This is the Louth Branch website. Always Leeds always loyal ! Edited by Gerry Cunningham.   

Our First official trip of the season will bring the Louth Branch  to the Bristol City game on Friday 12th of November and return on Sunday November 14th 2010. Deposits of €100to be lodged with Secretary before Monday, September 6th.

Tues August 31st. Deadline day- Final Ins and Outs. Leeds began the day by agreeing a deal with with Honduran international, Ramon Nunez. The 24 year old who can play in attack or midfield signed on after impressing manager, Simon Grayson on trial. The player played in every Honduras game in the World Cup and has already received a work permit. Leeds have surprisingly (to many) agreed a deal with Man City to sign England under 20 international, Adam Clayton on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee. The player has already made two substitute appearances for the Whites this season and may be groomed into the holding role we so badly need. Simon Grayson : "He has only made a couple of brief appearances and is desperate to break into the first time here. He is a young developing player and we haven't got too many in the 19,20 to 21 age group who we think we can work with and make them better. With Adam we feel we have got someone we can work with". He knew he would not get a chance at Man City. Last season he made 36 appearances for Carlisle United and scored against Leeds in the JPT trophy. On the way out are Lubo Michalik and Alan Sheehan. The latter has had his contract terminated by mutual consent and is expected to sign for Swindon Town. Big Lubo Michalik has joined Carlisle on loan until January 3rd and ex Leeds player, Ian Harte has moved from Carlisle to Reading. 

Sun Aug 29th. Transfer deadline looms. With just a couple of days left in the transfer window, Simon Grayson can be happy as his charges head into a two week break because of the looming international fixtures. It is not as vital for Championship clubs who can still avail of emergency loans the week after the window closes. That said, Larry has hinted at a possible two arrivals. Ken Bates will no doubt be happier when he gets Sheehan, Michalik and Robsinson off the wage bill as Larry has made it clear that they will not feature in the campaign for United. "They're good lads, they've trained hard and they've done what's been asked of them but it's in their interests to play football. They know they won't play many games here. "I'm sure there'll be one or two inquiries before Tuesday." Swindon were expected to pursue Sheehan's signature after taking the left-back on loan last season, but a permanent switch to the County Ground has not developed while interest from Swansea City failed to lead to a move. United's manager revealed that he had received no offers for any of his senior players, despite rumours of interest in certain professionals. Scottish Premier League club Celtic were said to be monitoring Luciano Becchio, whose contract at Elland Road is less than 12 months from expiring, but Grayson said he would not invite or entertain any attempts to capture key members of his squad. "I've had no phone calls about players who are in the team or out of the team," he said. "That might change in the next few days but I'm certainly not looking to sell any player who is in my team. "The only ones I'm looking to let leave are the ones who've been available since the start of the summer." Leeds are not expected to purchase any more players, but it is likely that a holding midfield player will be one of the loan arrivals with a left sided defender probably filling the other position. Bessone has yet to set the world on fire although Ben Parker is only match fitness away from challenging him. It looks like Adam Clayton will be offered a further month and Callum Davenport knows what he has to do at Thorp Arch to earn a Leeds United contract. Larry is an astute disciple of the loan system and it will be interesting to see what additions he will bring to the side snugly placed in 6th position. Watch this space.

Sat August 28^th 2010. Leeds sting the Hornets. Watford 0-1 Leeds United. (Naylor 6)  Leeds United team : 01 Schmeichel, 02 Connolly, 05 Collins, 06 Naylor, 21 Bessone (Hughes 46), 08 Kilkenny, 11 Sam (Gradel 60), 14 Howson, 16 Johnson, 10 Becchio, 18 Watt, (McCormack 69).Unused Substitutes : 12 Higgs, 04 Bruce,  15 Clayton,  27 Somma. Leeds captain Richard Naylor marked his 450th career appearance with the only goal at Vicarage Road as the visitors beat Watford 1-0. The 33-year-old was in the right place at the right time after just six minutes to prod home the 45th goal of his career and keep Leeds' fine start to the campaign going. The former Ipswich man's strike was one of just a few noteworthy incidents, with quality in short supply.  Large parts of the game were spent with both sides trading long balls and, short of a handful of effort from just inside the area, Watford rarely looked like recovering from their early setback.  There was no place in Leeds' starting line-up for new signing Ross McCormack, with Simon Grayson opting to select the same side that beat Millwall last weekend, and it reaped instant rewards as United took an early lead.  Scott Loach tipped Luciano Becchio's header over the bar but, after the home side failed to deal with the subsequent corner and crosses into the box, Naylor was on hand to tap in from close range after Troy Deeney allowed Bradley Johnson and Becchio to get the better of him.  With Watford missing four-goal Danny Graham to injury, Deeney was given a first league start in attack, and some good play from him allowed the Hornets to create a chance for John Eustace - but the skipper only able to fire wildly over the bar.  Deeney's striker partner Marvin Sordell then put an opportunity wide, as did Sanchez Watt at the other end, while Naylor had to earn his money in front of his own goal as he blocked a low drive from Stephen McGinn.  Leeds lost Fede Bessone to injury at the break and replaced him with Andy Hughes, but there was little for him and his fellow defenders, or the Watford back four, to do throughout the second period.  Jordan Mutch drilled wide for Watford and Becchio nearly got on the end of an arrowed cross from Johnson, and not even the introduction of Scotland winger McCormack could liven things up. The winger, signed from Cardiff yesterday, did bring a save out of Loach with a deflected effort, but Leeds were rarely threatened and, on the rare occasions Watford did advance forward, Kasper Schmeichel's precision handling kept them at bay. Leeds will go into the international break very pleased with their start just three points off the pace setters, with a squad that can do more than just compete at this level. Simon Grayson : “I thought we coped very well. We told the players that Watford would be very direct.You have to win matches in different ways and I’m delighted we have gotten 3 points and our first away win. We knew what we had to contend with. We could have played better but the important thing was to keep a clean sheet after we got the early goal. I thought Casper was very good. You’ve got to win matches in different ways and grind out when you have to. We could have used the ball better as we like to get the ball down and play football. That’s not always possible. We have had a good start. Its all very encouraging. We have given ourselves  a platform. (Regarding Ross McCormack) He  trained with us on Friday and when he gets fitter and stronger he’ll do well for us. (Regarding players coming back) We’ll have real  selection headaches  but that’s what I want. (Re transfers) we are talking with people. We are looking at getting one or two in and time will tell if we can achieve that. We have a squad together that’s trying to compete and it’s nice to get a win going into the break.

Fri Aug 27th. McCormack finally signs up. Leeds United have completed the signing of Ross McCormack from Championship rivals Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.  The 24-year-old Scotland international will provide a much-needed attacking boost for Whites boss Simon Grayson. With Jermaine Beckford leaving for Everton and summer signing Billy Paynter injured in the early part of the season, Grayson has been somewhat light up front. Grayson is delighted to have acquired McCormack, who has ample Championship experience, on a three-year deal. "Ross is a player of good quality," he told the club's official website. "He's proved in the Championship he can score goals and hopefully he will continue to do that with us." McCormack scored 33 goals in 88 appearances for Cardiff, including two from his three appearances as a substitute this season. He could make his debut against Watford on Saturday where Leeds look to follow up a solid 3-1 win over Millwall. I have to say I had a bad feeling about this one, but we finally got our man. This will almost definitely mean that United won't pursue any further interest in securing Danny Ward on loan, and Mike Grella will almost certainly go out on loan. It looks like we have a guy who can finally take a penalty and a decent free kick. When fit, United  would then have the following forwards to choose from : Becchio, McCormack, Somma, Grella and even Snodgrass, Watt and Gradel can play there. Surely now a holding midfield player must be a grade A priority as believe it or not that's Andy Hughes natural position. It is expected that Ward will now move on to Millwall or Hull City.

Thurs Aug 26th. Transfer Latest. It seems to be all about players coming in at the moment with Robinson, Sheehan and Michalik yet to move on. United have said that talks with McCormack and Rae are on going. McCormack's agent is Willie McKay of Peter Reid's "loan rangers" term, and he seems to be touting McCormack to the highest bidder. Do you remember Sakho, Chapuis, Camara and the rest ? It looks like Callum Davenport will earn a contract with Leeds but Simon Grayson wants to wait a couple of weeks to make sure the player can get a decent level of fitness. Honduran, Ramon Nunez is reportedly doing well any may earn a contract. He is an attacking midfielder. News of another striker coming on loan until Christmas in the shape of Bolton's Danny Ward is also doing the rounds. Watch this space on McCormack which I have a bad feeling about. Elsewhere, Ken Bates' Programme notes are never dull and in the Leicester programme he slated a player (thought to be Jay Simpson who joined Hull from Arsenal)for his exorbitant wage demands. The player allegedly wanted £14,000 per week from Leeds  without a single Premiership appearance behind him. Get real was Ken's message and this time I agree with him.

