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This is the Louth Branch website. Always Leeds always loyal ! Edited by Gerry Cunnigham.
Pic left shows Conall Tipping and Sean Cunningham the future of the Louth Branch. See pic of Louth Branch in jovial spirit at the SC dinner dance in Leeds below : Below Gerry C, Paddy K, Pat Q, Greg T, Eric Carlile, Peter Lynch Sen and Jun and Peadar L. Another great night !......
May 12th. Leeds United 1-2 Carilse United. If C Palace are still in the Championship tie at Ashton Gate 1-2 down to Bristol City then so are Leeds 1-2 down heading to Brunton Park. If we do get up we'll do it the hard way. There were nerves galore at Elland Road for the Whites as the big occasion seemed to stifle Howson, Kilkenny and maybe Humtington also. Freedman normally so assured needed that little touch extra, and Beckford was off the pace following his return. That said, credit to Carlisle for coming at us from the off. Carlisle took the lead after Simon Hackney's volley was deflected in off the back of Danny Graham. It came as a result of an unforced Richardson error that lead to corner that never was and the shot rebounded off Danny Graham's big arse. Visitors keeper Keiren Westwood was in heroic form and he superbly denied Freedman and Jermaine Beckford. We were 1- From the respected N Forest website - Through the season before us. May 6th. So how did the Play-Offs go over the last few seasons? As you all know Leeds really finished on 91 points but courtesy of the Football League we officially finished on 76 points. Swansea, beware, because winning the division may just be a quick fix and not a fast track to the lucrative bucks of the Premiership. The side that enters the Championship via the Play-Offs usually fares better longer term, so enjoy your current gloating in Blogland - it may only be temporary. Class of 2006/07. Last season Scunthorpe courtesy of a Class of 2005/06. A mere 82 points was enough to award Southend the League One title in a competitive dog fight. They went on to be relegat Class of 2004-05. Luton Town won the 3rd tier title with two points short of a century of points This year they were relegated to the bottom tier of Eng Class of 2003/04. Plymouth Argyle have stayed the di May 6th. 2008. Leeds are guaranteed to pocket a substantial cash windfall of £200,000 following Stoke's automatic promotion to the Premier League. United are due the money from the Potters as part of the deal that saw strike May 5th. Louth Branch preview of Leeds United v Carlisle United. Southend v Doncaster preview. Elsewhere, Doncaster travel to Southend this Friday night. Southend finished the season the stronger, taking 17 points from their last 24. It's always difficult when a side was in the top two for a while and slumps on the last day. Donny have taken just 12 points from their last 24. Both sides have one win a piece against each other but I expect Southend to take them over the two legs. May 3rd Leeds United 2-1 Gillingham. Leeds: Ankergren, Gardner, Michalik, Huntington, Sweeney (Carole 60), Prutton, Douglas (Delph 76), Hughes, Johnson, Kandol, Elding (Marques 90). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Thompson. Booked: Douglas. Goals: Johnson 69, Kandol 88. Att: 38,256. Paul of the clubs, the board took that decision and we were simply asked to back one party or the other using the evidence in front of us. The League’s explanation seemed very convincing to me and to be honest I thought that Leeds United’s case was really poor. There wasn’t any real doubt about the way I should vote.” Leeds United in May 2008 : "Poetic Justice". Gary Mac rested Beckford, Howson, Freedman, Kenton, Richardson, and Kilkenny whilst Sheehan was suspended and Marques couldn't displace Michalik and Huntington. The visitors made a good start and were ahead when Simeon Jackson pounced on a poor pass back from Paul Huntington, cut inside and fired into the corner. In truth the Gills were by far the bestter side in the first half and Mr Scally was sitting comfortably, especially as Crewe Alex were getting hammered at home by Oldham. McAllister and Staunton had choice words at half time and a different Leeds ebtered the fray in the second period. Superb work from Seb Carole (on for the ineffective Sweeney) on the right allowed Brad Johnson to volley in the equaliser in style. And Tresor Kandol sealed the Gills' fate and secured fifth for Leeds when he finished coolly in the 88th minute. The gills missed a great chance to equalise in injury time, but the unpopular Scally saw his own side relegated. a valuable lesson in live, Paul. : "Keep your council" .Elsehwhere Donny lost to Cheltenham 2-1, Carlisle failed to defeat relegated Bournemouth 1-1, Southend drew 1-1 with relegated Port Vale and Forest held on to defeat Yeovil 3-2. Maybe poetic justice again, as a number of us witnessed Forest fans call for the head of Colin Calderwood at the Keepmoate a month ago. In fairness it was Doncaster and Carlisle who were threatening all sorts if Leeds won the fifteen points back, and Forest quietly went about their business on the park accumulating the points needed for automatic promotion. Good luck to them. Leeds now play an out of form Carlisle side on Monday week ( 12th of May) with the return leg at Brunton Park three days later. It's a tie I'm looking forward to. May 1st. Leeds United have failed in their bid to claim back the 15 points they were deducted by the Football League. The decision by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators means Leeds will not win automatic promotion from League One, though they are in the play-offs. An independent three-man arbitration reached its verdict behind closed doors in London, ruling the League had not acted unfairly when docking the points. The penalty was a punishment for breaking competition insolvency rules. Leeds chairman Ken Bates confirmed he would accept the tribunal's findings, but was aggrieved at its criticism of Leeds for delays in bringing their action. A club statement said: "We feel this finding is unjust as the club sought to oppose the imposition of the penalty from 30 August 2007 onwards. "We did accept the imposed condition of a 15-point penalty subject to an appeal to member clubs. As at 3 August 2007 we had no option but to do so. If we had not the club would have been lost forever, which was far too big a price for anyone to pay. "It is galling that we are criticised for the delay in bringing the appeal, when it was delays by the Football League that effectively backed us into this corner." The statement continued: "If what football achieves out of this is clarity for clubs in the future then that can mitigate some of our disappointment as we want all clubs to survive through what are very difficult times. "The matter is now closed and the focus can return to the pitch. "If the team are now able to progress through the play-offs to the Championship then it would be the appropriate reward for the efforts of the club's fans and players in overcoming the penalty imposed on the club."
