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 age. 

Weds June 23rd. Samba boys to arrive in Leeds. Leeds United have invited seven Brazilians to train at Throp Arch next month. Ken Bates : "We have seven Braizilans coming over. They have all played with top European clubs at different levels. Nothing may come of it but you have to cast your net out far and wide. Leeds will hope that they unearth another gem like Luciano Becchio who was discovered in such a trial back in July 2008 on the tour of Ireland. 

 June 19th. Offers received for rejects. United have received offers for all the players that Simon Grayson has deemed surplus to requirements : Alan Sheehan, Lubo Michalik, Tresor Kandol and Fatboy Robinson. Contratry to what was reported in the mainstream media, Tresor Kandol has mot agreed a deal with  Scunthorpe 

Thursday June 17th. The long wait is over and Leeds can finally look forward to playing some decent sides in decent stadia. Our first match is at home to Derby County on August 8th. Will Sky change this ? Possibly. Millwall visit us on August 21st. We play Leicester, Portsmouth and M'bro over the Christmas and new year period and finish our campaign on Sunday May 8th at Neil Warnock's moneybags QPR. Can't wait !

Weds June 16th. Player number 4 signs. Leeds have signed Argentinean defender Federico Bessone on a free transfer from Swansea City. The 26 year old left back refused a new contract with the Swans and signed a three year contract with Leeds. He made 22 appearances for the Welsh club last season and 14 the year before, scoring just the one goal in his Swansea career. From 2005 to 2008 he played 65 times for Espanol B, again scoring one goal. He made 10 appearances for Gimnastic in Spain in season 2007/08, and 50 appearances between 2003 and 2005 for Barcelona B where he trained and played with one Lionel Messi. Grayson had this to say : "I watched him last year. He is very comfortable on the ball and is a very good acquisition. He's a good age. He speaks good english and he was part of a Swansea side that did well. He can handle a ball and can defend, and he has done well when he has played in the Championship. We're delighted we got him. He had the option to re-sign at Swansea which he turned down because of our interest in him. He's excited. He knows about our fan base and having done well with Swansea last season he wants to go one better with us. He knows Luciano (Becchio) through Andrea Orlando at Swansea . They have similar backgrounds and hopefully they turn out to be similar players". Fed had this to say : "I was at Barcelona for four years. It was the best place to grow up and improve my football. I played and trained with Lionel Messi. He was a very good player even then. I had four good years there, and then came to Swansea two years ago. Last season we had a good season there and spent most of the season in the top six. I knew Luciano because I played against him when I was at Espanol B and he was at Barcelona B. I want to chat to him soon because he is also from Cordoba in Argentina like me. I played with good players at Espanol B. I am here because Leeds is a big club and I know we can do well here. I play like a defender but I like to get forward. I knew in the last two weeks that Leeds was interested in me. It is a pleasure to be here. When I spoke to the Gaffer on Tuesday he showed me around the training facilities (Thorp Arch). Barcelona and Espanol have nothing like this". One worrying development so far is that super shrewd Ken Bates has yet to pony up a flag for any of our four new signings thus far. One hopes he is keeping both his powder and his wallet (actually our wallet) dry for the right players as the summer progresses. In other news Leeds have drawn Lincoln City at home in the Carling Cup on Wednesday August 9th. 

Sat June 12th. Yet another player to be linked with a move to Leeds United is 22 year old Leeds born Tommy Spurr who plays left back with relegated, Sheffield Wednesday. United are in the market for a left back with constant injuries to Ben Parker. Wednesday are after signing another left back in Daniel Jones. Spurr is well regarded by Owls fans and has played 166 games for Wednesday scoring 5 goals. This player would command a fee, and The Owls turned down �750,000 from QPR for him two seasons ago. 

