isn't worried about the FPP / ODT test:"I have had 22 years as owner in Italy, where regulations are much stricter than England..don't see why should be an issue." Indeed the rehabilitation order that exists here will mean the convicts convictions are spent.

Our main sponsor Enterprise Insurance has filed a winding-up petition against the club over an alleged unpaid debt. The company's managing director is of course Andrew Flowers was part of the Sport Capital consortium that had an attempt to take over the club collapse last week but is thought to be knee deep in negotiations right now having teamed up with Together Leeds. In 2012 the Gibraltar-based company lent Leeds £1.7m at 7% interest for repayment in 2015. The Financial Times reports that the petition was filed on 29 January, the day after Sport Capital's bid fell through. I dont know about these things but if it was due in 2015, isn't it only 2014? Cleverer people than I though say this is just an attempt to derail the Criminal.



The criminal will name Chris Farnell, the lawyer who sacked McDermott, as Leeds CEO should his takeover goes through.Yes, the Chris who was escorted off the premises yesterday.

The criminal was first shown around the Thorp Arch facilities around October last year by sacked CEO Paul Hunt. This was after the criminal looked around and disregarded Sheffield Wednesday, well you would wouldn't you..

And now we wait, will it be a :) tweeted by Salem, will it Salah sending a congratulations you have won Leeds United text...as Flowers and Farnan sit it London thrashing out a deal we hope and prey that thye have the cash as we are sure they have the intention.

Leeds v Leicester; Stewarts last stand.

Over a few pint of the rather excellent Leeds Pale in The Midnight Bell we concluded three things. 1. That a team playing second best and with as weak a left back as seen for ages, yet still win, Leicester have what it takes to go up. 2. That if we play like that every week we wont loose many more and 3. That if Cameron Stewart gets a shirt again at Leeds then I oughta polish my boots cos I must be next in line.
What a tale it was earlier, initial breakfast time dread and fear over the course of a couple of hours and beers turned into confidence and a bullish mood that we could turn this around.

Bearing a passing resemblence to Brian Deane can only help Kebe.
Promising start but faded

With a change back to the universally known 4-4-2 and no less than 4 changes for Leeds,  Byram for Pelts, Warnock for Pugh, Brown for the rather unfortunate Zaliukas (one stinking game does not a numpty make) and Varney for Mowatt perhaps the one that caused the most discussion pre match.



The story of the game is well told, for half an hour we hammered them, Kebe rampaging down the wing, Ross linking in well and creating seemingly chance after chance. Lees and Byram looked steady and there was a steeliness about them, closing down and rattling them, amply embodied by Michael Brown. Varney was busy but at the end of the day he is Varney. Any other day we are three or four up and Ross has another hatrick. On the other wing was Cameron Stewart.

After half an hour, whether by design or not Kebe seemed to drift infield a little, just as industrious but with much less output and we eased off the gas a touch.

I trust this as close to a shirt he will get in future

The second half came and went and we eased off just that little bit more, we screamed at Stewart, amongst others sure but increasingly at Stewart t get stuck in, make a fucking challenge. He just didnt seem interested or worried abut getting mud on his shirt. Actually I think I know it was the latter because of his part in Leicesters goal.

As Moores' ball was put through for what became the goal, Stewart initially had time to challenge, subtly or recklessly, I dont care just make one. But from my seat in the extreme of the North East Lower, almost in the East Stand, I saw Stewart, shuffle Moore for a moment and then as the ball was whipped in I swear he pulled his stomach in, god forbid he should actually put his body in the way and prevent a cross.

After last week when pregame Stewart looked petrified, this week has not exactly increased his stock. 

We now have a break to the next game and that will be Stewarts last chance for me should be be blessed with a shirt. Having had time to work on formations, tactics etc I want to see him get stuck in and whip a ball or seven in.

Interested in what other fans think, am I being tough on Stewart?

Adam Le Fondre to join Leeds - odds slashed

Leeds United are now 4/6 slashed from 6/1 favourites to land wantaway Reading striker Adam Le Fondre, ahead of competition from Nottingham Forest and Celtic

Le Fondre, 27, decided to take it upon himself to announce his willingness to move away from the Madejski Stadium soon after the the transfer window opened. In an interview with BBC Radio Berkshire, when asked if he would consider a move away from Reading to chase more first team football, the former Rotherham player didn't beat around the bush, replying ''Of course I would''.
After the New Years Day game against Nottingham Forest, he also vented frustration over his contract situation at the club.

''I've not played for two months. There's 18 months left on my deal.'' said the striker.

''I was meant to get a new deal in February last year and that has been put on the back burner for nearly a year now.

''So I think the writing is on the wall for me if I read between the lines''

Nigel Adkins handed the player a start in Reading's disappointing FA Cup exit at Brighton and after the game reiterated the player's position in the side, remarking he needs to knuckle down and get on with it.

It's seems incredibly unlikely that the rest of the Championship will ignore the current situation regarding Adam Le Fondre and with teams looking to strengthening this window, he could be a perfect addition to someone's front line.