Bates on verdict : Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has called for Football League chairman Brian Mawhinney to resign after the club lost their appeal against a 15-point penalty imposed at the start of the season. Bates confirmed he will accept the panel's decision and that the matter was now closed, but he was still aggrieved at the outcome.He said: "No matter how gentlemanly they put it, the tribunal has criticised the appeals procedures of the Football League."We had to appeal to the other clubs, all of whom had a vested interest and many of them have admitted they voted for the 15 points (deduction), not because it was right or wrong, but because it served their own selfish interests. "I think in the circumstances and in view of the criticism of the bad flaws in the Football League's procedures, the directors of the Football League board should consider their position and Lord Mawhinney should resign. "We've got to win the play-offs and get back in the Championship, but to have "an exciting and thorough football family" you have to have leaders you can trust and respect and I'm afraid that is no longer the case as far as Leeds and as far as many other clubs, who haven't got the guts to say so." The verdict means Leeds stay in sixth place in Coca-Cola League One and they must now hope to secure promotion via a play-off place. The verdict will be met with huge celebration by Swansea, Doncaster, Carlisle and Nottingham Forest, with two clubs reported to have been braced for possible legal action had the three-man panel overturned Leeds' sanction. If Leeds had been handed back all 15 points they would have jumped from sixth to second, ousting Doncaster from an automatic promotion spot, while Swansea would not have been assured of the League One title. Bates was also unhappy with the tribunal panel's criticism of Leeds for the delay in bringing about the action. "We feel this finding is unjust as the club sought to oppose the imposition of the penalty from August 30, 2007 onwards," read a Leeds statement. "We did accept the imposed condition of a 15-point penalty subject to an appeal to member clubs. "As at August 3, 2007 we had no option but to do so. If we had not the club would have been lost forever, which was far too big a price for anyone to pay. "It is galling therefore that we are criticised for the delay in bringing the appeal when it was delays by the Football League that effectively backed us into this corner in the first place. "The matter is now closed and the focus can return to the pitch." Leeds were deducted 15 points for failing to exit administration via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). A majority of more than 75 per cent of fellow Football League clubs then voted to uphold the sanction. Bates had been forced to put the club in the hands of administrators last May due to debts of around £35 million. The club denied any wrongdoing and agreed to an arbitration hearing after initially serving the League with a High Court writ. Bournemouth and Luton could start next season with a similar handicap after both recently failed to exit administration via a CVA. April 29th. Thursday 5PM will see the announcement of whether we win our court battle for the fifteen points or not. April 26th. Leeds will tour Ireland in July playing three matches.They start off in Galway on July 16th (Weds) before going to Bray Wands on Sunday 20th of July and finish with the annual pilgrimage to Tolka Park vs Shels on Thursday, July 24th. The Louth Branch will be in attendance at the matches in Wicklow and Dublin. April 25th. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Kilkenny (Marques 85), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Prutton 78), Freedman, Elding (Hughes 68).Subs Not Used: Lucas, Kandol. Sent Off: Sheehan (65). Goals: Freedman 4. Att: 9,527 April 19th. Millwall 0-2 Leeds Unied. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson (Sweeney 89), Freedman (Kandol 89), Elding (Hughes 73). Friday April 18th. The threat of League One descending into total chaos this summer has been averted a little after it was confirmed a verdict on Leeds United's points appeal will be reached before the end of the season. An independent arbitration panel will convene for a fourth and final day on Monday to hear further submissions from both the Elland Road club and the Football League over the 15-point penalty imposed last August. Weds April 16th. It has begun. The appeal in London which will have a huge bearing on where we will be playing our football next season. Of course football's begrudgers have insisted that Leeds knew what they were signing up for. Carlisle and Doncaster insist they have more to lose if Leeds get all 15 points back. But what about poor Bournemouth and Luton, both of whom may start next season minus 15 points if Leeds lose their appeal. It's all to play for. Incidentally, boyh Luton and Bournemouth voted against Leeds at the start of the season. This is what The Times had to say : Leeds United started their challenge against the 15-point penalty imposed on the club by the Football League at an independent arbitration hearing in London yesterday. The Coca-Cola League One club are attempting to prove that the League acted outside its jurisdiction by docking the points at the start of this season. If the sanction, which was imposed as punishment for allegedly breaking competition rules on insolvency, is overturned and Leeds have all their points restored, the consequences in League One could be far-reaching. Leeds would be thrust into the second automatic promotion place at the expense of Carlisle United with three matches left, while several other clubs who could be affected also face an anxious wait for the verdict. The tribunal is being held behind closed doors and a decision is expected early next week. “I think Leeds will get something back,” John Ward, the Carlisle manager, said. “But rules should be adhered to. The goalposts will have been moved with three games to go, which is strange.”Leeds were deducted 15 points before the start of this season for failing to exit administration via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). A majority of more than 75 per cent of fellow Football League clubs then voted to uphold the sanction. Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, had been forced to put the club in the hands of administrators last May because of debts of about £35 million. Leeds denied any wrongdoing and agreed to an arbitration hearing after initially serving the Football League with a High Court writ. If the tribunal upholds the League's penalty on Leeds, Bournemouth and Luton Town could start next season with a similar handicap after both recently failed to exit administration via a CVA. Leeds are sixth in League One, occupying the final play-offs position. The hearing will last three days but the verdict may not be announced until after the Millwall match - the far side of this weekend. East Stand open for Gills. The last league match of the season at home to Gillingham will see the East Stand open as demand is extremely heavy. Up to 35,000 are expected to attend including some Louth Branch members.
Tues April 15th. Huddersfield Town 1-0 Leeds United. Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Kenton, Kilkenny (Carole 84), Douglas, Howson (Hughes 75), Johnson (Prutton 72), Kandol, Freedman. Subs: , Hughes, Lucas, Elding, This was a pathetic performance by Leeds United after some serious character against Carlsile United the previous Saturday. Douglas was sent off just after the half hour mark and Worthington joined him for the Terriers just before half time. It was the first win for Huddsfield since they sacked Andy Ritchie. Leeds were the second best side throughout. A draw would have been an injustice although Freedman missed a great chance in injury time. Five points from our last three matches will see us in the Play-Offs but we must show a better attitude than tonight. Sat April 12th. Leeds United 3-2 Carlisle Unted. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Kenton, Kilkenny (Prutton 80), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Hughes 87), Freedman, Beckford (Kandol 51). April 12th. Leeds United will begin their attempt to have a 15-point deduction overturned next Wednesday. An independent tribunal will meet to decide if the Football League were right to deduct the points following the Elland Road club's relegation to League One. Chairman Ken Bates, writing in Saturday's programme for the match against second-placed Carlisle, stated that Leeds have been "deluged with paperwork from the Football league's solicitors" and accused them of "trying to muddy the waters in the hope that the real issues are obscured." April 9th. Leeds have allowed Matt Heath to remain on with Colchester for the remainder of the season (with a 24 recall clause) but Leo Constantine comes back from Oldham after his loan spell and may yet have a story to tell. Also, and more importantly, Neil Warnock has given permission for Dougie Freedman to remain at Leeds for the Play-Offs. Nice one Neil ! April 8th. Leeds announced that 25,506 fans are guaranteed their ticket for the Play-Off final should Leeds proceed to Wembley in May for the Play-Offs. This starts off with season ticket holders and Members card holders up to and including March 31st 2008. This is all hypothetical stuff but should Leeds get to this illustrious position we will be issuing our own specifications for ticket applicants because there are never enough tickets to go around in these circumstances. Undoubtedly contribution to the Louth Branch of the LUSC over the years will be high up the list, as well as matches attended etc etc. Inevitably those who do little for our club are the first to look for tickets. Don't bother. April 8th. Rui Marques agent has been busy touting the player around and the club and player have suspended negotiations until the summer. April 5th. Leyton Orient 0-2 Leeds United. Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Kilkenny, (Hughes 78), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Prutton 73), Beckford (Kandol 65), Freedman. Subs : Lucas and Elding Att: 7602 (2,735) April 4th. Gary McAllister insists managing Leeds United remains "one of the top 10 jobs in the country" after signing a new deal with the Elland Road club. The Scot, who succeeded Dennis Wise in late January, has agreed a 12-month rolling contract to replace the existing agreement that was due to run out at the end of the season. Matches that will affect us : Weds April 2nd. 2008. Gary McAllister may have to do without goalscoring hero Alan Sheehan and goalkeeper Casper Ankergren courtesy of FA suspensions. Having April 1st Doncaster 0-1 Leeds. Ankergren, Michalik, Sheehan, Richardson, Huntington, Johnson (Hughes 74), Howson, Douglas, Kilkenny, Beckford, Freedman, Lucas, Carole, Elding, Carole. Att : 15,001 (3,094 Leeds). Nine of the Louth branch travelled to Donny on Friday last night and scouted out their 1-0 win against Notts Forest. We were impressed, but not as impressed as we were with the Tues April 1st. Retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton was today being touted as the man with the task of chairing Leeds United's independent arbitration against the Football League. Otton is reported to have been chosen as the head of a three-man panel which will rule on the validity of United's pre-season 15-point deduction during the week commencing April 14. Otton, who retired from the Court of Appeal in 2001, has considerable experience of football arbitration matters, and chaired the hearing into the dispute over West Ham United's signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Sat March 29th. 2008. Leeds 0-0 Brighton Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny (Kandol 76), Johnson (Douglas 58), Freedman (Elding 85), Beckford. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Booked: Sheehan, Douglas. Att: 22,575
