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This is the Louth Branch website. Always Leeds always loyal ! Edited by Gerry Cunningham
Draw Cards and membership are now due in. We will be in Bennets of Bridge Street (formerly Wisemans) this Monday, February 9th for the live Millwall match and the draw will take place straight after the match. Please come along. There will be spot prizes and food served on the night. Membership is null and void without sale of draw card. The above pics represent some of our greatest captains.
Season to date 2008/09
Jan 31st. Walsall 1-0 Leeds. Leeds: Ankergren, Hughes, MarquesFeb 1st. , Naylor, Dickinson, Robinson, Douglas (Howson 71), Delph, Johnson (Snodgrass 56), Beckford (Becchio 57), Trundle. Subs not used: Michalik, Lucas. Att: 8,920 Three Jan 30th. Phil Hay and the three loan rangers at Leeds. The general feeling was rather that Grayson's foremost task should be to guarantee that his loanees – Lee Trundle, Richard Naylor and Carl Dickinson – do not slip through United's grasp by returning to their parent clubs next month. They are losses that Leeds could scarcely stomach, to gauge by the impression that the trio have made in their short time at Elland Road. The loan market is a fickle conduit, but the beauty of it has always been the power it gives lower-league clubs to sign players who would not look twice at a permanent transfer. United might visualise themselves as a future Premier League club, but a player like Dickinson – a top-flight left-back with a solid contract at Stoke City – cannot be expected to do the same. Had Grayson stuck blindly to the idea of nailing down long-term signings, Dickinson would not have been considered a serious option. Through the alternative of a loan, his arrival became possible. It was imperative this month that Leeds made some attempt to capture players from the divisions above their own. United have made hard work of this season, but there are a limited number of available signings in Leagues One and Two who would have significantly improved their squad. Dickinson has done that and the same is true of Naylor and Trundle, professionals whose experience supplements their ability. All three players have done more than swell Grayson's squad. They have taken hold of first-team places and deservedly retained them, Trundle pushing to the bench on Tuesday an established player in Luciano Becchio. However comfortable Grayson feels about the number of signings made – and I don't get the impression that he seeks masses more – he can be happy with those he has completed. How successful those deals ultimately prove will now come down to United's power of persuasion and their willingness to support Grayson by bearing the cost of keeping Naylor, Dickinson and Trundle at Elland Road for the foreseeable future. A transfer strategy which has been effective so far will be open to more critical examination if Leeds are unable to retain them. Grayson has intimated that Naylor's deal could become permanent, and securing the centre-back is an absolute priority in view of the organisation he has brought to United's defence since his winning debut at Brighton. Trundle's importance to Bristol City is more difficult to assess, and the fact that Dickinson extended his contract at Stoke City on the day he joined Leeds would suggest that a permanent agreement for the 21-year-old is unlikely. But retaining these three players until the end of the season at all reasonable costs and by any means necessary is now essential. The outcome of United's second year in League One may depend on it. There is always an unavoidable risk with the loan market – the fact that the players available in it are the property of other clubs. It is something that Leeds have fallen foul of before. Lubomir Michalik has experienced an inauspicious season at Elland Road, something the Slovakian might admit himself, but his loan from Bolton Wanderers to Leeds in 2007 was an unqualified success. . In his seven appearances for a team who, prior to his arrival, lacked any semblance of form, United collected 14 points and rallied strongly against the threat of relegation from the Championship. But, having signed Michalik until the end of the season, Leeds saw the Slovakian recalled by Bolton with three matches remaining and eight days later the club were relegated. It is wrong to argue that Michalik's departure was the difference between survival and relegation but it did not help Dennis Wise to see an established player torn from his ranks 24 hours before a crucial game at Southampton. Wise was angered by the loss and questioned Bolton's motives, but his reaction missed the point. Recalling Michalik was Bolton's prerogative, regardless of their reasons for doing so. That is the danger of loan signings and the pitfall that Grayson must work to avoid. He has accurately targeted the type of players needed to rejuvenate United's defence – the biggest weakness at Elland Road before his appointment – and Trundle's recruitment has brought on board a striker who has previously shown himself to be a 20-goal poacher in League One. They are already vital assets and players that Grayson will rue the loss of should they drift back to their parent clubs next month. For Leeds, the point of this transfer window was not to find momentary fixes but to consolidate the club for a League One run-in which looks full of potential once more. To a man, United's three loan signings have earned acclaim for themselves and for Grayson. It would be a desperate shame if the improvement they have helped to initiate was watered down by the temporary nature of their deals. If United's boss ensures their season-long retention before Monday's deadline, he can view this window as a clear success. Jan 30th. Kadnol + Christie + Gardner all gone Fixtures concerning Leeds and the pack we chase
Jan 28th. Tresor Kandol has returned to Leeds after his loan spell with Millwally was completed. The Lions are anxious to sign the player and Leeds will be looking in the region of £200,000 for him. Simon Grayson has suggested that two new faces may be in by the weekend and the transfer window closes on Monday night, February 1st. There will be a few players leaving also, with Neil Kilkenny expected to be one of the first to leave. Jan 27th. Leeds United 2-0 Southend. Ankergren, Hughes, Naylor, Marques, Dickinson, Douglas, Delph, Robinson (Snodgrass 69 mins), Johnson, Beckford (Beccchio 85), Trundle (Howson 73 mins). Subs - Lucas, Michallik Leeds had a Jan 21st Leeds United 3-1 Peterboro .Leeds: Ankergren, Hughes, Marques, Naylor, Dickinson, Robinson (Snodgrass 88), Douglas, Delph, Johnson, Trundle (Howson 81), Becchio (Beckford 58). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Michalik. Booked: Delph. Goals: Beckford 62, 71, Howson 90. Att - 22,776. United defeated a top six side for the Jan 20th. Leeds are bracing themselves for a bid for Fabian Delph after Roy Hodgson saw his impressive performance for himself at Brighton and H'pool have been linked with a move for Ben Parker. Jan 20th. Leeds gave a trial to young American striker Mike Grella and he didn't disappoint. The 21-year-old, who turns 22 on Friday, has represented USA at both Under-18 and Under-20 level. He tuned in a decent display and netted a hat-trick (Kilkenny scored the other). Grella was granted permission to play in Leeds' reserve clash against Barnsley on Tuesday. Grayson has been busy in the winter transfer window, having already brought in Lee Trundle, Richard Naylor and Carl Dickinson on loan, and the Yank must surely be worth another look. Leeds featured a strong line up with a lot of players playing for their future. Kilkenny who featured just once as sub (v Leicester) under Grayson is linked with Doncaster, Sheehan, Michallik and Parker have all lost their place, Christie is under pressure and Sweeney and Lucas are surplus to requirements. There could be revolving doors at Leeds over the next few weeks. Paul Telfer went off injured and Sheehan did okay in midfield against it must be said a very young Barnsley side. Jan 18th. Forthcoming fixtures that affect us .Monday, 19 January 2009 Yeovil v Jan 18th. Leeds have released Malian international Mansour Assoumani. The French-born defender has played just one game for The Whites, featuring against Milton Keynes Dons last month. He was only signed in December on a short-term trial after impressing on trial. However, new Leeds boss Simon Grayson has decided that the former Montpellier man is surplus to his requirements. This always seemed the case when Naylor and Dickinson arrived on loan. Jan 17th. 2009. Brighton 0-2 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson Jan 15th. Leeds United have made their third loan signing in the space of a week by Jan 10th. Simon Grayson finally did what all Leeds fans have wanted since he became manager by bringing in a central defender. United are set to sign central defender Richard Naylor on loan from Jan 9th. Leeds United have secured their first January arrival by Jan 8th. The latest players to be linked with a move to Leeds United are Willow flood, the Irish midfielder with Dundee United and Jimmy McNulty the Stockport County Jan 7th. Quotes from the past week. Gus Poyet on not being offered the Leeds job. Jan 1st.Simon Grayson is busy lining up targets for the January transfer window as he addresses a need for freshness and competition for places at Leeds. But he knows his defence in particular needs strengthening and has already been in discussions with Leeds’ technical director Gwyn Williams. While Williams had drawn up a list of possible signings with previous manager Gary McAllister, Grayson is likely to have thoughts of his own. If he is like most managers, that will include raiding his former club for players he knows well. Top of the list of men he might want to poach from Blackpool is goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, whose contract at Bloomfield Road is up at the end of the season. Born in California, Rachubka moved to England when he was seven and started his career at Manchester United. Since then he has moved around with permanent moves to Charlton, Huddersfield and Blackpool and loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Northampton and Peterborough. But his career has blossomed since Grayson signed him at Blackpool. He was a member of the play-off final side that won promotion to the Championship and has been ever-present since. Another Blackpool player likely to figure on the Leeds wanted list is Welsh international Rob Edwards. But it could prove much harder to shift the former Aston Villa and Wolves ce Jan 1st. 2009. As we look forward to a new year it is time to wish all our members Index Nov 14th 08 to Dec 31st 08 For Archived Files for December 07 click here For Archived Files from October to November 07 click here For Archived Files from August to September 07 click here For previous news stories, please click here. For what you think of Leeds, click here to send in your rants and I'll include them in the "Rants" page. |
Leeds Utd Louth Supporters Club |
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small steps forward and a huge step back. This was a poor performance against a mid-table Walsall side that picked up just four points from their last eight matches. Once again a defensive mistake was our undoing, and that can't be blamed on Gary McAllister. Rui Marques was once again caught ball watching as the forward got easily across him to head the saddlers in front. We never got out of the starting blocks despite having almost 4,000 Leeds fans there to cheer us on. We created some chances in the second half (especially after the introduction of Snodgrass who surely must start ahead of Robinson) but I would rate this alongside our Carlisle performance as one of our most dire performances of the season. We can't afford any more if we are to dream of that elusive second spot. Nothing short of six points from matches against Leyton Orient and Millwall will suffice. Chris Hutchins said he will have his side in at 0900 on Sunday morning as they prepare for their Tuesday match against. I'd have our boys in at midnight 0700 on that performance. Simon Garyson : "Walsall came out of the traps brightly and we didn't get going and when we got possession we didn't keep it. On another day we could have got something out of it. Overall it was a lack lustre performance by us. The third game being away from home can sometime be harder for the away team. It's now how we respond to the defeat on Tuesday night. In the second half we had some sustained pressure and we got around them a bit better. We did okay in the period of time when I've been here and we accept the defeat. When a striker gets a free header that shouldn't happen. We didn't do that properly and league One is about mixing your game up."
terrific start going two goals up in the first eleven minutes through the surprising sources of Rui Marques and Richard Naylor. Steven Quigley represented the Louth branch and United never quite got totally going after delivering the two early goals against an understrength Shrimpers side. We gained another three points and perhaps missed an opportunity to increase our goal difference. We are on a decent run right now. The bonus brought some unexpected results tonight as predicted by Greg Tipping. Leicester drew at home to a terrible Brighton side, MK Dons lost at home to L Orient, Stockport lost at Tranmere and Oldham lost at Scunthorpe. Elsewhere, P'boro came from behind twice to defeat Crewe 4-2 and Millwall (who have two games in hand) had a decent 2-0 win at Hereford. We are three points off the Play-Offs and just six points off that automatic second spot. "It's all about winning matches and whether you play free-flowing football or not, it doesn't really matter. I am delighted we got the result and ultimately that's what it's all about. I thought we started the game ever so well, got the two goals and from then on it's a game that's tinged with a little bit of disappointment because I thought we took our foot off the gas a little bit," Grayson said. "We didn't do the right things and we gave them the opportunity to try and get back into the game when really we should have killed the game off. It should have been a game where we won by four or five with the chances we had. "We still had reminders when they hit the post and a few other breaks when we got a little bit sloppy. "We've got to build on the negatives and not overlook the fact that we gave them one or two chances because I've set myself and the team high standards. "Maybe against another team and on another day we might have been punished," he added. "We've won the match, got another clean sheet and we've won three on the trot and ultimately that's all that matters."
