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

The Louth Branch Christmas magazine (complete with draw card) was posted out to members on Thursday, December 18th. The committee wish all members and their families a happy Christmas and peaceful new year. Please do your best to sell the full draw card.

The Rant page is open for business. Just click on rant and get it off your chest.   What do you think of the  new Leeds manager ?Just send me an e-mail and I'll put it up for you. The draw will take place on Monday, Feb 9th after the live Millwall game which is being  televised on Sky. 

 Season to date 2008/09

Nov 14th 08 to Dec 31st 08

Dec 31st. Excellent articlle by the always prolific  Phil Hay - Yorkshire Post - Half Term report - Leeds United
It was with a sombre tone that Ken Bates laid out publicly his reasons for ruling that Gary McAllister's time as manager of Leeds United could go no further.tWriting in his programme notes before the Boxing Day game against Leicester City, Bates expressed genuine disappointment at the sacking of a man from whom he and Leeds expected so much.
There were no insinuations made about the standard of McAllister's management or unwarranted criticism of his period of employment, spanning 50 competitive matches.
The comments of United's chairman, while depicting his opinion that change was necessary, showed little more than a sense of regret over a decision he felt forced to make by a backdrop of imploding results.
His column was an apt analysis of the surprising season which Leeds find themselves embroiled in – one of under-achievement and adversity which few saw coming, and Bates least of all. The most revealing fact in assessing the club at the midway point of this campaign is that McAllister did not survive long enough to see it.
His replacement, Simon Grayson, cannot be held culpable for the backwards steps taken by Leeds – bizarrely, and perhaps tellingly, his two games as manager have produced United's most consistent run of league results for fully two months – but the failings that wrecked McAllister's tenure are very much Grayson's concern.
They are intrinsically linked to the restoration of the club's finely-balanced season.
Much was made in August of the strength of United's squad and the financial advantage their wage bill afforded them, but their 23 matches have proved conclusively that size isn't everything.
In fact, as McAllister came to understand, it is worth virtually nothing when basic inadequacies undermine a team's potential.
Not a single bookmaker refused to price Leeds as outright favourites for the League One title last summer, and automatic promotion was more widely predicted. One firm went so far as to offer odds on United remaining unbeaten through all 46 of their league matches, a feat which was almost unheard of and therefore justified odds of 125-1.
The bookmakers' confidence was palpable, but no stronger than the mood at Elland Road itself. McAllister set a top-two finish as his target, admitting candidly that settling for a play-off position would insult and ignore the expectations of the club's supporters. When he lost his job on December 21, both targets were running away from Leeds at speed.
McAllister might have hoped for more patience from his board, and the second half of the season will give a clearer indication of whether hastily recruiting Grayson was a valid course of action, but United's statistics after 23 matches do not demonstrate a season under control or provide comfort for an incumbent manager.
Leeds have won 11 of those games and, more significantly, lost nine
Their tally of defeats is identical to the number sustained by the club during the entirety of last season, and in the past 10 years, no club has ever been promoted automatically with more than 12 defeats on their record. On average, fewer than 10 is required.
Such is the protection given to second-placed MK Dons by the 13-point advantage they hold over Leeds that Grayson was honest enough to admit after Sunday's victory over Stockport County that the play-offs are the most realistic target for his squad.
With both Leicester and MK Dons on the 50-point threshold, United's hope of automatic promotion is more dependent on the form of those two clubs than it is on their own results. It was precisely that situation they wished to avoid after losing the 2008 play-off final at Wembley.
The absence of supremacy over their key rivals for promotion is the gravest effect of the rot that set in at Elland Road during late November and early December. United moved into second position on October 25, a day when McAllister must have felt confident and secure, but their mediocre results since that date have coincided with some remarkable consistency elsewhere. Leicester are unbeaten in 10 league games, and MK Dons have won nine of their last 10. By taking one point from five league fixtures before Sunday's win at Stockport, United left themselves vulnerable to any club whose form began to gather pace.Their descent to ninth position has been the combined result of United's painful malaise and the promising progress of other clubs, and it is sad to reflect that their run of six straight victories in September was an isolated streak. At the turn of year, it can be classed as their one good month from five.
The change of manager at Elland Road – a move which many supporters appear to have welcomed pragmatically, realising that McAllister's tenure was in trouble – and the immediate improvement in morale that the first two games under Grayson's command have created are unlikely to sway him away from the priorities that McAllister identified as he planned for the January transfer window.
The quality of United's defending – their "Achilles Heel", as McAllister appropriately defined it – remains the biggest hindrance to a squad which is high on natural talent but, for much of this season, has struggled to implement the basic skills inherent among a successful team.
The tally of league goals conceded by Leeds – 31 after 23 fixtures – is higher than it should be but similar to the goals-against columns of most teams in the top half of League One.
More costly is their meagre count of clean sheets, with four recorded since August and none achieved in any of their last 12 matches.
The apparent certainty that Leeds would concede at least once a match was fundamental to McAllister's downfall, denying him the protection that a solid defence would have provided once the loss of Jermaine Beckford to a hamstring injury limited United's effectiveness in attack.
A lack of goals suddenly exposed the team's weak skin.
What McAllister left behind was a group of defenders devoid of confidence and whose performances were raising questions about their futures at Elland Road.
A noticeable development in Grayson's two matches has been a quick improvement in the organisation of United's players when defending set-pieces, but he is likely to feel that alterations to his backline are needed regardless. Far from developing overnight, the club's major weakness has been clear for most of the season.
The effect of Beckford's absence through injury is also a warning to their new manager of how greatly Leeds rely on their top scorer, but United's collection of forwards have done much to uphold the club's campaign.
Beckford's 19 goals have been crucial, and Robert Snodgrass has shown himself to be both an excellent poacher and a player capable of finishing difficult chances.
Luciano Becchio, meanwhile, is the type of quiet signing that managers dream of unearthing, and there is still hope that Malcolm Christie might make his presence at Elland Road seriously felt.
Whatever their other inadequacies, Grayson's squad does not lack strength in attack. The same is true of his midfield, though Grayson would doubtless be pleased to establish the settled, regular unit that McAllister was never able to decide upon.
Continuity as a whole was routinely missing under the Scot and, for various reasons including injuries and suspensions, he only twice named an unchanged line-up in consecutive league matches this season.
Grayson's job is as demanding as they come in League One but, in terms of this season, Grayson still has a chance, and much the same that McAllister had when he took over from Dennis Wise in January – to resurrect a faltering season and find a way back into a play-off place.
Automatic promotion is not yet impossible but, as Grayson himself admitted, it is an unlikely goal.
The initial signs of his managerial nous have been positive and the variation displayed by Leeds when attacking against Stockport – using direct approaches to goal when patient build-up became impossible.
Cunning in League One can be as important as class.
What United's victory at Edgeley Park and their draw with Leicester told Grayson's players is that their season is not over or resigned to failure. They have simply been left with no room for error.A mid-term report card which reads 'must do better' is the prompt for Leeds to prove that they can.