Mon March 24th. It's been a decent Easter for us. No teams now have games in How the next set of fixtures affect us : We've been down this road before, as we looked last season at how we are were definitely going to stay up, so I am not going to put a hex on us. Work it out for yourselves where points will be won and lost in the run in. Friday, 28 March 2008 Doncaster v Nottm Forest, 19:45 Tranmere v Swindon, 19:45 Saturday, 29 March 2008 Gillingham v Carlisle, 15:00 Leeds v Brighton, 15:00 Southend v Walsall, 15:00Tuesday, 01 April 2008 Carlisle v Nottm Forest, 19:45 Doncaster v Leeds, 19:45 Saturday, 05 April 2008 Carlisle v Yeovil, 15:00 Crewe v Southend, 15:00 Huddersfield v Doncaster, 15:00 Leyton Orient v Leeds, 15:00 Nottm Forest v Cheltenham, 15:00 Swansea v Bournemouth, 15:00 Walsall v Tranmere, 15:00Tuesday, 08 April 2008 Carlisle v Swansea, 19:45 Nottm Forest v Bristol Rovers, 19:45 Southend v Brighton, 19:45Friday, 11 April 2008 Doncaster v Swindon, 19:45Saturday, 12 April 2008 Cheltenham v Walsall, 15:00 Leeds v Carlisle, 15:00 15:00 Southend v Northampton, 15:00 Tranmere v Nottm Forest, 15:00 Yeovil v Crewe, 15:00Tuesday, 15 April 2008 Huddersfield v Leeds, 19:45 Walsall v Bristol Rovers, 19:45Saturday, 19 April 2008 Brighton v Hartlepool, 15:00Carlisle v Southend, 15:00 Huddersfield v Tranmere, 15:00 Leyton Orient v Doncaster, 15:00 Millwall v Leeds, 15:00 Nottm Forest v Luton, 15:00 Swansea v Yeovil, 15:00Walsall v Bournemouth, 15:00Saturday, 26 April 2008 Bristol Rovers v Brighton, 15:00 Doncaster v Luton, 15:00 Hartlepool v Nottm Forest, 15:00 Huddersfield v Walsall, 15:00 Tranmere v Southend, 15:00 Yeovil v Leeds, 15:00 Yorkshire Evening Post compares McAllister's management style with Wise's. DENNIS Wise's answer to criticism of Leeds United's performances was always the same. What logic, he would ask, could there possibly be in altering the approach of a team which was already adept at pulling in results. His dogmatic attitude to tactics this season was beyond reproach until January, and when it finally came into question Wise downed tools and left Elland Road. Gary McAllister might think of himself as a more cerebral student of football than his predecessor, but the lessons of Wise's incumbency still offer a valuable insight into how best to uncover United's potential.The squad at Leeds was, and is, at its most effective when playing to its strengths, a statement which is not quite as obvious as it sounds. March 23rd. Leeds 2-0 Walsall. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson (Douglas 82), Freedman (Kandol 90), Beckford.Subs Not Used: Lucas, Richardson, Elding. Booked: Prutton. Goals: Beckford 29, 80. Att: 19,095. We criticize when we have to. We compliment when we need to. I thought the live Sky performance against Walsall was exemplary. It's hard to single out a Leeds player that didn't play well. The keeper can be faulted for his kick outs. At the back we looked solid, although Michalik needs to work on getting distance on his secondary headers. In midfield, Kilkenny ran the show, and his pass for the first goal was superb. Johnson is getting better by the game and nearly scored ala Gary Speed with a thunderous header that was cleared off the line From up the saddlers.com unofficial website : "It’s not often the Saddlers are on the TV, which is just as well - because with one or two exception Thurs March 20th. Dougie to revitalise Leeds ? Many people suggest the time of Leeds demise this season coincided with Gus Poyet's untimely departure to Chelsea. Poyet left Leeds on the 29th October. Since then, they have played 27 games, of which they have won 9, drawn 8 and lost 10, the equivalent of 35 points from a possible 81.Whilst that in effect was of no benefit to Leeds United, there is evidence to suggest that teams had "kopped" on with the Wise/Poyet tactics of getting the ball forward to the front two as soon as possible. Kandol and Beckford enjoyed a purple patch for the first fifteen games, but it was inevitable that the former(Kandol) would hit hard times. His goal scoring record of one goal in eighteen games the previous season backs this up. Flo was brought in and Wise panicked with poor signing such as Sweeney and others who instead of waiting for their chance in the reserves were drafted in immediately. Our lack of width has been obvious from the word go, but with long ball tactics you don't need width. Doncaster and Oldham (all during Wise's time) came to Leeds and left their defenders deep and played through Leeds. Both won easily. The wheels had already fallen off long before Wise left. In his final three games in charge Leeds took just one point. I contend that arguably Leeds would struggle without the following three players : Marques, Beckford and Douglas. It was proven with Marques during his sabbatical at the African Nations cup. Douglas, though in my opinion has been the one player who shores up defence and combines midfield with attack with that enormous engine of his. From his departure injured (in the final moments of the match at Walsall )back in December 15th, Leeds have won just five matches out of seventeen (losing six) and drawing six. His performance in the match before his injury was superb, scoring the first in our 4-0 hammering of Huddersfield Town. He is the player we can't do without and hopefully he will make his come back against Brighton when 22 members of the Louth Branch will be in attendance. The 26-year-old completed 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday after a three-month injury lay-off. "My aim is to play a few games between now and the end of the season. I played 90 minutes on Tuesday and 70 last week so I hope to keep my fitness up and see what happens." Douglas' 90 minute run-out in Leeds reserves' 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday was his first competitive action since sustaining a knee injury against Walsall in December. "In the first half I was a bit tender, but once I got into it, I got stronger in the second half," he said. "I'm just glad to be back playing - no-one likes being out, and three months is a long time. "I've been working hard with the physios and I'd like to give thanks to them. "It's hard when you are out and the days are long." Even if Douglas is fit enough for selection for the return with Walsall at Elland Road on Saturday, he admits that he is not guaranteed his place back."Saturday might be too soon," he said. "But I'd like to get back in and around the squad. "David Prutton and Jonny Howson have probably been our best two players over the past few months, and I'll have to work my way back in." With Douglas back in action and the free scoring Dougie Freedman in form Leeds can go to the next level. All we have to do is get our defence sorted out - including our goalkeeper. Mon March 17th. Leeds fans are in uproar with the club's decision not to renew their contract with BBC Radio Leeds for rights to broadcast matches live. The decision basically means from next season supporters will be unable to hear full live commentary of Leeds United matches on FM or AM wavelength. Yorkshire Radio will have exclusive rights in covering live games from next season but the station is only available on DAB. Fans will not be able to hear full commentary of Leeds games on equipment like normal car radios, mobile phones with FM transmitters and standard radios with just FM and AM frequencies. BBC Radio Leeds has covered the Whites' games home and away for 40 years. The station will now instead bring reports on the matches. BBC Radio Leeds will continue to provide exclusive FM commentary of Leeds United games for the reminder of the current season with Adam Pope and Eddie Gray at the helm. But from next season the station will bring reports on matches and will continue to provide the latest impartial news from Elland Road. After BBC Radio Leeds asked Leeds United to explain their decision, the club have said they will discuss it in due course. It's another Bates decision for his Yorkshire radio station and will further alienate him from every right thinking Leeds fan in the country. Sat March 15th. Port Vale 3-3 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Hughes, Johnson (Kandol 78), Howson, Kilkenny (Carole 69), Prutton, Beckford, Freedman. Subs Not Used: Richardson, Lucas, Elding. Booked: Kilkenny, Hughes, Kenton. Goals: Marques 39, Freedman 41, 86. Att: Thurs March 14th. Matt Heath has expressed his delight at securing a loan move to Colchester United after admitting he did not expect to force his way back into Gary McAllister's regime at Leeds United. The 26-year-old defender, above, has existed on the periphery of McAllister's squad at Elland Road for the past month, and he left Elland Road to join Colchester on loan until April 12 yesterday. Heath was named in the starting line-up for McAllister's first game as United's manager against Tranmere Rovers on February 2, but he has not featured since and is one of five senior players who have departed Leeds on loan in recent weeks. Weds March 13h. Tore Andre Flo called a halt to his footballing career. Gary McAllister added: "He's been a fantastic player who has played at the very highest level. He's won championships and European cups, and I've so much admiration for the guy." Flo himself said: "I loved my time at Leeds and I just wish I could have been a lot more free of injury. I'd like to thank everyone in and around Leeds for their support. It was great to be a part of the club, and I'm very happy to have played for Leeds United." Tues March 12th. Leeds 1-2 Cheltenham.Leeds United: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Richardson (Hughes), Kilkenny, Prutton, Howson (Freedman) Johnson, Kandol (Elding), Beckford. Subs: Lucas, Huntington, Att 20,257 This was a disgraceful result. We had chances but didn't take them and let one of the worst sides in the division take six points from us in both fixtures. Only bright spot was Elding scoring his goal in front of the Kop. The Kop singled out Kandol for special abuse but if he's not up to it he shouldn't be playing. McAllister said: "We lacked touch and guile in the final third of the pitch. That was our downfall. "We had lots of possession, but Cheltenham got men behind the ball and we found it hard to break them down. "I felt the only way they were likely to score was from a mistake and that's what happened, though their second was a wonder strike. "It's important that we stick together because there are a lot of points left to play for, but this was a night of frustration for us." One consolation for Leeds were the points dropped by Southend, Forest and Walsall so despite the defeat, Leeds will start Saturday's match at Port Vale in seventh in the League One table, but level on 53 points with Oldham, Tranmere and Leyton Orient. McAllister's comments about Leeds' cutting edge would suggest there'll be a place in the starting line-up for Dougie Freedman at Vale Park. Freedman, who arrived from Crystal Palace last week, stepped off the bench against Cheltenham. Sat March 9th. Leeds United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Richardson, Kilkenny (Freedman 69), Howson (Hughes 85), Prutton, Johnson, Beckford, Kandol (Elding 90). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Goals: Johnson 11, Kilkenny 63. Bradley Johnson and Friday March 7th. Leyton Orient have distanced themselves from comments made by their manager Martin Ling, who claimed the club could mount retaliatory legal action if Leeds United successfully overturn their 15-point deduction. United are finalising their preparations for independent arbitration against the Football League after a six-month fight to revoke the 15-point penalty imposed on them in August. Ling said: "My big gripe with any change now is that we've been involved in a race all season in which Leeds have been 15 points behind us all. Indeed, we've factored that into all our plans and I'm sure punters have factored it into their bets for the season. "For it to change now would put clubs around them at a huge disadvantage and you can rest assured that if we finished sixth and lost the final play-off spot to Leeds on a courtroom appeal, we'd be straight back in court and the whole episode would drag on and on." But an Orient spokesman attempted to diffuse the controversy, saying: "The quotes have come from a personal column he writes for a newspaper. It is therefore his opinion, rather than that of the club."
