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

For  all 2010/11 FLC Leeds Utd fixtures click here

For details of our 16th AGM click on the Louth Page. 

Good to be back an roll on Saturday. 

July 31st. 2010. Leeds serve notice of their intent. Leeds United 3-1 Wolves. Leeds United: Schmeichel (Higgs 62), Connolly (Hughes 77), Collins (Bromby 78), Naylor (Bruce 62), Bessone, Gradel (Grella 78), Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson, Sam (White 78), Becchio (Somma 62). Subs (not used): Lees. It would not be like Mick McCarthy to overstate the prospects of Leeds United in the Championship. A plain-speaking Yorkshireman, McCarthy is the last coach in England liable to be caught making rash predictions about a division he knows well and has mastered in the past. "I haven't seen all 24 clubs," he said, replying to a question about whether the club responsible for beating his Wolverhampton Wanderers team would be play-off material in nine months' time. "So I honestly don't know. But Leeds are going to be competitive." That from McCarthy may be more than faint praise. He and Simon Grayson are closely acquainted and United's manager knows that if his squad were straying out of their depth, McCarthy would probably have said so. Three months ago, making Leeds competitive in the Championship was Grayson's first priority. On one forgettable occasion this summer, the likelihood of United reaching that standard felt worryingly questionable, but Grayson has played the long game this summer and played it well. As he promised it would, the club's pre-season schedule peaked on Saturday with their finest performance against their most capable opponents. In their most recent years as a Football League club, Leeds have established a tradition of finishing pre-season in reputable company and in some style. Last summer, they signed off with a victory over a Premier League club in Burnley, and Wolves suffered the same fate at Elland Road. "We were well beaten," said McCarthy as he summed up his team's defeat. "They were bang at it." That contrast owed something to the fact that Wolves are a week behind Leeds in their preparation for the forthcoming season, and Grayson was honest enough to say so. But the encouragement for him was endless: commendable performances at both ends of the field and thorough dominance in between, given against a squad of greater stock. Physically and mentally, the majority of his players can draw little more from warm-up games. The irony of Saturday's victory was the crucial role played in it by a footballer who will not take part in United's first competitive game or the three that follow it. Grayson has known for some time that Max Gradel's season would start with a four-match ban but the reality of that suspension – his punishment for a needless dismissal on the final day of last term – is only now becoming apparent. The volatile winger ran United's convincing show at Elland Road, scoring a sublime first goal, supplying Leeds' second and chewing Wolves up in a fashion which left Grayson cursing his impending absence. With a squad that still looks underweight, Grayson can scarcely afford to be without him. Gradel's situation begged the question of why United's boss saw fit to name him in his starting line-up at all. In a team which is unlikely to change drastically before Derby County come to Leeds, Gradel looked conspicuous as the one professional whose omission this weekend was absolutely certain. His inclusion, however, allowed Leeds to persist with a formation that grows ever more viable. Grayson's preference for five midfielders this summer has gone far beyond the point of experimentation, so much so that the formation might remain in place for the visit of Derby. His tactics worked effectively against Hartlepool United and SK Brann but their success against a team as competent as Wolves was more significant. As Grayson's only obvious right-sided option, Gradel leant himself naturally to a five-man midfield, hugging one wing for 78 minutes. Either Robert Snodgrass or a new signing – the fallback if Snodgrass' knee injury proves to be serious – would do the same in Gradel's absence, and his involvement on Saturday was a matter of continuity. "It let me use the system I wanted," said Grayson. Within that system, the central bank of Bradley Johnson, Jonathan Howson and Neil Kilkenny – a player whose use of possession was almost flawless – suffocated Wolves mercilessly. McCarthy was not blind to the disparity, admitting afterwards that if points had been at stake he would have adopted United's formation, but his players were unable to negate it. Gradel's goal in the 36th minute – a screaming finish produced on the rebound from a Kilkenny corner – was the deserved result of a steady drip of pressure from Leeds. Twice in the opening 20 minutes Kilkenny teed up Johnson and Luciano Becchio with perfect free-kicks and twice they failed to bury headers, but Gradel's shot after a weak clearance by Adlene Guedioura did from 25 yards what Johnson and Becchio had failed to do from close range. Prior to that, Guedioura pulled a shot away from Kasper Schmeichel's right-hand post and the Danish goalkeeper dropped down to smother Matt Jarvis' strike after Steven Fletcher, Wolves' expensive signing from Burley, cut Leeds' defence in two with a brilliant pass from the halfway line. With Grayson still considering which keeper to turn to next weekend, Schmeichel must have been grateful for the occasional chance to shine. Less gratifying was the free-kick from Jarvis in the last seconds of the first half which drifted over a packed penalty area and crept inside Schmeichel's far post. United's keeper was no more at fault than the indecisive defence in front of him and his save from Fletcher at the start of the second half, a two-handed parry against a powerful volley, redeemed his part in the concession. The reaction was an important one. Two minutes later, Gradel continued his harassment of left-back Jelle Van Damme and laid the ball off to  Lloyd Sam six yards from goal. Sam stabbed his shot to Wayne Hennessey's left, instigating another flush of enthusiasm among Grayson's players. Their repeated attacks drew two penalty appeals, one for handball against Jody Craddock and another for a foul on Davide Somma. Nigel Miller, the match referee, dismissed both with undue haste, and the Kop behind Hennessey's goal raged. Pre-season it may have been but Miller has previous at Elland Road and a crowd of 12,979 knew his history. Their ire did not last for long and Johnson nailed Wolves down when he met Kilkenny's cross with a bouncing header in the 86th minute. "Leeds are a week away from the start of the season," said McCarthy, "and they look like it." The Championship has been warned.