Thurs 10th. Connolly becomes 3rd signing. Paul Connolly, a right full has become Larry's third signing of the summer. He also arrives on a free, after Derby agreed to terminate his contract one year early. He came through the youth ranks of Plymouth Argyle where he made 162 appearances, scoring just one goal. In 2008 he moved to Derby on a free transfer after admitting he "became stale" at Home Park. He went on to make 51 appearances at Pride Park where he scored just one goal. Paul Jewell had made him captain but new boss Nigel Clough replaced him as captain with Robbie Savage. Clough began to dismantle Jewell's signings and Connolly went on loan to Sheff United where he made 7 appearances last season. At 27 years of age (in September) the Scouser signed a three year contract with United. Simon Grayson : "He made a lot of appearances at this level for Plymouth and Derby. He has captained teams in the championship and he is a good addition to our squad." Paul Connolly : "I heard about the interest a while ago. I followed Leeds' fortunes last season and was obviously hoping the club would get to the Championship. I had a year left at Derby, and I had to sort by situation there first, but it's great to finally get here. I know I start here on July 1st and I can't wait to get started. There were others interested, but Leeds gave me a concrete offer. I spoke to the gaffer while I was on holiday and we had a long chat. He didn't have to sell the club - you don't have to sell Leeds United. He said he wanted me and he seems like he will really be a good guy to work with. I know I am competing with other players who have played right back and I'm looking forward to it". (Regarding last season) I played a lot of games the season before and I don't know what's gone on really. I fell out of favour, I've hardly been spoken to and I went to Sheffield United on loan and enjoyed it. It was a season I want to forget. This is a fresh challenge. I've got my driving ambition back and I know what I want to achieve in my career. I can't wait to express myself. I'm not going to dribble past 11 players and chip it into the top corner, but I'll do my basics right, get in a tackle, push forward and look to deliver good crosses. I'm sure we can do well here. Bristol City and Leicester have both made the Play-Offs after getting promoted and I think we will do well. We have players here who should't have been in League One and there's a lot of quality. There's nothing to be scared of. Look at Blackpool last season. You need a good start and if we can get that the fans will be right behind us.". 

Sat June 5th. Latest in Leeds links from the Media. Leeds United are chasing Bolton defender Andy O'Brien and the Championship new boys will pay up to a �1m to secure his signature. The Whites have their sights on a number of signings after winning promotion and the capture of an experienced player like O'Brien could be key to their hopes of a successful season. A move to Elland Road would see the Harrogate-born defender return to Yorkshire, having started his professional career with the Whites' neighbours Bradford City. However, the Irishman is thought to be in demand with his old club Newcastle also reportedly keen on bringing him back to St. James Park. Trotters boss Owen Coyle won't stand in the 31-year-old's way if the right offer comes in for a player who has been at the Reebok for three years. Leeds United winger Robert Snodgrass has backed the club's move for Hamilton midfielder James McArthur. The Scottish Sun says Wigan had looked odds on to link him up with his ex-Accies team-mate James McCarthy at the DW Stadium. Boyhood idols Rangers were also keen to land him. Now Leeds could move to the front of the queue with a big-money bid. Snodgrass remembers how the club dealt with him after making the step up and reckons the same warm welcome would greet McArthur. He said: "What James chooses to do is up to him. It's his decision if he wants to make the step to Leeds. What I will say is everyone was so nice when I came here. Everyone looks at us as a big club and the name maybe attracts you. "It's not just the players and the push for promotion. He'll have options but what I can say to him is coming to Leeds would be great for him because everyone's so friendly. "The place is lovely, the city's lovely and I'm sure he'd play a big part in things if things go the way Leeds want them to go." Leeds look to have pipped Burnley to the signing of Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp who is available for around �1million after a successful loan spell with Doncaster Rovers last season. Grayson will also have to pay �1m for Bolton defender Andy O'Brien.