4th and 5th of March. Leeds United midfielders Andy Hughes and Jonathan Douglas Arbitration. Leeds United's independent arbitration against the Football League will be heard during the week commencing April 14. United and the Football League have agreed to stage the review of the club's 15-point penalty next month, less than three weeks before the end of the League One season. Eagles legend in move U-turn. Dougie Freedman is on the verge of joining Leeds Weston heads to Scunny. Scunthorpe United have signed Le Westy heads South. Brighton have completed the signing of Sat March 1st. Swindon Town 0-1 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Michalik, Kenton, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny (Thompson 78), Johnson, Kandol, Beckford. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Carole, Elding, Sheehan. Booked: Beckford. Goals: Kandol 25. Att: 13,270 Thurs Feb 28th. Leeds United boss Gary McAllister is preparing to make a move for Crystal Palace forward Dougie Freedman. McAllister is hoping to see movement into Elland Road before Saturday's trip to Swindon Town. Palace boss Neil Warnock is deciding whether to sanction the release of a player who is far from the centre of his plans at Selhurst Park, and he was expected to discuss the move with Freedman today. The 33-year-old striker is also Palace's reserve coach, but it is understood that he would be willing to vacate the position if a suitable move presents itself. Leeds United today completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran – as Ben Parker left Elland Road for Darlington. O'Halloran has joined Leeds on a month's loan from Villa Park and he is expected to step into Gary McAllister's squad for Saturday's trip to Swindon Town after arriving at Thorp Arch this morning. The 20-year-old centre-back has been capped twice by the Republic of Ireland – both caps earned while United's assistant boss Steve Staunton was in charge of Eire's national side – and he made one appearance while on loan at Southampton earlier this season. O'Halloran has failed to break into Villa's first team but is highly regarded by manager Martin O'Neill, and the Premiership club have allowed him to move to Leeds on an initial deal until March 29. Parker, meanwhile, has departed Elland Road to join Darlington on a month's loan after losing his place in United's line-up to Alan Sheehan. Parker made five successive starts for Leeds in the lead-up to Gary McAllister's appointment as manager on January 29, but Sheehan was signed on loan from Leicester City by McAllister on the final day of the January transfer window and has retained the left-back slot in the four matches since. McAllister named Parker in the line-up for yesterday's reserve game against Scunthorpe United at Elland Road, but the defender was withdrawn from the team at late notice and was seen leaving the stadium shortly before the scheduled 2pm kick-off. Leeds finalised his switch to Darlington this morning, and the transfer has seen him join a club who are competing for automatic promotion from League Two under Dave Penney. Parker has completed one previous loan spell away from Elland Road, joining Bradford City's squad for the whole of the 2006-07 season. He made 41 appearance for the Valley Parade club and had planned to reach 20 outings for Leeds this term, but he is five short of that tally having dropped out of United's starting side after their 1-0 defeat at Southend United last month. Speaking earlier in the season, Parker said: "A good season for me would be to break into the first team and play 20 or maybe 25 games. That's what I'm looking to do. "This is a massive season for me. I've had a few look-ins here and there, but when I get my opportunity I'm going to look to cement my place." McAllister is likely to see the opportunity in Darlington as a chance for Parker to gain additional experience, and the full-back has not been included in any of the four match-day squads named by United's manager so far. Parker is widely considered to be one of the club's most promising youngsters and he was handed an extended two-year contract in October, one of four academy products to agree new deals on the same day. Personally, I am hugely disappointed that Parker was allowed leave. He has been one of the bright sparks this season and is twice the full back that Sheehan is. Weds Feb 27th. 2008. Leeds United's battle to have their 15-point penalty overturned could rest with an arbitration panel. The Football League made the offer to Leeds on Tuesday, the same day as their deadline to respond to United's High Court writ. United chairman Ken Bates told BBC Radio Leeds: "We now need to consult with our QC. "We want this in open tribunal. We want the public and press to be able to hear the evidence from both sides." Leeds were docked points for breaching the Football League's rules on insolvency. The club served a writ against the League in response and hope to have a decision before the end of the season on 3 May. Should the matter go to arbitration, it would be heard by a three-man panel consisting of a neutral Court of Appeal judge and a representative each from United and the League. Bates said: "The suggestion of a judge of the Appeal Court is encouraging. "To quote their (the Football League's) lawyers, 'impartiality and independence will be guaranteed and the competence of the tribunal will be par excellence.' That's all we've ever asked for." Bates also confirmed that if the club went to arbitration, then it would accept the final decision. "We've always said that - there's no problem with it," he added. "In fact they ought to change the League rules and adopt the ones of the Premier League so it (arbitration) automatically happens. Then this nonsense that's been running for the last six months would never have happened. "The only outstanding issue is openness. We want this thing to be heard in public and there's no valid reason why it shouldn't be. "I'm surprised it's taken so long. This is what we've been trying to get resolved since September. "For the last six months it's been batted backwards and forwards between the Football League and the FA, both of whom said we didn't have a case to answer. "Finally, when we've issued the writ against the Football League, their lawyers have now come up - at the last minute I may add - with an offer of arbitration." Sat Feb 24th. Leeds 1-1 Crewe Alex. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Kenton (Carole 52), Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Sweeney (Johnson 66), Flo (Elding 66), Kandol. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Booked: Michalik. Goals: Kandol 86. Tresor Kandol's first goal since November earned Leeds a point but they remain winless under Gary McAllister. Nicky Maynard's 47th-minute goal threatened to give Crewe victory until Kandol's 86th minute header. Midfielder Gary Roberts released Maynard and defender Rui Marques was too late to prevent a 12-yard shot. Leeds came out of the blocks flying, and created a number of chances in the first ten minutes. None were converted as Leeds missed the league's top scorer, Jermaine Beckford. Terry McQuaid and John Freeman represented the Louth Branch. In Terry's word s: "All Leeds were short of was a mask, it was daylight robbery". Crewe played us off the park in the second half and United were extremely fortunate to earn a draw. This was against a side in the relegation sector - 4th from last. What has gone wrong int he last couple of months ? Lack of confidence is a huge factor. In the midfield Jon Douglas' absence has coincided with our massive slip down to 9th place and five points outside the Play-Offs. Sheehan and Sweeney are clearly not good enough. Ben Parker is our best left full and should be playing. Sweeney is LOI first division standard. Tore Andre Flo can't lead the line with his age and injuries have caught up with him at last. He certainly is not the partner for Kandol. Thompson has finished his loan spell with H'pool and shouldn't have left in the first place. Kilkenny is a big loss also in the middle of the park. But the key is Beckford. His pace unsettles defences and Leeds need to wrap him up in cotton wool if we are to make the Play-Offs. Doncaster, Oldham, Tranmere and Crewe have all played Leeds off the park in recent weeks. McAllister has his work cut out right now. McAllister said: "We're not going to hide behind the fact that we did get a late equaliser and take pats on the back for that. It wasn't enough. We've made it clear to the guys that when teams in the lower half of the division come here, they'll most definitely raise their game. We didn't raise our game enough. As a group of guys in that changing room, we know we've got to be a lot better than that." Sun Feb 18th. 2008. Another drop in place. Sat Feb 16th. 2008. Game off Blackwell back Tues Feb 12th. 2008. Leeds N Forest. 29, 552. Ankregren, Kenton, Marques, Two massive clubs in the third tier. Leeds needed a win but didn't get it. Forest had the better chances but Leeds had most of the play. Forest took the lead but Leeds who were denied three penalties eventually got their just desserts with a spot kick in the Mon Feb 11th. Leeds United have signed a four-year kit deal with Italian sportswear manufacturers Macron. The agreement, which begins at the start of next season, will replace the current deal with Admiral. Macron are already responsible for supplying Sat Feb 9th. 2008. Northampton 1-1 Leeds. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton (Flo 80), Howson, Hughes, Johnson (Sweeney 71), Beckford, Kandol. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Heath, Elding. Booked: Beckford, Kenton. Goals: Howson 38. Att: 7,260 Substitute Adebayo Akinfen Thurs Feb 7th. 2008. In comes McDonald and back will come Thompson. Leeds
