|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
This is the Louth Branch website. Always Leeds always loyal ! Edited by Gerry Cunningham
Sun Aug 30th. Leigh Bromby has agreed terms with Leeds on a four year Sat Aug 29th. Colchester United 1-2 Leeds United. Att - 8,810. Team - Higgs, Crowe Marques, (Michalik 87), Kisnorbo, Hughes, Snodgrass (Prutton 80), Doyle, Howson, Johnson, Beckford (Showunmi 90) Becchio. Unsued Subs - Ankergren, Kilkenny, Grella, Robinson. United started off the fastest in a feisty encounter. Beckford had the ball twice in th Sat Aug. 29th. Leeds have been drawn against Liverpool in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup. The tie will commence on the week of September 21st. Thurs Aug 27th. Leeds have had a bid for an undisclosed sum accepted for 29 year old centre half and Weds 26th of August round up. Simon Grayson expects "one or two" additions to the squad before the September 1st transfer deadline. Both the manager and chairman are fairly adept at keeping their targets closely guarded secrets. Higgs, Crowe, Kisnorbo and Doyle (on loan) h Tues Aug 25th 2009. Leeds 2-1 Watford LC A.E.T. Higgs, Crowe, Kisnorbo, Hughes, Snodgrass (Becchio 118), Howson, Doyle, Johnson, Beckford (Showunmi 79), Grella ( KIlkenny 82), Unused Subs - Ankergren, Prutton, Michalik and Robinson. The first half was end to end with Aug 22nd. Leeds 3-2 Tranmere Rvs.Att - 21,692 Higgs, Crowe, Marques, Kisnorbo, Snodgrass (robinson 80), Doyle, Kilkenny, Johnson, Beckford (Grella 84), Becchio. - Unused Subs - Ankergren. Prutton, Showunmi, "I was very impressed by Leeds. They're a very good side Fri Aug 21st. Leeds are looking for help from Leeds city council to help them fund the "buy back clause" of Thorp Arch. It appears that the money United received from Villa is not sufficient to merit the club going it alone. Strange one. One hopes this is not a further excuse to purge the club of more players, notably Jermaine Beckford to bridge the gap in the funding, because without him a fresh lot of good it would be having the best training ground in England playing third tier football. Weds Aug 19th. It would be both churlish and childish not to congratulate ex Leeds favourite, Robbie Blake in netting the only goal of the the game between Burnley and Man United in The Turf Moor side's first game back in the top division in 33 years. The sad thing is that I remember them vividly in that division with Brian Flynn, Martin Dobson, Frank Casper, Ray Hankin, Leighton James and the rest. Tues Aug 18th. Walsall 1-2 Leeds United. Higgs, Crowe, Kisnorbo, Marques, Hughes (Robinson 72), Snodgrass (Prutton 90), Howson, Doyle (Kilkenny 72), Johnson, Beckford, Becchio. Subs - Ankergren, Grella, Michalik, Showunmi. If there was anyone that doubted this Leeds side lacked Sat Aug 15th. Wycombe Wands 0-1 Leeds United. Higgs, Crowe, Marques, Kisnorno, Hughes, Snodgrass (Prutton 84), Howson, Doyle, Beckford, Becchio (Showunmi 90) Unused Subs :Ankergren, Michalik, Kilkenny, Grella, Robinson. Att - 8,400. United made it three wins from three in all competitions. They are quietly going about their business, picking up points. It seems to be Grayson's style and I am beginning to like what I see. The first half Leeds were second best, but hung in there. They are defensively strong . At last we have a net minder in place who commands his box, and distributes well. Although we were second best in the first half, it was Beckford who went closest to scoring. Leeds, no doubt with a flee in their ear controlled the second half and deservedly scored from Becchio's superbly struck daisy cutter. If I am being critical, United failed to turn the screw and add a couple more. Wycombe were always going to get a chance and superb save from Higgs stopped the equailser. I like the way Simon Grayson is quietly going about things. He has changed the goalkeeper and we are looking more solid throughout the side. Time to continue the run away to Walsall on Tuesday night. Aug 12th. Mike Grella earned himself a three year contract at Elland Road with his decent start Tues Aug 11th. Forgotten man Mon 10th of Aug 2009. Darlington 0-1 Leeds United. Att - 4,487Higgs, Crowe, Michalik, Huntington, Snodgrass (Robinson 90), Howson, Doyle, Johnson, Showunmi (Becchio 73), Grella (Kilkenny 83). Subs - Ankergren, Sheehan, White. United made five changes from the side Sat Aug 8th. Leeds United 2-1 Exeter City. Att : 27,681. Higgs, Crowe, Kisnorbo, Marques, Parker (Hughes 28), Snodgrass, Howson, Doyle, Johnson (Robinson 74), Becchio (Showunmi 84), Beckford. Unused Subs : Ankergren, Prutton, Michalik, Grella. Jermaine Beckford proved why Leeds United can't afford to lose him on Aug 31st, as he scored tw Thursday Aug 6th. Betting for League One season 2009/10. For one day only (today) Bar One offered a special price of 5/1 on Leeds United to win League One. Bull Quigley and myself took advantage of what we felt was too tasty an offer to miss out on. Time will tell. Normal betting as follows : 10/3 Favs Leeds United, 6/1 Norwich City, 8/1 Charlton Athletic, 9/1 Huddersfield Town, 10/1 MK Dons., 14/1 Brighton, 16/1 Millwall, 18/1 Colchester United, 22/1 Southampton or rank outsiders 100/1 Stockport County. Thurs Aug. 6th. Arrival no 3 for Grayson. Simon Grayson secured "one of his long term targets and the player he desired to replace Fabian Delph" with During the 2008-2009 season Doyle was a regular under Chris Coleman, starting 39 games for Coventry in all competitions. But due to the signing of Sammy Clingan from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2009, Doyle found his first team place under threat. Which was the reason for him wanting to seek guaranteed first team football elsewhere.