July 30th. Leeds pip Blades for Bruce. 25 year old Alec Bruce has become Leeds seventh signing of the season in a deal thought to be around �250,000. He has agreed a two year contract with a further one year option. Bruce has played with Ipswich Town and Birmingham City and is firstly a centre half but can fill in at right full and in a holding tole in midfield. Bruce told BBC Radio Leeds: "You don't need to sell Leeds. As soon as I heard of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to come. "The players and the staff have high expectations and this club deserves to be at the top level."  He added: "I think even when Leeds were in League One last year, everyone pays an interest to see how they're doing. "They belong in the Premier League and hopefully I can play a part in putting them back where they belong."  The 25-year-old added that the right time had come for him to leave Ipswich, after spending four seasons at Portman Road. "I think I had done my time at Ipswich, it was my fifth season down there now and I just felt it was the right time to move on," he said.

July 27th. Becchio going nowhere. Leeds United rubbished reports in the Daily Mail suggesting that Luciano becchio would not be offered a new contract. 

July 28th. Snodgrass suffers injury in Norway. Brann Bergen 1-3 Leeds United. Taken from Yorkshire Post. Leeds United were flying home from Norway today with concern hanging over Robert Snodgrass after the winger sustained a knee injury in their 3-1 pre-season victory over SK Brann. Snodgrass was stretchered from the field during last night's friendly in Bergen and Leeds will carry out urgent assessments of his fitness over the next 48 hours in an attempt to establish the severity of the damage. The 22-year-old Scot � a vital member of Simon Grayson's squad and player whose pre-season form has been particularly impressive � suffered on the end of a 26th-minute challenge by Brann striker David Nielsen, criticised by Grayson afterwards as a "poor tackle". United's manager was unable to confirm the extent of Snodgrass' injury at full-time but he was crossing his fingers amid concern that the former Livingston player might now be absent for the start of the Championship season. He is a major doubt for Saturday's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road, United's last pre-season friendly, and Grayson was unimpressed to see Snodgrass injured in a game of no consequence. "We're not sure of the severity and it's too early to know how serious it is," he said. "I hope it's just a whack but there's always a bit of concern with knee injuries, and when a player gets stretchered off. It was a poor tackle which you don't need in a pre-season friendly. "It's unfortunate because he's contributed well and he's looked like one of our strongest and best players.  
"To lose any player is hard to take but we'll see where we are. You never know, he might be fit for the weekend." Nielsen's heavy tackle epitomised a combative game in which no fewer than four players were booked before half-time, two from either side. Nielsen received a caution for his foul on Snodgrass. Grayson has contended with numerous other injury problems during United's pre-season campaign, and striker Billy Paynter (shin) is expected to join long-term absentees Patrick Kisnorbo and Ben Parker in missing the first game of the new term at home to Derby County on August 7. But captain Richard Naylor completed an hour of last night's clash, his first senior appearance of the summer and a positive step forward from a pulled hamstring, and left-back Federico Bessone was also able to start the fixture in Bergen having overcome a thigh strain. Despite the physical nature of the contest, Leeds dominated Brann and were deserving of a third pre-season win.  Two goals from Luciano Becchio helped to seal their easy success.  Grayson said: "We should have closed the door on them earlier but the performance was very pleasing."