The striker was handed another start in Reading's away win at Watford, but instead of getting on the scoresheet, he ended up getting his name took by the referee after earning a yellow card.

Leeds United, Celtic and Nottingham Forest are expecting to be busy this winter, with a striker as a main priority.

Nottingham Forest have been linked to several names already, including the likes of Jordan Rhodes and James Vaughan indicating they may opt for a more expensive transfer deal, over the likes of what Le Fondre would cost.

Leeds United were reportedly interested in Nahki Wells before his £1.25m transfer to Huddersfield and Celtic have publically announced their need to fill the void left by Gary Hooper.

The Whites are currently favoured by the bookies which is no surprise due to previous connections and the fact they could come into investment very soon. The closer the window gets to deadline day, I expect to see more interest in Le Fondre.

Not many strikers available at this level have scored 7 goals in 10 starts, a statistic which stretched over a season would amount to an incredible 32 goals.

Bobby Collins RIP 1931 - 2014

Bobby Collins 16 February 1931 – 13 January 2014

Despite being just about 160 cm (5'3") tall, Collins was a strong, hard-working midfield player who was in the Celtic team as a 17-year old and stayed there for ten years, winning the Scottish Cup in 1951, and the Scottish cup double in 1954. He was also called up for international duty in 1950, and maintained a frequent presence in the Scotland squad in the later stages of the decade. Collins also represented the Scottish League XI 16 times, scoring 12 goals.
In 1958 he joined Everton where he played until 1962. He was an astute addition to the Leeds squad by manager Don Revie in 1962, helping the club avoid relegation. Leeds won promotion to the First Division in 1964, and Collins captained the side towards a potential League and FA Cup double a year later; however, Leeds missed out on the League on goal average to Manchester United, and lost the 1965 FA Cup Final to Liverpool. 

Don Revie said about Collins "He's the perfect example of what we in the game call a professional's professional. Bobby's aim was always to do things simply and quickly in the field, he never tried to be too clever on the ball for the sake of his own glory. I have never come across anyone with such a fierce will-to-win and dedication to the game … Bobby regarded it as a personal insult to be beaten - we had numerous kicking bouts when I played against him for Manchester City! As manager of Leeds, I had been searching for some time for a midfield general with the character and skill really to motivate the team, and Bobby fitted the bill perfectly."


Collins's efforts in Leeds achievements were recognised as he was awarded the Footballer of the Year title in 1965. His sparkling form at Leeds also won him a recall to the Scotland squad after a 6-year absence, and he earned three more caps. His international career ended with 31 appearances and ten goals. Collins continued to skipper Leeds until 1966, when he suffered a horrific broken thighbone in a Fairs Cup tie against Torino. He briefly came back from the injury, but age and a struggle to reclaim previous form brought his Leeds career to an end.
Collins went into management, with spells at Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Barnsley. He also coached within the Leeds youth set-up in the 1970s and then again in the late 1990s.
I will resist the temptation to say what we would give for a Bobby Collins today, he gave his all for Leeds. I am too young to have ever seen him play but my father tells me how Collins was the lynchpin, the starting point for Revies Revolution. Like any player who gives their all for Leeds, we will always remember them, they will always be a legend and we will always be Marching On Together.

Watch below a taped from TV episode of Leeds Leeds Leeds covering the period of Collins joining and the clubs rise to prominence. Bobby is interviewed. On certain platforms it will direct you to Youtube to watch.

Sheff Weds v Leeds. Cant even get angry

To be honest have I ever been more embarrassed, more ashamed, probably no, have I been more angry, well yes and that's the big rub. You see I love Leeds, spent thousands travelling the world following them and the fact that I am not angry means I am beginning to accept this kind of rubbish as partly the norm. And that worries me. 

Were the formations wrong,? well yes, playing with wingbacks and wingers, those two wingers new to the team and one not having played since October.
Was it a red card? Probably not, in the context of the game, definitely not. He did lead with his elbow though right in full view of the ref.
Did it matter? we will never know but probably not..
Does anyone get any credit? Well don't think you can blame Kenny for any of the goals and Ross came deep and tried but was hopelessly outnumbered and outfought.

After being so comprehensively whopped at Rochdale, did we not learn that, we need to up our effort, 3-4-3 don't work, that lumping the ball to Smith don't work and that Austin is not a captain. A captain was Gordon Strachan, someone who when the going got tough, got tough. And made everyone around him get tough.

I don't mean to lump all this on Austin, he is only as culpable as the rest but he is our captain, in name only.

Of course I will be at the Leicster game next week, again under the biased eyes of sky sports and I fear. I fear the reaction we expected today wont appear next week. I am worried it will be another opportunity to draw a line under things. I worry I wont get angry.

Kebe set to sign for the mighty whites

Update: 9 Jan 9.44am
Tony Pulis has confirmed Kebe joins Leeds on loan to the end of the season.

Leeds United are close to a deal to signing on loan (at least initially) the highly rated winger Jimmy Kebe who is just six months into a three year deal at Crystal Palace.