Mon August 3rd. Leeds have agreed a fee (thought to be in the region of £6 to £8Million ) with Aston Sat Aug 1st. Burnley 1-2 Leeds United. Ankergren, Crowe, (Snodgrass 63), Marques (michalik 46), Kisnorbo (Hnutington 63), Parker (white 75), Hughes, Howson, Prutton, Johnson (Robinson 63), Showunmi (Sheehan 80), Grella. Unused - Higgs. This was a very pleasing result and more so performance in many ways. Firstly we did it without Beckford, Becchio and Delph - three names that put themselves automatically on the team sheet, and secondly the improving Grella s Aug 1st. Leeds have named Richard Naylor as cub captain for the season, and the richest club in the world, Man City are reported to be about to make a £$10M offer for Fabian Delph. Manager, Mark Hughes confirmed that Delph was player "thet they have an interest in". Manager, Simon grayson mean while hopes to add three new players to the squad before the window closes on Aug 31st. Hopefully one will be an attacking midfielder as we look to replace an even better prospect than Aaaron Lennon. Weds July 29th. Newcastle United v Leeds United. Higgs, (Ankergren 59)Crowe, Marques, Kisnorbo, (Michalik 59) Parker, (White 84) Snodgrass, (Hughes 59) Delph, Howson, (Prutton 71) Johnson, (Robinson 70) Beckford, Becchio (Grella 71) - Leeds and Newc July 25th. Leeds United 1-1 Blackburn Rvs. Higgs, Crowe (Hughes 56), Marques (Huntington 74) Kisnorbo (Michalik 56), Parker (Sheehan 69), Snodgrass, Delph (Robinson 69), Howson, Johnson (prutton 74), Beckford (Showunmi 69), Becchio (Grella 79), Unused Sub - Martin. July 24th. Leeds United have launched their new away strip which will be first worn July 24th. Simon Grayson appears to have pulled of a mini coup by nabbing out of contract, central July 23rd. Grimsby Town v Leeds United. Att 3,416. Ankergren, (Martin 71) Hughes, Michalik (Rui Marques 46), Baudry = French Trialist), (Lees 79) Snodgrass, (Elliott 82) Delph, Howson, Robinson, Becchio, Grella (White 72). Simon Grayson elected to go to Grimsby instead of Wealdstone. United were a goal down within five minutes after a mistake at the back let in Akpro to shoot past the hapless Ankergren. Leeds gave a debut to French tialist, Mathieu Baudry, young player of the year at lower division, Troyes (who you may recall we met in the Uefa Cup several years ago). Grimsby had the better of the early exchanges and Carrickmacross born Barry Conlon missed a sitter after 25 minutes. That was five minutes after ex Leeds player, Peter Sweeney hit the under side of the cross bar with a fine strike. Rui Marques replaced the big Slovak in the second half and United were level after 50 minutes when pressure from Grella forced an error by Drogheda born Nicky Colgan , and Becchio equalized. Robinson and Snodgrass both went close as Leeds began to exercise some control. With minutes to go Becchio dummied the defender and had a super effort come back of the crossbar. Overall it certainly wasn't one of United's best performances, Delph may understandably have had other things on his mind. Leeeds looked shaky at the back. Big Lubo made a mistake alongside the French trialist. United were shaky at the back until Rui came on but no doubt that Leeds are not the same side up front without Jermaine Beckford. Wealdstone 1-2 Leeds United. Kandol put Leeds ahead but Wealdstone won the match 2-1. July 21st. United have taken 25 year old Ivory Coast striker, Moussa Sanogo on trial. July 20th. Such are the numbers available to Simon Grayson, that United announced two squads for their Tuesday night fixtures against Wealdstone and Grimsby Town respectively. Beckford will most probably captain the fringe side against his old team, and included in this panel are : Higgs, Sheehan, Showunmi, Johnson, Huntington, Kandol and Prutton with a blend of youngsters. The bigger game at Blundell Park includes more regulars such as : Ankergren, Hughes, Michalik, Parker, Rui Marques, Robinson, Snodgrass, Becchio, Delph, and three trialists. No doubt Simon Grayson will watch Grimsby and Glynn Snodin will be at Wealdstone. July 18th. Glentoran 1-3 Leeds United. Leeds: Higgs (Martin 80), Hughes ( July 17th. Leeds United have taken Jermaine Beckford off the transfer list. This is great new July 14th. Shelbourne 2-2 Leeds United United (first half): Ankergren, Hughes July 11th. York City 3-3 Leeds United . Att - 4,774 (2,679 Leeds fans) Leeds 1st half - Higgs (Martin 38 mins) Crowe, Huntington, Leeds, Parker, Snodgrass, Johnston, Howson, White, Beckford, Becchio. Leeds Second half - Martin (Ankergren 65 mins) Darville, Milnes, Michalik, Hughes, Whitwell, Prutton, Delph, Robinson, Showunmi, Elliott. Goals - Smith 34 mins York, Becchio 39 mins Leeds, Whitwell 50 mins Leeds, Milne 82 mins Leeds, Lawless 90 mins York, Trialist 90 mins York. United gave run outs to youngsters, Leeds, Darville, Whitwell and Milne. Naylor, Grella, Kilkenny and Sheehan were all injured. United had the lions share of the first half going close with efforts from Howson, Snodgrass, White and Beckford. York took the lead on 34 minutes but Becchio scored a fine goal six minutes before half time. A much changed Leeds side took to the pitch for the second half. Young Whitwell scored with his first touch on 50 minutes to put Leeds 2-1 up following good work by Showunmi. Robinson set up young Milne to make it 3-1 with eight minutes left on the clock. Leeds conceded a goal from distance on 90 minutes and again in injury time with a York player bundling the ball past Ankergren to June 27th to July 12th. I'm back and what's been happening in my absence. Well, United failed to sign Warren Feeney as it emerged the N Ireland international failed a medical and needs a hip operation. Leeds rejected an offer in the region of £6million pounds from Aston Villa with Everton thought to have offered less than that for Fabian Delph. United also rejected offers from two Championship sides for Jermaine Beckford. Chairman Ken Bates lost his high court case against former Leeds director Levi, but still had time to appeal to the Football League and Premier League for maximum compensation for Everton signing Leeds teenager, Luke Garbutt. Jon Douglas surprisingly signed on a free transfer for Swindon Town and Frazer Richardson signed on a free for Charlton Athletic after failing to land a deal with Swansea with Martinez having left for Wigan. United made their