Weds Aug 25th. Yet more on the McCormack saga. Leeds manager Simon Grayson was to have had held talks with Cardiff striker Ross McCormack on Wednesday and was also alleged to have held talks with his team-mate 32 year old Gavin Rae, a midfield enforcer, perhaps more famous for his time with Rangers. The Whites had a bid for the Scottish striker accepted on Tuesday, and the 24-year-old will travel to the club's Thorp Arch training ground for a medical and to discuss personal terms. He could now be joined at the club by fellow Scotland international Rae. "Ross is going up to Leeds to have a talk with Leeds and I think Gavin Rae is as well," City boss Dave Jones said. "I've said we need to move people out to bring people in and unfortunately they're the ones and maybe one or two more will go as well." According to the Daily Mail the fee is supposed to be £600,000 some £2.4M less than they turned down from Wigan last season. Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Grayson said, I`m rather annoyed that the agent told Sky because it`s not how we do business." Since the arrival of Simon Grayson at Elland Road, the manager as usually managed to surprise everyone when announcing a new signing at the club. Leeds have been continuously linked with players during the summer and despite the arrival of nine new players, only one or two have actually been linked with the club before the official announcement. Does anyone else think that this transfer is like the Sean Gregan affair ?

Grayson has also confirmed that no decision will be taken on trialist defender Calum Davenport this week, while he also revealed that Honduras international Ramon Nunez is still training with the club. The Honduran is into his third week and has plied his trade in USA, Mexico and his homeland. He  has represented Honduras 21 times, scoring three goals. He made three appearances at the 2010 World Cup, starting two and coming off the bench for one. At 5’7” he’s not the tough tackling midfield rock some fans have been calling for but, should we sign him, he is young and experienced for his age and importantly for the club, free. 

Tues Aug 24th. Outfoxed in CC. Leeds 1-2 Leicester City. Somma (32) Wellens (66) Howard (pen 89) Team :12 Higgs, 02 Connolly, 04 Bruce, 05 Collins, 21 Bessone 07 Gradel, 08 Kilkenny, 14 Howson(Hughes 72), 16 Johnson, 10 Becchio (Watt 72), 27 Somma, Unused Subs : 01 Schmeichel, 06 Naylor, 26 Bromby, 32 White, 13 Grella. Out went Watt, Naylor, Schmeichel and Sam and in came Gradel, Somma (from the start), Higgs and Bruce. Leeds started off okay with Max Gradel very lively on the wing. Davide Somma followed up his brace at the weeekend by heading United ahead on the half hour, Beccchio missed a decent chance to kill off the game, but Leicester were the side that wanted it more, and were the better side in the second half. An horrendous Bradley Johnson mistake gifted Leicester their equaliser on 66 minutes when Wellens fired home. Watt came on for Becchio and Andy Hughes displaced Jon Howson but the Foxes had the momentum. On 89 minutes Collins handled in the box and Howard converted the penalty. In truth it was no more than Leicester deserved. Only Higgs, Gradel and Somma finished with any credit from this performance in a competition Simon Grayson wanted to go further in. Simon Grayson “We did OK first half but as the game went on we became sloppy. "It's frustrating because I wanted to build on the result on Saturday and use that as a platform to build on. But we have to accept there are areas of the game where we need to improve." Leicester manager Paulo Sousa 
"We have deserved much more than we have got so far this season and this win will encourage everyone. We started the game well and controlled it but with one small mistake we conceded a goal and that disturbed the players. "We reflected on that at half time, prepared for the second half and went out to win the game. We deserved the win and it can help towards our development to get results regularly."

Tues Aug 24th. FA fine Forest and Leeds. Leeds United have been fined £7,500 by the Football Association following their involvement in a 'brawl' at Nottingham Forest. United received the standard penalty for failing to control their players during a league clash at the City Ground on August 15. Leeds pleaded guilty to the offence and were hit with a financial punishment by the governing body. The club were also warned about their future conduct. Forest, who incurred a fine of £45,000 last season following a more serious brawl between their players and those of Derby County, received a penalty of £12,500 while the club's defender, Chris Gunter, received a three-match suspension.

Tues Aug 24th. Leeds agree fee with Cardiff City. Leeds have confirmed they have agreed an undisclosed fee with Cardiff for striker Ross McCormack. The 24-year-old has been told he can leave the Welsh club following the arrival of Craig Bellamy last week and Whites boss Simon Grayson has nipped in ahead of a number of other clubs to make a move for him. Hull and Ipswich have been heavily linked with the former Rangers man but he will now travel to Yorkshire for a medical and to discuss personal terms. McCormack scored 24 goals for Cardiff in his first season with the club but only managed five goals last season and now finds himself behind Bellamy, Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra in Cardiff boss Dave Jones' thinking. United will have to better the reported £7,000 per week that he currently earns and convince the player that this is the only Championship club he should consider. 

Mon Aug 23rd. McCormack in talks with Leeds. Skysports.com have announced that Leeds are leading the race for Cardiff striker Ross McCormack. Cardiff are thought to be willing to offload McCormack lingo following the arrival of Craig Bellamy and the Scotland international is keen on a move away in search of regular first-team football. McCormack has fallen down the pecking order at Cardiff despite scoring 23 goals in his debut season at the club following his arrival from Motherwell. A number of clubs have expressed an interest in signing McCormack, but Leeds are hoping to lure the 24-year-old to Elland Road. Leeds are understood have agreed a fee with Cardiff for McCormack as they look to bolster their attacking options before the close of the transfer window. McCormack's agent, Willie McKay,  has confirmed Leeds have been given permission to hold talks, but that other clubs are also in the race for the skilful forward's signature. "We have been given permission to speak to Leeds as well as two other clubs about Ross," McKay told skysports.com. "We will be holding talks with those clubs later this week." I wonder if  the fact that Michael Choppra has been ruled out for three weeks with ankle ligament damage will this scupper the move ?Hopefully not. He's a decent player. 

Mon Aug 23rd. Former Spurs centre half training with Leeds. Former West Ham central defender Calum Davenport has linked up with Leeds United for training. Davenport, 27, left the Hammers in March after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Leeds manager Simon Grayson told the club's website: "He looked fit and strong. We'll see how he goes. "There is no time scale. It might be a week or a month. We'll see how he is when he's ready to play. We'll take things from there." Davenport suffered serious leg injuries when he was stabbed at his mother's home in August 2009. He was cleared of trying to attack his pregnant sister during the incident which saw a man jailed for six years for attacking him. A decent centre half if we can get him fit. 

Sat 21st of August. Somma time as Lions are finally tamed. Leeds United 3-1 Millwall (Naylor 15 OG, Sam 32, Somma 78 + 94) Team : Schmeichel, Connolly, Collins, Naylor, Bessone(Somma 75), Sam (Hughes 90) Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson, Becchio, Watt and Unused subs : Higgs, Bruce, Grella, Clayton and White. Not since Jermaine Beckford scored two goals against Milwall back in February 2009, have United enjoyed any success over Millwall. Millwall in the Championship have come out of the blocks flying (6 points from 6) with two decent wins against sides fancied to do well, Bristol City and Hull City. Leeds had no wins on the board from the opening two matches. Pressure ? What pressure ? Only four of the Leeds side that started today played in previous fixtures v Millwall. This is a different Leeds team, and this was a different Leeds performance from late last season. United came out of the blocks flying with the Lions seemingly having no answer to the flair and speed of United's early attacks. Simon Grayson reverted to the trusted 4-4-2 formation with Watt playing up front along side Luciano Becchio, and the former almost chipped Forde in goal in the first minute. United's attacks were incessant, but as has been the case in all of our Championship games this season, we fell behind. On 15 minutes Richard Naylor didn't appear to be under huge pressure from Lisbie when he headed past the hapless Schmeichel from a Morrisson cross. Leeds then went close through Bradley Johnson who was playing wide on the left and Jon Howson was denied when through on goal, only for Becchio to fire over from the rebound. On 25 minutes Howson showed sublime skill to create an opening but his shot rattled off the wood work. Lloyd Sam, our goal scorer last week then beat Forde but his effort was cleared off the line by Ward who was scrambling back. On 32 minutes justice was finally done when Sam, following good approach play fired home from the edge of the box. Collins then had a header hit the bar, and Kilkenny's superb cross just eluded Becchio and Collins by inches. Forde went on to produce a few fine saves, one blinder from Sam in particular. Howson then hit the post and Johnson almost turned a corner in. It was Leeds best 45 minutes for some time but yet only 1-1. Millwall were more than two minutes late returning from the break as Kenny Jackett (aka Andy Murphy) tried to work on his charges at half time and find a way of stopping a different Leeds side than he had previously encountered. The visitors did look a little brighter in the second period but it was Becchio who again went closest. United were still the better side but the chances being created weren't as clear cut as the first half. With 15 minutes to go, Simon Grayson looked to his bench, and Davide Somma entered the fray after seemingly receiving endless instructions from the boss. The player who scored 9 goals for Lincoln last season in the run in and was unlucky to receive a red card in his last game, at last had some kind of a chance to make a a name for himself. Bessone was taken off after being wasteful with several crosses and Bradley Johnson went to left back, with Sanchez Watt reverting to wide left. Three minutes after coming on, Somma rifled home a fine finish to make it 2-1 from a fine Watt cross. The 25,000 home fans went wild. United went for the jugular and Forde tipped a Sam effort on to the bar. In injury time, Leeds brought on Mr Versatility, Andy Hughes for Lloyd Sam. And with Millwall pressing, Jonny Howson found Somma with a superb long range ball. The South African still had work to do and with a lovely step over he evaded the last defender to rifle home an unstoppable left footed finish. Somma time ! This was a very fine performance by Leeds. Simon Grayson should take credit for his tactics and the timing of the Somma substitution. This is a decent side still finding its feet, with more players to come in but in no way overawed by their Championship opponents. In a quieter moment, SG may reflect on the performance of his skipper, and give Bruce or Bromby a chance at centre half. Bradley Johnson and Bessone will need to reflect on their final deliveries. Max Gradel will be back for Tuesday night in the CC v Leicester City, and it allows more time for Snodgrass, Paynter, Parker and Kisnorbo to recover. Things always look rosier after a win, but it was the quality throughout the park that Leeds today showed that will send home LUFC fans in better mood, having finally putting one of their demons away. The manger has stated he hasn't finished in the transfer market, with two more Premiership loanees expected to arrive, but maybe just maybe, it's a slim South African with a knack for finding the back of the net that could be our inspiration this season. Simon Grayson said: “I’m delighted – I thought we were very good. Millwall are a good team and they came here with two wins and two clean sheets.“The pleasing thing was the way we responded after going behind. Sam was excellent in the first half and Sanchez caused them problems as well  Millwall had made a good start to the season with back-to-back victories, scoring seven goals in the process". Millwall boss Kenny Jackett said: “I thought it was like a cup final for Leeds. It looked like we had weathered the storm but they were on the front foot and were sharper than us. “Their biggest threat is their keeper with his distribution.’’