Leeds are thought to be one of several Championship sides chasing the Mali international. Leeds boss McDermott managed Kebe at Reading during which time they reached a play-off final and won the Championship title.

More news expected on this and the signing of Stewart over the next few hours, check back for updates.

Leeds confirm Investment partner - UPDATE

The club has tonight confirmed that the group which will acquire a majority shareholding in Leeds United later this month includes lifelong Leeds United fan, and current managing director of the club’s main sponsor, Enterprise Insurance, Andrew Flowers.

Sport Capital, a consortium involving current Leeds United managing director David Haigh, Mr Flowers, and others, are close to completing a transaction that will see them acquire a minimum 75% stakeholding in the club.

Andrew Flowers said: “I’m delighted to confirm that I am part of the consortium that will be acquiring the major shareholding in the club. As a lifelong Leeds United fan and as a buisinessman, I can assure other fans, that while the process is being finalised, we have been working hard to ensure that our due diligence was completed as quickly as possible and that there are funds in place ahead of completion to support the manager during the opening weeks of the January transfer window.”

Sport Capital have been funding the club during the transactional period and will continue to do so ahead of completion.

David Haigh said: “Completion is something we have been working very hard to achieve. We’re now past the holiday periods of Christmas and New Year and we’re looking forward to completing shortly. We are working closely with the Football League regarding the necessary documentation, and we will do our best to keep fans fully informed.
“In the meantime, as Andrew has said, we have ensured that there are funds in place for the January transfer window and we are working closely with Brian McDermott regarding his plans. Hopefully, we will all see some of this work come to fruition in the coming days.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for their continued support.”

Rochdale 2 Leeds 0. in short..

But for Kenmy it would have been six
Smith had two cleared off the line.
Austin passed and it wasnt intercepted 
Mowatt tried.
Byram tried but no support

They wanted it.
We didnt.

They deservedly won.

End

Keeper to sign for Leeds

Leeds will sign Goalkeeper Tommy Lee from Chesterfield this transfer window we understand. An undisclosed fee is in the offing. 

I wouldn't have thought this was a priority for us? But as usual, in Brian we trust.

UPDATE Leeds closing in on winger

Update 9.01am 9/1/2014

Leeds United have signed Stewart on an initial 93 day loan. He passed a medical at Leeds last night and will be unveiled today. He is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday

Previously...
Leeds are attempting to sign Stewart on an 93 day emergency loan. We understand this is because of Football League rules which prevent him making a permanent transfer to Leeds.

Football League regs allow players to feature for a maximum of two English clubs in one season. Stewart played once for Hull in a League Cup tie against Leyton Orient in August and featured 18 times for Charlton during his recent spell on loan at The Valley.
Charlton signed the former Manchester United trainee on a standard half-season loan, taking his quota of clubs for the term to two. Emergency loans in the Football League do not count towards that quota, however.

We understand though that United are likely to reach an agreement guaranteeing Stewart a permanent move when his deal at Hull expires in the summer.

Update 13.30 3/1/2014
In his press conference Brian McDermott has confirmed they are close to doing a deal for Cameron


Leeds said to be closing in on winger

Hull manager Steve Bruce confirmed that both Charlton and Leeds Utd are in for Cameron Stewart. Cameron is currently on loan at Charlton from Hull. A deal with Leeds for the winger cum outright striker is said to be at an advanced stage and believed to be the player Brian McDermott was in discussions with last week.

Is this the answer to our wing problems?

Leeds 1 Blackburn 2. Gulf Wars

Leeds 1 Blackburn 2  1st January 2014.

Not much to say but its a bugger when your man of the match is a man who comes on and kicks a few people up in the air, step forward Michael Brown. To be fair he did in his bit part what collectively we had failed to do otherwise, get among them and compete.

To be fair also, over a post match pint or several of Leeds Pale it was clear that this match most clearly illustrated how shallow our pockets are. Is Jordan Rhodes any better than Ross McCormack. Pound for pound I'd say not but on an afternoon when it was clear that system we have had wasn't working, Ross had to come deeper to see some of the ball. Jordan could, and did keep his position and was a danger more than just his goal.

Matt Smith pushed and pulled to the floor, no pen apparently

Rudi splits opinion at Elland Road like no player I can remember.. On his day he is direct, causing damage and with an eye for the shot. Today, as in recent weeks he was largely ineffective, jaded, shattered. The system does not allow for changes. 
Positives, well Byram looks like he is coming back to something like the form that had premiership clubs foaming last summer. Zaliukas looks nicely at home in our back four and deserving of an improved contract. Mowatt was massively unlucky to smash his shot against the bar which would have leveled the scores. Matt Smith toiled and was pulled from pillar to post and should have earned a penalty.Thoroughly undeserved but hey who ever said football was fair.

This weekend sees the distraction of the FA Cup, by then we hope, we pray that David Haigh has had notification that his take over has been approved. In Brian McDermott we trust but after the Barnsley, Blackpool and Blackburn games, we aren't quite the attractive proposition we were say, Mid November and the sell to prospective  new additions is just that bit tougher.