Dec 28th. Stockport County 1-3 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Hughes (Prutton 89), Douglas, Delph, Snodgrass (Howson 64), Beckford (Christie 64), Becchio. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Robinson. Booked: Sheehan, Delph. Goals: Becchio 19, Delph 73, Christie 86. Att: 10,273 Leeds made it four points out of six for Simon Grayson today as the new manager celebrated his first win since walking out on Blackpool just before Christmas.It was United’s first away win in Coca-Cola League One since November 1 and  included goals of true quality from Fabian Delph and substitute Malcolm Christie after Luciano Becchio had cancelled out Johnny Mullins’ early goal for Stockport. Christie’s goal emphasised Grayson’s inspired use of substitutes, as it was Robert Snodgrass who equalised against leaders Leicester after leaving the bench on St Stephen's Day. Former Middlesbrough and Derby striker Christie, 29, has struggled with injuries and illness since landing a short-term deal with Leeds and his first goal for the senior side in only his third appearance will have done his prospects of gaining an extended contract no harm. Grayson said: “Fabian has built a reputation for scoring special goals and he showed his quality by scoring from distance. "Malcolm also showed his quality by getting into the box and finding the bottom corner. He has been frustrated by injuries over the last few years but when you’ve got a fit Malcom Christie, you’ve got a real player on your hands. “His goal-scoring level in the past has been outstanding and you don’t play for Derby and Middlesbrough in the Premiership, as he has done, without being a good player, so we know what he is about and we have good competition up front at the moment.” Grayson added: “To get four points from my first two games is a good start for us. "The players showed a lot of resolve and character. We went a goal down but from then on we looked a half-decent team. “There is still a lot of hard work to do. We need to get a bit more discipline into our play and need to be a bit more difficult to break down but the opposition passed the ball around well.” Jermaine Beckford was withdrawn soon after the hour mark with a tight hamstring but he could be fit for the visit to Hereford next Saturday. Grayson made two changes to the starting line-up, Snodgrass and Andrew Hughes coming in for Andy Robinson and David Prutton, but United made a nightmare start to their first visit to Edgeley Park since 1924. Although the goal was officially and mysteriously timed at three minutes, the game was less than two minutes old when Carl Baker skipped past three players who should have closed him down. The ball cannoned to former Mansfield Town right back Mullins, who drove it past Casper Ankergren with the aid of a deflection off Jonathan Douglas. It was the second time in Grayson’s two games in charge that United had fallen behind but they were almost level in the 13th minute when Beckford tried an inventive overhead shot which struck the bar. The equaliser duly arrived on 19 minutes when a corner from Snodgrass was helped on at the near post by Douglas for Becchio to get the final touch - his 12th goal of the season and his first since November 22. The Argentinian was booked for running into the Leeds fans to celebrate. Stockport made an early substitution, Liam McSweeney replacing left back Michael Rose in a tactical change on 25 minutes and they stepped up the tempo. Alan Sheehan and Douglas picked up bookings in rapid succession and there were goal-line clearances from Sheehan and Hughes as United clung on. Ten minutes into the second half, Delph became the fourth Leeds player to be shown a yellow card. Sheehan needed another goal-line clearance as Stockport put the Leeds defence to the test and Grayson made a double substitution in the 64th minute, Jonny Howson and Christie replacing Snodgrass and Beckford. Stockport were still looking the more likely to pounce again when Delph scored out of the blue in the 73rd minute. Stockport keeper Owain Fon Williams tried a low clearance which flew to Delph a long way out on the left and the youngster’s superb half-volley left the keeper groping. Stockport manager Jim Gannon surprisingly replaced strikers Baker and Craig Davies with Paul Turnbull and Peter Thompson, but it was Leeds who scored again. Ankergren’s long ball cleared the defence and substitute Christie raced through to send a crisp half-volley in off a post to make to 3-1. Former Dundalk manager and current Stockport manager Jim Gannon had this to say : "The two goals were a cruel blow for us at the end. I thought we played some good football and created some good opportunities despite the state of the pitch. I had asked the players to be a bit sharper and a bit more fluid. I thought if we had got the second goal that would have lifted the players but unfortunately we didn't get it. It was a great atmosphere in the stadium and I was excited about the game beforehand. We did keep their fans quiet for long periods." Lets leave the last word with Malcolm Christie, so often over the past few years out of luck and down in the dumps. A delighted Christie, who signed for Leeds in October but has not played because of injury, said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to score again. As people know I've had a rough time of it but I've put in a lot of hard work. 'If I'm being honest, even being on the bench was a bonus, so to be involved and then score is fantastic. And to win in front of all the Leeds fans who travelled is a fantastic feeling. 'It's back to basics at the moment because it's about results and hopefully we can build on this and string a run of results together.'

Dec 26th. Leeds United 1-1 Leicester City. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton (Hughes 57 mins), Douglas (Snodgrass 77 mins) , Delph, Robinson (Howson 77 mins) Beckford, Becchio. Subs: Lucas, Kilkenny, and Showunmi unused.   Att - 33,580 Robert Snodgrass grabbed an injury time equaliser to give Simon Grayson his first point as United manager against table topping Leicester City.  Leeds almost gave Grayson the dream start when Luciano Becchio rattled the post from close range but from the time Oakley struck, Leicester always looked comfortable. Leeds were lacking in confidence and the Foxes were aiming for their seventh straight win. New manager, Simon Grayson made four changes,  recalling Ankergren in goals, Robinson on the right wing, Beckford up front and Prutton wide on the right. The Foxes  failed to put Leeds away and with just one goal in it Leeds always fancied their chance of getting something in front of the 33,500 crowd. Snodgrass picked up his fifth goal of the season at the death and Leeds went looking in the dying embers for the winner. In truth Leeds were second best for much of the match as Robinson did little and Beckford looked unfit. But they hung in there and got their just desserts in the end for fighting all the way for their new manager. Simon Grayson speaking to Eddie Gray after the match.
"Things happened really quickly. I didn't want to leave Blackpool in the manner that it happened but I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity of managing Leeds United. I was pleased with the result. I felt if we started the game the way we finished (at high tempo) we could have won it. We dug in there. The players are a little down on confidence. The goal will give us great belief and we have to build on it. Snodgrass was unfortunate to be out of the team but I had to pick the players I knew a bit more about but we found out positives about some of the players today and negatives about some. “There’s a lot of work to be done but the big thing is that we showed a lot of desire, resolve and spirit to carry on to the end of the game.”  I threw together the team from what I knew of the team. I knew quite a bit about the players before I came. Ultimately you learn more from working with them. There were from many of them a few positives and some negatives also. We start to put foundations into the wall and keep building and building. When I was here 20 odd years ago I knew the expectancy level and its something I want to thrive on. Theres no reason why we cant put pressure on the teams above us and we'll be looking to do that. This place will be absolutely rocking if we get on that run. I was very proud today and I really enjoyed the moment and I'm delighted we got the result". Grayson said he will probably recall Bradley Johnson and Tresor Kandol from their loan spells and take a look at them with the rest of the squad and, unlike former boss Gary McAllister, said he would not hesitate to go into the loan market if he thought it would help. “The object is to bring some quality players into the club and if that means a loan, why not?” he said. “There will be changes with some players coming in and some going out but at least we’ve got a start, and with the kind of support Leeds gets, if this club gets a run of results there will be no stopping us.” Incidentally, the Leicester side that faced Leeds today contained four loanees, including Hobbs who captained Liverpool's reserve team squad and played with Cardiff last year, Gilbert, who has played Champions league football with Arsenal and a player typed for a huge future with Wolves. 

Dec 23rd. Simon Grayson became the latest Leeds manager and quickly made all the right noises : "When the opportunity came to come here I couldn't wait to be involved as quickly as possible," Grayson told the Leeds website. "It's a massive club and close to my heart, having played here before and supporting the club. The size and the ambition is obviously an attraction as well. "I had a great time at Blackpool. I had a great rapport with the fans and the board. I certainly wouldn't have dropped down a division for any other club and I feel this is the next stage of my managerial career. "I know there is an expectancy level and it's a challenge I'm looking forward to." Blackpool have reported Leeds United to the Football League after the League One club named Simon Grayson as their new manager. The Seasiders claim they rejected five approaches from Leeds and did not accept Grayson's resignation. The Championship club are also seeking legal advice over an alleged breach of contract by Grayson. Leeds chairman Ken Bates has insisted his club did nothing wrong in the process that led to Grayson's move. Bates told Yorkshire Radio that after his initial approach was rejected "that was the end of it" until Blackpool put the news in the public domain. He added that Grayson was appointed only after resigning as Blackpool boss. "Simon saw Blackpool's chairman and they had a disagreement because he felt he'd done a good job there. He wanted this opportunity, and they were stood in his way," said Bates. "He then resigned. As a free agent, we then offered him the job at Leeds." The statement also claims that Leeds made their final approach after they had rejected Grayson's letter of resignation. "At 12.15pm, the club were notified that Leeds United 'had been aware' that Simon Grayson had resigned from the club's employment and that he had accepted their offer of employment as manager and that he had signed a contract with Leeds," the statement added. Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston also considered taking out an injunction to prevent Grayson from taking charge of Leeds on Boxing Day. "Why should we let Leeds think they get away with such a blatant disregard for the rules?," said Oyston. "If it was legally possibly we would have pushed hard for an injunction against Simon Grayson to stop him taking charge of Leeds. "But it's not easy to get in front of a High Court judge at this time of year. "I think Leeds knew that and that's a point that we will be making in our case against them." Grayson, 39, succeeds Gary McAllister, who was sacked on Sunday after a run of five straight defeats. And Bates explained why he had opted for the former Leeds trainee. "We're delighted to welcome Simon to the club," added Bates. "I like him and he has a real personality, which is important. He's got a good track record, he knows our opponents, he knows the level we're at and he can get us out. "He started his career here and he knows the club. He's a Yorkshireman as well and we have to have someone who is committed to living and working in this area." Grayson guided Blackpool to promotion to the Championship in 2007 after two years in charge. As a player he made two senior appearances for the Elland Road club before joining Leicester City in 1992. A £1.3m moved to Villa followed five years later.

New Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has made his first coaching appointment. Grayson, who joined Leeds from Blackpool on Tuesday, has named former Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City coach Ian Miller as part of his backroom team at Elland Road. Miller met United's squad for the first time on Christmas Day, ahead of the club's Boxing Day clash with Leicester City at Elland Road. Further appointments to Grayson's coaching team are expected to be confirmed in next fortnight. Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson - Grayson's assistant manager and first-team coach at Blackpool respectively - have been linked with moves to Leeds.

Dec 22nd. Verdict. Once again Bates has surprised us all with his choice. Grayson has only managed Blackpool since 2006. He has little experience and I would have gone for John Sheridan seen as he has gone down this route. Adrian Boothroyd, who left Watford last month, and Gustavo Poyet, the former Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach, were thought to be in contention to take over at the Coca-Cola League One club. Despite Blackpool’s refusal, the Championship side are not believed to be willing to stand in the way of Grayson should he ask to leave. “Simon would be desperate to go,” a source close to Grayson said. Grayson has a substantial get-out clause in his contract, which has 18 months left, but coming to an agreement will not be straightforward, with Karl Oyston, the Blackpool chairman, and Ken Bates, his Leeds counterpart, both strong-willed characters. He lives in Skipton, North Yorkshire, and would be used to the tight financial constraints that he might expect at Elland Road, from his time at Bloomfield Road. A move to giants, Leeds would not be difficult for him. It would be a gamble by Bates with more qualified contenders readily available in Billy Davies and Ade Boothroyd. I see this going the way of the Swindon Town duo that Joined Leeds in 2006, ie a side waiting for the maximum compensation available. I believe he will be in the dug out for the match against his old side where he won his only honours as a player, Leicester City. One bit of fate that did cross my mind. The last time we were linked with a tug of war for a manager with Leicester links, it was Martin O'Neill. We didn't pursue him strong enough even though history tells us he would have come. Grayson won a LC winners medal under O'Neill. We got O'Leary and the rest has been downhill. Maybe this move will be okay. Time will tell. 

Dec 22nd. Who is Simon Grayson ? Simon Nicholas Grayson (born 16 December 1969 in Ripon, North Yorkshire) is an English former footballer and now a manager. Throughout his playing career he primarily operated on the right side of defence; however, he was also utilised in midfield. Grayson is currently the manager of Blackpool, whom he guided to promotion to The Championship in 2007. He is the brother of cricketer Paul Grayson, and he is nicknamed "Larry", after his namesake Larry Grayson.
Football career. Grayson began his career at Leeds United in June 1988 as a midfielder/defender. He did not manage to make the big breakthrough at Leeds, playing just twice in four years. He signed for Leicester City in March 1992, and went on to make 229 appearances in five years, enjoying some silverware along the way, winning the League Cup in 1997, and was voted the club's player of the season in the same year. He moved to Aston Villa in 1997, and made another 49 Premier League appearances at Villa Park. He signed for Blackburn Rovers in July 1999, where he made 34 appearances in his first season. He lost his place the following season, and spent most of the next two years on loan, with spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport County, Notts County and Bradford City.Grayson signed for Blackpool on a free transfer on 19 July 2002. He made more than 100 appearances for the Seasiders, and captained the side. He started his career at Blackpool in the right-back berth, but was moved to midfield by former boss Colin Hendry to bolster an area of weakness.
Coaching and Management. Grayson moved into coaching in 2004-05, managing the reserve squad at Bloomfield Road with some success. He was named caretaker manager of the first team in November 2005 following Colin Hendry's departure. After diverting Blackpool away from relegation that season he was given the job on a permanent basis for the start of the 2006-07 season. Grayson retired from playing at the end of the 2005-06 season to focus purely on the managerial side of the game. In late 2006, he led Blackpool to only one defeat in fourteen league games, a sequence that included five wins out of six, resulting in their appearance in the four play-off positions. The run also brought attendances of over 7,000 to Bloomfield Road. This led to his being awarded the League One "Manager of the Month" award for December.

Dec 22nd. By mid afternoon Blackpool announced that the had refused Leeds permission to speak to their manager Simon Grayson about the vacancy at Elland Road. United gave Gary McAllister the boot on Sunday after a fifth successive defeat and have targeted Grayson – a former loan player with the Bantams – as the man to steer them back into the Championship. But a Blackpool statement read: “Following widespread media speculation surrounding Leeds United’s interest in Simon Grayson, the club can confirm Leeds United have approached the club in respect of its manager and the approach to speak to Simon and or his representatives has been firmly rejected. “The club will be making no further comment at this stage.” Grayson, a former Leeds trainee who lives in Thornton-in-Craven near Skipton, succeeded Colin Hendry as manager at Bloomfield Road in November 2005. He then led Blackpool to promotion to the Champion-ship via the play-offs in his first full season in charge. Meanwhile, Leeds captain Frazer Richardson admitted that the players must shoulder some of the blame for McAllister’s sacking. Richardson, the club’s longest serving player, said: “The players accept some of the responsibility because once the whistle goes it is down to us. “The gaffer and ‘Stan’ (assistant manager Steve Staunton) tried to do things right but football is a results-orientated business and our recent results haven’t been good. “Now we have to look to the future. We would like someone in sooner rather than later because we have some important games coming up thick and fast.”

Dec 22nd. By early afternoon the bookies stopped taking bets on Simon Grayson, (current Blackpool manager and ex Leeds player) becoming the new Leeds manager. He was backed from 9/1 to 1/120.

Dec 22nd. Where do we start ? By mid morning Leeds had announced that Steve Staunton had departed the club. It was previously stated that taunton would take charge of the side against Leicester on St Stephens (no pun intended) day. 

Dec 21st. Gary Mac finally received the Ken Bates Christmas present four days before the highlight of the festive season. There seems to be a slight majority of Leeds fans (particularly Leeds based fans) disappointed with the timing, feeling that he didn't have enough time to turn things around. Some say that Dennis Wise got too much time and McAllister never received enough. Wise took Leeds into League One having had 35 games to keep them in the Championship. Lesser mortals than those who have Bates as godfather to their offspring may have received less time. McAllister kept to his principles of playing quality football but it was his inability to create a side that too often committed hari-kari in the back four that ultimately cost him his job. Our own chairman (Greg Tipping) felt that he had too much time and should have gone weeks ago, and our own resident Leeds member (Pete Sebine) felt that he was given the bullet much too soon, citing that he would have gotten it right in the next few weeks. Perhaps somewhere in the middle lies the real answer. In hindsight, perhaps Gary McAllister may have chosen differently his backroom staff, as a squad obviously filled with lots of talent failed to be blended properly from the back . He tried desperately to limp into January to alter his back four and goalkeeper, and perhaps get a real leader on the park. Either way, Bates doesn't do sympathy (except perhaps with Wise) and wielded the managerial axe now. Our target now must to install the right man for the job, something which Bates' history at Chelsea and Leeds doesn't necessarily fill one with confidence. Former players have rarely done well when they have returned as managers to Elland Road. Alan Clarke, Billy Bremner, Eddie Gray and Gary McAllister have all been sacked. Although they can all take some comfort from the fact that the Leeds fans still cherished their memories on the field above that of ther contributions from the touchline. I believe Ken Bates already has his man lined up. Here are the bookie favourites :1. 9/4 Gus Poyet, 2. 7/2 Ady Boothroyd, 3. 8/1 Darren Ferguson, 4. 9/1 Simon Grayson, 5. 10/1 Billy Davies, 6. 12/1 John Sheridan, 7. 12/1 Ian Dowie, 8. 16/1 Paul Ince, 9. 16/1 Alan Curbishley. I think the Man United managerial connections almost immediately rule out the likelihood of numbers three and eight, but then again Ken Bates doesn't exactly do popularity contests.