first time since we won at 2-0 at Carlisle back in September 20th. Today was a good win for three reasons. First it was important we built on that win at Brighton with our new loan signings sending out a message of quality and reassurance. Secondly it pulls Peterboro nearer Leeds and possibly within striking distance in a a number of weeks. Thirdly, and more importantly it builds confidence in the team and the supporters that this side can go on a run and make it three in a row against Southend on Tuesday night. This thoroughly exciting game was even stevens for a long time with arguably the best player on the pitch, number ten, George Boyd playing for Peterboro. The corner count at half time was seven
to one to Leeds. Unlike most sides in this division Peterboro are not a big side but their nippy forwards caused us problems whilst going forward Leeds were dangerous from set pieces. The trio of loan players brought in by new Leeds manager Simon Grayson made an early impact on the game. Carl Dickinson and Richard Naylor brought structure to the backline and Lee Trundle’s relentless runs put pressure on Craig Morgan and Gabriel Zakuani. But it was Jermaine Beckford, who replaced Luciano Becchio, that proved the catalyst for Leeds. He won a free kick that Johnson hit with such force that Lewis could not hold on to it, leaving Beckford to score from the rebound just three minutes after coming on the field. Eight minutes later Beckford scored his second as Leeds revelled in a purple patch of play. At 2-0 down the visitors could feel a touch unfortunate, but Mackail-Smith offered hope, scoring after Boyd’s header was cleared off the line. After their two-goal cushion was halved, Leeds started to look nervy and only a fine block from Naylor kept Mackail-Smith’s shot out. But a break from Leeds allowed substitute Jonathan Howson to rifle past Lewis, despite having missed a far easier chance seconds earlier. The on loan Leeds born centre half, Naylor was made captain in Richardson's absence and brought much needed order to Leeds' back line. Dickinson at left back was whole hearted and totally committed to every challenge. 3-1 flattered Leeds but many score lines weent the other way this season, so just let us enjoy the day. Darren Ferguson said: “It shows how far we’ve come that we’re bitterly disappointed with a defeat at Elland Road. A lapse in concentration from Joe Lewis [the goalkeeper] has cost us,” was the reaction from Darren Ferguson, the Peterborough manager, after a 3-1 defeat that reflected harshly on the visitors. “But Joe will be all right,” he said. “He’s saved us many a time.” Ferguson said: “It shows how far we’ve come that we’re bitterly disappointed with a defeat at Elland Road.” Grayson was honest about the result. He said: “The game could have gone either way. What pleased me is that we were resilient at the back against a quality strike force.” Simon Grayson was honest about the result. He said: “The game could have gone either way. What pleased me is that we were resilient at the back against a quality strike force.”
Leicester, 19:45. Tuesday, 20 January 2009 Peterborough v MK Dons, 19:45 Saturday, 24 January 2009 Leeds United v Peterborough, Leicester v Huddersfield, Oldham v Stockport, Scunthorpe v Leyton Orient, Tuesday, 27 January 2009 Hereford v Millwall, Leeds United v Southend, Leicester v Brighton, , MK Dons v Leyton Orient,, Peterborough v Crewe, Scunthorpe v Oldham, Tranmere v Stockport, Saturday, 31 January 2009 Cheltenham v MK Dons, Huddersfield v Peterborough, Millwall v Scunthorpe, Northampton v Leicester, Oldham v Swindon, Stockport v Hereford, Walsall v Leeds United, Tuesday, 3 February 2009 Brighton v Peterborough, Huddersfield v Hartlepool, Leyton Orient v Leeds United, Millwall v Colchester, Oldham v Bristol Rovers, Southend v Scunthorpe, Stockport v MK Dons, Walsall v Leicester, 19:45 
Leeds after he had been fouled by Brighton defender Adam El-Abd.