July 26^th. The perfect reaction. Hartlepool 0-5 Leeds United  - Leeds United: Higgs, Connolly (Hughes 59), Bromby, Collins, White, Sam (Gradel 59), Howson, Kilkenny (Grella 69), Johnson, Becchio (Somma 68), Snodgrass. Subs (not used): Schmeichel, Lees, Hatfield.
Referee: David Webb (County Durham). Attendance: 2,691.   Taken from Yorkshire Post. Vindicated at Victoria Park on Saturday were those who claimed that Bury's flaying of Leeds United did not merit endless soul-searching. Jonathan Howson, United's vice-captain, took up that argument by warning against an "overreaction" to the most astonishing scoreline at Gigg Lane last Tuesday, consisting of four unanswered Bury goals. "It's not like we can't make amends," he said. Sensible rhetoric, as it turned out. The club's defeat in Greater Manchester on Tuesday required perspective, an occasion when rash appraisals were of no great value. The same could be said of their victory over a Hartlepool United team who looked so far short of every footballing attribute that the end of July might as well have been the beginning of June. Not for Simon Grayson was Leeds' rousing win on the north-east coast of England a reason to celebrate like a leper cured of his disease but it made for a cathartic experience at the end of a testing week. On Tuesday night, his shouts of frustration could be heard outside the dressing room; placid was the mood as Leeds slipped quietly out of Victoria Park. In microcosm, United's win in Hartlepool was a promising answer to the matter of whether Grayson's squad can score enough goals or defend with enough conviction to enjoy life in the Championship, a division they will enter in 11 days' time. Their latest victory will be presented as evidence that they can, on both counts. A more definite verdict will begin to form when meaningful football replaces friendly sport, as it will on August 7. The juxtaposition of last week's results was somewhat appropriate for a club whose prospects are incredibly difficult to gauge. Leeds were deserving of complimentary adjectives on Saturday: imaginative, disciplined, confident and organised. That Hartlepool bore such a poor comparison was not a slight on United or solely responsible for the scoreline. Grayson described the afternoon as "decent", showing the restraint of a manager who knows that this swallow alone will not make his summer. Only on a basic level would Saturday be viewed as an outright success, and it does not take managerial nous to appreciate the pressing issues on Grayson's mind. An honest assessment of Leeds' victory over Hartlepool would say that it was achieved in spite of the squad at Elland Road, not because of it. The availability of 18 players at Victoria Park came down to the selection of Will Hatfield and Tom Lees, the second time in a week that Grayson has struggled to raise his squad to the maximum level permitted in Football League fixtures. Beforehand, Federico Bessone joined an extensive list of unfit professionals and Richard Naylor completed the warm-up without taking to the substitutes' bench. Billy Paynter, meanwhile, was the subject of reports stating that he will miss the first game of the season and more besides with a damaged shin. Grayson could not say one way or the other, at least with any certainty. United's teamsheet, as it had in Bury, gave the impression that Grayson and the club he serves will be at the mercy of injury, if not patently short of players, when the Championship reaches full speed.
The performance that ensued on Saturday was an antidote to those worries, reminding him of the capable blocks he already has to build upon. Fate seems determined to limit his choice of strikers on the first day of the season, a choice which might not stretch beyond Luciano Becchio and Mike Grella unless new recruits are forthcoming. With that scenario in front of him, Grayson revised his usual tactics and asked Becchio to play as a lone forward at Victoria Park, supported by Robert Snodgrass and Lloyd Sam on either wing. As an experiment, his system worked perfectly. Becchio scored twice and Snodgrass once with the opening goal after only five minutes. Sam's contribution was the final balls which created Becchio's first finish and Howson's vicious strike in the second. Behind the flurry of goals, a dominant midfield and firm defence offered two reasons why the strategy should not be abandoned with any haste. Grayson will find a five-man midfield easier to turn to away from home next season than he may at Elland Road, where unwritten rules dictate that Leeds show all the ambition they can, and it gave Hartlepool no room to breathe. By the fifth minute, Chris Turner's players were trailing to a goal conceded through defensive ineptitude, a problem of theirs all afternoon. Shane Higgs' free-kick covering 70 yards was a routine attack on Hartlepool's box but Becchio anticipated the bounce of the ball and found himself face to face with Scott Flinders. The goalkeeper dived at Becchio's feet but diverted the ball directly to Snodgrass who met it on the penalty spot with the side of a boot and ruffled Flinders' empty net.
The speed and ease of Snodgrass' finish warned of the spate of goals to come, but much of the first half did not. Leeds starved Hartlepool of possession and bullied their midfield but it was not until the 40th minute that Flinders was beaten again.
Becchio had seen a goal snatched from him earlier in the half when Flinders failed to gather Sam's corner and relied on Joe Gamble to clear Becchio's header from his line, but Hartlepool's defence evaporated again when Sam picked out the Argentinian inside their penalty area for a second time. Becchio's clinical header to the right of Flinders left Hartlepool clutching at straws; Bradley Johnson's flying finish at the end of Howson's injury-time cross left no straws to clutch. Faced with a hopeless task at half-time, Chris Turner left the same 11 players to drown in their own mess at the start of the second half. Flinders prevented another goal by parrying a shot from Johnson but he was helpless in the 56th minute when Sam cut through the left side of Hartlepool's defence and invited Howson to lash the ball into the net with the help of a post. Gary Liddle caused a brief moment of mischief by striking Higgs' crossbar with a header but the frame of the goal had barely stopped shaking when Becchio rose to convert a Snodgrass delivery at the other end of their field. Hartlepool cut their losses and saw out the remaining 23 minutes. Turner saw no sense in distorting the facts, describing Leeds as "a long way in front of us." United's primary wish is to see such superiority equate to parity when the Championship season begins. Taken at face value, Saturday's performance reached that standard. Grayson must still be wary of scratching too far beneath the surface of his squad.

Tues July 20th. Whites taken back to earth with a bang. Bury 4-0 Leeds United Att. 2769 (1739)Schmeichel, Hughes (Connolly 59) Bromby (Lees 67)  Collins, Bessone (White 67) Snodgrass, Kilkenny, Howson, Johnson, Becchio (Gradel 59) Grella (Somma 69) - Unused Higgs. Yes we had chances. No we didn't take them. Bottom line. Bury hammered almost a full strength Leeds United 2010/11 Championship side. Mr Grayson and Mr Bates you have not replaced Jemaine Beckford and we need a centre half. The only consolation is that we didn't lose three points tonight but we will several times over unless we buy quality with real money. The 1,739 travelling fans supporting the Whites deserve better and so do we. Let's learn. 