June 27th. The bookies have Leeds as 7/2 strong favourites to win League One. Norwich and Charlton are quoted at 6/1 apiece. Don't be fooled. We were strong favourites last season also. June 26th. Ken Bates says the side just needs a "little tinkering" to achieve automatic promotion. Well that's alright then. There was I thinking it may be a slight problem losing our 30 goal leading goalscorer, our experienced midfielder and right full with Premier league experience (Douglas and Richardson) and possessing an inept goalkeeper. But then Ken is always right and always to be trusted. June 25th. Leeds are weighing up going with Alan Martin as number two to Ankergren or signing Darryl Flahavan. They have also been linked with Luton Town keeper, Dean Brill. Still no movement on the Beckford front, as Grayson maintains that he is happy with his current squad. June 18th. While Ken Bates continues to battle in the High Court to save his "good name", he mentions that only enquiries have been received about Jermaine Beckford and no bids. Leeds are chasing Danny Graham, the 23 year old big Carlisle United striker. Graham spent a few games on loan at Elland Road a few June 17th. Leeds have released 26 year old Frazer Richardson and nabbed out of contract Jason Crowe (aged 30) from Northampton. Crowe scored twice against Leeds l June 17th. While Dundalk play host to a Barcelona in August, United kick off our league campaign on Saturday, August 8th at home to the mighty Exeter City. A sign of the times. United then travel away to Wycombe, followed by Darlington away in the CC and another away trip at Walsall. Nothing short of nine points from our first three games will appease any self respecting LUFC fan. United finish the campaign on May 8th at home to Bristol Rovers, one week after playing our main title contenders, Charlton Athletic. Latest Transfer talk. Jermaine Beckford as we all expected intends to move on this term. He has just one year left on his contract. Newcastle are the preferred destination.This will net the Whites around £3M. Fabian Delph will most likely join Everton despite all the denials in a £4M deal. How much of this will be reinvested in the side knowing Bates hunger for money is anyone's guess. That said, if any manager received £3M of the proceeds in this division, with the squad Leeds have, nothing short of winning the division comfortably would suffice.For failing to go up this season via the Play-Offs, Mr Grayson has much to prove in my book. We have been linked with Chris Taylor, Oldham winger, and centre half, Bryan Webster FK Most in Czech Republic, plus defenders Andrew Whing of Brighton and Andy Holdsworth. Frazer Richardson is out of contract and understandably mulling over his contract offer after the manager snubbed him in the Play-off semi-final games v Millwall. As the summer progresses we will be no doubt linked with every lower league player in England. June News. The whites are coming to Ireland once again. This time their annual pilgrimage to Tolka Park v Shelbourne (scheduled for Tuesday 14th or Weds 15th of July) will be supplemented with a game north of the border v Glentoran on Saturday, July 18th. The louth Branch will run a bus to the Shels game. All welcome especially the kids. Early May News. United have released Jon Douglas and reserve team keeper, David Lucas. Jermaine Beckford has turned down a new three year contract. Beckford has one year to go, and has been put on the transfer list by Leeds. He is expected to fetch circa £3M, with Sheffield United, Newcastle United and Coventry the early contenders for his services. Fabian Delph is the speculative target of Everton with £7M being mentioned in the tabloids. Robert Snodgrass is reportedly interesting Middlesbro, and United have been linked with the return of David Healy, Billy Sharp and Michael Misfud. Peter Sweeney has been released to join Grimsby Town. Summary of season I am very disappointed to see our beloved Leeds United in League 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 |
|||||
 |
||||||
 |
contract, and will have his medical at Thorp Arch on Monday. There is every chance he will go straight into the side on Saturday v Stockport as Rui Marques and Patrick Kisnorbo will both be away on international duty. This is what Simon Grayson had to say regarding his latest recruit : "We're delighted to get things agreed with Leigh. He has good experience in the Championship and will be a valuable member of our squad. There was interest from a few clubs, but we're pleased to get things agreed with Leigh and he will add competition for places within the squad. Bromby was a member of Sheff United's promotion winning team of 2006 and has over 300 senior appearances. 