The main candidates. Gus Poyet. In July 2006, he became a player and assistant manager at Swindon Town alongside ex-Chelsea team mate, Dennis Wise. Both Poyet and Wise were given permission to talk about forming the new Leeds United management team on 23rd October 2006 and looked set to take the place of caretaker manager, John Carver, until Swindon Town withdrew permission due to disagreements over compensation. On the 24th October 2006, Poyet was confirmed as assistant manager of Leeds Utd with Dennis Wise as the manager. He fast became something of a cult hero with his wit and charm with the fans behind the teams bench. Poyet was reportedly considering coming out of retirement and playing professionally again for Leeds, following his appearance in two of the club's friendly matches whilst on a mid-winter training camp in Cyprus (January 2007) during one of these games he scored a volley described by United's manager Dennis Wise as "stunning. On 29 October 2007 Poyet rejoined his former club Tottenham Hotspur to work alongside new head coach Juande Ramos as a first team coach with Marcos Álvarez as a fitness coach. Since he has returned to White Hart Lane, he has won the 2008 Carling Cup, beating Chelsea 2-1 after extra time after a penalty from Dimitar Berbatov in normal time and a header early into extra time from Jonathan Woodgate On 25 October 2008, Poyet parted company with Tottenham Hotspur along with Manager Juande Ramos, first team coach Marcos Álvarez and sporting director Damien Comolli He is now a commentator for Star TV and ESPN Networks for La Liga matches, as well as Sky Sports, for matches from the Premier League. Opinion. He could be a contender although he has never worked as a number one. Bates like him but he would need someone along side him who knows the division inside out.
Ady Boothroyd. After ending his playing career at Peterborough United, Boothroyd was appointed coach of the Under 17, Under 19 and reserve teams at the club. His tactical nous and drive impressed, and he left Peterborough in 2001 to join Norwich City as their Youth Team coach under Nigel Worthington. After two years at Carrow Road, Boothroyd assumed the positions of Youth Development Officer and Technical Director at West Bromwich Albion, joining in October 2003 A short spell at The Hawthorns ended when he was appointed first-team coach at Leeds United in July 2004where he continued to build his reputation until he was appointed manager of Watford in March 2005 at the age of 34. Many Watford fans were surprised at the decision of the board to appoint a relatively unknown manager, and many[who?] voiced their concerns over the issue. They reasoned that whilst the club was in such a precarious league position in the Championship, it would have been more logical to approach a manager with experience at such a level. However, the board backed their decision and the club entered a new era under Boothroyd. He managed to steer the club clear of relegation, with 1–0 victories over Stoke City and Rotherham United. At the beginning of the 2005–06 season, Boothroyd signalled his intentions by declaring that his aim for the forthcoming campaign would be promotion to the Premiership. Many saw this strong ambition as unrealistic, yet they backed him to try and prove them wrong. As the season progressed, Boothroyd's side gained more and more confidence, and come the end of the season, had cemented a place in the play-offs. After overcoming Crystal Palace in the two-legged semi-final, Boothroyd's team came up against the club where he used to coach; Leeds United. Watford won 3–0 and claimed a place in the top league of English football. The rapid improvement in Watford's results in his first season in charge led to Boothroyd winning the Championship Manager of the Month in February 2006 Boothroyd continued as Watford manager for the duration of the 2006–07 Premier League season, but Watford finished 20th and were relegated. Nevertheless, Watford reached the semi-finals, and Boothroyd was awarded a new three year contract. A good start to the 2007–08 season saw Watford nine points clear at the top of the Championship after twelve games. The good form saw Boothroyd named Championship Manager of the Month for October 2007 after Watford maintained a 100% record] The good start could not be sustained and a poor run of form in second half of the season saw Boothroyd coming in for criticism from supporters for his team selections, direct style of play and dealings in the transfer market One win in thirteen going into the last game of the season saw Watford in danger of missing out altogether on a play off spot but a 1–1 draw against Blackpool was enough to secure sixth place on goal difference ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers. In their play-off semi-final against Hull City Watford lost 2–0 at Vicarage Road and 4–1 at the KC Stadium. After missing out on an immediate return to Premiership, Boothroyd announced his intention re-build the side for next season, and also change the team's style of play.He left Watford by mutual consent on 3 November 2008
Billy Davies. Davies went on to manage Motherwell and he took them to the brink of European Football but was subsequently sacked after poor form saw Motherwell gain just 3 points from 7 matches at the start of the 2001-02 season. Following his dismissal as Motherwell boss, Davies moved south to England and took on the role of assistant manager to former Scotland national coach Craig Brown at Preston North End. Following Brown's departure in 2004 he was installed as caretaker manager before being given the job on a permanent basis. Davies took Preston to the brink of the Premier League via the play-offs in May 2005 but lost in the final. Despite a difficult start to the 2005–06 season, Preston went on an unbeaten run, from September until February, which saw them go 22 games unbeaten - equalling the record set in the 1888 season by the double-winning 'Invincibles' side, leading some sections of the media to dub them 'The New Invincibles'. This helped the club qualify for the play-offs for a second successive season although Davies and Preston again failed to win promotion when they were knocked out by Leeds United after losing the semi-final second leg. Davies's success at Deepdale saw him linked with a number of other jobs. He was interviewed for the position at Charlton Athletic when it was announced that Alan Curbishley would be stepping down after 15 years as manager, but Davies was unsuccessful and the job went to Iain Dowie instead] Davies then accepted an offer to manage Preston's Championship rivals Derby County in June 2006. In Davies's first season as Derby manager he led them to third place in the league and then won the play-offs after defeating Southampton in the semi-finals and then West Bromwich Albion at the New Wembley, ending Derby's five year absence from the top flight. Despite signing a one year extension to his contract, Derby struggled in the Premier League, gaining only six points from fourteen games. After criticising Derby's board for lack of investment, Davies left Pride Park in November 2007, with the club bottom of the league. Things got worse under Davies's successor Paul Jewell, as their early win over Newcastle was their only win of the season as they went down in bottom place, also setting new lows for goals and points Davies was later linked with the managerial positions of the Scottish national team after Alex McLeish stepped down to take charge of Birmingham City (he would eventually withdraw his interest from this post), Leicester City (after Gary Megson defected to Bolton Wanderers, as well as Dundee and Hibernian. He was also considered a candidate to become assistant manager to Everton boss David Moyes, a role which came vacant when Alan Irvine left to take charge of Davies's old club Preston.
John Sheridan. Following the departure of Iain Dowie to Crystal Palace in late 2003, Sheridan took over the coaching of the Oldham first team, along with fellow-veteran David Eyres, before they were both replaced by Brian Talbot. On 1 June 2006, Talbot's successor, Ronnie Moore, was himself shown the door, and Sheridan stepped in to fill in the manager's position on a permanent basis. On 7 December 2006, Sheridan was named Football League One Manager of the Month. He guided Oldham to sixth place in League One in 2006–07, and their promotion challenge was ended in the play-off semifinals by eventual winners Blackpool.
So what will the new manager inherit ? Usually, a new manager inherits very little. This in my view is not the case in this circumstance. The right individual has half  of the season to get Leeds promoted, a job eminently achievable. The resources, with a few key additions (we all know where) are all there. Personally, I would love Sheridan to have a crack at it. His former Leeds connections will rule against him this time around, but I think he has a lovely blend at Oldham from limited financial backing. Also, from the main candidates he is the only one in a job currently. I don't fancy Dowie who has failed at his last few jobs, although he hardly got time at QPR. Poyet to me isn't experienced enough although I have a feeling Bates may plumb for him if he doesn't get the other man, Ady Boothroyd. I don't like  Boothroyd's principles on football, although it is effective in the lower divisions. Some may argue that playing football didn't do a lot for McAllister. Fair point. It did for Martinez at Swansea.  It's certainly hard to argue against Boothroyd's record. Watford fans either loved or hated him. There was no middle ground. Would we have enough notebook paper in Leeds and would the pigeons be safe from the high long ball. Who knows ? Against the former two, I think Billy Davies would be a  shrewder choice. "Job done". (Remember that) . I like that Scottish hunger that comes with many of our Celtic bretheren. We'll know by St Stephens Day.