Friday July 16^th 2010. Paynter nets his first for United. MFK Kosice 0-1 Leeds . Higgs (Schmeichel 46) Connolly (Hughes 46) Collins, Bromby (Lees 74) Bessone (White 46) Snodgrass, Kilkenny, Howson (Gradel 60) Johnson, Becchio (Grella 46) Somma (Paynter 46)  Leeds United claimed their first pre-season victory as the club's tour of Slovakia ended with a 1-0 win over MFK Kosice. A Billy Paynter strike early in the second half saw off United's top-flight opponents and sent Leeds home to England with a first positive result behind them. Simon Grayson's squad were beaten 1-0 by MFK Ruzomberok in the first of their two games in Slovakia but they dominated tonight's match in Kosice and deservedly secured a narrow win. A low-key first half produced few chances with Davide Somma's header over Kosice's crossbar a rare opportunity to open the scoring. Neil Kilkenny's booking for dissent was the only other moment of note, though manager Simon Grayson saw a performance which greatly improved on United's display against Ruzomberok. Leeds began to control the match after half-time and Paynter struck on 55 minutes with a clinical volley at the end of Robert Snodgrass' cross. Snodgrass had the chance to secure a more comfortable victory but saw his 75th minute penalty saved by substitute keeper Darko Tofiloski

Thurs July 14th. Other transfer news. There aren't many clubs doing a lot of transfer business in the Championship right now. Chris Eagles proposed move to Rangers from Burnley when the player's wage demands were deemed too excessive by the Glasgow side. He was offered �13k per week but wanted closer to �16K. The board at Burnley sanctioned the deal above Brian Laws head as he has only a year left on his contract. Moneybags Middlesbro completed the signing of ex Celtic captain, Stephen McManus. (1.5M) They have already signed Kris Boyd (who had rejected a move to Kayserispor who had offered him 50K per week) from Rangers and Nicky Bailey (1.5M) from Charlton and are bracing themselves for a �3M bid from Stoke for Gary O'Neill. Derby County have refused to match Scunthorpe's �2.5M valuation for Gary Hooper . Derby already have six strikers on their books including Rob Hulse who may be off loaded if the right bid comes in. Cardiff City have already lost out of contract and (�4M valued last year) Joe Ledley for free to Celtic and Warren Feeney has joined Oldham Athletic. Hull City have signed Noberto Solano and James Harper but need to lose Jimmy Bullard and George Boateng among others off their wage bill. Down at Loftys Road Mr Warnock was busy raiding his old club (C Palace) for Clint Hill and Shaun Derry, and signed goalkeeper Paddy Kenny from former club Sheffield United. All is not well at Notts Forest when Billy Davies "only found out about the sale of centre half James Perch (to Newcastle) after the deal was done". Forest are  sizing up a �2m offer for Peter Wittingham of Cardiff City. More to follow tomorrow. New managers on the scene are Brendan Rodgers at Swansea City (after his Reading and Watford failures) and Nigel Pearson at Hull City where he obviously sees more promise or maybe money at Hull City. 

Thurs. July 14th. Grayson rules out move for McArthur. If every rumour about Leeds United was true, they'd be giving Manchester City a run for their money in the transfer market. It seems everyone wants to be linked with Leeds United. But reports in the Scottish Evening Times that Hamilton midfielder James MacArthur is the subject of a �750,000 bid from the Yorkshire side, have been dismissed by Simon Grayson. The Whites gaffer said: "We know about him, he's a good player and he's been linked with a few Premier League clubs. Speculation is there with a lot of players but we try to do our business the way we do it and bring in players that people don't know about. But there's no deal in place and we have no intention of putting a bid in for him.We are talking to agents and players all the time. We are actively looking to improve before the season starts but at the same time I don't think the squad is too far away at all. There's certain areas we may add to but we have a group with good honesty". Leeds don't normally comment on transfer speculation so perhaps United felt piggy in the middle between seller and buyer in the need to justify a rise in price.

Thurs July 14th. Elliot on the move again. Rotherham United Manager, Ronnie Moore moved quickly to sign Leeds United's Tom Elliot on loan until January to cover for injured striker, Ryan Taylor. Nineteen year old striker, Tom, already has League Two experience as he's been loaned out to both Macclesfield and Bury in the last eighteen months and Moore told the Official Site that he was 'fortunate' to get the England U17 and U18 player. 
'There's not that many strikers about at the moment, and, to be honest, he was on his way to Northampton. But, we spoke to his agent and, luckily, he decided to come to us. 'He's had league two experience and is a bit of a handful. He played for Bury against us last season which is when I first noticed him, but he came off with a hamstring injury. I've also seen him play for Leeds Reserves against our Reserves and he played very well. 'He's a big lad who puts himself about and has pace.' One thing for sure, Elliot will never make it at Leeds and indeed any other Championship side as a striker. 