e net in the first half, with both efforts ruled out for offside. The latter was certainly onside. Higgs also came to United's rescue with an excellent tip over. The referee was poor causing confusion to both sides over silly decisions. In the first half, Leeds had Bradley Johnson and Jermaine Beckford booked, and ex-White, Alan Maybury also received a yellow card. Two minutes after half time, Bradley Johnson pounced to put United ahead. Kevin Lisbie, Colchetser's best player forced a rash tug of the shirt from Rui Marques (not for the first time this season) and he converted from the spot, on 57 minutes. Kisnorbo rightly had words with Marques for a rash challenge because there was already cover behind the Angolan. Jermaine 
Beckford, so often our talisman, scored what proved to be the winner just 8 minutes later with a real poacher's strike. Leeds nearly added to this through Becchio and the U's offered little against United in attack. This was a tricky fixture away to a side on form and in the top four, but United keep winning. Colchester at home will offer most sides a stern challenge. United lie second (only on goal difference) to Charlton who have also won five from five. In truth Leeds have had stiffer fixtures and won't it be interesting if both sides are still unbeaten when the Louth Branch will be heavily in attendance in early October in what now is looking like a Championship six pointer.
right full, Leigh Bromby. Born in Dewsbury, Bromby started his career at Sheff Weds. After going out on loan to Mansfield Town for three months, he went on in 2000/01 to make 20 appearances for Wednesday. In total he made 112 appearances for Wednesday before crossing Steel city to United in May 2004. He made 109 appearances for Sheff United before joining Watford on Jan 31st 2008 for a fee approaching £850,000. After only six months at Vicarage Road he returned to Sheffield United on loan with a view to a long term deal. He signed a two year deal with the Blades in the summer of 2009, but has yet to make an appearance for Kevin Blackwell this season. Big Lubo may now be surplus to requirements and Jason Crowe will be under pressure also at right full, if Bromby can agree personal terms at Elland Road. 
ave all arrived so far and Douglas and Lucas have departed. The best signing we will make will be the retention of Jermaine Beckford's services as "The Sun" newspaper proclaims that Bolton will come in with a late offer. There is no doubt that Simon Grayson has his squad flying. Balance is everything and morale is high. He had this to add : "I'd be surprised if we don't have anyone in before the window shuts. I can say that we are actively looking. Whomever comes in will find it difficult to go straight into the team because of the performances so far. Any any players that do come in will have to be a threat to the players that we have because we have to keep raising the bar and pushing the squad. It's not just about the eleven who are starting because the likes of Neil Kilkenny and Andy Robinson are both pushing very hard and have been on the bench, so there's good strength there already. The big thing is that nobody gets complacent putting on a Leeds shirt". Elsewhere a strong Leeds Reserve line up drew with Grimsby. Showunmi scored, Kilkenny missed a penalty and yet another Ankergren error cost Leeds the win. He handled outside the area in the last minute and the resulting free kick ended up in the back of the net.
Leeds creating the better chances, after a slow start by the Whites. Rober Snodgrass was the thorn in the Hornets side and on 38 minutes put Leeds ahead with a deft turnover and left foot curler to the far corner. Johnson was next to go close with a good shot that deflected wide. Higgs made a good save from Hoskins on half time. United started the second half the brighter with Snodgrass and Howson both going close. Grella was proving lively up front and created a good chance for Beckford which he failed to convert. Watford looked dangerous with Eustace up front but Leeds were the better side. On 86 minutes Watford bagged an equaliser when substitute, Sorbell scoring with a low drive past Higgs. Showunmi was doing well as he replaced Beckford and it was his flick that lead to Snodgrass bagging his second eight minutes into extra time. Doyle went close a few minutes later as Leeds looked the better side. Johnson went close for Leeds also and Sordell was dangerous for Watford. Snodgrass, 
the man of the match, got his standing ovation when Becchio replaced him on 116 minutes. Good to see the popular Scot back to his best. Becchio got close to adding a third at the death but 2-1 it finished and Leeds gained a small measure of revenge for that fiasco in Cardiff three years ago. Simon Grayson : "Over the course of the game I though we deserved to win. It took us twenty minutes to get the grips of them as they started well. I was very pleased. It was a real professional performance. If anything we need to be a little more ruthless. But that is being picky. I though it was a very good performance. Re Robert Snodgrass, you can't fault his commitment but tonight he was very comfortable. Things hadn't gone for him in the first few games but he was super tonight. We just want to keep winning football matches and that's why I didn't change the team too much. Players want to keep playing when they are winning football matches. The players will be off tomorrow and are looking forward on Thursday to prepare for the Colchester game. We have the bit between our teeth that you need to get promoted". 