Fri Aug 20th. Sutton on Somma. Chris Sutton's first glimpse of Davide Somma was remarkably inauspicious. Unfortunate, Sutton calls it : "horrible" was Somma's description. Both agree that plenty of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Sutton attended a League Two game between Chesterfield and Crewe Alexandra last December in his capacity as Lincoln City's manager. A loanee with Chesterfield at the time, Somma's most telling act was to miss a penalty before straining a hamstring and leaving the field. The bewildering night typified his first month away from Elland Road. The striker was in danger of being lost in the hinterlands of English football, with a contract at Leeds United which had six months left to run. It is no small achievement for Somma to be holding the measured expectation that tomorrow afternoon will proffer his league debut with Leeds in a Championship game against Millwall. Sutton's influence in prising that door open is not a secret. It was during two months on loan with Lincoln towards the end of last season, weeks spent under the wing of a former Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Celtic striker, that Somma found inspiration and found himself. "His time with us might have been a purple patch," Sutton said, "but I think he showed his true colours." Somma has himself questioned whether, without the bargaining tool of almost a goal a game for Lincoln, Leeds would have found any reason to extend his contract by 12 months in April. Either way, he was suddenly considered valuable enough for Simon Grayson, United's manager, to state early in the summer that sending him on loan again was no longer an option. Sutton was not the only coach disappointed by that. "There are areas of his game that need to improve," Sutton, inset below, told the YEP. "Davide knows that. He could be stronger in the air and more consistent in his hold-up play. "But the one thing he does time and again is finish, with either foot and from any range. If you get the ball to him in a dangerous position, you don't hope he'll score – you think he'll score. That's not true of every striker. It's a nice feeling to sit on the bench knowing a player in your team is blessed with that gift. "I can't say in all honesty that we expected him to come to Lincoln and hit the ground running like he did. It wasn't that I didn't think highly of him – I just assumed he'd need a bit of time to settle into a new club. But he's a bit of a late-comer to English football and you can see that in his dedication and the way he takes what you tell him on board. His enthusiasm's fresh and Leeds won't have many hungrier players than him." It is not the first time that a fringe player has returned to Elland Road from a successful loan with the reputation of a late starter who is showing considerable room for improvement but a natural propensity for scoring goals. Jermaine Beckford, United's top scorer for the past three seasons, was touted in identical fashion after flourishing in a watershed period at Scunthorpe United in 2007. Beckford's transfer to Everton in May was a loss to Leeds but an opportunity for the strikers he left behind. Grayson's promise to involve Somma in United's pre-season fixtures with a view to using him regularly in the Championship was pleasing for the 25-year-old but tempered by the three-match ban that delayed his first appearance of the season until tomorrow at the earliest. The sanction was the inevitable result of Somma's attempted headbutt on Macclesfield Town defender Sean Hessey, committed after 66 minutes of his last game with Lincoln. It was also the last game of City's League Two schedule. His dismissal was untimely and uncharacteristic, a rush of blood that he has paid for. "It's been pretty costly," Somma said. "I still don't think I deserved it. I went in front of his face but I didn't touch the guy. The referee thought I headbutted him and that was that. "When they (Lincoln) told me how long my ban would be, I knew I'd be having a very long pre-season. It's really hurt me. The last two weeks have been strange because I've been involved but not involved, if that makes sense. "All I could do was bite my lip and tell myself that these three games will pass. I can't wait to get started." "I'm not condoning what he did," Sutton said. "I told him afterwards to let the red card sink in and to understand that a lack of discipline always ends one way.  "But I don't think it's a bad thing for a striker to have a nasty streak. Professional football's an unforgiving business and strikers who let themselves be bullied get nowhere. "There has to be some limit to your aggression but a competitive attitude is essential. It's good to play with a bit of fire and a bit of anger. The higher up the leagues you go, the harder you need to be." Fixtures between Leeds and Millwall are the very definition of hard. The age-old rivalry between the clubs reached a high level of competition in League One, fostered by their fascinating contest in the play-off semi-finals in 2009 and United's automatic promotion last season. Millwall trailed in third, a single point behind.  The likelihood of Somma starting against them tomorrow would seem small. A handful of friendlies aside, the striker is joining United's campaign cold after a suspension which he admitted last week was "killing me". But his availability matters to a manager whose squad was ravaged during the summer. No area of United's squad has been visibly weaker than their collection of strikers. "The dream scenario tomorrow would be a goal and a win," Somma said. "But not getting injured, being in the team and wearing the shirt would be a start. I couldn't have said for certain that I'd be in this position six months' ago."To get a regular place in the team, I'm going to have to score goals. There's no two ways about that. But I've got goals in my locker and the Championship doesn't scare me. I still look at Jermaine Beckford – in League One last season, in the Premier League now. "When you find yourself in front of goal, you rely on your striker's instinct to come out. Jermaine was great at that and I think I've got it. We'll soon find out. The goals seemed to fly in at Lincoln and I'd like them to fly in at Leeds." Sutton would take satisfaction from that, while cursing the fact that Somma's form with Lincoln made a second loan impossible. He jokes that he ought not to have played the forward during City's final League Two games, a stage of the season when relegation had already been avoided but Somma's goals flowed regardless. Grayson's summer was spent contemplating the gulf that exists between League One and the Championship and how best to bridge it. The step that Somma will attempt to take is bigger again, carrying him into a division in which he has never played with a club for whom he has never started a competitive match. "I'm not going to put pressure on him by saying he should be good enough for the Championship," Sutton said. "He'll need to box clever in that league but a good striker's a good striker. "I wouldn't say he single-handedly kept us up but he was a major reason for us staying in League Two. The thing I know about him is that he'll put chances away. Give him the opportunities and he'll score goals, whichever league he's in. I saw this guy score a hat-trick on his debut for the Reserves last season and he has that valuable knack of being in the right place at the right time with the instinct of a potent finisher.