Gary McAllister managerial career. After almost four years out of the game, McAllister, who was part of the squad the last time Leeds had won the League Championship, was appointed the new manager of Leeds United on 29 January 2008 with an initial contract until the end of the season. The club was sitting in 6th place after former boss Wise's surprise departure to Newcastle and the new manager's first game came four days after his appointment. McAllister had not had sufficient time to get to know his new players, so the selection duties were primarily on technical director Gwyn Williams, who had presided over Leeds' 1–0 away defeat to Southend United.[20] Leeds lost the game 2–0 to Tranmere Rovers and slipped to 8th in the table and it became clear that McAllister would need to turn the tide if Leeds were to regain a play-off spot.The new manager bagged his first win at the fifth attempt, in a 1–0 away victory over Swindon Town, before following it up with his first home victory against Bournemouth, in which Leeds beat the relegation-threatened side 2–0.Leeds rewarded McAllister for his hard work and the team's good form – just two defeats in 12 games – by offering him a new 12-month rolling contract on 3 April 2008.Bates cited McAllister's general improvement of team performances and his planning for the club's future as reasons for offering him the new contract. McAllister's task of getting The Whites into The Championship the same season took a considerable step-forwards, as Leeds secured their spot in the play-offs with a 1-0 at Yeovil Town on 25 April 2008. But Leeds lost to Doncaster, 1-0 in the play-off final. During his second season as manager McAllister was sacked on 21 December 2008 after a poor string of results, which included an FA Cup defeat to part-time club Histon

Dec 21st. Gary McAllister has today been sacked by Leeds United. The former Scotland international has paid the price for his side's woeful run of form that has left the Elland Road club in ninth place. Yesterday's 3-1 defeat to MK Dons means United are 15 points behind leaders Leicester City and five points adrift of the play-offs.
A statement on the club's official website read: "The club would like to place on record its thanks for the loyal service given to Leeds United by Gary since joining the club as manager in January 2008, and wish him every success in the future."The club will make no further comment on a replacement until we are in a position to make an appointment, which we are committed to doing as quickly as possible."

Dec 20th. MK Dons 3-1 Leeds UnitedLeeds: Lucas, Assoumani, Marques, Michalik (Richardson 46), Sheehan, Delph, Douglas, Kilkenny, Howson (Showunmi 76), Snodgrass, Becchio. Subs Not Used: Ankergren, Hughes, Elliott. Goals: Snodgrass 49. Att: 17,073. Leeds should have taken the lead in the opening minutes when Snodgrass failed to turn in a parried shot from Howson. After that it was calamity after calamity in the story of Leeds undefending. Mk Donds have six playerd over six foot, two inches with a playe r that throws the ball further than Rory Delap. The rest could have been foretold. Aaron Wilbraham bagged a brace as MK Dons sent Leeds crashing to a fifth successive defeat. The hosts took the lead when Jemal Johnson's corner found Sean O'Hanlon and he headed into the Leeds net. Their lead doubled when Wilbraham poked another Johnson corner in, before Leeds got back into the game when Robert Snodgrass volleyed in from 20 yards. But the Dons wrapped things up when Leeds left Wilbraham unmarked for him to head in Johnson's cross. Nearly 5,000 Leeds fans travelled. Gary McAllister : "I feel I am letting the fans down. The city of Leeds deserves better. "We'll keep working, I'll continue to work hard with the players to put things right. That's my job. They are undefendable at the moment (the players) and we are despreate to strengthen. There is an expectation level for me that is brilliant which players should thrive upon. We are spending hours upon hours on the training ground to improve things and keep their concentration levels and we'll keep wotking with them. We are getting punished every time. I can go home and sleep at night because I am giving 100%. The players are still working hard but we've got to get through it

Dec 18th. McDonald goes and Asdsoumani arrives. Leeds United boss Gary McAllister has completed the signing of French defender Mansour Assoumani on a short-term contract. The 25-year-old, who has played in the French top flight with Montpellier, has impressed McAllister during a 10-day trial period at Thorp Arch. The 6ft 2in centre-half is expected to go straight into Leeds' squad for Saturday's league clash at MK Dons. Assoumani scored with a towering header for Leeds' reserves against York and can also operate as a full-back. He left German club Sportfreunde Siegen in June when his contract expired and joins Leeds as a free agent. McAllister said of Saturday's task: “It is a crucial game. long with the home match against Leicester on Boxing Day it gives us a great opportunity to go some way towards reeling in two of the teams above us. “The players are still working their socks off on the training ground, which makes it easier for me to sleep easier at night.” Leeds boss Gary McAllister is angry over the circumstances of Neil McDonald’s switch to become Sam Allardyce’s assistant at Blackburn Rovers. McAllister had no quarrel with head coach McDonald’s decision to team up with Blackburn’s new chief but he was disappointed to learn from a third party that the move had gone ahead before Leeds were officially told. McAllister said: “I am not happy with the way it was done, which is a personal thing. I was very much aware of it a day earlier because the football world is a small one and I have a lot of friends in it, so maybe I knew things that others didn’t.” Allardyce and McDonald spent five years together at Bolton and McAllister added: “When someone approaches you from two divisions above with a greater financial package there is very little you can do. Neil lives just ten minutes away from Blackburn and he knows Sam well. I am disappointed he has gone and the timing isn’t ideal but no-one is bigger than the club.” McAllister and assistant boss Steve Staunton will share coaching duties for the time being and they will be looking for a big improvement on recent performances when United visit MK Dons on Saturday. One does wonder what coaching McDonald was giving our defence or did that fall to Steve Staunton ?

Taken from the excellent Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Post. Dec 13th Leeds United 1-2 Colchester United. Leeds United: Lucas, Hughes, Marques, Telfer, Sheehan, Kilkenny (Christie 60), Prutton, Douglas, Delph, Snodgrass, Becchio. Subs (not used): Ankergren, Michalik, Howson, Showunmi. att - 19,625. Leeds United winced beneath the weight of another horrible blow as a 2-1 defeat to Colchester United increased the strain on their manager, Gary McAllister. United's return to Elland Road after three weeks away from home failed to provide any comfort for McAllister, and a fourth straight loss left the Scot under growing pressure last night.His position had already been opened to scrutiny by a sudden loss of momentum last month, and a dire chain of events in the 65th minute yesterday forced him to contemplate United's eighth defeat of a League One season which is rapidly running out of his control.David Prutton was sent off by referee Nigel Miller for a second bookable offence after a rash foul on David Perkins, and United's defence stood motionless as Mark Yeates curled the resulting free-kick into the furthest corner of David Lucas' net with lethal precision.
Much like Tranmere Rovers seven days earlier, Colchester recovered from a goal down to claim victory through Yeates' strike and inflict a defeat on Leeds which appears every bit as costly as the three which preceded it. Elland Road is a stage where United have generally excelled this season.
For two weeks, McAllister has fought gamely against criticism of himself and his team's performances, and a win on home soil was essential yesterday, partly to alleviate the strain on him but also to bolster Leeds for forthcoming games against MK Dons, Leicester City and Stockport County, matches on which the success of United's season – and perhaps McAllister's job – now rests. The affect of Leeds' worrying form was apparent in the nervous atmosphere at Elland Road, and the anxiety of the crowd was displayed during Colchester's first attack in the fourth minute which brought fractious murmuring from the terraces as United struggled to clear the ball from their box. The first half as a whole was a mundane affair, its flow affected by misplaced passes and a busy midfield where neither team established any control. United's first opportunity came in the 15th minute when Becchio anticipated Delph's quick break and struck a deflected shot past Jimmy Walker's right-hand post. Prutton's fierce volley three minutes later gave Walker more concern but a goal looked thoroughly unlikely to materialise before a direct approach helped Robert Snodgrass open the scoring after 35 minutes. On a damp and miserable day, the football was initially made to match.The plans laid down by Paul Lambert, Colchester's manager, were not helped by the loss on 26 minutes of Jermaine Easter, who came off worst from a reckless tackle on Fabian Delph in the centre circle, but the striker had little possession to work with before his premature departure.Colchester's best chance of the half was Perkins' shot from the edge of the box which struck a leg but carried safely into Lucas' hands. At the other end of the field, Walker smothered a low shot from Snodgrass as the half-hour approached.Such was the lack of cohesion among both sets of players that the opening goal was most likely to come from a defensive lapse, and Colchester paid heavily for their loss of concentration in the 35th minute.Lucas' long goal-kick – coming after Yeates had swung a dangerous cross through his box – bounced through to Snodgrass who ran clear of Chris Coyne and showed excellent composure to cut inside Paul Reid and drive the ball passed Walker.
Colchester began to look stretched, and Walker reacted quickly to clutch a header from Snodgrass after Delph's shot flew across the box in the 40th minute. He was drawn into another urgent save moments later when Becchio's cut-back gave Snodgrass the space to shoot.But as the first half moved into injury-time, Colchester exploited a controversial decision by referee Nigel Miller by forcing an equaliser.Rui Marques was ordered to leave the field to change his shirt – apparently due to blood on his kit, though none was visible – and while the Angolan centre-back was standing on the touchline, Miller allowed Yeates to deliver a corner which Dean Hammond headed home from inside a crowded box.As he has on at least one previous occasion, Miller left the field to the sound of irate booing from United's supporters echoing around him, but there was no disguising the fact that United's defence – albeit one man down – had been undone again by a free header from six yards out. As many as four players were surrounding Colchester's captain when he rose to nod the ball beyond Lucas.His effort launched McAllister into a team-talk which was arguably as important as any other he has delivered in his time at United's manager, alive as he must have been to the fact that a victory was crucial yesterday, for himself and for his club. But despite the importance of the situation, Leeds found it difficult to play their way into dangerous positions around Walker's goal, and the start of the second half lacked the rhythm that McAllister yearned for. Jonathan Douglas produced a crucial block inside his box as Perkins ran onto Clive Platt's flick and attempted to drive the ball through Lucas, and United's failure to trouble Colchester's defence led McAllister to introduce Malcolm Christie from the substitutes' bench.The striker's prolonged recovery from damaged ribs had been completed in time for yesterday's game and with Jermaine Beckford continuing to nurse a torn hamstring Christie provided Leeds with a welcome alternative.Five minutes later, however, Prutton, who had been cautioned for dissent in the first half, was sent off for his second bookable offence and Yeates drove a wonderful free-kick into the far corner of Lucas' net. McAllister made a final change, throwing on the giant frame of striker Enoch Showunmi, and Walker soon pulled off an excellent diving save to keep out Alan Sheehan's free-kick. But United's depleted team came no closer than an 84th-minute header from Snodgrass which Hammond nodded off his goalline to the delight of Colchester and the growing agony of Leeds.