Sun Feb 3rd. Where are we ? From the current form guide we are in 16th position from Sun Feb 3rd, The Northampton view. (Taken from Northampton Chronicle and Echo). After blowing all opposition out of the water (a lot of that down to strength of purpose fuelled by feelings of injustice) in the first few months of the season, reality has set in. Nobody in League One is scared to play Leeds any more and teams such as Doncaster and Tranmere go to Elland Road confident of getting a result. And they do. Leeds weren't the same once Gus Poyet left for Tottenham. Dennis Wise probably got out at a good time. His reputation as a manager was still intact and nobody had the chance to judge him on his transfer-window signings. Now the bubble has burst, it could be difficult for Leeds to even claim a play-off spot. When you're on a roll, up or down, it can be hard to put the brake on. New manager Gary McAllister is a good bloke, and good luck to him. But Northampton Town have no reason to be fearful of Leeds next weekend. And, for that matter, few others in the division do either. Defeat at Sixfields would be a big nail in the coffin of Leeds' play-off hopes, let alone automatic promotion. It may well be that Leeds have blown it. Sat Feb 2nd. 2007. Leeds United 0-2 Tranmere Rvs.Leeds: Lucas, Kenton (Carole 54), Heath, Michalik, Sheehan (Huntington 74), Prutton, Howson, Hughes, Johnson, Beckford, Elding (Flo 58). Subs Not Used: Martin, Sweeney. Goals: Myrie-Williams 61, Moore 69. Att: 24,907 The return of the Mac didn't bring the lift and badly needed three points we so desperately craved. The side from the Friday Feb 1st. Ronnie Moore previews Tranmere Rvs v Leeds. Ronnie Moore fears Tranmere Rovers are visiting Elland Road at the worst possible time following Friday Feb 1st 2008. Eddie Gray on new boss. Eddie Gray, McAllister's long-time friend, says his fellow Scot would be the first to admit that he will earn his money over the course of his initial, short-term contract at Elland Road. "It's a great appointment, for the club and the fans," said Gray. "It's also a great opportunity for Gary, who's a smashing guy. He seems to have jumped at the chance but he won't be under any illusions about the situation. He said when he took over that it's rare for managers to take on a winning team, and he's right about that. The results haven't been there for Leeds recently and he'll want to change that very quickly. There's no way that he'll be walking into Elland Road thinking that the job's been done for him already. The great thing about Gary is that he'll be prepared to change the way that the squad play, and to change things within the club. A few managers might have come to Leeds and left things as they are because the season's gone well so far, but I don't think that's Gary's style. He'll be his own man. People expect him to get the players passing the ball, but the point worth making is that he'll want the passing to be purposeful. It won't be tippy-tappy football. There's nothing wrong with direct tactics if you're talking about a long pass that finds the right player and opens up a defence. It's not so much about playing a certain way but about playing with purpose, and you'll see that with Gary's team. Friday Feb 1st 2008. Return of the Mac. Gary McAllister has challenged his | ||||
0 down at half time. The second half saw Carlisle again start the stronger and they doubled their lead when Marc Bridge-Wilkinson slotted home early in the second half. Leeds huffed and puffed and showed little invention as Johnson was uncomfortable at left back, Kilkenny was uncomfortable on the left wing and Douglas and Howson were not having a good night in the middle. The crowd were unhappy when top scorer was replaced by Kandol who seemed to come deeper and deeper for the ball and Prutton was replaced by Carole. Westwood was finally beaten in the 96th minute when a long-diagonal free-kick deep fell to Freedman and the Leeds forward put a close-range shot through the keeper's legs. It was no more 
than Leeds deserved as the Cumbrians continued to waste time at every possibility. A big goal by a big player means that we are still in it at half time in the 180 minute encounter. Don’t book your planes to London just yet, but maybe just maybe Leeds will show another twist in this tale. I thought McAllister and Staunton got it wrong tonight in their selections and substitutions. We had too many square pegs in round holes. Play Kenton or Hughes at left back and leave Bradley Johnson out wide on the left were he feels more natural attacking defenders. Play a disappointing Howson and a disappointing Douglas in the middle again at Carlisle with Prutton on the right but leave Beckford and Freedman up front with the midfield players getting forward more to support them .If we chase the game and need Kandol, then leave the front two on but Freedman in the hole behind. Too much tonight Kandol tried to play that role. He's definitely no Zico but when he got in the box his nuisance lead to the goal. It's not over year but a lot of Leeds players owe us a better performance and the keeper can't have another night like tonight can he ?
Leeds United and Carlisle United at Elland Road. I was set to start to draw parallels between us being 2-0 up after the away leg at Yeovil last season, and of course ultimately failing dismally, which would have offered Leeds some solace for their trip to Bruton Park. However, a goal in the sixth minute of added time (only four were added, mind!) by Dougie Freedman perhaps gives Leeds renewed hope.Westwood in the Carlisle goal was undoubtedly man of the match, he kept out a plethora of Leeds chances which would have put the game well beyond doubt despite goals from Danny Graham and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson that looked to be giving the Cumbrians a surprising 2-0 lead to take back with them to the north. A surprising turn of form for them given their remarkable collapse in the final stages of the regular league season (much to our benefit!).Following on from the somewhat disappointing first semi-final between Southend and Doncaster, it’s been good to see some decent end-to-end football; controversy wasn’t far away - not least with the amount of time allowed at the end of the game - it leaves a tantalising fixture for the return game, Carlisle won’t feel comfortable to sit on their lead, and of course Leeds will need to attack to overturn the existing deficit. After both first legs it remains in the balance which sides will be battling out for the final promotion spot at Wembley.I can only reiterate what a relief it is to watch the playoffs as pretty much a neutral; whilst many folk I know are clamouring to see Leeds lose, I find myself just out for seeing a decent game of football to be honest - and tonight that’s certainly what I’ve seen - and I’m hoping for more in the next leg
number of goals from our own Jermaine Beckford (on loan but not recalled by Wise) came top by six points. Their stay in the Championship was short as they were relegated this season, finishing in 23rd position. Bristol City added just three players to their squad, finished six points behind Scunthorpe last season in League One and are now in the Play-Offs with a chance of promotion to the elite Premiership. They finished just five points behind Stoke City. Blackpool finished 3rd and went up in the Play-Offs with a victory at Wembley over Yeovil Town. They remain in the Championship. 
ed the following season with Leeds United from the Championship. Colchester survived an extra year before they were relegated this season. Fifth placed Barnsley almost reached the FA Cup final this season and won the Play-Offs at Cardiff from an identical 5th place finish to Leeds United.
lish football after falling to the same administrational fate as Leeds United. Hull City who struggled with Leeds last season to remain in the Championship now find themselves in the Play-Offs fighting for Premiership promotion. Sheffield Wednesday were promoted via the Play-Offs after finishing fifth in the Play-Offs (dejavu again). They stayed in the Championship on the last day courtesy of a 4-1 win over Norwich City. 
stance since their automatic promotion with limited resources, I may add. QPR have gone through financial turmoil and have at last found themselves a huge investor for an excellent club. Nomads, Brighton came up via the Play-Offs having finished fourth and it is good to see that they will finally have their own ground in a couple of seasons after years on the road. They fell back down to the third tier but narrowly missed out this season to a side called Leeds United for a place in the Play-Offs. I wonder what will happen to them.
r Richard Cresswell move to the Britannia Stadium last summer. Leeds chairman Ken Bates told Yorkshire Radio: "I'm pleased for Stoke and I wish them well. "When they took Richard Cresswell we were on a bonus if they got promotion, so we're delighted." Cresswell scored ten league goals for Stoke City mostly from the left wing position, and dennis wise didn't rate him for Leeds. Says it all really. Danny Pugh and Dominic Matteo (injured since November) were two other Leeds players in the successful Stoke City squad.