Friday Aug 20th. Honduran to arrive ? According to Talk Sport, Leeds are hopeful of securing Honduran midfielder Ramon Nunez but Simon Grayson is still haggling with him over his wage demands. Nunez left Honduran club Olimpia this summer and has had his trial extended at Leeds for another week. The 24-year-old scored on his debut in a reserve friendly against Bradford Park Avenue in pre-season and as a free agent, Grayson is keen on tying up a deal on the cheap. The Leeds manager is confident of sealing a deal but Nunez's representatives are digging their heels in over the terms of his contract. But Grayson rates the attacking midfielder highly and hopes to conclude a deal next week

Thurs August 19th. Elland Road round up. Sky Sports reports that Leeds are set to sign Arsenal’s  Henri Lansbury. The Arsenal starlet has attracted widespread interest after an impressive loan spell with Watford last season.He returned to his parent club to make his Premier League debut on the final day of the campaign against Fulham. Having signed a long-term deal with the Gunners in December, the 19-year-old is regarded as an exciting prospect for the future. But he does not appear to figure in Arsene Wenger's immediate plans and now looks set to link up with Leeds. Leeds are looking to strengthen their squad after winning promotion to the Championship as League One runners-up. Other News agencies are linking Leeds with a speculative  loan move for Cardiff’s Ross McCormack, a Scottish attacking nternational whom they rejected bids of over £3M only last season.  Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is optimistic of landing his remaining targets before the transfer window shuts – but admitted a number of potential signings were "hanging fire" with 12 days to go. United have less than two weeks to tie up permanent deals or long-term loans with players contracted to other clubs, and Grayson said progress at Elland Road had been slow since the arrival of Adam Clayton from Manchester City on August 6. Clayton became Leeds' ninth close-season signing when he accepted a month-long loan in Yorkshire but Grayson has not concluded his recruitment despite daily discussions with agents and clubs. United have the fall-back of the Football League's emergency loan market, which opens a week after FIFA's transfer window closes on the final day of this month, but Grayson remains hopeful of completing his 10th deal before the start of September. The club appear intent on taking advantage of new rules requiring Premier League sides to select a fixed 25-man squad for league fixtures between the August and January transfer windows, a restriction which is creating a crowd of surplus players in England's top division. Cardiff City exploited the situation by signing striker Craig Bellamy on a season-long loan from Manchester City on Tuesday, and other  Championship sides are likely to follow suit with Premier League managers deciding which players to include in their designated squads and which to ostracise from their first-team plans. Grayson said: "A lot of people are playing games as such, testing the water and holding out for certain things. "Some of the players we're looking at might be hanging around to see if they can remain in the Premier League, and one or two others will still want to try and make it with the clubs that they're already at.
"The options we've got and the players I've targeted are just hanging fire a little bit to see where they are. It's an ongoing process. "But I'd like to think we'll have people in before the window shuts. Premier League teams are seeing where they are with players and players might soon realise that they're not going to be involved. Things could develop after that. "We're always in talks and there isn't a day goes by without an agent talking to me or a representative of another club offering me players. But it's not as if we've gone in for somebody in the last few weeks and they've chosen to go elsewhere. That's not the case." While he waits for the transfer market to fully unravel, Grayson's squad is gradually improving itself from within. Davide Somma completed an untimely suspension last weekend and Max Gradel will do likewise on Saturday when his four-match ban ends after Millwall's visit to Elland Road.Injured forwards Billy Paynter and Robert Snodgrass might conceivably declare themselves fit next month, leaving Ben Parker and Patrick Kisnorbo as the only players in United's treatment room. Parker's projected comeback from a damaged Achilles tendon was set for October. United's manager knew that his resources on the first day of the season were as weak as they were likely to be at any stage of the opening months – no fewer than six senior professionals missed the club's 2-1 defeat to Derby County – and the performance of his available players at Nottingham Forest on Sunday convinced him that the framework of his squad is strong enough for a Championship campaign. Leeds United have criticised the Football League's latest report on agents fees, claiming the governing body has overstated their payments to players' representatives during the 2009-10 season.United disputed the claim by the Football League that more than £330,000 was earned by licensed agents directly from the Elland Road club in a year when fees in the Championship, League One and League Two showed a marked increase. Total payments generated by transfers and contractual agreements between July 2009 and June 2010 rose by £3.9million to £12.7million, a leap described by Football League chairman Greg Clarke as "worrying" to an organisation that has fought to reduce the amount of money spent by its members on agents' fees. In contrast to the overall picture, Leeds saw their own official expenditure fall from £376,500 during the 2008-09 campaign to £335,723 last season, but the club insisted the stated figure was a misrepresentation of their actual outlay. Leeds said the Football League's total included sums which were potentially due to agents in the future and had not yet been paid. They also argued that money given to agents acting on the behalf of players, rather than on behalf the club, was a "taxable benefit" which could justifiably be classed as part of a player's payment package. In a statement, chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "In our case, less than £100,000 of the £335,723 was paid to agents acting on the club's behalf". 

The astonishing world of Craig Bellamy. It is little wonder Craig Bellamy could not thank Manchester City enough, even going as far as to say he would be forever in debt to Garry Cook, City's chief executive, and the club's chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak. After all, it is one thing to drop from the Premier League to the Championship to fulfil a lifelong ambition to play for your hometown club but quite another to do so while picking up the same telephone-number salary. Not that anyone at Cardiff City was complaining. Manchester City, in another astonishing example of their financial largesse, have turned Bellamy's dream into reality by offering to cover the majority of his wages over the course of his season-long loan in south Wales. Exact figures have not been confirmed because of a confidentiality clause in the contract but there were suggestions tonight that City were paying as much as £75,000 of Bellamy's £95,000 weekly pay packet. What can be said with certainty is that the Welshman's wallet will not be any lighter. Asked whether he had been forced to sacrifice some of his wages, Bellamy replied: "No." He quashed speculation that he had relinquished his lucrative image rights as part of the deal. "It's not true," Bellamy said. "I have a foundation in Africa [in Sierra Leone] and my image rights pay for that. I have a responsibility to 60 young kids and provide them day in, day out to live off that, and Manchester City understand that completely." Against that, it was perhaps not surprising that Bellamy could say only good things about the club that have been keen to offload him and the manager, Roberto Mancini, who omitted him from his 25-man squad. "I had the greatest time at Man City," Bellamy said. "I came there at a great period of the cub's history. I was brought to bring that club on to the next level and I believe I played a big part in doing that. In the next couple of years I am sure they are going to get the Premier League title and I will be really happy if they do." "Man City have been brilliant [to me]," the 31-year-old said. "Garry Cook and Khaldoon are two great men. They have been exceptional and made this possible. I will be in debt to them forever." And what about his thoughts on Mancini? "I am fine with him. I hope he does really well. There is no ill-feeling. He is a top manager and he'll do very well there." Bellamy has barely set foot in Cardiff but already his presence can be felt around the club. Tuesday afternoons ahead of a home game against Doncaster Rovers on the weekend would not normally cause a buzz of activity but today the ticket office was doing a roaring trade, supporters were emerging from the club shop with Bellamy's name emblazoned on their shirts and several hundred fans stood outside the main reception to get a glimpse of the prodigal son's return. It is a fairytale for Cardiff and Bellamy, who grew up on the outskirts of the city, but not everyone in football has become misty-eyed about the story. Motherwell are owed £175,000 for the transfer of the right-back Paul Quinn and threatened to issue a winding-up order as well as a number of other financial punishments in the wake of Cardiff announcing Bellamy was joining them. Gethin Jenkins, the Cardiff chief executive, said the debt would be settled within the next seven days. Jenkins confirmed that additional investment from the club's Malaysian owners had helped finance Bellamy's arrival. "I think it lays to rest the myth they were only in this to get to the Premier League via the play-offs last year," said Jenkins, who, on the eve of the season, had indicated that Cardiff might face another transfer embargo because of their financial problems. "They support our ambitions and the signing of Craig Bellamy is part of that." Bellamy is just pleased to be playing his football in the city he calls "home" and for the club he has always followed. "To have the opportunity to try and get your hometown club in the top flight is too big a pull and to live at home while doing it is great," he said. "I weighed everything up and everything kept coming back to here. I did set out in my career to play for Cardiff City. I am at the top of my career at the moment so why not do it now." My questiuon is as follows : “How fair is on Leeds United and other Championship clubs when a club like Cardiff City are allowed to have a Premiership club pay almost the entire wage ( £90,000)  of a world class star when they owe Motherwell approximately £200,000 in unpaid fees for an average footballer ? Another view. Former Coventry City striker Craig Bellamy is in line to make his Cardiff City debut this weekend after completing his registration with the Bluebirds in time to potentially face Doncaster Rovers. £30m in debt, regulars in court over unpaid tax bills and with money still owed to Motherwell among others for previous signings, the signing of Bellamy by Cardiff has come under close scrutiny, not least by the Football League, whose chairman Greg Clarke went public with his concerns. According to the Welsh club however it is simply a case of jealousy. 'We went to the League, we gave them a full explanation of how we are funding this [Bellamy's loan], the underwriting of the agreement by our Malaysian investors and we put a business case to them,' chief executive Gethin Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales.  'There's been a lot of envy out there about what we've done, the fact that we've brought the Wales captain home.  'People have been really questioning it but they forget that at the start of the season we released 10 players off the payroll, there's been other activity and other issues here that we've resolved.  'We've faced up to our challenges when there were easier alternatives at times... we've been open and honest about that and we'll continue to be so.'  Cardiff also claim that the Bellamy deal will go some way towards paying for itself through increased crowds and merchandise sales and they deserve credit for pulling it off if that is the case. In the same week however that Crystal Palace, close to going out of business in the summer, have made an offer to Edgar Davids to move to Selhurst Park, coupled with the release by the Football League of the fees paid to agents last year (£10.1m in the Championship) and it is hard not to worry that the ever increasing prize on offer for promotion is pushing some clubs too far. 