Friday June 4th. Grayson and Bates on signings. Simon Grayson said today that his confidence in Leeds United's pulling power was unaffected after a week of mixed fortunes in the transfer market. United made their second signing of the summer when they secured Billy Paynter from Swindon Town on Wednesday, and the club appear to be on the brink of tying up a deal with Derby County right-back Paul Connolly. But their interest in Sheffield United's Nick Montgomery faded after the midfielder chose to accept a new contract at Bramall Lane, and talk of a move for Watford captain John Eustace came to nothing, despite the 30-year-old undergoing a medical at Thorp Arch. Paynter's arrival was seen by Grayson as a key deal, however, and it followed on from the marquee signing of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel who Leeds claimed had rejected offers from Premier League clubs to work out a free transfer to Elland Road. Grayson will continue to attack the transfer market ahead of the start of pre-season training on July 1, and he declared himself satisfied with his progress in the month since the end of the season. Grayson said: "Attracting players of the right standard isn't a problem and it hasn't been a problem in all the time I've been manager.  "A lot of people might have expected Kasper to go to the Premier League but he shared our ambition and saw us as his best option. "Two of the biggest things for me aside from quality are signing people who want to be here and making sure their motivation for coming to Leeds is right. We've been offered more players than I can remember and we've got plenty of options but I'm not going to make rash decisions or do deals that aren't good for us."
Eustace said he opted to stay at Watford because the move to Elland Road "didn't feel right" and he denied rumours that problems with his medical had prevented him from signing for Leeds. Eustace said: "People have been suggesting that I failed a medical. That is total rubbish. "I did a full and thorough medical and simply had a change of heart and decided not to sign. The whole move up there didn't feel right to me at this time." United chairman Ken Bates, meanwhile, has revealed that the club plan to invite a number of foreign trialists to Thorp Arch in the second week of July in the hope of uncovering possible signings in the mould of Luciano Becchio. Becchio was brought to Leeds on a trial basis in the summer of 2008 and subsequently signed a three-year deal at Elland Road after accepting a transfer from Spanish club Merida UD. The Argentinian made his 100th appearance for Leeds last season and has scored 36 goals in his two years with the club. Bates hinted that the club were looking to add further to their attacking line with a possible foreign purchase. He added: "We are planning to bring in a number of trialists from overseas in the second week of July and, who knows, we might even find another (Luciano) Becchio on the pitch out there."

Friday June 4th. Leeds close in on Connolly. Simon Grayson is on course to make his third signing of the summer, after lining up a deal to bring Derby County defender Paul Connolly to Elland Road. The experienced right-back is close to finalising a move to Elland Road, and although the transfer is not expected to be completed immediately, Connolly looks likely to put pen to paper with Leeds in the coming weeks. Derby are keen to remove the 26-year-old from their wage bill and the signing of Connolly would strengthen an area of Simon Grayson's squad which was repeatedly stretched last season. Jason Crowe is the club's only recognised right-back and the former Northampton Town defender missed parts of the 2009-10 term through injury. He is currently recovering from the ankle operation which prematurely ended his campaign. Connolly is a former Derby captain who moved to Pride Park from Plymouth in 2008, but he has fallen out of favour under Nigel Clough and spent the closing weeks of last season on loan at Sheffield United. He has made more than 200 league appearances and reports in Derby say Connolly will take up a three-year contract with the Whites. 

Thursday June 3rd. Leeds miss out on Montgomery and Eustace. Leeds United have widened their search for new midfielders after writing off two possible recruits in Nick Montgomery and John Eustace. Montgomery has rejected a move to Elland Road in favour of signing a new contract with Sheffield United, and Leeds' interest in Eustace faded yesterday as the 30-year-old took up fresh terms with Watford. Leeds-born Montgomery was a long-term target of United manager Simon Grayson and the Elland Road club hoped to steal the 28-year-old on a free transfer before the start of next season, but he accepted a three-year deal at Bramall Lane to end any chance of him joining his hometown club. Montgomery's previous contract with Sheffield United was close to expiring and lengthy negotiations with the South Yorkshire side repeatedly failed to reach a successful conclusion. But he finally put pen to paper yesterday afternoon, committing himself to the club where he started his professional career more than a decade ago. Sources in Sheffield claimed that Leeds made a late bid to tempt Montgomery to Elland Road on Tuesday night, but lucrative terms proposed by Sheffield United will keep him at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2013. Leeds saw Montgomery as a potentially valuable addition to a midfield which Grayson is keen to strengthen before the Championship campaign starts on August 7. Reports in the south of England yesterday said Leeds had sealed the signing of Eustace from Watford but he will not be joining Grayson's squad and has instead accepted a new deal at Vicarage Road. Talk of a move north was prompted by Watford manager Malky Mackay who claimed Eustace's free transfer to Elland Road was imminent. Mackay said: "Leeds approached John very late on and wanted to talk to him. After securing our Championship status we agreed terms but a last-minute approach came in for him. John's a great professional and I wish him nothing but the best with his future career." Mackay's comments were promptly followed by a surprising announcement from Watford confirming that Eustace had signed a new two-year contract with them. United discussed terms with Eustace and the midfielder is believed to have undergone a medical at Thorp Arch. But the club have now chosen to pursue alternative options as Grayson attempts to refresh the midfield which carried the club out of League One last month

June 3rd. Bognanovic Statement. Leeds United today refuted a statement from Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic that he had the opportunity to join Leeds United. Bogdanovis made the claim after signing for Sheffield United last night but the club can firmly confirm that this is not the case. The club received a call about the player's availability but he was never offered the chance to come to Leeds. 