and they played very well. They're strong and physical and they won the second balls everywhere. We were second best to everything. The positive to take out of it was that it wasn't six or seven, because it should have been". Not the words of Simon Grayson but that of Tranmere Rvs boss, John Barnes. Leeds produced almost a faultless display, almost because they really should and perhaps could have scored ten. Beckford could have scored three in the first ten minutes alone. The first produced a save on a one on one, the second hit the woodwork, but the third produced another great save from Daniels. The first goal came on 14 minutes when Daniels produced a great save from Becchio's header only for Bradley Johnson to rifle home with a left footed shot. A few minutes later only a super Kisnorbo intervetion stopped Thomas Moore from making it 1-1. Minutes later Snodgrass went close before Daniels made another super double save from Beckford and Becchio. On 35 minutes Beckford intercepted a header back to the keeper following Hughes' long ball and he calmly slotted it wide of Daniels to make it 2-0. Following a super Beckford flick, Johnson produced a brilliant save from Daniels on another one on one. The second half saw ex Leeds striker Michael Ricketts enter the fray, but Leeds continued to produce some scintillating football, with 
Beckford missing a good chance after a neat cross by Johnson. Howson and Doyle controlled the midfield, when the former slotted Beckford through only to rattle the underside of the crossbar from six yards. Next up it was Kisnorbo who saw his 30 yard deflected dipper turned round the post acrobatically by Daniels. Howson then had a shot just over the bar. Then from 30 yards out with absolutely nothing on Beckford produced a half volley pile driver (ala Tony Yeboah) which rattled the post. Johnson from 22 yards saw his right footed shot tipped over and from the resulting brilliant corner, Becchio's header came off the inside of the far post. With four minutes to go, Bradley Johnson's 25 yard fee kick rattled the woodwork. This time however Becchio leapt like a salmon and buried home the header past the hapless Daniels. In stoppage time Grella (who replaced Beckford) had a stunning run beating two defenders before his shot was superbly saved by Daniels and his rebound shot hit the side netting. To quote John Barnes they faced the "game from hell". It's four league wins on the trot and we are looking like Swansea and Leicester all in one. Simon Grayson : "I felt like a fan watching some of the football we played and it was really entertaining and enjoyable. It's not often you can say you enjoyed watching a game as manager. It was an excellent performance. We started as we wanted to start. On another day it could have been a lot more because of the saves and the woodwork. The chances we created were fantastic. The major factor was the work rate we had. We kept pressing and pressing and chased lost causes. Everything came together for us". 
steel and guts in their game, this performance and result will dispel that. Once again United started slowly, and Walsall were unlucky not to gain a penalty for handball in the first half, but Beckford went close twice for Leeds. Leeds were much the better side in the second half and Grayson went for it big time by taking off Hughes and putting on the attacking Robinson, with Bradley Johnson reverting to the attacking wing back role. This meant nothing on 79 minutes with a ridiculous Rui Marques lunge leading to a penalty for Swindon which Parkin duly converted. Same old Leeds ? No, not this time. On 83 minutes a super deep corner by Robsinson found Bradley Johnson charging in in with a super diving header that forced its way with sheer power past the two Walsall players on the line. Four minutes later, the superb Beckford turned like lightening to fire a left footed shot past the despairing dive of Ince to send the 4,000 travelling Leeds fans into raptures. A terrific three points snatched from the jaws of defeat. Barricade his house, change his name, put him in disguise but do not let Beckford leave before May 2010. 
to the season and had this to say : "I'm absolutely delighted to sign the deal. The dream was to come here and earn a pro deal". Good luck to him. He certainly has improved and his pace and work ethic may just be a worthwhile addition in games to come. United have been drawn at home to Championship side, Watford in the second round of the Carling Cup and will play on week commencing August 24th. 
, Tresor Kandol , coming off the bench, bagged four goals in a behind closed doors friendly at Thorp Arch versus Newcastle United's second string, managed by Alan Thompson. With the sides level at 1-1 the big man scored four in the space of fifteen minutes. Will it be enough to turn the head of Simon Grayson ? I doubt it, although we are now allowed seven subs on the bench for league games. Other players to get some badly needed match practice were : Kilkenny, Ankergren, Sheehan, Robinson, White and Elliott. Trialist, Mariano Tripodi scored the other goal for the Whites. Neil Thompson had this to say about Kandol : "He's big and strong and put himself about and got his goals. It was a cracking work out for a lot of senior players ". 
that defeated Exeter just two days earlier. Beckford didn't play as rumours of not playing him to prevent him from being cup tied for a potential suitor were quickly dispelled by Simon Grayson before the match. Darlington, a rag tag bunch hastily assembled by Colin Todd as loan signings and non-contract players never really threatened, but Leeds lacked fizz and inspiration in a largely dull first half. A super volley from Doyle was really the only dangerous effort on target but Mike Grella (ever improving) was working hard up front. The goal came in the second half as big Enoch latched on to a dangerous cross from Snodgrass to give Leeds the winner. Apart from his goal big Enoch looked clumsy but one couldn't deny the man his moment of glory given the road he has travelled in the past six months. Snodgrass was disappointing again, and still to me lacks match sharpness. Grella played well in the second half and deserved a goal. United did enough without being convincing against a poor side. Grayson was happy that a potential banana skin was avoided, and Leeds have two wins on the trot. 
o vital goals to keep United's remarkable string of victories in place on season opening day. This was a game we 3 should have won by half-time, but chance after chance went a begging. Four players made their league debuts for United in front of nearly 28,000 fans. Beckford went close twice in the opening ten minutes and Becchio could have put Leeds ahead also. On 13 minutes Ben Parker made one of his bustling runs down the left before slipping through Jermaine Beckford for a sublime finish. The rest would surely be a formality ? Not so. Leeds took the foot off the gas and went in at half time 1-0 up. Beckford went close again in the second half before Exeter's lone striker and ex Leeds youth , Barry Corr was sent off for dissent. Down to ten men, the Grecians regrouped, but Crowe, Beckford and Howson both should have extended Leeds lead. The pacy McAllister who came on for Marcus Stewart was starting to cause Leeds problems and won a free from a Crowe's rash tackle on 73 minutes. Russell converted the free superbly. Leeds were stunned. Elland Road was stunned. I was stunned. Becchio missed a decent chance and by his standards was poor. Showunmi replaced him and started to cause Exeter problems. He held the ball up well and created space for Crowe to cross on 87 minutes for the head of Beckford to bury the winner. Elland Road erupted. Minutes later he nearly made it 3-1. Leeds were sloppy to let Exeter City back in the game. That said twelve months ago we may have only drawn this game. A win is a win is a win. Simon Grayson : 
loan signing of Michael Doyle from Coventry City on a one year loan. . Grayson added : "he's a player I've been looking at for a long time. I'm surprised Coventry have let him go. He played over 30 times last season ; he's played over 300 games for Coventry, and he's figured regularly in pre-season. He brings us quality, aggression in the middle of the park, as experience as well. He's tough and likes a tackle. He can pass the ball left footed and pops up with a goal now and again. He's an experienced campaigner who knows what it's all about. He'll be a good signing who will provide competition. I also hope his experience in the Championship will help Killa and Jonny. 