Mon Aug 16th. Forest and Leeds face charges. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have both been charged by the Football Association following a mass player confrontation in Sunday's 1-1 draw. The incident occurred in the second half at the City Ground and was sparked off by an altercation between Forest's Chris Gunter and Leeds' Sanchez Watt. Both clubs have until 1600 BST on Friday to answer the charge. For his part in the fracas, Gunter has been charged with violent conduct and must respond by 1800 BST on Wednesday. Under the FA's new "Fast Track" disciplinary procedures, he has been offered the penalty of a three-match suspension if he admits the charge - which may be increased if he denies it and is found guilty. Television replays suggested Gunter had stamped on Watt's foot while the players jostled for position in the box when awaiting a throw-in. The ensuing melee saw players from both sides clash in the six-yard box. The incident, which saw Gunter and Watt booked, left both managers fuming after the match. Forest boss Billy Davies claimed both Gunter and goalkeeper Lee Camp had been stamped on earlier in the game, while Leeds boss Simon Grayson believed Gunter should have been sent off. In a tense affair that saw both sides claim their first point of the season, Dexter Blackstock had given Forest the lead, only for Leeds to fight back with a headed equaliser from Lloyd Sam. 

Mon Aug 16th. Darius Vassell linked with Leeds. The 30 year old  is left without a club having left Turkish side Ankaragucu (according to the Daily Mail) over the Turkish side's inability to pay the player.  He has earned 22 England caps and scored 6 goals in the process, ironically having made his debut on the same day as Michael Ricketts. Vassel had a torrid time in Turkey and according to the Daily Mail was evicted from his hotel when the club failed to pay for it. Vassell scored 4 goals in 21 games for the Turks but it was at Aston Villa and Man City where he made his name, netting 52 goals in 265 appearances. Simon Grayson would have been aware of him from his time at Villa. If he is hungry enough and has the right fitness levels, he could be a decent acquisition at Championship level, and while he is no Craig Bellamy, he may just be worth a punt. Southampton are also said to be keen on taking the player.  Another old chestnut has arisen again suggesting that Luciano Becchio will be the £750,000 target of Celtic, now that Gary Hooper (former Leeds target) is out for six to eight weeks. 

Sunday August 15th 2010. United get first points on board. Notts Forest 1-1 Leeds United. Att - 24,986 (4,240 Leeds). Team : Schmeichel, Connolly, Bessone, Naylor, Collins, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson, Watt, Becchio, Sam (Clayton 89 Mins). Unused : Higgs, Bruce, Grella, Hughes, Bromby, White. Last season the City Ground was the leading home fortress in the Championship, and this season I suspect it will be almost impregnable again. Leeds travelled to East Midlands for the live Sky lunchtime match with the backing of a huge 4,240 away supporters. Simon Grayson elected to keep the same side that lost at home to Derby County on the previous Saturday.  For the first twenty minutes Forest battered (to take a phrase from Robbie Savage) United and could have been three goals up. Schmeichel made a terrific reflex save after just two minutes to deny Paul Anderson. The movement of the prolific Blackstock and Earnshaw had Leeds back four in knots. They had 31 goals between them last season despite both missing quite a few games. Becchio ploughed a lone furrow up top and every clearance invited Forest to come forward with more menace. On nine minutes they got the break through their football deserved, when Leeds failed to stop an excellent Gunther cross and Dexter Blackstock nipped in between Naylor and Collins to head into the net. A couple of minutes later a divine one two between Earnshaw and Blackstock saw the Welsh player rattle the post with a thunderous shot. Leeds were hanging on by a thread. Grayson switched Sanchez Watt from wide left to play up along side Becchio (in a 4-4-2 formation) with Bradley Johnson moving to wide left of midfield. Leeds immediately became more balanced and thwarted Forest's assaults by defending higher up the pitch. Sam should have had a penalty when he was upended in the Forest area by Gunther. Amazingly the referee awarded a free out. Leeds were getting more and more into the game and on 25 minutes a poor touch from Becchio when one on one with Camp allowed the Forest shot stopper to thwart him from making it 1-1. Leeds back four were getting their tackles in and Bessone looked a much better defender than his debut portrayed last week. On 37 minutes Leeds scored their equaliser which Forest could not deny was on the cards. Sam started a good move from the middle and spread the ball out left to Bradley Johnson. The former Northampton player whipped in a superb swerving cross which Sam met to head into the corner of the goal. The 4,200 travelling fans went ecstatic. Leeds continued the second half in similar vein, and Forest lacked the confidence of the first twenty minutes of the match. Leeds began to carve out openings with Sam, Johnson and Watt causing problems. Kilkenny was more of an influence in midfield and Becchio was holding the ball well up front.  From a Kilkenny free kick Becchio should have headed home but replays showed that Naylor was almost assaulted by Bertrand, and Leeds should have been awarded a penalty. Then, from a Johnson cross Watt headed wide when he really should have scored. It was all Leeds and the home support was growing restless. With 10 minutes left there was a melee in the Forest area which came from Gunther stepping on Watt. Forest used all three substitutions by 84 minutes and it was a measure of Billy Davies' concern that Blackstock was withdrawn for a midfielder. He was hoping to hold on for a home point. At this stage the away side looked like the likely winners and on 89 minutes Sam had a shot blocked in the penalty area and Kilkenny's rebound went skidding narrowly wide of the post. Although there was six added on minutes there was to be no winner. In summary, this was a fine performance from United. They withstood the Forest onslaught of the first 20 minutes and gradually took control of the game. Lloyd Sam was awarded the man of the match but other Leeds players would have driven him close. After a shaky start, Naylor and Collins got to grips with Blackstock and Earnshaw, and were always dangerous when they pushed forward for set pieces. I thought Bessone had a decent match at left full with all the time trying to support the improved Bradley Johnson. Watts got a little more into the game as it progressed but Sam looks like a real find. Howson and Kilkenny controlled the midfield and once again there will be plenty of sweat wrung from Becchio's shirt. David Somme is available for next week and Gradel is just one more game away. Paynter and Snodgrass have still to come back and Parker and Kisnorbo will not be found wanting in this division. The manager suggest that two players will be added to the squad before the window closes in August. These will probably be Premiership loan players. Millwall come to Elland Road next week in confident mood after winning their first two matches against Bristol City and Hull City respectively, but if Leeds play with this spirit, and a little more invention they won't be found wanting against Milwall or any other Championship side. Simon Grayson has the makings of a decent squad which will want to do more than just make up the numbers in this division. . Billy Davies : "We have played 180 minutes of league football and we have played a cup game where 60% of our players were out." "Are you asking me to be concerned about taking a point from two games? "I would remind people that we took a point from our first two games last season and almost got automatic promotion. "This is all about the 40-odd games we will play this season; this is all about being at the business end of things at the end of the season, when it matters. "We could have taken something at Burnley, we should have taken a win against Leeds and the game should have been dead and buried at Bradford, with the chances we had." And Davies was buoyed by the standard of football Forest produced during an opening spell that could have seen them establish a significant advantage. "In the first 35 minutes, the game should have been dead and buried. We played some wonderful football, we passed the ball brilliantly and controlled the game," he said. "We were so far on top, it should have been game over. "But then they scored from one of their few opportunities following a mistake by a Forest player." Simon Grayson : “We were under a lot of early pressure, which we knew would happen with Forest being at home. "They are a good, aggressive team who pass the ball with pace and power but we changed the system to 4-4-2 because it wasn’t working for us and hauled ourselves back into the game. “We showed a lot of resilience and character. In the second half, there was only one team that was going to win it and that was us.” Regarding the Gunther/Watt incident : I have seen it and Gunter is a really lucky boy to stay on the field. Sanchez was walking across and not even looking where he was going. "He accidentally stood on Gunter’s foot and the lad has deliberately hit him in the back and then stamped on his foot. “It amazes me that the referee booked both players after consulting his assistants. The officials must have seen it for the referee to show the yellow cards but how a stamp is not a sending-off I don’t know. The referee took the easy option.”

Aug 14th. Blackie moves on again. Kevin Blackwell has left Sheffield United by mutual consent after his side's 3-0 defeat to QPR at Bramall Lane. The former Leeds United and Luton Town boss saw his side go three goals behind within the opening 23 minutes, leading to a barrage of abuse from the home support.  The game was peppered with raucous renditions of 'Blackwell out' and the man at Bramall Lane helm has now been given the boot. A statement from the club read: "Following the home defeat to QPR, Sheffield United and Kevin Blackwell have jointly agreed to part company with immediate effect. "Kevin Blackwell has worked tremendously hard over the last two and a half years and his record in terms of results is equal to, if not better than, most previous managers at Bramall Lane. "He will always have a warm welcome at Sheffield United. "However, it is time for us to move on because our ambition remains the same in challenging for promotion, hence this decision to look for a new manager to carry on the work Kevin has been doing." The 51-year-old took the reins in February 2008 and took the Blades to within a whisker of the Barclays Premier League the following season.

Aug 13th. Honduras international, Ramon Nunez has been given another week to try and earn a contract with United. The 24 year old who has won 21 aps for his country has caught the eye of Simon Grayson and scored in the midweek friendly at Bradford Park Avenue. 

Aug 11th. Foxes in CC. Leeds will play Leicester City at Elland Road in the second round of the Carling Cup during the midweek commencing August 23rd. 