landing Stoke City left-back Carl Dickinson. Simon Grayson has swooped to increase his defensive options further by securing 21-year-old Dickinson on a month-long deal just 24 hours after bringing centre-back Richard Naylor to Leeds from Ipswich Town. Naylor, who has also joined United on loan for a month, is in line to make his debut against Brighton on Saturday, and Dickinson has also been added to Simon Grayson's squad ahead of the League One clash at the Withdean Stadium. Tough-tackling Dickinson, 21, has started two Premier League games for Stoke this term and been a substitute in another. Leeds are understood to have beaten off interest from Grayson's old club Blackpool - where he completed a loan spell in 2006-07 - and Championship strugglers Charlton to land the 6ft 1in ace. United tie
d up their first deal of the January window last Friday by recruiting Lee Trundle on loan from Bristol City. Dickson who started life at the well respected Derby Academy spent a month on loan with Simon Grayson and Blackpool two seasons ago. He has made 57 appearances for Stoke City, including nine appearances Leeds also turned down an offer of Izzy Iriekpen from Scunthorpe United and also were linked with Darren Purse of Cardiff City. Hopefully the next player that comes in will be a goalkeepr as we can't continue to carry two poor 'keepers.this season, mostly in cup games (the last of which came recently in the FA Cup defeat at Hartlepool a few weeks ago). He will wear the number 38 shirt. Dickson featured in 30 appearances for the Potters last season and his known for his tough tackling, while eaqually at home at left-full, left side of midfield or in the centre. He no doubt has heard plenty of Leeds United from former Richard Cresswell and Danny Pugh, who have both featured regularly this season at the Brittania. Tough guys Dickinson and Naylor may signal the direction that Simon Grayson intends on taking with the Whites. Leeds also turned down an offer of Izzy Iriekpen from Scunthorpe United and also were linked with Darren Purse of Cardiff City. Hopefully the next player that comes in will be a goalkeepr as we can't continue to carry two poor 'keepers. Leeds United starlet Tom Elliott's loan move to League Two strugglers Macclesfield Town is in doubt. The England Under-18 ace was due to sign a one-month deal with the Silkmen today, but the rookie striker, 19, has picked up a hamstring injury. Macc boss Keith Alexander said: "It's disappointing news. Having seen Tom play in Leeds' reserve team, he would have been a useful acquisition for us." However Elliott, who has made three brief substitute appearances for United, all at the back end of the 2006-07 Championship relegation season, is still hopeful the move will go ahead.
Championship side Ipswich Town. The Leeds-born 31-year-old has agreed to move to Elland Road until 19 February, with the paperwork set to be completed on Thursday. Naylor has made 375 appearances for Ipswich but has not featured since last month's 2-2 draw at Coventry. Leeds boss Simon Grayson told the club website: "He's a good, strong centre-back and has got plenty of experience." Grayson added: "He's played plenty of games in the Championship this season. He will bring a wealth of experience and he brings a lot that I believe will help." Naylor told Ipswich's website: "It's a great opportunity for me to go and play some first-team football at a club that is obviously very close to my heart. "I am really looking forward to it and hopefully I can help Leeds move up the table in the time that I am there." Naylor has never made any secret of his affection for United . I recall Ian Westlake saying that he used to sing "marching on together" in the Ipswich shower. Well what ever you are into. Tabloid reports had Leeds linked with Derby County's Claud Davies earlier in the day. Here's what Ipswich Town manager, JimMagilton told the Ipswich Town club site: "Bam Bam is a top class professional and is one of those players that doesn't want to stand on the sidelines. 
It's an opportunity for him to go and play some football and obviously with Leeds being his hometown club and the one he has supported since he was young, it's got a lot of appeal for him. "He's going there for the month and we will see how it works out, but that doesn't mean his career is over here, even if his contract is up in the summer. He can still have a part to play at this club."Naylor is Ipswich Town's longest serving player having started there as a striker and marked ten years as a pro with the Tractor Boys with a testimonial in September 2006. He scored in Town's play off final win over Barnsley in 2000 and is nicknamed Bam Bam after the character in the Flinstones. Jan 10th. Leeds United striker Enoch Showunmi could be out for the rest of the season 
after suffering a blood clot on his lung shortly before Christmas. A statement issued on the club's website said Showunmi has made a full recovery but will not be available for selection in the near future. The 26-year-old has scored five goals for United this season after joining the club from Bristol City in July. His last appearance was as a substitute in December's 3-1 defeat at MK Dons. The Louth branch wish the lad well during his recovery. Jan 10th. In depth interview with Simon Grayson and Phil Hay.The life expectancy of a Leeds United manager in the 21st century is not a statistic for Simon Grayson to dwell on. Three weeks into his employment at Elland Road, Grayson is too flushed with optimism to allow needless negativity to seep into his first extensive interview, but his understanding of the position he holds would be incomplete without an acknowledgement of the men who bowed out before him. Grayson resigned from Blackpool last month to become the new manager of Leeds, ending a tenure in Lancashire which spanned three years and one month. On arriving in Yorkshire, the county of his birth, it was a sobering thought to realise that no coach since David O'Leary has survived for as long at Elland Road as Grayson remained in his post at Blackpool. The absence of longevity would have been a mystery to the late Don Revie, United's longest-serving boss. It was certainly a surprise to Gary McAllister. Heralded as the level-headed visionary required to open the gates to the Championship and beyond, McAllister was dismissed by Leeds last month, 11 months and 50 games after his appointment. McAllister's role at Elland Road was his first in management for four years, a break enforced by personal reasons rather than professional. In leaving Blackpool and the Championship, Grayson vacated a desk that was secure and 
stable to accept a tantilising job which he knew was responsible for swamping many an aspiring manager. Is the fate of McAllister a worry for his 39-year-old replacement? "My glass is always half full," said Grayson instinctively. "I like to think positively and to think of myself as a positive person. And anyway, you're fully aware of what you're stepping into here, as a player or a manager. "Pressure comes with the territory and when you take this job on, you accept straight away what's at stake for this club. You also accept that your job is linked to those stakes. "If you meet the expectation then you're in control of your position. If you don't then you've obviously got a problem. But there aren't many jobs in football where failure is tolerated. People pay their money, they expect certain things and you have to deliver. "Staying at Blackpool wouldn't have been a case of me staying in the comfort zone. I had a good relationship with the club, but it was never an easy job because we were relegation favourites for the past two years. You're always under pressure and if you don't perform or get results then there's a risk you could lose your job. That's the case in every league and you expect it and live with it. "What I couldn't turn down was the chance to test myself. I had the option of staying at Blackpool and working under slightly less pressure, but as a player I always liked an opportunity to see how I'd cope at the highest level possible. It would be a bit strange if I went into management and started acting any differently. "The attraction for me is that I want to be the one who makes this club successful again; the one who gets us playing at a level which properly suits the club. Managers have come and gone and not been able to do that. I think I can, and time will tell, but I trust myself to make a success of the job." Grayson is the fourth permanent manager employed