Dec 8th. Leeds United are the latest club chasing Town central defender Alex Bruce, according to one of this morning's tabloids. The Ireland international is out of contract at the end of the season and so far, despite talks with his agent, no new deal is on the table. This is what the Ispwich message boards had to say :1. Why can`t Jim sort out a deal for Alex, He was again man of the match against Norwich today. He is no doubt Ipswich Towns best defender so please sign him before it`s too late,Instead off looking at non league Irish or 30+ year old defenders!! Get it sorted JIM!! 2.Alex Bruce is our best defender? Since he came back in the team P5 W1 D1 L3. Without Bruce one defeat in thirteen.Not powerful enough for a Championship centre half,not a good enough footballer for a full back. Often caught underneath the ball or out of position and has poor concentration which is why he makes those last ditch tackles people love but he shouldn't be making.Not as good as he( or you) thinks he is. 3.like him but he's far from exceptional. He's also a clever cookie: If I was looking for a new job and had the chance to play in front of a national TV audience, I'd play my socks off too! Or am I being cynical?

Dec 7th. Tranmere Rvs 2-1 Leeds United. Leeds: Lucas, Richardson, Telfer, Marques, Sheehan, Snodgrass, Douglas, Prutton, Howson (Kilkenny 71), Becchio, Showunmi. Subs Not Used: Ankergren, Michalik, Parker, Hughes. Booked: Prutton, Telfer. Goals: Showunmi 11. Att: 8,700 Tranmere came from behind to hand Leeds a fifth away defeat of the season. Fraser Richardson flicked on a Robert Snodgrass cross for Enoch Showunmi to beat Danny Coyne from eight yards and give the visitors an early lead. But when United keeper David Lucas missed his punch from an Andy Taylor free-kick, Antony Kay was on hand to head Rovers level from 12 yards. And Ian Moore's speculative 20-yard shot wrapped up the win although Leeds had a Luciano Becchio header ruled out. Another catalogue of changes, some enforced and some by choice. Either way, despite having a superb start, just like v Millwall, and v Huddersfield we still conspired to lose all three points. The only ones not under performing at Leeds these days are the fans. This was another dreadful result. We have the best squad in League One but our results are appalling. It has been obvious for some time where the fault lies. We concede goals for fun and have not got a decent keeper between the two of them. I believe the keeper situation must be the first thing to be sorted out. Then we need two centre halves and some astute management. Brian Clough used to say that Peter Shilton was worth 20 points a season for Notts Forest. Ankergren and Lucas are worth 20 points a season also.....................for the opposition. Throw in a leaky defence and we have the Kevin Keegan philosophy of football - "Score more goals then the opposition". The problem is that away from home particularly we have conceded more than we have scored. McAllister said: "We worked hard and I thought we looked a better side than Tranmere. But we were punished for two errors in defence and it is very frustrating. "We know where the problems lie and we have got to put them right. There are still a lot of points to be won in the weeks ahead and we are certainly not out of the promotion running." Regarding the transfer window : "I am working within a budget. It's not carte blanche and I'm not dining off the a la carte menu. I'm under orders, there's a wage limit, and people have to drop into that if they're going to come here.'

Dec 3rd. Gary McAllister has been given a vote of confidence after flying to Monaco for talks with chairman Ken Bates. McAllister is under growing pressure at Elland Road after his side slipped out of the League One play-off zone and then lost to non-League Histon Town in the FA Cup. Bates is adamant, however, that there is no need to panic and is keeping faith with the former Leeds player who took charge 11 months ago. McAllister was joined by technical director Gwyn Williams and chief executive officer Shaun Harvey on the trip to Monaco, where Bates now lives as a tax exile. "We planned this meeting long before Sunday," said Bates. "We analysed all parts of the club, all parts of the performance, the Academy, and every player on the books was discussed in depth. There's certainly no panic. It was a very positive meeting." Bates revealed that McAllister has no intention of abandoning his footballing philosophy and will be looking to strengthen in the New Year transfer window. "Gary made it quite clear he couldn't convert to kick-and rush as some have suggested," said Bates. "He sees his job as bringing back the type of football the fans enjoy and that's what we are aiming for. "Some fans have asked why didn't we bring someone in on loan. The fact is that the only players available at this time of year are either rubbish that other clubs want off their books, short-termists, players who are over the top, or players needing match practice. We are not doing that. We are Leeds United and we are sticking to our principles. "It takes time and that's the way we are aiming to go," added Bates. "We have scored more goals than any other club in all other competitions, and those problems that we do have will be addressed in January." McAllister took stick from Leeds supporters after his side's FA Cup defeat at Histon – a result regarded as one of the most embarrassing in the club's history. Bates acknowledged that the result was 'disappointing' but said: "The fact of the matter is that we were knocked out, and that's the end of it. The pitch was dreadful – I suspect if it hadn't have been live on TV it would have been cancelled – but they adapted to the conditions better than we did and good luck to them in the next round. "The interesting thing is that they now have Swansea, who got knocked out by Havant and Waterlooville last season," he said. "After that, they went on a run that took them to the League One Championship. Let's hope that's an omen (for Leeds)." Leeds are awaiting news on winger Andy Robinson who limped off during Sunday's defeat with a hamstring injury. With Jermaine Beckford already ruled out for a month and new signing Malcom Christie still short of match fitness, Leeds can hardly afford to be without another attacker ahead of Saturday's game at Tranmere.