Tues Aug 10th. Leeds 4-0 Lincoln City. Att - 12,602.  Schmeichel, Connolly, Bruce, Collins, Bessone, Howson (Hughes 72 mins) Kilkenny, Johnson (White 61 mins), Watt, Becchio (Grella 61) Sam. Unused Subs : Higgs, Naylor, Bromby, .United surprisingly made just one change from Saturday, with Harvey Sharman explaining that Captain Richard Naylor was not ready for two games in three days having missed almost the entire pre-season. A Jon Howson  header put Leeds ahead after two minutes following good work by Lloyd Sam. On seven minutes it was 2-0 when Becchio converted a good Watt cross. Leeds bombarded Lincoln with Watt and Becchio both going close. But on 29 minutes Lincoln were 3-0 down when Lloyd Sam scored after neat work by Connolly. Chris Sutton's men were relieved to be going in at half time just 3-0 down. Grella and White replaced Becchio and Johnson just after the hour mark. Sam was taken down in the box and Kilkenny converted with aplomb on 71 minutes, and Mr Versatility Andrew Hughes came on for Jon Howson with 18 minutes to go. The game fizzled out and United have their first "competitive" win of the season at home, but Schmeichel hadn't a save to make. The midfielders had loads of time and there was no pressure on the defence, just a pity Grella didn't get a goal. Job done ! The draw for the next round is on Soccer Saturtday. Simon Grayson : "I was very pleased. We started very well. We kept the ball well we moved it around well. We reiterated before the kick off that we got done at Bury and we didn't want to be an upset tonight. Sam and Watt thrived on the service they got. thThey are confidence players and they created goals, and one of them scored and Luciano worked very well. Richard Naylor wasn't dropped by any means. He was given a bit of a breather because he missed so much of pre-season. We start preparations for the Forest game on Friday. I haven't a big squad by any means but we are down to the bare bones, but we had no injuries tonight. We are on the look out to get the right players in but we won't get anybody in just for the sake of it. We couldn't have anticipated losing so many strikers, but Davide Somma is back after the weekend and Gradel will be back for the following weekend". 

Aug 8th. Ken Bates' guide to the Championship 2010/11. (Daily Mail Aug 7th) I was going to go through the strengths and weaknesses of each side but Leeds know it all, Ken Bates beat me to it. Middlesbrough : "A serious outfit with a serious chairman, Steve Gibson who was seriously pissed off he didn't go up last season. He won't stand for again this year".  Notts Forest : "Well run and a real threat. But there appears to be something funny going on between the board and Billy Davies".  Portsmouth : "How can I put it ? A year of consolidation as they say". Hull City : "In trouble and they won't bounce back to the Premier league. Coventry City : Chairman Ray Ranson has made an investment and it's gone wrong. I also hear that manager, Aidy Boothroyd wants to leave". Leicester City : "I don't see anyone other than Forest challenging from the Midlands. Derby County : "I've got an e-mail on file from the lot who own Derby County. Now that it details their investments, I'd question whether there is a lot of money there". Burnley : "They'll rightly argue they have a team that's good enough already. The question is whether their manager (Brian Laws) is". Bristol City : "They're going for it. Steve Coppell is a shrewd old hand. The chairman has a few bob and he's clever with it. They'll be in there". Crystal Palace : "Have just come out of administration so will be feeling their way. Whoever moves to that club never commits enough money". QPR :" Neil Warnock is a good manager whether you like him or not, but they have billionaires in charge who are crossing swords all the time. I think they were unaware of certain factors when they bought the club too". Millwall : "Kenny Jackett is quite shrewd but I'm not so sure his physical approach will work like it did in League One". Ipswich Town : "They have got Roy Keane as manager. Need I say more ? No and they've got no money. Not really". Cardiff City : "They're not far from the wall. It is always a bad sign when word is the manager (David Jones) has been ringing around and saying he wants out". Norwich City : "A well run club. They'll be there". Doncaster and Barnsley. Both Doncaster and Barnsley know everyone in Yorkshire wants to play for Leeds United really".

GC's assessment of season 2010/11 in Championship. For what it's worth he may not be far away with some of his predictions  irrespective of the rationale he uses to get there. M'bro the strong bookies favourites, have spent £10M since January in acquiring half of Rangers and Celtic, and possess real fire power at this level. Boyd (pic'd left), McManus, Bailey, the superb Scott McDonald and Thompson are all big players. Forest are still strong but with their manager unaware that they sold one of their best players recently, James Perch to Newcastle (until he heard it on local radio) and having to submit his requests to a management committee (including David Pleat and the chairman) for approval, it doesn't smack of a good atmosphere. Still with Blackstock and Rob Earnshaw up (and more spending to come)front they have goals in them. I'm not as convinced as others about Burnley. They have lost Robbie Blake and Steve Fletcher but still have a decent side. I agree with Bates about Brian Laws, but they have the parachute money and are the strongest of all the relegated sides. They invested £4M of the £7M received from Wolves for Fletcher in Wallace (from Preston for £1.9M) Grant from (Sheff Weds  for £1M) Marney (from Hull for £500,000) and striker, Iwelumo (pic'd left)(from Wolves for £500,000) who scored the winner against Forest this weekend.  QPR have money and Neil Warnock has raided his old sides for Shaun Derry, Paddy Kenny and Clint Hill and is a shrewd operator. They'll not be far away. Despite losing their opener on Friday night, Norwich could be a surprise play-off candidate. Lambert is a decent manager and has invested £1.5M in new players already, with Surman from Wolves and Simone Jackson from Gills catching the eye. Derby could be a surprise package but I think think they may lose Rob Husle (pic'd below right) before the end of August and that will seriously threaten their chances. Leeds could do worse than tempt the Rams with a £750,000 bid, but age factor may be a bigger deterrent than available money. Sheff United are always in and around the play-offs but that is the very best they will do.  I don't fancy Ipswich despite winning 3-1 at M'bro. Roy Keane is a picnic short of a sandwich and unlike Sunderland where he had limitless funds, he doesn't have the ability nor funds to improve the side. Bristol City have invested heavily including nabbing David James, and whilst I wouldn't read too much into their reverse at home to Millwall, I don't think they will make the play-offs. Cardiff have lost Joe Ledley to Celtic and if they lose Whittingham or Choppra (one of which is most likely) I think they will finish outside of the play-offs. Many people tip Reading but I think they will fall short particularly as their chairman refuses to bank role them any further. Hull have a decent manager in Pearson who obviously thinks he has a batter chance with the Tigers than the Foxes, but I think they will come up short and the £50,0000 a week that Bullard is commanding will drain their resources. They need to sell before they can buy, and that's not always easy when it's a buyers market. Portsmouth, Scunthorpe and Barnsley will all struggle, and I don't think Leicester will do as well as last season. Sousa has footballing principles which don't always translate from Portugal to England. Swansea city and Doncaster I believe will be around mid-table. Millwall will survive and be hard to beat but I think they may start well but will fade to low mid table, although the recruitment of Lisbie was a shrewd bit of business. So what of Leeds ? We need a striker and a holding midfielder. We need to register points on the board quickly without Gradel, Paynter, Snodgrass, Kisnorbo and Parker. If we are in and around the play-offs in January and use the loan market wisely, or better still, invest a couple of million we can have a chance. Despite losing our first game at home, we need to make Elland Road a fortress. The top six I feel will come from the following and not necessarily in this order : Forest, M'bro, QPR, Burnley, Leeds, Norwich, Sheff Utd or Derby County, with the last two side perhaps failing to make it. For a winner, I fancy Forest who have a decent manager, but need to get over last season's play-off defeat speedily.  No doubt in May I'll look foolish with my prediction, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