during Ken Bates' time as United's chairman, a reign which enters its fifth year later this month. McAllister and Kevin Blackwell were sacked within six months of losing play-off finals and although Dennis Wise chose to leave Elland Road last year, his disenchanted demeanour in the weeks before his resignation suggested he had taken Leeds as far as was able. The considerable advantage that Grayson has over all three of those predecessors is the prior experience of winning promotion from the division in which Leeds are asking him to work. It is less than two years since Blackpool beat Yeovil Town in the League One play-off final and, under Grayson's guidance, climbed into the Championship for the first time in almost three decades. The defining moment of their season was the conclusive sequence of 10 victories which established a club record and swept Blackpool out of League One, but Grayson also remembers the solitary win his squad achieved from their first 11 matches and the criticism that form earned him. As a newly-appointed, fledgling manager who had retired as a player at the end of the previous season, Grayson was an easy target for sceptical supporters, regardless of the fact that he had kept Blackpool clear of relegation as caretaker boss during the 2005-06 campaign. The recovery made after their directionless start, culminating in the play-off final, taught him that a position like that held by Leeds on his arrival last month – ninth in League One and treading water – is far from hopeless. "The key for Blackpool was that we hit that run of wins at the business end of the season, at the right time for a team chasing promotion," he said. "We were the form team in the league and that told in the play-off final. "There were games within that run of 10 wins when we deserved to get beaten and where privately I wasn't thrilled with our performances. To me, the results were down to belief and momentum and the fact that we'd played ourselves into a position where things were going for us. "Yes, we got lucky on a couple of occasions but we deserved that because of the run we were on. That's what people mean when they talk about earning your own luck. "This Leeds team are outside the play-off positions and I'm not saying that we're going to win 10 on the trot like Blackpool did, but it's always a possibility. "That's why I'm not prepared to concede that automatic promotion has got away from us. A winning habit is difficult to get into, just like a losing habit is difficult to get out of, but sometimes there's no stopping a team who do that. "The chairman's looking for the same as I am this season – to get into the top six at least and make sure we're involved in the play-offs. I still think that getting into the top two is a viable possibility, but I carry the same aims that he does. "He's been very supportive of me and he's given me every encouragement to be a success, helping me to get players in, players out and offering bits of advice from his own experience. He's seen a lot of football in his time and he works hard for this club." Grayson's experience of League One was one of the fundamental reasons why Bates sought his appointment and burdened himself with the complicated process of freeing the coach from his contract at Bloomfield Road. Other alternatives, notably Adrian Boothroyd and Gus Poyet, had the simplicity of being unattached. Blackpool rejected United's proposal for compensation for Grayson and lodged a complaint with the Football League after the 39-year-old submitted his resignation and took up the offer of employment at Elland Road. Karl Oyston, Blackpool's chairman, alleged that United had broken Football League rules by appointing Grayson, and the complaint has been passed by the League to a Football Disciplinary Commission who will rule on the matter unless a belated deal is reached between the clubs. Blackpool also threatened to take legal action against Grayson for breach of contract. United's manager maintains that he first became aware of interest from Leeds when their approach was announced on Blackpool's website and confirmed to him in a meeting with Oyston. His immediate response was to state that he wished to speak to the Elland Road club and take the highly unusual step of dropping divisions to accept his new job. "I told Karl (Oyston) straight away that I wanted to come," said Grayson. "I think he knew that I'd give him that answer and so did everyone at Blackpool. From there it was down to the two clubs to sort things out, but there was no way I was going to let this opportunity pass me by. "The majority of people in Blackpool have been wishing me good luck. I've had a lot of letters and emails from people saying they understood why I left. I do wish it had been sorted in the manner I would have wanted after six good years there and that I'd walked away without any of this legal stuff going on above me, but these things happen in football. Managers move on and I felt I'd done my job there. This was the next step in my career. "As far as dropping a division goes, when your first game in charge is against Leicester City in front of 33,000 people at Elland Road on Boxing Day, that tells you everything you need to know about why I did it. The attraction for me is the thought of what could happen here in the future. "The expectancy level at Leeds is higher than it is at a dozen clubs in the Championship and certainly every club in this division, and a really positive thing for me was the fact so many people – especially people within the game – told me that I was making the right decision by coming here. "I've worked hard to get to a club like this and it's reassuring to hear other people say that I deserved the opportunity. It was a bit of a surprise that Leeds came calling but I hoped they would. "Everybody was looking at higher-profile people, guys with names that were perhaps more familiar than mine, but the chairman said all along that I was his number one target. "I suppose that's why he stuck by me with regards to Blackpool when he could quite easily have taken a different option and gone down the line of appointing somebody who was out of work and wouldn't cost any compensation. He showed a lot of desire to get me here and it's a natural reaction to want to pay him back with results. "I don't want to be making wild statements about what I'm going to achieve as manager and it would be foolish to say that within three years we'll be back in the Premiership or that within five we'll be back in the Champions League. They're just words and it's a bit too easy to talk the talk. "As much as we all want to be back in the Premier League and the Champions League, the only thing that matters at this moment is getting out of League One. "You look at Manchester City now and see that they're the richest club in the world, whereas five or six years ago they were in League One and that's how quickly your fortunes can change. But you can only think like that and reflect on it when you've reached the stage they're at. For us, the priority is to take the first step." Grayson's is a considered view for someone whose appointment was completed at whirlwind speed at the busiest stage of the football season. The timing of his induction at Leeds, on December 23, left his wife without a full complement of Christmas presents, and he has not yet had the chance to clear his desk at Bloomfield Road. That particular job is likely to wait until Blackpool and Leeds have resolved their differences over Grayson's availability. "You wouldn't want too many Christmas' like this one," he joked. "I've not even been back to Blackpool to get any of my stuff. I'm sure half of my training kit has been pinched already. "I'll do that at some point and also, in all seriousness, to see a few people and say goodbye properly. Once everything's been settled then I'll be able to go back and collect my belongings. That's if they're still there and nobody's sold them on Ebay." Jan 9th. It's been a day of rejections as first ex Aston Villa boss, Brian Little refused to become Simon Grayson's number two. I thought he would have been a good choice, especially with all the knowledge he possesses as a manager (remember Wembley 1996 when many of us were there). Secondly it appears that Alex Bruce into the last few months of his contract with Ipswich is mulling over a two year deal with the Tractor Boys.It appears unlikely that the son of the Wigan manager, Steve Bruce will now step down a division. Jan 10th Leeds United 0-2 Carlisle United. 