January to mid February. Our last eight matches has seen title clinching form with six wins, one draw and one defeat. McAlliser has them playing decent football with Dougie Freedman the talisman. He creates and scores and with the imminent return of Beckford, this striking partnership could cement our place back in the Championship. Leeds have been mean at the back also, conceding just four goals at the back in the last nine matches. Huntington (apart from his mistake against Gillingham) and Michallik have formed a good central defensive partnership. In the middle of the park, Jonny Hoswon is the form player in this division. Leeds have won 15 matches at home and 13 on the road. They are a match for anyone. Had it not been for the 15 point penalty, Leeds would have clinched automatic promotion with a fabulous 91 points. That would have left us nine points clear of Notts Forest in second. Carlisle are probably the side they would have chosen to play in the Play-Offs had they a choice. The Cumbrians would no doubt have the opposite view. The first match takes place on Monday, May 12th at Elland Road with the return leg at Brunton Park on Thursday, 15th of May. The Play-Off final is in Wembley on Sunday, May 25th. I expect Leeds to be there.
be at Wembley on May 25th. It's a
credit to the players and staff at Leeds United, not to mention the long suffering fans. Once again we did it the hard way with Alan Sheehan receiving a straight red card after 64 minutes. Despite having to defend a few corners after that, Leeds actually finished the stronger. Freedman after four minutes put Leeds ahead in Somerset, and Yeovil had their biggest ever crowd at their stadium beating even the attendance for their home cup tie v Liverpool a few seasons ago. If we get all fifteen points back, we would actually be two points ahead of Swansea (with one game extra played). If we don't let's go on to finish strong against Gillingham and prepare for the Play-Offs. Sheehan will be suspended for the Play-Off Semi finals (both legs) unless his red card is over turned, In fairness it should because although it was two footed he got the ball first by some distance
n about the injustice of Leeds appeal pursuits, United just concentrated on their football and took three precious points from the Lion's Den. In truth Leeds were battered, especially in the second half when attack after attack was repelled. Leeds are made of stronger stuff these days. None of the aforementioned sides won this weekend, and it does seem incredible to me the lack of knowledge emanating from some of these football people, who clearly don't understand what Leeds case is about. Sheehan was recalled to left full after his two match suspension, and Leeds were better balanced, although in the middle for long periods we looked out of sorts. Our best two players were 
Huntington, who is growing in stature and captain for the day, Johnny Howson who gets better with every game. A super strike from outside the box by Prutton gave us the lead and the winner from Andy Hughes resulted from a super move by Leeds on the counter attack as Millwall poured forward. A victory at Yeovil Town next Friday would guarantee United's inclusion, but McAllister said: "I'm reluctant to say there's a sense of relief. We can't have a big sigh until we achieve what we're trying to do. "It's still in our hands and that's the thing we wanted most – to define what our destiny is going to be. One more win and we're in. "We've got to hold our hands up and say we rode our luck and that Millwall did well, but we take the slice of luck and move on to the next game."
half saw the visitors in front through former Aberdeen player, Scott Dobie. A different Leeds side entered the fray for the second period. The higher tempo suited Leeds United as Howson and Douglas started to get on the ball and the influence of the sublime Dougie Freedman became obvious for all to see, including our own Terry McQuaid. The injured Beckford was replaced by Kandol who quicky got involved in everything, with his obvious height an 
advantage. He could have had three goals as he missed some easy chances. As it turned out Freedman equalised on 50 minutes sending the Leeds fans into raptures. They were even happier nine minutes later when Howson converted from Kandol's miss. Ankergren (the one weak player in our team who may yest cost us promotion) missed a c
orner cross and Danny Graham (who was on loan with Leeds last season) scored to make it two- two. From then on it was really all Leeds and no surprise when Freedman scored his second and Leeds winner with twenty one minutes to go. We could have added to it but didn't. We have now defeated at least once all the teams above us and the momentum is still going. Brilliant ! 
Road and put the Whites back in the Play-Off positions. Once again Leeds were a huge draw (with 2,735 officially Leeds fans and no doubt countless more inside also) and due to crowd congestion the match was delayed 15 minutes. Paul Huntington scored after a flick on from a Bradley Johson free kick on sixteen minutes. The big Geordie is really in form and will be hard to dispossess of that shirt for the next match. Hoswon and Douglas were superb in midfield with the former proving what a huge player he is going to be for Leeds. He 
had a couple of super efforts but couldn't score. Beckford at last got a goal from play five minutes after the restart. He became the first Leeds player to hit 20 goals in a season since Mark Viduka in 2003. He limped off after 65 minutes not before Kilkenny blocked Freedman's effort on the Orient goal line. It was a an assured performance from Leeds again but once again Howson stood out. He's been in the starting line up for every one of McAllister's line ups, something which Wise didn't give him and he's looking like a quality player. Elsehwere Brighton lost at home to P Vale, Tranmere lost at Walsall, Donny drew at Huddfield and Carlsile won 2-1 at home to Yeovil.
Gary Mac : "I will certainly enjoy my weekend. But for their keeper's saves it could have been anything, Today we had some really solid performances. I have to say again the supporters are a great help for us again. They filled the ground. The lads kept passing and moving and we deserved to go ahead. The second goal knocked the stuffing out if them a wee bit. Paul Huntington got a knock on the eye, a real centre back's black eye.m He's no longer a pretty boy. I'm getting to know the players. They are getting to know me. We look at each game knowing we can win it, looking to be offensive. The players know I'm staying and it's up to them to show me that they want to be here for the future. We look forward to Carlisle and we know we can beat them".
Leeds have lost just twice in 11 games under McAllister and sit one place outside the play-off places following Tuesday night's win at Doncaster Rovers. The United manager said: "This is one of the top 10 jobs in the country, even though we are in the third tier. You can't get away from that. "It is a fantastic honour to now be manager for an extended period. "When I arrived, the job was a three-and-a-half month contract and the brief was simple – get us moving forward and get us out of this league. We are nudging closer. It took me about two seconds to say 'yes' (to the offer). The negotiations were very simple. I want to bring success to the club. It has been a rough ride for Leeds United and the club has been through a lot. But I believe Leeds United are on their way back. It is still going to be a long process but the worst has gone. It has bottomed out and we are ready to go again." McAllister has been joined by assistant Steve Staunton and first-team coach Neil McDonald in signing new rolling contracts and the United manager believes the increased stability can only help the club. prosper in the future. The Scot added: "There is some continuity for the players who know where they stand with regards to who the manager will be beyond this season. "The players are fully aware of what direction we are trying to take the club and where the emphasis needs to be. If I was a player, it would be give me peace of mind as to where I stood. It will not be a case of having to impress a new man at the start of pre-season." United chairman Ken Bates added: "We have been impressed with what Gary has done so far. So we decided it was fair to offer him a rolling contract to enable us to plan the future of Leeds United with confidence and security." With the security that comes with the new deal, McAllister now plans to relocate his young family to Yorkshire from the Midlands on a permanent basis. He added: "My kids are delighted. My eldest is a Yorkshireman because he was born when I played for Leeds. "It is important to commit to the club, I want the players and staff to be living in the area."
scored the winner against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, Sheehan picked up what was his 10th yellow card of the season, and will therefore now be suspended for two league matches. The defender, on loan to Leeds from Championship side Leicester City will be available for this weekends trip to the capital to face Leyton Orient, however will miss vital matches against Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town.
Whites of Yorkshire for grabbing three priceless points at the Keepmoat tonight. This was as good as any result we had during the early part of the season. Alan Sheehan can strike a free kick. We saw that on Saturday when he went close twice. Tonight he curled the winner into the top corner after just twenty minutes. It was a terrific reward for a young player who has worked hard to get his fitness back after a poor start in a Leeds shirt. The transformation and McAllister's courage in persevering with him must be
commended. We had to endure a lot of pressure from Donny. Howson and Douglas were immense in a Leeds side devoid of Marques , Kentton and Prutton (three of our strongest players). Paul Huntington had a superb game at the back. The second half saw more pressure from Donny, but Howson went close twice and Beckford had a couple of half chances. I have to say I am delighted with this win even though not predicting the order of the four points from the last two matches.One last piece of irony. Who is the April fool now ? Answers on a postcard to the Donny groundsman who had the game called off a month ago. 
the ball didn't cross the line. And Freedman went close again when he flicked Bradley Johnson's centre inches outside the far post. Leeds created numerous chances as Howson had a superb game in the middle of the park. Brighton never really created anything but that elsuive goal for Leeds proved evasive. Beckford shot over inside the box when unmarked. But Dougie Freedman, normally so assured 
when finishing, was put clean through. He could have gone down for a penalty put chose to remain standing and took one touch too much before the keeper smothered it. Brighton held out for the one point that their ambition soley demanded. Ankergren was the one player for Leeds who was poor. His kick outs were a disaster. In other matches Leeds will create less chances and win matches. Sadly this was on we should have won but didn't.
hand over us and in most cases it's the Whites with excess matches to play. This Bank Holiday, Carlisle United look good for second spot with a 2-0 win over Northampton, Doncaster can't buy a win currently and drew 1-1 with Oldham who really needed a win to kick on for the Play-Offs. Brighton got a decent draw at Notts Forest and they won't be easy for Leeds on Saturday, but we are starting to hit form and are getting our key players back. Tranmere Rvs have fallen out of the Play-Offs with a bad 1-2 loss at lowly Bournemouth, but in form Southend had a decent 1-0 win away to Swindon Town. Elsewhere Martin Ling who threatened to fight Leeds in court can forget about the Play-Offs if his side (L Orient) can't get points at Cheltenham. Walsall's last minute draw only saw them get a draw at home to lowly Crewe Alex. 