Nov 30th. McAllister's reaction. I think that I've taken this club and started to push it in the right direction," said McAllister. "It's not my decision, but I feel as if I'm the guy who can get this club into the Championship." Asked for his reaction to the defeat, McAllister responded: "What do you think my reaction is? That's a leading question. "It was absolutely not good. The thing is, I know how important this is, and I sometimes wonder if they (the players) know the importance of this result today. "It was one of our biggest upsets. We are a third division team and, today at times, we looked like a third division team. "I just felt we were a wee bit sloppy. Some of our passing was very sloppy and untidy. I've banged on about this for a long time now. Everybody's had a chance and, just at crucial times today, our decision-making was poor." McAllister denied his team were out-battled in atrocious conditions in Cambridgeshire, with heavy rain leaving surface water on the pitch and scuppering Leeds's attempts to produce flowing football. "I don't think we were out-fought," said McAllister. "There's no way you can throw that at the Leeds United players. "We worked our socks off. The effort was there and the players battled away; I just felt that at the moments we needed that bit of quality, that bit of class, we didn't quite produce it.
"All I can do is wish Histon all the best." Histon's reward for the greatest result in their history was a third-round tie at home to Championship club Swansea. When the draw was announced on television, a loud groan erupted from the Histon changing room, although manager Steve Fallon insisted the non-League side will fancy their chances of getting into round four. "To be honest, I just wanted us to get a home draw," said Fallon, who presides over the side in tandem with club coach John Beck. "That's all I was bothered about – getting another game at the Glass World Stadium – and, hopefully, there'll be another big crowd cheering us on. "Swansea will be a difficult challenge but I think we've got good reason to go into that game with plenty of confidence. "If Leeds played Swansea tomorrow, you'd probably back Leeds to beat Swansea, so there's no reason why we can't get ourselves into round four – particularly if we play as well as we did against Leeds." Fallon said his team deserved to win against a Leeds outfit who were made to look decidedly ordinary. "I thought we deserved to win against a very big team," he added. "Both defensively and attacking-wise, I thought we played magnificently well, the players put their bodies on the line and it was an outstanding victory. You get your rewards if you work really hard and that's what happened to us today. I couldn't have asked for any more from the players because they gave it their all."

Nov 30th. Histon 1-0 Leeds United. Leeds: Lucas, Richardson, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Delph, Douglas, Snodgrass, Robinson (Showunmi 52) , Becchio, Hughes (Howson 59) . Subs: Ankergren, Prutton, Kilkenny, Parker, Telfer. A part-time side from a  village with a population of just 4,000 defeated Europe's biggest one club city, (population  urban central Leeds approximately 400,000 plus) and a humiliating FA Cup defeat to the once mighty Leeds United. Delivered being the operative word, as postman, Matt Lagnstan buried a header past Lucas almost as good as he puts mail through the letterbox. Leeds had their chances with Becchio in particular guilty of a golden opportunity in either half. Michallik, who went missing in action for the Histon goal, had one of this better games otherwise, commanding to each header. But it was that defensive lapse, so obvious all season that has blighted the top scorer's in English football's season, with the experienced Hughes also guilty of dithering near the goal line when he could have cleared had he remained there. The conditions were poor but a semi-professional side from the Blue Square Premier league was still our opponents today. Michallik almost made amends twice in the second half when he rattled the post and had super stinging volley turned away off the line. Would Leeds have demolished Histon on a better surface, most probably. That would not do justice to the effort of the part timers and would gloss over another defensive error, which even at this level has proved to be fatal. United have lost three from their last four, and some supporters are using the word "crisis". Rui Marques returned to the fold and looked a shadow of his one self. Robinson who limped off with a  hamstring injury had another poor game, and Becchio will have had better games, although it is obvious to many that this is not a 4-3-3 but a 4-5-1 which does not suit Leeds. United over passed on a quagmire of a pitch when a longer ball would have made not just longer distance but better progress. Showunmi looked decent when he came on and deserves a run up front alongside Becchio from the outset. McAllister will have to compromise his passing principles for a smarter approach. We are in trouble defensively, and without Beckford we won't be capable of always outscoring the opposition. It's Tranmere away next when a win against tricky opposition is not just important but vital. McAllister will have to plan without Beckford, Robinson, Douglas, and Delph. He still has enough tools at this disposal. It's time to use them efficiently. 

Nov 29th. Gary McAllister has admitted all the ingredients are in place for an FA Cup upset at non-league Histon tomorrow but pledged his team would fight tooth and nail to prevent a giant-killing. United face a classic banana skin against the Blue Square Premier Division leaders at the 4,000-capacity Glass World Stadium as they look to book their place in the third round draw. To add to the pressure on McAllister and his players, the match is being screened on terrestrial television (kick-off 12.15pm) as Leeds aim to avoid the embarrassment of losing to the part-timers from Cambridgeshire, who have won their last seven league games to raise hopes of promotion to the Football League. Leeds will also be without leading scorer Jermaine Beckford, who will be absent for a month with a hamstring injury.
"It's all set-up, it's a classic FA Cup tie and the cameras will be there because they sniff something," said McAllister. "We know it's going to be a tough game and that Histon are flying high at the moment, but we're going there to fight and we are Leeds United. "There's a lot at stake for us and a lot of pride as well; our players are working their socks off at the moment and we want this result badly. "Of course we're favourites and we're not looking at the negatives; we're looking forwards and trying to make sure we progress into the third round proper." Histon are managed by Steve Fallon and coached by John Beck, the notorious long-ball specialist who had spells in charge of Cambridge United, Preston North End and Lincoln City. Beck's methods have attracted much criticism over the years but McAllister refused to be drawn on the type of football Leeds might encounter."I don't want to talk about their style of play, to be honest," he said. "I don't know John Beck and I don't think I've played against one of his teams, but Histon are obviously getting results and they will have a lot of confidence. "They are very effective at what they do, but my only concern is Leeds United; I don't want to talk about the opposition."We just need to get to our tempo and get our rhythm right. We don't expect to be able to get the ball down and play and weave pretty patterns, but when the game does open up we've got to show why, as a group, we're two divisions higher than they are." Leeds midfielder Jonathan Douglas admitted the majority of the country would be rooting for Histon. "I'm sure a lot of people sitting at home watching the game on television will be wanting us to get beat, but it's up to us to show everyone what we can do," he said. "We've sat down and had meetings about Histon and we know we're in for a battle, but we've prepared really well, just as we do for every game, and it's all about ourselves and trying to make sure we get into that third round draw. "But we're not complacent and we know we're a League One side – only two divisions higher than them. It's not as if we're Leeds United in the Premier Division anymore. "We've got to give 100 per cent because anything less than that won't be good enough; we've got to be as determined as them and we will be as determined." Douglas pronounced himself satisfied with his own form after struggling to break into the team at the start of the season. "It's been going well lately and I'm really enjoying it," he said. "I wasn't involved at the start of the season and maybe that gave me the kick up the backside I needed. "Playing with people like Fabian Delph makes it easier for me because you just have to give him the ball and let him run with it. "It was disappointing to be out of the team at the start of the season because nobody likes to be out, but you just have to tell yourself to roll your sleeves up and keep working hard, and that's really all that I've tried to do."

Nov 28th. Leeds United boss Gary McAllister expects to be without the services of striker Jermaine Beckford for around a month. Becks, who has scored 19 goals in 24 appearances this term, suffered a torn hamstring during the final stages of Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Northampton Town. The 24-year-old was helped from the pitch by the United medical team with 11 minutes remaining at Sixfields and our leading scorer is now set for spell on the sidelines. Gary McAllister will fall back on his existing defensive options until the January transfer window after failing to sign Hull City's Wayne Brown on loan. United made a late bid to recruit Brown before yesterday's emergency loan deadline having identified him as an option to strengthen their defence, but the club were unable to secure an agreement with the centre-back ahead of the Football League's 5pm cut-off point

Nov 25th. Northampton 2-1 Leeds United. Lucas, Hughes, Parker, Michallik, Telfer, Douglas (Snodgrass 66 Mins), Delph, Robinson, Prutton, Becchio, Beckford (Howson 79 Mins). Subs Unused - Richardson, Kilkenny Ankergren,  Att.-6,008 (1,356 Leeds fans) Will the real Leeds United please turn up please. United who won 5-2 at Sixfields just over a week ago never came out for the first half. Andy Todd came in on loan for the Cobblers and his cross should have been converted by McGleish. Gilligan then rattled the post from 25 yards. Davis deservedly put Northampton ahead on 29 minutes when he smashed a shot home from inside the penalty area. Leeds started to wake up and Beckford prompted Fielding into a good save before he hit the post few minutes later. Both Delph and Douglas collected their fifth bookings of the season and will sit out the Tranmere match at Prenton Park. Leeds came out a different side for the second half. Robinson produced a decent save from the keeper and Becchio hit the crossbar all within the first seven minutes of the second half. On 66 minuted Snodgrass (who should be playing every week) came on for Douglas. Two minutes later his work contributed to Beckford getting a deserved equaliser for the Whites.  Northampton complained as in the build up Jason Crowe lay injured on the ground. Leeds went on the attack for the winner and had their chances.There was bad news for Leeds with twelve minutes to go when Beckford went off injured.The Cobblers scored through Bignall when he rose unmarked from a corner to head home the winner. Once again terrible marking has been our undoing. It was their only real attack of the second half and exposed Leeds defensive frailties for the umpteenth time this season.. United had enough chances to have won three games but a side who were missing four of their top players including Colin Larkin from Dundalk have taken three valuable points from Leeds. Real Jeckyl and Hyde stuff from United and the frustration from the fans right now is palpable as we move to seventh position, some six points behind leaders, Leicester City. Some Leeds fans in the Louth Branch are asking are the current management up to the job. We'll soon see. Get your rants in lads!