easily fired home by Danny Graham, who enjoyed a fruitless one month loan spell at Elland Road under Kevin Blackwell. The scond goal was even worse. Michael Bridges, who was never quick even in his prolific year of 2000, latched on to a long ball and both Michalik and Ankergren can fight over who was more culpable. Personally, I thought they were both abysmal, but for sheer stupidity the Dane once again shades it. Ironically, Gary McAllister's Leeds won 2-0 at Carlisle earlier in the season portraying one of his few clean sheets as United boss. Leeds had their chances today, with Becchio in particular guilty of missing three chances. Snodgrass, Christie and Michallik all went close. Andy Robinson after his introduction missed a tap in from two yards with their keeper grounded after Becchio fired against the crossbar. It wasn't going to be Leeds day after that. Almost worse was the fact that the aging Graham Kavenagh completely bossed the midfield. New boss, Greg Abbott has Carlisle fighting tooth and nail for him. His defence held on to the lead that ex United players Bridges and Graham built. Our new manager has presided over a win, a draw and a defeat. His loyalty to the defence his not admirable but misplaced. It is obvious that many of the problems are far from sortable on the playing ground, as the luck we endured in wins over Stockport and a draw with Leicester highlighted. We should have had defenders in by now. One must assume that Simon Grayson has watched videos of all Leeds matches this season. Goodness knows I have. Whether utilising the loan system (so successfully implemented by many clubs especially Leicester City and Oldham) or forking out a few quid, United need a goalkeeper and at least one defender. These are the areas that need attention. We embrace Lee Trundle's arrival but it is the other part of the pitch that needs more attention. Bradley Johnson's return to day was welcome. But, it was as a central midfielder that he scored five goals for Brighton. We saw at Wembley that he is no left back. Grayson has gotten that wrong. In my opinion, if we are to utilise Johnson it is in a central midfield position, alongside Douglas. Delph and Snodgrass are better used wide. Simon Grayson has not hit the ground running by waiting two weeks to replace areas of the team that even the dustman knows are weak. The worry is how Carlisle United, a side that had scored just seven goals in 12 League One games on the road this season, are two hoals ahead before half time. The difference is that they had a defence that stuck manfully to their task, and their on loan keeper, Tim Krul gave them confidence, collecting every cross. We have "the great Dane" in goal and Cannon and Ball in the middle of our rear guard. Beckford is a loss when he isn't playing, but we have to put our chances away during his absence, and boy we had chances. Was not the sacking of McAllister to allow the new manager time to bring in new players and change things quickly ? Four points from nine is not progress, but the next run of fixtures must demand a greater return if Leeds are to have any chance of at least making the Play-Offs. New managers are allowed a certain amount of slack . Simon Grayson has had his wake up call.. We welcome the Gows and the Trundles after we sort out our goalkeeping and defence. Leeds fans everywhere will anxiously trawl the internet this week for much needed news of quality arrivals.Am I being too harsh ? I think not. This is what the managers had to say. 
signing Bristol City striker Lee Trundle on a month's loan. Trundle completed his move to Leeds yesterday lunchtime, putting the forward in line to make his debut against Carlisle United at Elland Road this afternoon. The 32-year-old's arrival has strengthened Simon Grayson's strikeforce ahead of a busy month, and Trundle will be available for seven League One matches before his temporary deal expires. That run of fixtures includes meetings with Peterborough United, Southend United, Walsall and Millwall, and Leeds have secured a proven goalscorer by prising Trundle from Ashton Gate. Trundle, who was best man at the wedding of Leeds winger Andy Robinson last summer, produced 27 goals in 73 league starts for Wrexham after emerging from non-league level in 2001, and a transfer to Swansea City saw him average one strike from every two appearances. Bristol City signed him for £1million in the summer of 2007 and he played for the club in last season's Championship play-off final, losing 1-0 to Hull City, but he has been predominantly used a substitute at Ashton Gate this term. Grayson said: "He brings something a bit different and he's got a great track record. "It gives competition for places and he's a good acquisition." Robinson, Trundle's former Swansea team-mate, said: "Lee's a top, top player at this level and he was deadly for Swansea. "I've known him for a long time and he'll be a great signing for us." Grayson, meanwhile, is waiting for the go-ahead to add an unnamed Premier League coach to his backroom team at Elland Road. Grayson has identified his preferred option to join Ian Miller on United's coaching team, and he is hoping that the resolution of contractual issues involving his prospective recruit will allow him to complete the appointment. The Leeds boss confirmed that terms have been agreed with the coach in question, who is on gardening leave after recently exiting a Premier League club and will link up with United once his pay-off is settled. Grayson said: "I'm hopeful (of making the appointment), as I've been saying for the last week. The person I'm trying to bring in has been working at a Premier League club. "They've changed manager in the last six or seven weeks and he's on gardening leave trying to sort out money. As soon as that gets resolved, he'll be here. "We've agreed everything in principle with him but it's just down to him getting his money from the club that he's employed by but not working for at the moment." Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and West Ham United have all seen managerial changes this season, and Grayson's description has effectively ruled out the possibility of either Tony Parkes or Steve Thompson – his backroom team at Blackpool – joining him at Elland Road.