June 3rd. What Billy has to say about the Whites. Leeds latest signing, Billy painter had the following to say about his move to Yorkshire : "I enjoyed my time at Swindon, but when Leeds come knocking at your door, you don't turn them away. I had two good games against Leeds last season but I am just pleased that Leeds went up. As soon as I knew Leeds were interested in me I really wanted to come to the club. It's just a massive club. I have never seen a training ground like Thorp Arch and Elland Road is such a class stadium, and to be a part of the side up is such a privilege. It was a good season foe me and hopefully I can continue to get goals and help Leeds along the way. To be honest I would like to start straight away. I am really buzzing. (re filling beck's boots) If there was only myself coming to the club and Leeds had paid a lot of money for me then there would be pressure. But I am sure the gaffer will be bringing in other players following the loss of Jermaine Beckford. He was such a vital player for Leeds. Kasper is a big signing. It just shows you the direction where the gaffer wants to go and I am sure we will not be the only signings. League One is a difficult league to get out of but Leeds have got out of it and we can look forward and I think next season is going to be a good one for Leeds. I feel I am developing as a player even though I have been around for a long time. Coming to Leeds I will be learning more and playing under a great manager, who was keen to take me on as a player". Hunger is good sauce and hopefully Leeds will see another prolific season . This time for Leeds. 

June 2nd. Billy becomes no. 2 signing. Billy Painter will become a Leeds United player on July 1st after agreeing a three year deal with the Whites. The 26 year old scouser fired Swindon to the Play-Off Finals only to lose to Millwall. He scored 29 goals last season, 4 of them against Leeds United. Simon Grayson had this to say : "He proved his worth against us last season, scoring four goals in two games. He has matured as a player over the last couple of years and he had a fantastic season last season. He works ever so hard, holds the ball up well, and he has proved he knows where the back of the net is. When we knew he was available we were desperate to get him. We feel he will be a good acquisition for the club and i am delighted to have got him. (Re the inevitable Beckford comparison) !'ve said before that whenever we sign a striker, people will link him to Jermaine, but he is not Jermaine Beckford, he is Billy Painter. He has got a different style about him and he will do things that brought him success last year. Jermaine has his strengths and his weaknesses and Billy will have as well. There will be comparisons and Jermaine was something different at times. But some of Billy's strengths were better than better than Jermaine's and maybe some of Jermaine's were better than Billy's. That's why you can't really compare people. (regarding his performances against Leeds) He was a constant threat to us and not just because of his goals against us but in terms of his hold up play, his work rate and movement. We have gone out to get a player we think will have a positive affect on us. He has come to a big clug and he can't wait to get started. He will want to prove to himself that he can play for Leeds and adapt to the Championship".His scoring record is 88 goals in 280 league appearances, a number of which weren't as striker. His career has taken in Port Vale, Hull, Southend, Bradford City and Swindon Town. Liverpool born Painter began his career in May 2001 at the age of 16 years and 294 days when he played for Port Vale. For Leeds fans, the concern is twofold. The first is that Paynter has had really only one  prolific season, last season. The second is that it is another player on a free transfer, which epitomises Ken Bates spending policy.

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.

For what you think of Leeds, click here to send in your rants and I'll include them in the "Rants" page.12 Higgs, 06 Naylor, 26 Bromby, 33 Collins, 04 Doyle, 08 Kilkenny, 14 Howson, 22 Hughes (Parker 55), 28 Gradel, 10 Becchio (Watt 77), 23 Snodgrass (Beckford 55), Unused Substitutes : 01 Ankergren, 21 Lowry, 15 McSheffrey, 09 Beckford, 13 Grella, 24 Watt.