Aug 7th. Leeds lose opener.  Leeds 1-2 Derby Co. Team : Schmeichel, Connolly, Bessone, Naylor, Collins, Kilkenny (Clayton 77), Howson (Grella 86), Johnson, Watt, Sam (White 70),Becchio. Att -26,671. Unused Subs : Higgs, Hughes, Bromby and Bruce. Leeds returned to the Championship after a three year  sabbatical and history was on their side having not lost an open day fixture in the previous 21 years. Five United players were making their debuts while a sixth was making his full debut as a full time Leeds player. Leeds lined out with Bessone and Connolly filling the full back roles and Collins and Naylor in the centre of defence. A five man midfield was employed with the wide players of Sam and Watt tasked with getting forward to support the lone striker, Becchio. Howson, Kilkenny and Johnson occupied the centre of midfield. BBC 1 showed the game live and the viewers were treated to an entertaining match as the game flowed from end to end. Leeds made a decent start with Becchio causing problems for the County defence and Collins also went close but it was the runs and skill of Kris Commons that was causing the United fans most anxiety. Leeds didn't learn and when Howson lost the ball in midfield a slide rule pass to Rob Hulse placed the former Leeds striker free to fire an unstoppable shot past Casper Schmeichel on 13 minutes. In fairness to Hulse he didn't celebrate the goal out of respect to his former club's fans. The lead lasted just two minutes as Howson dispossessed a Robbvie Savage to drive forward and play in Becchio who finished neatly with that trusted left foot. Leeds almost went 2-1 up when Naylor found himself unmarked just six yards out but his swiveled volley rattled the crossbar. On 26 minutes Sam was adjudged to have fouled Czyaka and Commins tucked away the penalty neatly. Leeds almost leveled immediately when Collins header struck the crossbar. Scmeichel made a couple of decent saves before half time as Derby sliced through the Leeds midfield at will. It stayed 2-1 to the visitors at half time. Leeds pressed continually early in the second half but it was a super save by Schmeichel from Green that denied the visitors a third. Johnson wasted a couple of decent free kick opportunities for Leeds and Schmeichel made a brilliant double save from Hulse and another Derby player. Collins had a header cleared off the line. The impressive White caused Derby lots of problems down the left flank when he replaced Sam with 20 minutes to go, but Clayton and certainly Grella were given insufficient time to alter the game. In conclusion, Derby were worthy of the three points and Leeds got a reality check with their Championship arrival. A more experienced and clinical Derby midfield with the excellent Commins and the combative Green and Savage overpowered Leeds in the centre of the pitch. Collins and Naylor (who were both unfortunate not to score)are not the quickest and looked suspect with the onslaught of Derby raids through the centre. Bessone looked quite poor at left full and Connolly will hopefully have better games. Sam and Watt struggled to get into the game and Howson and Kilkenny were very much second best to Green and Commins. Johnson was fortunate to play a full 90 minutes and looked like a lost sheep against more experienced and perhaps better players in midfield. Only three Leeds players came through the match with any credit. Schmeichel was outstanding in goal and Becchio did all that could have been asked of him in the lone striking role. Aidan White was very good when he came on but Grella and Clayton were not given enough time to swing the game. While it is difficult and unfair to judge Leeds chances for the season on one match, the lack of a decent midfield holding player is quite obvious. Doyle (or to be precise a better version of Doyle) has not been replaced and the ghost of Jermaine Beckford still lingers around Elland Road. Today was a day when Gradel and Snodgrass could have shone and Paynter and perhaps Somma could have contributed had they been available. Parker and Kisnorbo are certainly missed in quality compared to what played today. United have still work to do in the transfer market if today's match is anything to go by, but Simon Grayson will not panic, although I didn't agree with the selection and timing of his substitutions today.  Middlesbro, the clear favourites for the division lost at home to Ipswich Twon 1-3 and many people's dark horses, Bristol city were humbled 0-3 at home to Millwall, and Scunthorpe defeated fancied Reading 2-1 away from home. Just 45 games to go but I have to ay it's great to be back. Marks out of 10 - Schmeichel (9) Connolly (5) Naylor (5) Collins (5) Bessone (3)Howson (6) Kilkenny (4) Johnson (3) Watt (5) Sam (5) Becchio (7) - Subs White (8) Grella and Clayton not on long enough. Next up it's Lincoln City in the CC on Tuesday night. Grayson said: "Kasper Schmeichel made some fantastic saves for us. He is a big personality with a big stature like his dad (former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel). His distribution and shot-saving were very good and he will learn from it, as a lot of the players will. "Both teams had opportunities but we passed the ball in the wrong areas, gave it away at times and invited a bit of pressure on ourselves. Even so, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. Derby have a lot of players who have been there and done it and we will learn from the experience. "Rob Hulse works ever so hard but I felt our back four let him dictate to them what he wanted to do. We gave them too many opportunities but I warned the players before the game that this was a step up for us and we couldn't afford to switch off. "We have to learn quickly and I am sure we will. There were plenty of things we did today that were encouraging but the first game of a season is always difficult and Derby can hit you on the counter attack through Paul Green, Kris Commons and Hulse. "We had six players out who would quite easily get into our team. When we were trying to change the system we didn't have many attacking options. We have been trying to do some deals in the last few days and will continue to do that. It will be a bonus when our injured and suspended players return to the squad. "We hit the bar, had clearances off the line and caused them problems though the result was disappointing. We will just move on to the next game. " Rams manager Nigel Clough, given a frosty welcome by the home fans because of his late father Brian's relationship with Leeds, felt his side could have made it more comfortable for themselves after squandering numerous chances. Clough said: "The result didn't give me any special satisfaction because of my dad's time at Leeds. I felt more pressure because they wouldn't let my son walk on the pitch an hour and a half before the kick-off. Apparently it was a club rule. "The performance was encouraging, especially in the first half when we got the ball down and played. We could have made it a bit more comfortable for ourselves because we got into some great areas but their keeper made some superb saves, even in the six-yard box. "I was a little bit concerned about the chances we created without actually putting the ball in the net because as soon as the fixtures came out we knew it was going to be a big one for both clubs. I think some of our lads were nervous because they had never played in an atmosphere like that. "But Kris Commons was outstanding for us. He got a bit tired in the second half but he is as fit as he has been for a long time. Our 4-2-3-1 system is unusual but the players have settled into it well."

Aug 6th. Clayton becomes 9th signing. Leeds United have beaten a host of clubs to the signature of Manchester City's Adam Clayton on a month's loan. The 21-year-old midfielder returned to City in the summer following a season-long loan to League One outfit Carlisle United. Clayton impressed during his time with The Cumbrians, making 36 appearances and helped them reach the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley. The youngster actually scored in Carlisle's 3-2 home defeat to Leeds in the semi-finals of the cup competition at Brunton Park. Clayton will now continue his education in the Championship with newly-promoted Leeds on a loan that keeps him at Elland Road for a month. The midfielder will go straight into manager Simon Grayson's squad that tackle Derby County in their opening fixture of the new season. "We're delighted to welcome Adam to the club," Grayson told the club's official website. "Adam is another good addition to our squad. "He is a young player with plenty of potential and he gained some good experience last season at Carlisle." He has six under 20 caps for England but has yet to make an appearance for man City.

Aug 6th. Leeds v Derby preview. United go into this fixture with a shortage of strikers. Max Gradel who has been in exceptional form in pre-season, is of course suspended for the first four matches, and Davide Somma misses the first three after a successful loan spell at Lincoln last season. Billy Paynter is still injured and Robert Snodgrass will be out for a few weeks to come yet. Long term casualties include Parker and Kisnorbo and this game comes too early for Crowe who completed 90 minutes earlier in the week v Wakefield. This is how I expect Leeds to line up : Schmeichel, Connolly, Bessone, Naylor, Collins, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson (Watt), Sam, Grella (Watt) and Becchio.  It means the return to Leeds of popular striker Rob Hulse who left the side as the Supporters player of the year in 2005. Derby also have injuries to their preferred line up. Roberts, Anderson, Davies and Addison are all ruled out. If Grella starts for Leeds, he knows he has to shine because Grayson continues to look for a replacement for Beckford and Paynter, Gradel and Somma would all consider themselves to be ahead of the American in the pecking order. This is a decent starting game for Leeds who now have a changed game plan away from Beckford's pace. Their new "multi ball" system is designed to be up tempo from the word go and get in the faces of the opposition. Leeds boss Simon Grayson: "We are playing with less pressure in some respects having had that expectancy of promotion in League One, but believe me the pressure is still there to push on to the next level. We are all setting our sights on the Premier League."Derby boss Nigel Clough: "We will learn a bit more about the players on Saturday when some of the younger ones go to Elland Road in front of nearly a full house. "It will be a test of character, that's for sure. We hope we have got more of the right type of characters now but we won't really know until we get into the season." Don't be surprised if Simon Grayson springs a surprise with his starting line up. He is a manager who keeps his cards close to his chest and I wouldn't be surprised if Paynter was on the bench. I expect Leeds to win 2-1 or 3-1 especially if they can  make a quick start. 

Aug 6th. "Leeds in battle for Jay Simpson". Arsenal's 21-year-old striker, Jay Simpson is the latest forward to be linked with a move to Elland Road. It's claimed that several clubs are in the hunt including Crystal Palace and Hull City. It is believed some of these clubs  including Leeds have already agreed a fee with Arsenal, believed to be in the region of �1,300,000 leaving the youngster's future firmly in his own hands. The 21 year old has had loan spells with Millwall, West Brom and QPR where between them, he's made 105 appearances scoring 25 goals. Not the most prolific stats, but it should be noted that this includes appearances from the bench and the youngster also plays as a winger. Simpson was highly rated at Arsenal as a youth, making his under-18 debut at just 13 years of age. He was also the first player to score a hat trick at the Emirates in an Arsenal reserve team match against Cardiff City. Despite an impressive youth career, Simpson's only appearances for the Arsenal first team came in the League Cup where he scored twice in three appearances. With such an overwhelming amount of young talent at Arsenal's disposal, Simpson has found chances few and far between and is now looking for a permanent home elsewhere. The 5 foot 11 inch striker scores 12 goals on loan for QPR in the Championship last season.