Doyle played regularly throughout the season either side under the management of both McAllister and his successor Black. Under 
Tues Aug 6th. Other News. WBA are allegedly pursuing Jermaine Beckford with a £2M offer. Leeds so far haven't taken the bait. Elsewhere, United are linked with a move for Liverpool reserve team left winger, Adam Hammill. The player who is 21 has already had loan spells with Dunfermline, Southampton, Blackpool and Barnsley. Leeds are said to be in a dog fight with Barnsley for the highly rated player.
Tues. August 4th. Fabian Delph completed his medical and has joined Villa on a four year deal. Good luck to the lad. I think he will have a marvellous future in the game and I rate him above Lennon and Milner two previous Starlets from the Thorp Arch production line. I'm not a big fan of Bates but he was correct not to let Man City dictate terms to Leeds. He said : "We had accepted an offer from Man City on Saturday which they had to go back to their owner in the gulf with. Then apparently they wanted a week to think about it which surprised us, considering the size of the deal. The problem with the week was that they may have come back and said "no" and that would not have been fair to Delph, wouldn't have ben fair to Aston Villa and would have eaten into our season. We went back to Aston Villa and it's a a good decision for Leeds and the player. Martin O'Neill has a good record of bringing through young players. He believes in youth and hopefully Fab will get a chance sooner rather than later. We get a fee, some of which has to go to Bradford City as a sell on, (allegedly 12% in the media) and there's a contingency built in, subject to Villa's performances. It's a substantial fee, a good one for a 19 year old , putting the club in good financial position, and in the event that Simon wants to strengthen, he can do so. He does have someone he is close to bringing in and when he does we'll announce it". Simon Garyson : "I've got a list of targets. I'll spend it wisely if and when I need to. That could be now, could be a few weeks or could be in January." 
Villa for Fabian Delph. "Leeds wish to place on record our appreciation of the honourable manner in which Aston Villa have conducted their interest in the player. The club has resisted approaches from other FA Premier League clubs since agreeing terms with Aston Villa. Having given Villa our commitment to transfer the player (subject to medical) we had no intention of going back". The inference suggests that other clubs conducted themselves in a cloak and dagger way and only matched the bid, and speculation would suggest that these clubs may be Spurs and Man City. Either way, Leeds have received their valuation of the player, and Simon Grayson surely must have a player (or players) in mind with an attacking prowess from midfield to replace the valuable Delph. It is sad to see another future star leave Elland Road, and I believe he is really going to do well. Hopefully we have a sell on clause also. 
coring his first Leeds goal. I have been harsh on the lad but he is quick, works hard and this confidence booster finally releases the monkey from his back. A full side Burnley side that included, Blake, Caldwell and Carlile, all ex Leeds United were outplayed for most of the match. Howson and Prutton controlled midfield and Grella and Showunmi were causing all kinds of problems up front. Howson and Showunmi should have put Leeds ahead but it was Grella on 37 minutes that capitalised on a defensive error and drilled a super shot past Jensen. The widespread changes in the second half which spoils most friendlies didn't disturb Leeds' pattern as they continued to dominate and Robinson doubled our lead on 70 mins, just seven minutes after coming on. Burnley pulled one back but Leeds easily won 2-1. More pleasing is the fact we have genuine competition for places in almost every area of the pitch and the Whites on Yorkshire day will take enormous confidence into their league campaign starting with Exeter City next week. 
astle had little between them in the first half, but Shane Higgs showed why he is the best keeper at Elland Road with an accomplished display. United were the better side in the second half, and Newcastle fearing another defeat to League One opposition (they already lost 6-1 at L Orient) gave the visitors plenty of respect. Beckford went close and Grella had a decent effort well saved by Krul. The usual raft of subs at the end turned the match into a farsh but Simon Grayson will be happy to have kept a clean sheet at St James Park. 