Weds July 13th. Somma staying put. Leeds United manager Simon Grayson insists that loaning out striker Davide Somma (pic right)again this season is not an option. The South African hit-man spent time with Chesterfield and Lincoln City last term in order to get a feel of English football. Grayson is happy with Somma's development and has hinted he will play a role for Leeds in the Championship this season. Leeds have lost Jermaine Beckford this summer and, while they have brought in Billy Paynter, (pic left) places are up for grabs when the new campaign kicks off next month. Lincoln have been linked with a fresh move for Somma, but Grayson insists the 25-year-old will not be leaving Elland Road on a temporary basis. "We know we've got a player there and we've got no intention of letting him go out on loan again," Grayson told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "That served a purpose last season in getting him used to the English game."

Tues July 13th. Former Leeds starlet's season ends. Sheffield United's pre-season planning was dealt a severe setback last night when Former Leeds starlet, Simon Walton (whom be his own admission went off the rails the last couple of seasons)  was ruled out of the new season. The former Leeds United midfielder, signed on a season-long loan from Plymouth, suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in a friendly at Mansfield Town on Saturday.
Walton only joined the Blades a fortnight ago hoping to kick start his career, but his season is now in tatters. Blades manager Kevin Blackwell (who knew the player well at Leeds)  said: "It is a tragedy for the lad because he was really going to give this chance his best shot, but he won't play for us now because his loan will be up by the time he recovers. "We are now talking to Plymouth about where Simon will do his rehab, and it means that we are a player down already so the search has to intensify."

Tues July 13th. Losing start for Leeds. MFK Ruzomberok 1-0 Leeds United. United went down 1-0 in their first pre-season friendly to a 16 minute Chovanec goal. Leeds 1st half Schmeichel, (Martin), Crowe, Jarabica, Collins, Bessone, Sam, Howson, Brusko, White, Grella, Becchio.  Leeds 2nd Half : Martin (higgs), Connolly, Lees, Bromby, Snodgrass, Kilkenny, Josnson, Gradel, Hughes, Somma, Paynter. Each goalkeeper got 30 mins action. MFK start their league next week so were obviously ahead of Leeds on fitness. Lloyd Samm (pic below right) was the pick of the Leeds players in the first half, looking menacing on the wing. Leeds played with more purpose in the second half and Somma always looked dangerous. He could be one to break through next season, It's a pity he is missing the first three matches. Snodgrass hit the woodwork and Somma had a goal ruled out for offside. At this stage it's all about getting to know each other's game and attaining sharpness. 

Tues July 13th. Two on trial. Slovakian duo Tomas Brusko and Marian Jarabica have both linked up with the Leeds squad on their-pre season tour. Jarabica is an under 21 Slovak internationl centre half whilst Brusko is a midfielder and their clubs have given permission for them to play with Leeds on their tour. 

Tues July 13th. More transfer rumours. Preston feel that they have "moved ahead" in the race to sign Hooper from Scunthorpe. Wolves deny any contact with Leeds for Keogh but have fielded an enquiry for the player from Scunthorpe. Delefouneso, a striker with Aston Villa has been linked with a loan move to Leeds due to the good relationship between Martin O'Neill and Larry. Leeds "may" make an offer for ex loanee Sanchez Watt of Arsenal. 

Tues July 13th. Larry signs for another three years. United manager Simon Grayson has agreed another three year contract. Ken Bates : "I'm very pleased Simon has committed his future to the club despite enticing offers from elsewhere. We have every confidence in him. He won two promotions in his managerial career, one here and one at Blackpool, and we're hoping he can make that a hat-trick at the club where he first started out". Simon Grayson : "I'm delighted the club gave offered me a longer contract. My intentions have always been to take the club forward, and after achieving promotion last season, I hope we can fulfil everyone's dream of winning promotion back to the Premiership. I work closely with the chairman and Shaun Harvey. We've got a good relationship and I hope we can keep progressing as a club. That's what we are all working towards".