defender. The latter who is 23 can play at both left-back and centre-back, has been one of the major reasons for the club's rise into the League One play-offf zone. Scouts from a host of clubs have been flocking to Edgeley Park this season to cast an eye over McNulty who has been earning rave reviews this term. The former Scotland youth international is one of a number of players to have been put up for sale by Stockport in order to balance the books. Championship outfit Ipswich Town are also believed to ready to bid for McNulty after watching him on several occasions this season
"From the minute my name started being linked with the Leeds job; I was expecting a call from Ken Bates that sadly never arrived. I know there were a lot of people who took it for granted that, at the very least, I was going to get a phone call: whether it was to offer me the job or even to tell me that I hadn’t been chosen. I was ready to go, but it is clear that they weren’t interested in me. I just want to make it absolutely clear that Leeds never offered me the manager’s job, nor did they ever ask me if I was interested in it. On the other hand, I would like it to be known that I was ready to accept the challenge of managing Leeds, if the opportunity had been offered to me". 
ong decision but I don't think I did. This season isn't over by a long shot and I still hope we'll have a silver lining at the end of it. You can't have regrets in football, as long as you've made your decisions for the right reasons. I want to play in the Championship and I gave up that opportunity this season by coming to Leeds, but no-one can come to a club of this size and stature and say it's the wrong move. I'm happy to live and die by my decisions." Bradley Johnson on returning to Leeds. "It was good to be back and playing for Leeds again on Tuesday. I played first team football at Brighton, but I'm back at Leeds now, I've played a reserve game and I hope to push back to the first team. I've been told the manager will have a look at me and a decision will be made. I've just got to work hard and prove myself. I played most of the games under Gary McAllister last year, but didn't this season, and then went out on loan. Hopefully things will work out here. I'm going to work hard and see what happens." 
20 points worse off than we were at this point last season and it's not good enough. That's the way I look at it. "Realistically, we're chasing the play-offs again and you can't say that's a step forward after what we achieved last season. If anything, our position is worse and I'll hold my hands up to that.At the end of the day, a manager's lost his job and that's not a nice thing to happen but something wasn't right and something needed to change. It's a results business as people always say and the form we were in couldn't carry on. "The new manager's been brilliant, a breath of fresh air, and I'm really excited by what I've seen so far. It's difficult to judge someone after a couple of weeks but I can see things in him that I saw in some of the best managers I've worked under, like Steve Coppell and Alan Pardew."This has been a tough period for everyone but in a way we've brought it on ourselves.It's fine playing attractive football, and you get a lot of credit for it, but nothing matters more than results. Sometimes it's important to play your division; to accept that you're a League One club and that, every now and again, you have to use tactics which suit your league. If that means kicking the ball into the corners and scraping out 1-0 wins then so be it. A scruffy win is still a win and the teams who are flying at the top of the league will have had plenty of those this season. To reach the top two now would be phenomenal. That's the reality. But the play-offs are an absolute must and I hope we've turned the corner. The old manager might have gone on to turn the season around, no-one can say for certain, but it was obvious that something needed to happen to get us winning games again. If the club wanted a change of manager then it was probably the right time to do it because a new manager needs enough games to make his mark and to make a difference. It's the players' job now to take his ideas on board quickly and get into our stride again because we don't have time to waste.
Jan 6th. Surprisingly no defenders or goalkeeper has headed to Elland Road jus yet. United have been linked with ex Shels, Blackpool and current Norwich City out of favour midfielder, Wes Houlihan. This is surprising as one would think that he is very similar to Neil Kilkenny and £300,000 may be better invested elsewhere in the side. Leeds have also been linked with a loan move for Watford's Al Bangura. 
ntral defender, who Grayson made captain soon after signing him. links.The player that has been mentioned more than most is surprisingly an attaker, Alan Gow. (pic'd right) His agent Phil McTaggart has revealed the midfielder could reject Blackpool's contract offer.Gow, who spent almost four months on loan at Bloomfield Road, looked set to make a permanent move in the January transfer window after a £200,000 fee was agreed between the two clubs, but the Seasiders could now struggle to seal a deal.McTaggart told the Blackpool Gazette: "There are a few clubs in the Championship looking at him and asking me questions. He has done well at Blackpool, where he had some game time and scored five goals. "That has alerted a lot of clubs. Rangers were willing to sell him at the start of the season and there was a bit of interest from Norwich, Leeds, Wolves and Burnley. People knew he was available. He's quite appealing to a few teams. If somebody comes in, they know what they are going to get . As usual there will be loads of names bandied about. The first day of the window has gone without any arrival. 
and friends all the very best for the 2009. It's also time to look back over the past twelve months and contemplate where we have come as supporters of the always passionate but never predictable Leeds United. There is no other club like us, and there are probably no other supporters in the world like us. The biggest one club city in the world has more ups and downs than a fiddler's elbow. We can change our cars, our jobs, sometimes our house. Hell we can even change our wives or girlfriends, but that decision we made in the playground as a four year old is a solemn promise for life. Like a noose around one's neck. Never dull, sometimes infuriating, but never dull, we are Leeds supporters.