Nov 24th. Here's a surprising stat. Only one Leeds United player has played in every match this season at least in part. Who is it ? Believe it or not it's one Luciano Becchio. On eight league goals this season he's still three behind Jermaine Beckford. I backed both to be top scorer, in League One. Beckford was 11/1 and Becchio was 25/1. Mattie Fryatt of Leicester is on thirteen league goals, and although Beckford has scored eighteen times this season (in all competitions), Richie Lambert of Bristol Rovers has scored 17 goals in League One from 17 matches. Amazingly he has netted in thirteen different games. Now that's what I call prolific even though he netted none in all cup competitions.

Nov 24th. Dan Murray of Cork City was pleased with how his week-long trial went at Leeds United - yet does not expect to be offered a deal. The Cork City skipper is keen to stay Leeside, but spent last week at Elland Road and played in a reserves match midweek. Then, United enjoyed a 2-0 success over Lincoln City. He was one of four trialists playing in the game, which was played at Leeds' training ground. Murray told the Evening Echo: "I got to play the full 90 minutes and I was pleased with that; we won the game as well. "I got to play at centre-half and I had lads like Peter Sweeney, Peter Huntington and an Irish lad, Alan Sheehan, who was at Leicester City, in the team with me. "I think if they were going to sign me up, they would have made a move by now." Murray is hoping to meet City chairman Tom Coughlan to begin contract talks this week, though he described his week at Leeds as a 'good experience'.

Nov 21st. Leeds United 4-1 Hartlepool.  Leeds: Lucas, Hughes, Michalik, Telfer, Parker, Robinson, Prutton, Delph, Douglas, Beckford, Becchio (Snodgrass 76). Subs Not Used: Ankergren, Richardson, Kilkenny, Howson. Goals: Beckford 15, Delph 50, Becchio 64, Beckford 90. Att: 21,182. Jermaine Beckford scored twice as classy Leeds eased past Hartlepool. Beckford opened the scoring when he glanced home a fine cross from Andrew Hughes but Joel Porter's header from Michael Nelson's centre made it 1-1. Fabian Delph restored Leeds' lead with a low drive from 12 yards and Beckford teed up Luciano Becchio who blasted in number three from eight yards. Beckford rounded off the scoring, collecting a Hughes pass and firing in the home side's fourth in injury time. Leeds still had their defensive lapses and H'pool could have leveled at 2-1 to Leeds when the crossbar was hit. Gary McAllister speaking to Eddie Gray straight after the match : “Hpool came to attack, but I was delighted with my team today. There were a a a few harsh words after last weeks performance (Huddsfield match) The front three were excellent (meaning Delph joining with Becchio and Beckford). Jermaine was excellent. He sat out a couple of games and it's paying dividends. I think down the line there's a centre forward and a central midfielder there (Beckford and Delph), but it does well for them and the team to play wide down the channels and learn the game. The wider of the left was purely a recovery position. I was delighted with Andy Hughes (I couldn't drop him after the Northampton match). His crosses were superb with a lovely delivery of different choices of cross. The target was set for six points from today and Tuesday. The top of the table is bunched and Clarke and Reaney (just walking past me) have a chance too”. Danny Wilson (H'pool manager) : 'The two late goals were too soft and that's been our problem this season. We have got to be tougher than we are at the back. We can't keep conceding goals like we do and expect to get two or three goals back. ''The penny has not dropped yet. It doesn't matter if the strikers are scoring goals or not, the back lads have got to keep clean sheets. We have got experienced boys at the back there and they have got to do better.''

Nov 20th. It looks like Malcolm Christie, so log out of football may have done enough to earn himself a deal at Elland Road. Christie did well in his "surprise" appearance alongside Beckford at Northampton, and Leeds will offer him a pay and play deal for approximately eight games to prove his fitness. The 29-year-old, whose last game was in April 2007, played 70 minutes of Leeds' 5-2 win at Northampton in Tuesday's FA Cup first round replay. "He brings us that wee bit of guile and experience," McAllister told BBC Leeds. "I've got four mainline strikers at my disposal and it just strengthens and bolsters the squad up even more." The former England Under-21 international has been training with Leeds in a bid to regain fitness and was a surprise inclusion at Sixfields after agreeing to play.McAllister said: "We've now got four mainline strikers at my disposal and it was very comforting with 20 minutes to go to be able to take Malcolm and Jermaine [Beckford] off and replace them with Luciano [Becchio] and Big Enoch [Showunmi]. When asked whether he hoped to sign Christie in time for Saturday's visit of Hartlepool to League One, McAllister would only comment: "That's the plan." McAllister also said that he never doubted that striker Jermaine Beckford would end his goal drought. Leeds' top scorer had gone seven games without a goal, but scored a hat-trick as Leeds booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup and a trip to Histon. "All strikers go through it and it's a good test for him because he's still pretty green and it's probably the first time - certainly since I've come here - with such a lengthy barren spell. "He's a confident boy - when we get the chances and put them in front of him I always feel pretty confident he'll get on the score-sheet. "I thought the three finishes were excellent - three different types of finishes again. "I'm thinking back to an earlier round of the Carling Cup at Chester when his hat-trick was exquisite, and again tonight the three goals were good goals."mes, with a view to earning a full contract.  Good luck to the lad. 

Nov 17th. Nhampton 2-5 Leeds United. FA Cup. Leeds: Lucas, Hughes, Michalik, Telfer (Webb 76), Parker, Kilkenny, Prutton, Howson, Douglas, Beckford (Becchio 71), Christie (Showunmi 70). Subs Not Used: Ankergren, Delph, Robinson, Snodgrass. Booked: Michalik. Goals: Beckford 13, Hughes 28 og, Parker 41, Beckford 45, 55. Att: 3,960. Jermaine Beckford scored a hat-trick as Leeds swept aside Northampton to reach the second round of the FA Cup. Beckford put Leeds in front before Jonathan Howson's shot went in after a huge deflection off Mark Hughes and Ben Parker's 35-yard drive made it 3-0. Jason Crowe headed in Luke Guttridge's corner for Northampton but Beckford soon curled in a brilliant strike. His hat-trick came in the second half when he slotted in Neil Kilkenny's pass before Crowe headed a late consolation. Leeds will face non-league Histon, who saw off League One opponents Swindon, in the second round. The game highlighted Malcolm Christie (out of football for eighteen months) play a decent role for the Whites and maybe one to give us something different this season.

Nov 14th. Leeds 1-2 Huddersfield Town. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Michalik, Telfer, Parker, Kilkenny (Beckford 62), Douglas (Prutton 76), Delph (Howson 76), Snodgrass, Becchio, Robinson. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Showunmi.  Booked: Douglas, Robinson.  Goals: Snodgrass 4. Crowd - 32,028. United went ahead after hust four minutes when their best player. Snodgrass converted a superb deep Becchio cross. Alas, after that Leeds were poor, their defending dreadful and tracking back from midfield non-existant. Telfer had a poor game and the back four for Leeds is not functioning as a unit whatever the permutations tried by the McAllister/Staunton team. The Terriers scored on 45 minutes with a mix up at the back and poor keeping for the umpteenth time this season by Ankergren allowing Skarz finished in front of his fans. Becchio hit the crossbar with an easy header by his standards and Parker had a shot turned away, but the Louth Branch were always nervous by a poor Leeds performance. And  deep into injury time Collins turned home Danny Cadamarteri's cross. Some may say it was harsh on Leeds but in my view poor decision making on the bench gave their close Yorkshire rivals a merited victory. We need midfield trackers, a stronger defensive unit and a better keeper. Wise got rid of Sullivan and the two keepers since are certainly not better than the previous Louth Branch player of the year currently net minding for Doncaster Rovers. The boos from the West stand sounded loud in McAllister's ears. Hopefully he will learn. One last comment. There looked to me a crowd of 36,000 present and not the 32,028 reported.

Index June 08 to Nov 11th 08

Index Jan 08 to May 25th 08

For Archived Files for December 07 click here

For Archived Files from October to November 07 click here

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