Billy Sharp - Sheffield and Doncaster. This is a very good article on the striker I wish Leeds had taken a punt on this season, Billy Sharp. Taken from The Sheffield Star : Billy Sharp's heart ruled his head when he turned his back on a lucrative move to Burnley last week. But, with Sheffield United's hugely popular striker now poised to complete what will be viewed by some supporters as a controversial transfer to Doncaster Rovers instead, those close to the 24-year-old have spoken of a victory for sound common sense. Having had a �1.15m offer accepted by their South Yorkshire neighbours on Monday, Sean O'Driscoll's side are, barring another unforeseen chain of events, expected to unveil Sharp as the most expensive signing in the club's history later today. The hullabaloo at The Keepmoat Stadium, where the young marksman will be formally presented to the media, is likely to contrast dramatically with the atmosphere 22 miles down the motorway at United where officials are bracing themselves for a flurry of potentially awkward questions about why a player regarded by some as the Championship's most accomplished finisher has been allowed to depart. After all, Sharp made no attempt to disguise the fact that despite a series of setbacks and disappointments, he retained a burning desire to prove himself at a club he supported as a boy. But Rovers, having initially failed to match Burnley's bid, forced Sharp to review the situation when they lodged a second offer for his services just 48 hours after the aborted switch to Turf Moor. And, having been informed it had been rubber-stamped by United's board, reach the conclusion that his career would be best served by a cast-iron guarantee of first team football rather than chasing what could turn-out to be an unattainable dream. "You can't just hope that things will turn out for the best," a member of Sharp's inner-circle told The Star last night. "Billy really wanted to make a go of things at United because everyone knows what they mean to him. "But at the same time you can't just keep waiting for things to happen. You can't keep believing that everything is going to turn out for the best. "Sometimes you've got to move on." Sharp scored 15 goals in just 35 appearances during a loan spell at Rovers last term. But while his 'fox-in-the-box' style clearly fits comfortably with O'Driscoll's footballing principles, they proved less easy to assimilate into Kevin Blackwell's more pragmatic approach which demands forwards can make an impression at both ends of the pitch.A not unreasonable or misguided request given United's position at the pinnacle of the region's footballing pyramid. But it also meant that Sharp, whose strengths do not extend to foraging for possession in a deeper lying role, seemed unlikely to enjoy many opportunities had he remained in situ. Rovers' show of faith, combined with the plethora of alternatives at Blackwell's disposal, prompted his change of heart. For United's part, they also felt obliged to broker a deal given that Sharp's contract was set to expire in 12 months. Negotiations, though, were far from problem free as they looked to squeeze every last penny from the deal. The funds they have raised will be used to try and secure Nyron Nosworthy's release from Sunderland while Plymouth's Simon Walton could make his debut at Mansfield on Saturday having arrived on a year-long loan

Sat July 10th. Hooper left out of friendly. Scunthorpe United deliberately left out their talisman Gary Hooper for their friendly with Bottlesford Town for fear that he may get injured. Adkins said that the player would just take part in the warm up altough he was fully fit. Scunthrope have already purchased a striker to replace Hooper. Blackpool, M'bro, Celtic, Derby and Leeds are the clubs courting his services. At this stage the former two were said to be favourites. Hooper is now into the last 12 months of his contract so the Iron know they must cash in now. Personally, I would be very disappointed if the player didn't join Leeds were we to match the top offer, allowing for the fact that we dwarf the other clubs by size and the player would not have to move house.

Sat July 10th. Doyle unlikely to return. Leeds United's interest in central midfielder Michael Doyle has cooled, with Simon Grayson revealing that his priorities presently lie elsewhere. The Irishman's future is currently in limbo, with the 29-year-old awaiting developments at parent club Coventry City, with Sky Blues chairman Ray Ranson having revealed earlier this summer that Doyle is likely to move on. Doyle, who spent last season at loan at United and has 12 months left on his Sky Blues deal, would welcome a permanent move to Elland Road with open arms. But the odds on that appear to be diminishing. On whether there have been any developments in potentially bringing Doyle to Elland Road on a full-time basis, Whites boss Grayson said: "Not really, no. Obviously, people are still thinking whether we are going to re-sign him or not. But we're moving on with other options; we signed Neill Collins as we thought that was in a more important part of the pitch to sign. "But now we'll move onto other areas of the pitch and other targets." Whilst I would prefer to attain a better ball winning player in midfield than Doyle. One would want to be made of stone not to feel some sympathy for the Dubliner, who desperately wanted a contract at Leeds. His two best games in a Leeds shirt were arguably at Old Trafford and in the final game of the season at Elland Road V Bristol Rvs. United jetted off to Slovakia for their week-long tour today, with Grayson admitting he might grasp the opportunity of taking a look at several trialists, from home and abroad. On looking at trialists, he said: "It's a possibility. We're looking all the time at players, whether from this country that we take out with us or others actually coming in from different countries in Europe or further afield.
"If we can unearth another Luciano (Becchio), like we did a few years ago, then it's worthwhile doing. Grayson says he has had enquiries for several players told they can leave Elland Road, with the group including Tresor Kandol, Lubomir Michalik, Andy Robinson and Alan Sheehan. But he admits Leeds may have to play a waiting game, with money tight and many clubs, primarily in the cash-hit lower leagues, assessing what they have got before firming up moves for some players, particularly those in higher divisions. He said: "There's been enquiries, but nothing too concrete at this moment in time. At the moment, clubs are probably waiting to see what players they have (still) got on their books. "It could be a case of clubs thinking they will give someone else an opportunity in pre-season and not go out and replace them or maybe thinking they can't afford to bring someone in. Those sort of circumstances can dictate." Meanwhile, United have arranged a substitute fixture in Norway for Tuesday, July 27 after their original clash with SK Lyn Oslo on the same evening had to be scrapped. Simon Grayson's men will now tackle SK Brann in a pre-season friendly in Bergen (KO 7pm local time) after the fixture with Oslo was cancelled following the Norwegian outfit's bankruptcy.
Meanwhile, the kick-off time for United's home Championship game with Millwall on Saturday, August 21 at 12:30 PM

Sat July 10th. Squad settle in. I would love to have said that a private jet whisked the LUFC squad off to their pre-season base in Slovakia, but this is Ken Bates' team and Ryanair was the mode of transport used. It couldn't have done much for Paddy Kisnorbo's rehabilitation. The squad that travelled included all six new signings and was as follows : Becchio, Bessone, Bromby, Connolly, Collins, Crowe, Gradel, Grella, Johnson, Higgs, Howson, Hughes, Kilkenny, Kisnorbo, Lees, Martyn, Paynter, Sam, Schmeichel, snodgrass, Somma, White. Only Naylor and Parker didn't travel. For obvious reasons, Michalik, Robinson, Kandol and Sheehan were left behind. 