Rovers (to name but a few) played their part when the opposition should have been home and hosed. Gus Poyet left in November and Harry Bassett as Dennis Wise's new number two was no Gus Poyet. After the New year's day defeat to the Latics, United rallied in the next couple of games taking six points from Northampton and Crewe, but Neil Sullivan (released by Wise in place of Ankergren) steadied Doncaster in the 1-0 win for the away side at Elland Road. It was football the passing way from Doncaster against football the brawn way from Wise. A draw away to Luton and a defeat at Southend in February saw the end of the Dennis Wise' reign, as Newcastle's cash came calling for a "well rewarded scout". The fans were happy with the return of the prodigal son, Gary McAllister, a superb player from the title winning team of 91-91. His debut saw Leeds 
lose at home to Tranmere Rvs 0-2 and McAllister was tasked with the following 16 games to get Leeds into the Play-Offs. he tried to lure Sammy Lee to Elland road as his number two, but a contract dispute with Bolton meant that Lee would not be available for some time. Stephen Staunton became his number two and Neil McDonald was appointed coach. McAllister's fifth game in charge saw Tresor Kandol give him his first win. It came at Swindon Town, almost fitting really, since they were the side that Leeds prized Wise and Poyet away from. This victory was followed by a 2-0 home win to Bournemouth. Leeds
lost once, drew twice and won one of the next four games. April saw McAllister's best spell in charge, as United at last hit form and displayed the passing game for which he as a player was renowned. A 1-0 win at Doncaster was followed up by victories against Orient and Carlisle as Leeds won six out of their last seven matches. United had comfortably steered through to the Play-Offs and produced a super performance at Carlisle to cancel out the first leg defeat at home to the Cumbrian side. Dougie Freedman had been McAllister's shrewdest piece of business, and it was on his partnership with Beckford that our best hopes lay. The Wembley showdow
n against Doncaster was a tactical mistake as a suspension free Sheehan was sacrificed for the inexperienced Bradley Johnson (at left full) and the Donnies won the final 1-0 with attack after attack coming down the left side. Without the handicap of the fifteen points surely it was a formality that Leeds would march straight through League One the following season. Telfer, Robinson, Snodgrass, Showunmi, and Becchio all arrived for next to nothing. But it was to be at the back end of the park that was to become McAllister's Achilles heel. United had a decent tour of Ireland and started the League One campaign with a super win at relegated Scunthorpe. Jermaine Beckford grabbed a hat-trick next time out at Chester as people started to take notice 
of the new footballing Leeds United. United lost at home to Oldham and drew with Yeovil and Bristol Rovers as their league form was eclipsed by a 4-0 home CC win over C Palace. It was becoming apparent that our defence was leaking too many goals. McAllister answered his critics with four wins on the bounce. Crewe were hammered 5-2 and ten men United won 3-1 at Swindon and then again 2-0 at Carlisle, before a late Robinson goal defeated Hereford 1-0. Two clean sheets in a row were almost as encouraging to many as the points. Leeds were up to third, one point behind Scunthorpe and Oldham. October in League One saw Leeds win three and lose three, not the form of would be champions. November saw us defeat Cheltenham and yet lose at home to Huddersfield despite taking the lead. Hartlepool were then hammered 4-1 at Elland Road but a 2-1 reversal at out of form Northampton (just eight days after we won 5-2 there in the FA Cup) was hard to 
take. United were outside the Play-Offs, down to seventh and six points from top. Worse was to follow as Leeds bowed out of the FA Cup live on ITV for the first time ever to a Non-League side, as Histon defeated us 1-0. United, totally out of form and with a defence that looked like it would concede from every cross lost their next three on the spin, against Tranmere, Colchester and MK Dons. They were down to ninth in League One, fifteen points behind Leicester City and five points outside the Play-Offs. The chairman reacted and Gary McAllister was sacked, just eleven months into the job. He tried desperately to hang on until January but his faith in his goalkeeper and more importantly his defence became his Waterloo. In hindsight, he should have entered the loan market, something he was aghast to do and brought in a keeper and centre half. Leicester, the league leaders have built their lead around four rock solid loanees, apart from the free scoring Fryatt. Some couldjustifiably argue that Wise had been given too much time (relegated Leeds to League One after 26 games in charge) and McAllister not enough time. Leeds reacted quickly and poached Simon Grayson from Blackpool, a manager who steered a side on a shoestring budget into the Championship via the Play-Offs two seasons ago. Shoestring being surely music to Ken Bates' ears. Horses for courses. Our own Terry McQuaid reckons McAllister's brand of football would have seen them better in the Championship than League One. Perhaps, he was unlucky that Sammy Lee wasn't available back in January. What's the old saying ? Give me a lucky general. 
Simon Grayson's first two games in charge produced four points against table topping Leicester (a last minute equaliser from Snodgrass) and a 3-1 win away to Stockport County. In both matches United were outplayed for long periods but similar to Wise in this respect, Leeds gained the points. I watched his own Blackpool on Monday night gain a point against table topping Wolves. Blackpool hung in there with grit and resolve, something Grayson showed plenty of as a player. Timing in life is sometimes more important than anything else. The new manager couldn't have hand picked better his next six fixtures as United strive to find that run. His enthusiasm is infectious : "We want to get out of this division and we're not too far behind everybody. If we can put a run together over the next few weeks there'll be no stopping this football club. If we can get the ball rolling at home and away then this football club can move forward and Elland road will be rocking with thirty odd thousand behind it". Next up it's Hereford(A), Carlisle (H), Brighton (A), Peterboro(H), Southend (H) and Walsall (A). All very much winnable fixtures and throw in the transfer window that begins in a couple of days time, Simon Grayson has a lot going for him : Momentum,a decent squad , transfer cash and timing. The future could yet be sweet in 2009, and maybe, just maybe, Simon Grayson is the Leeds horse for this particular league One course. Like I said, being a Leeds fan is never dull.