from a corner. Prutton worked hard, fired a couple of decent shots on goal from distance an played well. Howson worked hard up and down and made some great runs were a pass from Beckford wasn't returned. Beckford scored two goals and could have anther three, and Freedman gave a master class in how to play up front. If Beckford was a little more experienced and less selfish he would appreciate the man on loan from Palace evene more. Walsall have a decent record away from home, but despite Gary Birtles insisting Walsall were still in it. Leeds were by far the better side and 4-0 score line would have been more realistic. Mooney, when he shot over from eight yards was really the only chance they created. We have no game over Easter, but Brighton next week is another must win, and if we play like this, I think we can at last get a bit of momentum going in the run in. I like the way we are trying to get the ball down and play, ten million miles away from the Wise Leeds team. One overlooked plus point was the return of Jon Douglas, a massive player for us. Walsall manager Richard Money admits that his side were unable to open up Leeds despite some healthy play and that striker Jermaine Beckford was the uncontrollable difference.“It was always going to be a tough ask for us, but we gave it our best shot,” “There were periods where we played well but we just couldn't open them up in the way that we wanted to. The top and bottom of it is that we couldn't handle a very good player in Jermaine Beckford and he was the difference.” Gary McAllister : "We played well and derserved the three points. To do both makes for a decent Easter. Jermaine Beckford scored twice and there's no finer sight than seeing a young striker with confidence again. He looked a real threat. They only breached us once. After conceding three last week at Port Vale we defended well. We held a stronger line and the two centre backs headed away more than they have in the previous eight matches. I was delighted with the clean sheet. When we break the game down it was 
he most pleasing thing, but I'm delighted Jermaine is back on the score sheet. The cameras were here and we sent out a message on Saturday. Dougie Freedman was excellent along side a very sharp Beckford. After the last game here I was saying we needed to take more care in the final third, and we knew walsall would come and frustrate and put men behind the ball. But look at some of the positions our forwards got in. Their movement was terrific and I don't know any defence that would have coped. I was pleased for Alan Sheehan as well. It was clear that after a couple of games the jump of playing reserve team football to the first team here was big, but he's worked very, very hard, staying behind on an afternoon here and he played well on saturday. This is a crucial part of the season and I'm looking for characters and people who can cope. I'm backing my players - I think they've got it."
y far. Michalik has been a shadow of the player that was on loan last season, and letting Parker go to Darlington on loan was a disastrous decision. We are down to 10th and keep depending on other sides dropping points. one point out of two matches with Cheltenham and Port Vale is nothing short of a disgrace. I don't know what has gone wrong but we deserve better than this and when I say we I mean us long suffering fans. Can anyone work out why we called off the Huddersfield match when we are missing Kandol (who is playing shit), Michalik (who is also playing shit) and Sorsa (who can't get a game). Baffling decision ! McAllister said: "Some people might think we have dropped off again, but that wasn't the case and we still have everything to play for. "Of course we are disappointed not to win after scoring three goals away from home, but I couldn't fault the work-rate of the team and I'm confident we can push on. "I was looking for a reaction after losing to Cheltenham and I felt I got that. There were a lot of positives and there are still a lot of games to go." "I've got four experienced guys playing at the back in this match and they've got to defend better. To lose a goal right at the last kick of the game isn't good enough." McAllister was also incensed at the penalty decision that allowed Port Vale to pull the game back to 2-1 after Andrew Hughes was adjudged to have handled the ball. "I've looked back at it and the Port Vale players aren't asking for a penalty," added McAllister.You can tell from their reaction that it was not handball. "I didn't think we reacted well to the bad decision - for 10 or 15 minutes after that it was still affecting us, and you can't let that happen. "You've been dealt a bad blow but you get on with it, and we conceded another soft goal very close to it." The result saw Leeds slip to tenth in the League One table, two points outside the play-offs, and McAllister thought it was a missed opportunity. McAllister continued: "To come away from home and create a few chances as well as the three goals we scored - it's just hugely disappointing. "The facts are that if you come away from home and score three goals, you should be going home with the points." Leeds now face a run of five games against sides all vying for promotion. "We're going to have to stick together," added McAllister. "We really need to have the sort of mentality the club probably had at the start of the season when everyone was writing them off then. "People are maybe looking and saying 'their push is maybe fading a little bit', but I can assure we'll be working extremely hard to get ourselves back in there."
Neil Kilkenny scored their first goals for Leeds United to hand the club a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at Elland Road. Johnson took advantage of a defensive error in the 11th minute to open the scoring, and Kilkenny's 18-yard strike secured United's second straight league win with 63 minutes gone. Johnson was allowed to walk the ball into an empty net after Bournemouth goalkeeper David Forde and defender Neil 
Young collided with each other on the edge of the box, but the visitors should have restored parity before the break. Sam Vokes shot wide of an empty goal after a mistake from United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, and Max Gradel fired an effort harmlessly over the crossbar with only Ankergren to beat in the 31st minute. Vokes also missed two excellent chances after the interval, and his finishing was punished when Jonathan Ho
wson's pass to the edge of the box was stroked into the net by the on-running Kilkenny, settling the contest. The score lines was tough on the Cherries, who had their chances. Seventeen year old Vokes was the one player who came to Elland Road this season and made Rui Marques look very ordinary indeed. It's two wins from the last two for McAllister's side with none conceded. This is the platform to build on. Leeds are up to seventh. Next up it's Cheltenham on Tuesday followed by a trip to Port Vale on Saturday. Nothing short of six points from these two matches will suffice. McAllister said: "It was difficult for their keeper because he only joined Bournemouth late in the week. He had no time to develop communication with his back four and we took advantage. We have two strikers (Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol) who have proved they can score goals but it is important that goals should come from the midfield as well. Neil disguised his shot really well by giving their keeper the eye and wrong-footing him. I have admired Neil from his Birmingham days. He is a footballer who can get on the ball and make things happen. I've been watching Bradley and there are a lot of times during games, especially when he climbs above people, when he reminds me of Gary Speed. He is a central midfielder playing out wide but I feel he can score goals from out there. He is our most accomplished left-sided player. The beauty of it is that he is getting into the game and having a big influence. The glowing tribute wasn't lost on Johnson, who said: "To be compared with Gary Speed, who has played so many games in the Premiership, is flattering and I'll take it. "My goal was a bonus. I saw their keeper and a defender go for the ball and gambled on it dropping to me. We have put that bad run of a few weeks ago behind us and now our aim is to kick on and win every game."
have returned to training this week after injury. Captain Hughes, 30, has missed the last two games but is now in contention for Saturday's visit of Bournemouth. Republic of Ireland man Douglas, 26, has been out since December with a knee injury, but he is not ready to return to the first-team yet. Manager Gary McAllister told the club website: "They both enjoyed joining in and it's good having them involved. "Andrew has made a good recovery and it's been a case of holding him back a little, but Dougie is still a wee bit away yet. "They both bring experience and it's a good time to have players returning." McAllister has been busy trimming his squad this week - letting Ian Westlake, Curtis Weston and Leon Constantine out on loan. "They are guys who are on the edge between competitive games, and hopefully this will give them an opportunity to play," said McAllister. 
United on loan, the Advertiser can exclusively reveal. After last night's clash against Cardiff City, Freedman explained reasons behind why he at first snubbed a move to Elland Road. But the Advertiser has learned that Freedman's proposed switch to Gary McAllister's side is back on, just hours after it looked as if the deal was dead in the water. Warnock told the Advertiser: "I think Dougie has agreed to join Leeds."
efender Stephen O'Halloran says he is staying positive about his future after suffering a potentially serious knee injury. The 20-year-old's loan at Leeds was cut short after he damaged cruciate ligaments ahead of what would have been his debut last Saturday. "It's early days at the moment and I'm just trying to be positive,"I'll probably need an operation so we'll have to take it day-by-day."
with a raft of goals for Oldham Athletic - in spite of the possibility that his contribution at Boundary Park could threaten Leeds United's play-off prospects. Constantine has been sent to Oldham on a short-term loan, one of three senior players to leave Elland Road this week, and the striker hopes the transfer will breathe life into his injury-plagued career with Leeds.Constantine said: "I can't think about that. I've gone to Oldham to play games and to score goals, and it'll be better for me if I perform well while I'm there. "I hope I'm still in the manager's plans at Leeds, and that's what I've been told. But I do need games, and it probably makes sense for me to get them elsewhere until I'm fully fit. Leeds are in a good position in the league and the manager wants players who are 100 per cent sharp. By the time I come back, hopefully I will be."Oldham have got a chance of the play-offs and if I do well for them then it'll help their position, but I don't think that's something for Leeds to worry about. They've got a lot of games left and they know what they've got to do. They won't want to rely on another club's results."