Friday July 9th. Keogh set for return ? According the the Yorkshire Evening Post (which is never far away) Leeds have made a move to bring former striker Andy Keogh back to Elland Road. Wolverhampton Wanderers want to sell the Irishman, on the books at United at the start of his career  without ever actually starting a game  to bring in transfer funds. Under Premier League regulations, the Molineux outfit are also mindful of the need to reduce their senior squad from its current number of 30 to 25 by the end of the transfer window in August. But the fee  with Wolves understood to be seeking a sum well into seven figures appears to be the stumbling block. Dublin-born Keogh, who signed a two-year extension in February 2009 and is contracted until June 2012, was an established choice up front ahead of last season, with injury and the form of Kevin Doyle  deployed in a one-man attack  forcing him on the fringes. Keogh, who cost Wolves �600,000 when he joined them from Scunthorpe United in 2007, has also been the subject of interest from United's Yorkshire npower Championship rivals Barnsley, but that has cooled due to the asking price. Doncaster Rovers have also thrown their hat into the ring to sign the 24-year-old on loan and re-unite him with his former Scunthorpe United colleague Billy Sharp. Republic of Ireland star Keogh joined United at the age of 16, but featured just once as a sub in the Carling Cup clash at Portsmouth in October 2004. After an earlier loan spell, he moved to Scunthorpe United for �50,000 in February 2005. My own view is as follows. Whilst Keogh is not a bad player, and certainly one that Kevin Blackwell got wrong, he is not a goal scorer. He works until he drops but a player who has scored 19 goals in 115 appearances for Wolves and just 19 goals in 85 appearances for Scunthorpe is not the player we need right now. Hooper of Scunthorpe fits the bill and whilst Celtic may pull out if they get Joe Ledley, and M'bro may not be so keen, now that they have nabbed Kris Boyd, a fee of nearer �2m than the �2.5M Scunthorpe are looking for, may win the day. After all he is now in the last year of his contract. 

Friday July 9th 2011. Signing number 6 arrives. Leeds United have signed 25 year old Lloyd Sam who was out of contract with Charlton Athletic. The player who was born in Leeds has ambitions of playing for Ghana and feels a move to Leeds will help him realise his dream. He made in total 134 appearance for Charlton including 43 last season where he scored 4 goals. Simon Grayson insists that : "He is another good addition to our squad. He has plenty of experience and is hungry and keen to do well. We're delighted to have things finalised before we go to Slovakia". Leeds fans will a little frustrated that 5/6 signings so far have been free as they still await a trophy signing, especially a quality striker. 

Weds July 7th. Signing number five arrives. Leeds United have completed the signing of  Preston North End defender Neill Collins on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old played nine matches for United in the 2009/10 campaign after joining on loan in March and helped the club earn promotion to the Championship. Collins admitted in May that he would like to return to Elland Road for the new season (saying he would walk to Leeds for a contract)and he is now on the brink of securing his wish. The former Scotland Under 21 international was told he did not feature in the plans of Preston boss Darren Ferguson and his chances of first-team football decreased on Tuesday with the arrival of Wayne Brown and Craig Morgan at Deepdale.  Whilst I have no doubt that Collins would be a decent squad player. I would like to make three points regarding his addition. Firstly, it is alleged that we paid �500,000 for his services and I have no doubt that this money could be used better (if true) to service other parts of our side and indeed a better addition at central defence. Secondly, I think we all believe that Collins is not a Premiership defender. If we are serious about launching a worth while assault at promotion to the Premiership this year, why give the lad a three year contract or do we believe it will take us three years to get there ? Thirdly, are we going to spend some money on a striker and attacking midfielder or are we going to watch Doncaster sign Billy Sharp and M'bro nab Kris Boyd.The biggest player we have to replace is Jermaine Beckford who scored 30 plus goals each season. That kind of player costs money. Beckford departed for nothing but his goals not only helped us gain promotion but provided the club with circa �3M from their FA cup exploits v Man United and Spurs. Please spend it wisely on attacking players or maybe we are waiting in the wings with a better strategy.

The rumour mill has Leeds linked with a move for Hull City's Giovanni, who exploded on to the scene two years ago. It's hard to see Leeds paying his wages. Two former Leeds United players are on the move this week in League One. Former right back Frazer Richardson has left Charlton Athletic to join Southampton in a three-year deal. Richardson was released by Leeds at the end of the 2008/09 season joins the Saints in a deal worth around �450,000. The 27 year old played over 40 games for the Addicks last season and was included in the PFA League One Team of the year. Also on the move is David Prutton who has joined Swindon Town from Colchester United. Prutton was released by Leeds in January this year and joined Colchester on a short-term deal, making 17 appearances for the U`s.
The 28-year-old joins the Robins on a two-year deal and joins up with former Leeds players David Lucas and Jonathan Douglas at the County Ground. "Southampton expressed an interest in me and then made an offer to Charlton that I don't think they could refuse," Richardson told Southampton's official website. "I'm thoroughly delighted to be here." Poor business sense from Leeds.