Aug 6th. Paddy Power NPower Champioship betting 2010/11 is as follows : 11/2 Favs M'bro. 8/1 Notts Forest. 10/1 Burnley. 12/1 Reading. 12/1 QPR. 16/1 Sheff United. 16/1 Bristol City. 16/1 Ipswich Town. 16/1 Leicester City. 18/1 Hull City. 18/1 Leeds United. 20/1 Portsmouth. 20/1 Swansea City. 20/1 Cardiff City. 28/1 Derby County. 33/1 Millwall. 40/1 Preston. 50/1 C Palace. 50/1 Doncaster Rvs. 66/1 Barnsley. 80/1 watford and 150/1 Scunthorpe. Later todau I will give my assessment on ten clubs who could possibly hope to mount a serious challenge for the top six. Incidentally, Leeds United can today be backed at 11/2 for promotion. That's 1st/2nd or via play offs. Leeds are 1/1 to beat Derby County tomorrow. 

Aug 5th. Phil Hay's view on Leeds. Respected football scribe Phil Hay gives his low down on Leeds and Championship 2010/11. This afternoon I'll take a look at who I think will rival United for promotion and give their prices from the bookmakers. With the big big kick-off on the horizon, Phil Hay assesses Leeds United's Championship credentials. No sign of the recession on Teesside where Middlesbrough have revisited the modern tradition of speculating to accumulate. Their investment in playing resources  the one sector of business most likely to bankrupt a football club  has run into millions of pounds, an anomaly in a transfer market which, to coin the words of one agent, is "horribly stagnant". Those who know Steve Gibson expect more money to come from the pockets of Middlesbrough's chairman in January if their position in the Championship is as strong as it should be.
Across the rest of the division, there is neither the will nor the wealth to match Middlesbrough pound-for-pound. "They've spent big," said Simon Grayson, Leeds United's manager. "But no-one else is copying them. There isn't a lot of money about." He is no more immune to austerity than most managers in the Championship, where Gordon Strachan is an exception to the rule. Upon reversing their insolvency three years ago, the board at Elland Road made the solemn promise that Leeds would "live within our means" and hence forward set an example of economic prudence. The club's outlay on players this summer has scarcely broken their commitment to caution. Spent Grayson's signings total five free transfers, one long-term loan and two six-figure purchases, not at face value the type of influx that buys a club promotion. Funds accrued by Leeds through one-off earnings last season � the sale of Fabian Delph, valuable cup fixtures and academy-related compensation � had the makings of a powerful transfer fund but this will not be a year when the security of Grayson's job is intrinsically linked to the money he has spent. The same could be said of Leeds' prospects in the Championship. Too little investment has been made across the board for any obvious hierarchy to develop. They are in a crowd of clubs who can look at both ends of the league and see themselves there. Competitive, as Mick McCarthy described Leeds on Saturday, is an apt description of the division itself. In addressing his squad, Grayson's intention at the end of last season was to be ruthless but fair: fair to those players who channelled Leeds out of League One and had more to offer, but ruthless with those whose technical ability was likely to be exposed in the Championship. He did not take long to act: the immediate release of a diligent servant in Casper Ankergren underlined his reluctance to be led by sentimentality. That ruthlessness ran as far as seven new signings before Leeds' final pre-season friendly, some liable to displace professionals whose contributions to the club's promotion from League One were pivotal. In the case of Kasper Schmeichel, his presence at Thorp Arch is a direct challenge to Shane Higgs, a goalkeeper who Grayson has never once heard himself criticise. Though Higgs has been as authoritative as Schmeichel in the weeks of pre-season, he might conceivably be one of Grayson's substitutes this weekend, dropped for no other reason than basic numbers. Schmeichel, in the field of public opinion, is Leeds' stellar signing to date, the one player whose decision to sign could be described as a coup. Beyond the young Dane, Grayson has shown a tendency for more modest acquisitions; footballers of predominantly Championship class who have the makings of a dependable but limited team. He is not wrong when he argues that a final league position halfway up the Championship would be an agreeable outcome for a squad which is neither expensively assembled nor bursting at the seams.On three occasions this summer, United's manager struggled to muster a group of 18 players for pre-season friendlies. At Bury on July 20, he had only 17. Players who would most have benefited from full pre-seasons � specifically Richard Naylor and Billy Paynter � have been denied that opportunity, and a persistent injury list has been the niggle in Grayson's side throughout a summer when United's preparation needed to be perfect. There are valuable assets within his squad, not least the inventive skill of Lloyd Sam and a fit Robert Snodgrass on either wing. But there are shortfalls also, specifically the absence of a specialist defensive midfielder and a striker of cast-iron Championship fibre. Paynter's shin injury is the cause of most consternation, raising the question of who other than Luciano Becchio will serve goals on a plate. United scored no fewer than 11 times in their friendlies against Hartlepool United, SK Brann and Wolverhampton Wanderers but only Wolves were an accurate replica of a Championship club, and their performance was as flat as Leeds' was adept. United's division is an unforgiving arena where clubs who fail to score goals typically suffer more than those who concede. Scunthorpe United were more porous last season than Peterborough United but finished the season 18 points better off, a difference due in no small part to Gary Hooper's 19 strikes. Not a single member of Peterborough's squad stretched beyond 10. Cardiff City, too, struck a poor defensive comparison with Crystal Palace but were so far out of Palace's sight as to be invisible. The credit for that goes to Michael Chopra, Peter Whittingham and Jay Bothroyd, worth a combined total of 47 strikes. The entire squad at Selhurst Park managed just 50. For the time being, the weight of that responsibility is Becchio's. The Argentinian's form in pre-season was encouraging, good enough to indicate that Jermaine Beckford has not taken Becchio's influence with him, and his two seasons at Elland Road have shown him to be a reliable poacher. But with Mike Grella presently the only other striker fit and free from a lengthy ban, it is inconceivable that Grayson will purposely leave himself short in such an essential position. Replacing Beckford was this summer's key task, an area where investment at Elland Road needed to be focused. It cannot be said that the club have done so sufficiently, particularly while Paynter's leg hangs in a brace, and their league position next season might come to reflect that. Behind his forward line, Grayson has enough nous, experience and youthful energy to carry Leeds into a second season in the Championship. That was the inference of their flowing victory over Wolves. A dearth of exceptional talent is threatening to draw the line there, though not necessarily to his dissatisfaction. As Grayson makes clear in this supplement, play-off qualification is a sizeable aim for a newly-promoted club. On his budget and with his squad, a final position in the top-half of the table would represent progress. This has not been a summer of flamboyant growth at Elland Road but nor has it been a stagnant close season. Proof of that can be found on Portsmouth's official website which presently shows a blank screen where their under-contract keepers should be on display. Four days out and Steve Cotterill has none; the definition of under-prepared.

Aug 4th. Other News. Tresor Kandol has had his contract terminated by mutual consent. Liam Darville has joined Tranmere Rvs on a months loan. Keeper Alan Martyn has joined Barrow on loan until January and centre half Tom Lees has joined Bury on a six month loan. a Leeds X1 consisting of Crowe, Michalik, Robinson and Somma won 5-0 at Wakefield. Somma and Robinson were amongst the scorers and Crowe completed his first 90 minutes for some time on the come back trail. 

Aug 3rd. Watt becomes signing number eight. Leeds United have re-signed Arsenal winger Sanchez Watt on a season-long loan deal. The England Under-19 international played six times for United during a loan spell last season after a similar short-term deal at Southend. The 19-year-old will help Leeds cover the loss of injured Robert Snodgrass. He told the club website: "If I do the work here, people will take notice. Leeds is a big club and if you do well here it goes around quick." He continued: "It feels good to be back. Everyone is happy to see me and hopefully I can do the business. "I had a little run near the end of last season and proved myself to the manager and the fans. "The formation is similar to Arsenal and I'm going to here to give my all. "We stuck together and came through well in the end. When a lot of fans come along the support gives you more of a drive."

Aug 3rd. News on Snoddy better than expected. The 22-year-old Scot had a second scan on Monday on the knee injury picked up in their friendly win over SK Brann in Norway last week. Manager Simon Grayson told the club website: "Contrary to reports, Snoddy's injury isn't as bad as first feared. "As ever, we don't put timescales on these things, but we expect to have Snoddy back sooner rather than later."The former Livingston player was one of the stand-out performers last season, scoring nine goals in all competitions. But he is one of three influential members of Grayson's squad that will miss the opening game of the new season against Derby County on Saturday. Defender Patrick Kisnorbo is out until Christmas with an Achilles injury, while new forward Billy Paynter picked up a shin injury at the beginning of pre-season. And with striker Max Gradel suspended for the first four games of the season, Grayson could be tempted to further bolster his squad before the weekend.

July 10 Update

June 10 Update

May 10 Update

April 10 Update

March 10 Update

Feb 10 Update

 Jan 10 Update

Dec 09 Update               

Nov 09 Update

Oct 09 Update

Sept 09 Update

June 09 to Aug 09

Feb to May 09

Index January 09 

Index Nov 14th 08 to Dec 31st 08

Index June 08 to Nov 11th 08

Index Jan 08 to May 25th 08

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For Archived Files from August to September 07 click here

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