This was an excellent display by Leeds who were cruelly denied a victory against Premiership opposition at the death. Leeds hit the woodwork four times in the first fifteen minutes as their slick passing game and superior fitness to Rovers created opening after opening. Becchio lead the line well with superb hold up play. Delph was very good in the centre and Snodgrass with his weaving runs and excellent shooting ability was always dangerous. Bradley Johnson had one of his better games wide on the left, and in goal Higgs caught every cross and made some good saves also, Rui and Kisnorbo looks like a proper partnership. Crowe just getting back to fitness looked useful and captain Johnny Howson had another good game. The constant changes by both sides in the second half affected Leeds more. On the negative side, Sheehan was skinned three times down the left and gave away one penalty and was lucky not to concede an earlier penalty due to stupid challenges. The season ahead is looking promising but who will replace Delph when he leaves ? His scintilating display was watched by Spurs head scout, and Kiklenny has not started a pre-season game. Grayson : "I thought we played very well, had some good shape and moved the ball around against a very strong Blackburn game. The players responded from the last game and were magnificent for 80 minutes. We closed people down and I was very pleased with it. It was a good test and we will have big tests against this level when we play Burnley and Newcastle. Over the last four or five days we have worked more on the shape of the team. There have been players today that have certainly stood out. I know roughly who will get in the team but people still have chances. I was pleased with Kisnorbo (Paddy) and I thought Shane Higgs did well on his debut. Casper hurt his shoulder and he didn't figure in training over the last few days. The players are looking forward to these games and this type of opposition. 
away to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, July 25th. The only question that remains is will this shirt be in small, medium or large to fit Liam Quinn. Time will tell.
defender, Patrick Kisnorbo from under the noses of C Palace and Derby County. The Australian international had been offered a deal by Derby County, but he "saw more in this club than the others". "Leeds has a great tradition and history and I want to be part of a successful club". My kind of talk. The Leeds manager had this to say : "Patrick is an experienced defender who has played regular championship football. He is strong, aggressive and has leadership qualities. Having spoken to him his desire and hunger is clear and is just the type of character I want at the club". The 28 year old has signed a two year contract and made 140 appearances for Leicester City over three seasons. That said, he played just 10 times last season, a statistic that clearly rankles with the Aussie."They are the ones who let me go. The gaffer there 
had his own ideas, although I'd played regularly over the previous three seasons. It wasn't nice but it's just one of those things. But I also want to pay back the staff, the fans and the players here at Leeds. Everyone here has already made me welcome and shown me support". I think this guy may have "something to prove", and these kind of hungry players are always the ones to have in tour side. Sodje looks unlikely to come now and the word coming from Leeds is that he is unable to play two games per week, because of knee problems.
The player is a graduate of the famous ASEC Abidjan academy which produced the likes of the Toure brothers and Didier Zokoro. The lad moved to ASEC's feeder club, Bevern in Belgium before moving on to Brussels. He scored 13 goals last season and had an unsuccessful loan spell also in Israel. The player felt that his trial had gone well but neded to sort out international clearance before United could play him. Leeds who have been linked with a move for Crusaders defender Colin Coates, have had the opening salvo fired by their manager, Stephen Baxter. "Colin has a two year contract left with us and unless someone comes in and puts big money down he will be staying with us". Coates was recently capped by N Ireland. Leeds were also linked with Watford midfield hard man, John Eustace. Manager, Grayson was "hugely disappointed with the performance in the first half, but happy with the response in the second half. We could have scored five or six in the second half. It was all about increasing the minutes on the pitch. Regarding the trialist, I thought he looked a good player and he did well. Rui has come back from pre-season with an achilles problem and he will only benefit from a full second half. It was a great work out for both of the squads. There was no reserve or first team squad. The majority of the lads at Wealdstone are southern based and we had to work out some positions also. We will work on a a few things before big Sam brings Blackburn to Elland Road on Saturday". 
Darville 80), Michalik, Huntington (Lees 46), Snodgrass (Showunmi 59), Delph (Johnson 59), Howson (Prutton 66), Robinson (Sheehan 66), beckford (Grella 67), Becchio (Elliott 75).
Fabian Delph certainly wasn't afraid of putting his foot in. Leeds had two thirds of the crowd and the perfect sun shine made for a useful occasion. United took the lead through Robert Snodgrass after 14 minutes then doubled the advantage just before the break through Jermaine Beckford. Beckford's finish was coolness personified as he took the ball up to the keeper, rounded him before sliding it in to the corner past the lunge of a Glentoran defender A raft of substitutions saw a younger Glentoran team take to the field 
after the break and their youthful exuberance brought its rewards when Grant Gardiner fired into the top corner on 57 minutes. The fresh-faced Glens battled on but couldn’t grab an equaliser and Enoch Showunmi completed the scoring for the visitors with eight minutes remaining. In the early stages the Glens were matching their more illustrious opponents in terms of tempo at least, though United keeper Shane Higgs was a virtual by-stander. The Yorkshire men went in front when a miscue from Johnny Taylor found Snodgrass on the edge of the area and he slotted into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Beckford was proving to be a handful and he forced a great save from Elliott Morris just two minutes later then glanced a header wide on 22 minutes. The Glens couldn’t get in behind the Whites’ defence and settled for long range 
efforts — Dean Fitzgerald and Richard Clarke coming close with their shots and at the other end Taylor made up for his earlier error by bravely blocking Beckford from close range. The big striker did find the breakthrough, though, on the stroke of half time, rounding Morris after a through ball from Andy Robinson.In the second half an almost completely different Glentoran side entered the fray and showed plenty of energy which brought about their goal when Andy Hall worked superbly down the right, cutting back to Gardiner who slammed into the top corner. From then more substitutions took the pace out of the game and Showunmi wrapped up proceedings before James Taylor in the Glens goal made a stunning save from Mike Grella in the dying minutes. Grella in this fixture looked highly useful as he was a constant thorn in the N Ireland side and certainly deserved a goal. Manager, Simon Grayson was happy as his tour of Ireland came to an end. Grayson said: “
s for Leeds fans. Simon Grayson had this to say : "Jermaine has come back for pre-season and has been ever so good in training. I had a chat with him and the chairman and me agreed it was the best thing for the club." There is no doubt that from what we have seen against Shels and Glentoran that Beckford is arguably the one player that we can't afford to lose right now. This could be the best signing we make this season. If he was to walk away for free next season and Leeds were promoted, that's a price worth paying, but it may not come to that.