Sun July 4th Updates. United are expected to add at least one player to the the squad before they jet out to Slovakia for pre-season training and some matches, and that player may be 25 year old Lloyd Sam who is out of contract at Charlton Athletic. The winger's agent has confirmed that he has had talks with four clubs (inc Leeds) with the others thought to be Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Coventry City.  Simon Grayson had the following to say on his transfer targets : "Realistically we'd like to have someone in before we go to Slovakia. It gives them that seven days away with the lads, so hopefully we will have somebody in by then".Leeds target, Billy Sharpe has announced his intention to stay with the Blades. It is thought that Leeds didn't go above the �650K offer that Doncaster Rvs had turned down. Scunthorpe still value Leeds main target, Hooper at �2.5M. Leeds may wait until the Irons lower their valuation or someone else has a bid accepted. Elsewhere, ex Leeds boss, David O'Leary has found a team of mugs in the United Arab Emirates to give him a job. Al Ahli is the side that will have to listen to his drivel. O'Leary has been four years out of management where it seems every club in these waters have kopped on to the lack of content there. 

Sun July 4th. TV can't get enough of the Whites. Leeds are on live four times over the first three months of season 2010/11. We start on opening day Sat 7th of August @ 17:15 at home to Derby County, and are live the following Sunday 15th of August @ 13:15 away to Notts Forest. On Friday, September 17th we travel to Doncaster Rvs for a 19:45 kick off, and on October 16th @ 17: 15 take on Strachan and McAllister's M'bro at the Riverside. 

July 1st. Back to training. United's squad returbed to Thorp Arch for pre-season training, never any footballer's favourite time. Simon Grayson had the following to say : "We will spend money if we think it's the right player but we're not going to be a club who throws a boat-load of money at the squad. I'll bring in players who fit our wage structure and fit into the budget I've got to spend. It's a difficult climate to be in and if you look through the transfers so far, there aren't too many clubs doing much business. It's been pretty quiet with the World Cup going on. Now that players and clubs are coming back for pre-season, people get more anxious about getting secure. That goes for players looking for a new club or those who don't figure where they are. Ideally, I'd like to get a couple more in before we go to Slovakia. That would give the new lads a chance to be away with us, to work with the other players and get involved as quickly as possible. But if that doesn't happen then we'll bring them in when the time's right. The four we've already signed are going to be good acquisitions and anybody else who comes here will have to bring that sort of quality. There are areas we need to strengthen and I know where they are." The resumption of training might also throw up opportunities for Grayson's transfer-listed players, all of whom reported back to Thorp Arch for the start of pre-season on Thursday morning. Andy Robinson, Alan Sheehan, Lubomir Michalik and Tresor Kandol are all under contract for another 12 months but will be allowed to leave Elland Road on free transfers after Grayson deemed them surplus to requirements at the end of last season. The Leeds manager said he had received tentative enquiries about the out-of-favour group but no club has yet stepped forward with a conclusive offer. "We've had enquiries," he said, "but no-one is going to take them in the months of May and June when they're contracted to us and not doing anything. But there might be one or two things lined up for them if they fancy it." Robinson, who came to Leeds in a high-profile transfer from Swansea City in 2008, said: "I think the manager's said he's got his own mind, his own ideas of playing, and I don't fit into them. "I've got to prove myself all over again and I'm looking forward to the new challenge. Every season is a learning curve in football and the situation I'm in now is certainly a new learning curve for me. I'm looking forward to getting to a new club and showing what I can do." Grayson will decide this week which of the four, if any, will travel with the rest of his players to Slovakia, a tour which only Ben Parker and Patrick Kisnorbo are expected to miss due to a lack of fitness.
Parker was already certain to sit out pre-season with a calf problem and Grayson confirmed this week that he is now looking at a probable comeback date in September or October. Kisnorbo's ruptured Achilles tendon will delay his return until shortly before the turn of the year. Grayson, meanwhile, took the opportunity this week to rule himself out of the running for the vacant manager's post at Leicester City. The 40-year-old is a former Leicester player and was predictably linked to the job at the Walkers Stadium but he reiterated his commitment to Leeds amid rumours that City are considering him as a possible replacement for Nigel Pearson. Pearson left Leicester to take charge of another of United's impending Championship opponents, Hull City. Grayson said: "I've just got a team into the Championship and it's the football club who I support. I've got a job to do here. "I'm flattered by the speculation but I'm certainly committed to being at Leeds United for a lot longer than this".

June 10 Update

May 10 Update

April 10 Update

March 10 Update

Feb 10 Update

 Jan 10 Update

Dec 09 Update               

Nov 09 Update

Oct 09 Update

Sept 09 Update

June 09 to Aug 09

Feb to May 09

Index January 09 

Index Nov 14th 08 to Dec 31st 08

Index June 08 to Nov 11th 08

Index Jan 08 to May 25th 08

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.

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