Leeds midfielder Ian Westlake on loan until 5 April for Albion's hectic spell of nine league games in a month. The 24-year-old former Ipswich man has signed in time to face Gillingham at the Withdean on Tuesday. Manager Dean Wilkins said: "He is exactly the calibre of player we want to bring in to strengthen the squad." Westlake is not eligible to take on Leeds at Elland Road on 29 March under the terms of the loan deal.
At Swindon's last home game there was a crowd of 6,256 present to witness the visit of Walsall. More than double that turned up today to witness the visit of League One's biggest draw, Leeds United. Wiltshire has become a difficult place to visit. In January Swansea and Forest came looking for three points and only one point left Wiltshire in those two matches. Neither side demanded five digit numbers in attendance. Leeeds started well today even though they lost Stephen O'Halloran in the warm up through a knee injury. A super header by Kandol after 25 minutes was the only goal of the match, and how we needed that. It was pleasing for Kandol who knows that the possible arrival of Freedman is more of threat to him than Beckford. We came under a lot of pressure but still had our chances to score a second. Conditions were difficult with an horrendous wind blowing. Thompson came on for the influential Kilkenny with twelve minutes remaining. The win takes Leeds up one notch and just two points outside the Play-Offs. McAllister was naturally delighted with his first win : "When you come back into footb
all having been out for a while, there's nothing like winning a match. There's an old adage that I've used all the way through my career which is that 'the harder you work, the luckier you get', And these guys have been working really hard. They deserved a break It was an awkward one today and we did everything very well." Maurice Malpas was less impressed suggesting that his side were mugged. "It was disappointing in terms of the result but in terms of the performance I am delighted. I gave them a lot of criticism last week in terms of the result, and it was thoroughly deserved, but I will give them praise today because they deserve praise today.
before the game was due to be played. Leeds were unhappy that the part of the pitch that was unplayable was the only part that wasn't covered. It means that Beckford will be suspended for the visit of Brighton and maybe this is a blessing in disguise. It give McAllister more time to work with his squad and get his ideas across as we strive to change from long ball to footballing team. It's no secret that the sides that play football are all above us in this division.
last eight mins. Beckford scored his 17th of the season to give the Whites a badly needed lift. We needed the three but just got the one. Yet again the Louth Branch were represented. This time by the Toners from Bellurgan, Dundalk. We're now ten points behind second placed Doncaster Rovers and go there this Saturday without League One top scorer Jermaine Beckford. If we are serious about chasing an automatic promotion spot, we have to avenge our recent home defeat to Donny with a win. Right now most of would take the Play-Offs. Our own Pete Sebine said "we were a lot better against Forest with more pace and I was impressed with Pruttotn and Howson". 
kits to Swansea C ity and several clubs across Europe, and the Italian firm have described their deal with Leeds as "the flagship of our activity". Leeds have not confirmed the financial terms of the four-year deal, but it is understood the contract is the most valuable held by a club outside the Premier League. Chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "This is an exciting partnership for the club. The decision to work with Macron in preference to other international brands who were also interested in supplying kit to Leeds United was easy when we learned that their long-term objectives for the brand complement our own objectives. "It's a big day for Leeds United football club. Those that have followed Leeds United's recent history know that it's always been hand-to-mouth and year-to-year. This is the first time we've been able to sit down an evaluate where we want to be over a period of time."
wa grabbed his second goal in as many games to earn Northampton a deserved draw against us. Leeds created the early chances with Jermaine Beckford wasting two openings before Jonathan Howson turned in Bradley Johnson's pinpoint cross. However, Akinfenwa equalised with 15 minutes remaining, forcing the ball home from Paul Houbertz's pass. Both sides went close late on but neither could find a winner. If the league were to have commenced six matches ago, Leeds would be fourth last and that's forgetting about the minus fifteen. McAllister and Staunton 
United have named former Carlisle United manager Neil McDonald as their new first-team coach. McDonald stepped down as Lincoln City's assistant boss today to move to West Yorkshire and take his place in Gary McAllister's coaching team at Elland Road.
Mon Feb 4th. 2007. Stan is Mac's man. Former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has been appointed as assistant manager of Leeds United until the end of the season. Staunton has been out of the game for four months after failing to lead the Irish to Euro 2008 qualification. But new Leeds manager Gary McAllister hopes his former Liverpool team-mate will help in the task of steering Leeds back into the Championship. The pair are good friends off the field and Staunton was one of McAllister's first signings as Coventry City manager five years ago. "I'm delighted to be here," said Staunton last night. "It's a great opportunity to work at a big club with a good manager and learn the ropes from someone else on the inside and see how a club runs "I hope I can be of assistance and help this great club get back to where it belongs," he added. "Your next progresssion after playing is coaching and managing and this is a great opportunity for ourselves to be part of something that will be big in a few years." Staunton worked with the squad for the first time yesterday at the Thorp Arch training ground and his first game alongside McAllister in the dug-out will be this weekend's trip to Northampton Town. Leeds have taken only seven points from the last seven games and slipped out of the League One play-off zone for the first time since November when losing to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend. They are now two points adrift of the play-off zone and six points adrift of the top two with 16 games left to play.
Wirral made it four wins from four and gained revenge for the reversal on the first day of the season.Paul McLaren curled a free-kick against the bar as Tranmere pressed, before Leeds replied with a David Prutton set-piece that clipped the woodwork. But Rovers took the lead with an angled shot from Jennison Myrie-Williams after he gave defender Matt Heath the slip. They doubled their lead and sealed the points when former Leeds striker Ian Moore headed in a McLaren free-kick. Moore, the LUSC joint player of the year last season, enjoyed the moment especially after Wise said he wasn't good enough for Leeds this season. His 11 goals this season (10 for H'pool) seem to appear otherwise. McAllister gave debuts to Michalik, Sheehan, and Elding but all three will have better games in a Leeds shirt. The Louth Branch was heavy in attendance but saw little to allow optimism for the future. Tranmere thoroughly deserved their victory as we lost our second home match in a row. Our run is poor and Mac has his work cut out. He had the following to say : "I've got to say that I'm delighted to be back. There is work to be done on the training ground to get us back on track again. But it's obvious that there's work to be done to get things back on track again. We've got a free week coming up before the next game and we'll be doing a lot of work on the training ground. Looking at the run of results, we've got to snap out of it quickly. The job brief I've got is pure and simple – to get out of this division.We are in a bit of a rut at the moment, but we have 16 games left to get out of this division and I know how many wins we need. We have to be better than that. We have to show a bit more bravery on the ball and first we have to make sure we compete and win our battles. The players have shown this season that they can win 12 games or so in a row. Since being out of football I've probably seen more matches than ever, so I know what's required."
Gary McAllister's return. Tranmere would move into League One's top six at Leeds' expense with a win tomorrow, but Moore predicted a "15 per cent" improvement from United's players as a result of the appointment of their new manager. Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Southend hours after McAllister was confirmed as Dennis Wise's replacement, but the Scot will take charge of his first game this weekend leaving Moore's players to contend with a large crowd and a team of heavily-motivated players at Elland Road.The Tranmere boss said: "It's a great signing for the club, and I'd expect Leeds to take a different approach under Gary than they did under Dennis. It doesn't really affect my approach to the game but Leeds seem to have gone down the long-ball route, and Gary will get them playing again. I've no doubt that he'll get an extra 15 per cent from every player tomorrow because they'll all want to impress the new boss. "It's probably the wrong time for us to be going there, and it would have better from my point of view if they'd waited a bit longer to announce the new manager. But we won't be going to Elland Road to play 4-5-1, I promise you that. We'll have a go at them and if we win then we'll be in that top-six place. If you don't fancy playing in front of 30,000 people then you really shouldn't be a professional footballer, so I don't want to hear any excuses." Moore also rubbished claims that United's mediocre results since Christmas had reduced their promotion credentials, saying: "To be fair to Leeds, every team in this league is going to have a hiccup at some stage.You can't read too much into their form. The only thing you can say about Leeds is that the way they got over the 15 points was outstanding, and they're right up there as serious contenders in my book".
players to become history-makers and the new Leeds United manager intends making it fun. McAllister, who took over from Newcastle-bound Dennis Wise this week, believes promotion from League One would rank as one of the club's greatest achievements. He said: "You have to set targets and set them high. If we get out of this division, with the 15-point deduction, it would be one of the greatest achievements in the club's history. "There is nothing wrong with trying to emulate the good things