(Darville 65), Lees (Crowe 46), Michalik (Huntington 46), Sheehan (Parker 46), Robinson (Johnson 46), Delph (Prutton 46), Howson (Snodgrass 46), Showunmi (White 29), Beckford (Becchio 46), Grella (Elliott 65). Subs (not used): Martin, Higgs
Crawley converted from the penalty spot for an unlikely 2-2. Snodgrass, Crowe and Becchio were the only first teamers to see second half action but Casper Ankergren did play the full 90 minutes. I don't want to sound like a broken record but even last night there was evidence that he still has not eradicated mistakes from his game. It was good to see Paul Huntington back in action, even though it was a slimmed down version of last season. Snodgrass lacked fitness and just showed glimpses of his quality. Becchio had to forage for the ball as Prutton and Bradley Johnson hadn't the guile to unlock the Shels defence. In my view Elliott and Grella aren't up to our standard and the former did well to prevent a Becchio certain goal in the last minute. Grayson would have been happy with Crowe (even though he played in a centre half position), he obviously likes to get forward and looks extremely fit. A quality goalkeeper is essential for leeds next season, and Grayson must be hoping that Beckford stays at Elland ro
ad for one more season because we certainly have no player in our current squad to notch 30 goals in season 2009/10. It's on to the Oval on Saturday for more of the Louth Branch where Simon Grayson promises to have more of a settled line up as the season gets closer to kick off.
finish 3-3. After the game manager, Simon Grayson commented Beckford and Delph would remain at the club unless the Club's valuation of both players was met. There is no doubt that Delph and Beckford will be leaving. I've said that all summer. It's just matter of how much we get. It is essential that we get some quality players in to replace arguably two of our best players, and that not all the funds are diverted towards a sizeable down payment on Thorp Arch.This could run and run right up to August 30th and Simon Grayson is well renowned for his love of the loan system which may dictate who we have as replacements. The arrivals of Crowe and Higgs hasn't exactly set the blood boiling just yet, and we have lost Douglas and Richardson. 
second signing of the pre-season with the arrival of Shane Higgs. Higgs made over 300 appearances for Cheltenham Town and spent last season on loan with Wolves. Peter Sweeney finally left the club (must be no sales in Leeds arcade) for Grimsby Town. It emerged that skipper, Richard Naylor would miss the start of the season due to injury but last season's injured duo, Paul Huntington and Enoch Showunmi were fit and raring to go. Ben Parker signed a new deal with Leeds and United turned down at least two offers for midfielder, Neil Kilkenny.
June 28th. Sky Sports has reported that N. Ireland international, Warren Feeney is to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch tomorrow. Feeney, a 28 year old striker and foil for David Healy at Windsor Park, has one year left on his contract at Cardiff City. He finished last season on loan at Dundee United and was released by Leeds a number of years ago. Huddersfield, Norwich and Charlton were all linked with a move for Feeney but it looks like he is coming back to Leeds. His scoring record with Dundee United wasn't what you would call impressive, just six goals in twenty three games. Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount that Jermaine Beckford is going to Sheffield United with Billy Sharp and some cash travelling in the other direction. Blackwell signed Beckford for Leeds but didn't play him. We'll see if he has had a change of heart.
years ago under Kevin Blackwell, but failed to score. More of a big target man than Beckford, he lacks the latter's pace, and certainly Beckford's scoring record. Graham is out of contract at the end of the Summer at Brunton Park and one hopes that United are not continuing the Bates mantra of trying to do business on the cheap. Simon Grayson has yet to convince me of his talent to spot a good striker with three failures to date, Lee Trundle, Mike Grella and Liam Dickinson all being disastrous. Time will tell.
ast season in the FA Cup and is a right full who can play in midfield also. He moved to Northampton for whom he has played almost 200 times. He once moved in a £1M deal from Arsenal to Portsmouth. A good piece of business ? Time will tell, but from the outset it looks like we got a player who was about to sign for Brighton and released our 26 year old former captain on a free transfer with possible his best years ahead. Richardson was our last link with the Premiership. 
One for another season. This was a poor division this season. Good luck to Leicester and Peterboro, but it says little for us that we could not come out of a Play-Off semi-final that included Millwall, Scunthorpe and MK Dons. Fan bases don't win matches but good players and sound tactics do. We were badly organised in both ties against Millwall and I find it unforgivable that Simon Grayson could not overcome a poor Millwall side. At the New Den we should have gone there to win and not sit back and hope for a no score draw. Millwall were there for the taking that day. Instead they got the win that they could defend at Elland Road. We had better players than any of the other sides in the Play-Offs. Yet, we played a dogged midfielder at right full when our club captain and right full was fit. Both goals could have been avoided had we played Richardson. On the bench we had Mike Grella a player yet to score a goal for Leeds in ten appearances. Grayson had all January to get in reinforcements, especially in goals. Second spot could have been secured had we turned a draw against ten men Leyton Orient into a win, and gained wins at poor sides like Bristol Rovers and Oldham Athletic. Gary McAllister has come in for a lot of stick from sections of Leeds fans, but one thing he did do was over turn a 2-1 defeat at home in the Play-Offs last season to get us to Wembley. A better Leeds side this year was defeated by an inferior side to Carlisle United in the Play-Offs in May 2009. Nothing short of winning this division will appease me next season, and even then I believe we lost a season needlessly.