|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
This is the Louth Branch website. Always Leeds always loyal ! Edited by Gerry Cunnigham.
Archive of season 07/08 Jan 1st to May 25th 08 (See below)
May 25th 2008. Play-Off Final League One - Venue Wembley. Leeds 0-1 Doncaster Rvs Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Mills, May 21st. All our tickets for Wembley have been allocated. Members who have been promised a ticket will receive a ticket. Please don't phone or text any further. May 21st. Andy Robinson has decided to leave Swansea City and will sign for Leeds Leeds v Donny preview. May 18th. Play-Off final tickets latest May 15th. Doncaster Rvs 5-1 Southend Doncaster set up a League One play-off final against Leeds on 25 May after a dominant semi-final win over Southend. James Walker hit the crossbar for the visitors early on and paid for the miss when Brian Stock scored a penalty. Southend's Adam Barrett headed into his own net and the sublime James Coppinger twice ended mazy runs with precise strikes to put Doncaster 4-0 up. Coppinger bent in a free-kick for his hat-trick before Nick Bailey netted a consolation for the stunned visitors. Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll: May 14th. Carlisle United 0-2 Leeds United (Leeds win 3-2 on aggregate). Crowd - 12,873 (1600 Leeds United) May 12th. Leeds United 1-2 Carlilse United.Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Johnson, Prutton (Carole 78), Douglas, Howson (Hughes 90), Kilkenny, Beckford (Kandol 58), Freedman.Subs Not Used: Lucas, Marques. Booked: Hughes. Goals: Freedman 96. If C Palace are still in the Championship tie at Ashton Gate 1-2 down to Bristol City then so are Leeds 1-2 d From the respected N Forest website - Through the season before us. May 6th. So how did the Play-Offs go over the last few seasons? As you all know Leeds really finished on 91 points but courtesy of the Football League we officially finished on 76 points. Swansea, beware, because winning the division may just be a quick fix and not a fast track to the lucrative bucks of the Premiership. The side that enters the Championship via the Play-Offs usually fares better longer term, so enjoy your current gloating in Blogland - it may only be temporary. Class of 2006/07. Last season Scunthorpe courtesy of a Class of 2005/06. A mere 82 points was enough to award Southend the League One title in a competitive dog fight. They went on to be relegat Class of 2004-05. Luton Town won the 3rd tier title with two points short of a century of points This year they were relegated to the bottom tier of Eng Class of 2003/04. Plymouth Argyle have stayed the di May 6th. 2008. Leeds are guaranteed to pocket a substantial cash windfall of £200,000 following Stoke's automatic promotion to the Premier League. United are due the money from the Potters as part of the deal that saw strike May 5th. Louth Branch preview of Leeds United v Carlisle United. Southend v Doncaster preview. Elsewhere, Doncaster travel to Southend this Friday night. Southend finished the season the stronger, taking 17 points from their last 24. It's always difficult when a side was in the top two for a while and slumps on the last day. Donny have taken just 12 points from their last 24. Both sides have one win a piece against each other but I expect Southend to take them over the two legs. May 3rd Leeds United 2-1 Gillingham. Leeds: Ankergren, Gardner, Michalik, Huntington, Sweeney (Carole 60), Prutton, Douglas (Delph 76), Hughes, Johnson, Kandol, Elding (Marques 90). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Thompson. Booked: Douglas. Goals: Johnson 69, Kandol 88. Att: 38,256.Paul of the clubs, the board took that decision and we were simply asked to back one party or the other using the evidence in front of us. The League’s explanation seemed very convincing to me and to be honest I thought that Leeds United’s case was really poor. There wasn’t any real doubt about the way I should vote.” Leeds United in May 2008 : "Poetic Justice". Gary Mac rested Beckford, Howson, Freedman, Kenton, Richardson, and Kilkenny whilst Sheehan was suspended and Marques couldn't displace Michalik and Huntington. The visitors made a good start and were ahead when Simeon Jackson pounced on a poor pass back from Paul Huntington, cut inside and fired into the corner. In truth the Gills were by far the bestter side in the first half and Mr Scally was sitting comfortably, especially as Crewe Alex were getting hammered at home by Oldham. McAllister and Staunton had choice words at half time and a different Leeds ebtered the fray in the second period. Superb work from Seb Carole (on for the ineffective Sweeney) on the right allowed Brad Johnson to volley in the equaliser in style. And Tresor Kandol sealed the Gills' fate and secured fifth for Leeds when he finished coolly in the 88th minute. The gills missed a great chance to equalise in injury time, but the unpopular Scally saw his own side relegated. a valuable lesson in live, Paul. : "Keep your council" .Elsehwhere Donny lost to Cheltenham 2-1, Carlisle failed to defeat relegated Bournemouth 1-1, Southend drew 1-1 with relegated Port Vale and Forest held on to defeat Yeovil 3-2. Maybe poetic justice again, as a number of us witnessed Forest fans call for the head of Colin Calderwood at the Keepmoate a month ago. In fairness it was Doncaster and Carlisle who were threatening all sorts if Leeds won the fifteen points back, and Forest quietly went about their business on the park accumulating the points needed for automatic promotion. Good luck to them. Leeds now play an out of form Carlisle side on Monday week ( 12th of May) with the return leg at Brunton Park three days later. It's a tie I'm looking forward to. May 1st. Leeds United have failed in their bid to claim back the 15 points they were deducted by the Football League. The decision by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators means Leeds will not win automatic promotion from League One, though they are in the play-offs. An independent three-man arbitration reached its verdict behind closed doors in London, ruling the League had not acted unfairly when docking the points. The penalty was a punishment for breaking competition insolvency rules. Leeds chairman Ken Bates confirmed he would accept the tribunal's findings, but was aggrieved at its criticism of Leeds for delays in bringing their action. A club statement said: "We feel this finding is unjust as the club sought to oppose the imposition of the penalty from 30 August 2007 onwards. "We did accept the imposed condition of a 15-point penalty subject to an appeal to member clubs. As at 3 August 2007 we had no option but to do so. If we had not the club would have been lost forever, which was far too big a price for anyone to pay. "It is galling that we are criticised for the delay in bringing the appeal, when it was delays by the Football League that effectively backed us into this corner." The statement continued: "If what football achieves out of this is clarity for clubs in the future then that can mitigate some of our disappointment as we want all clubs to survive through what are very difficult times. "The matter is now closed and the focus can return to the pitch. "If the team are now able to progress through the play-offs to the Championship then it would be the appropriate reward for the efforts of the club's fans and players in overcoming the penalty imposed on the club."
Bates on verdict : Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has called for Football League chairman Brian Mawhinney to resign after the club lost their appeal against a 15-point penalty imposed at the start of the season. Bates confirmed he will accept the panel's decision and that the matter was now closed, but he was still aggrieved at the outcome.He said: "No matter how gentlemanly they put it, the tribunal has criticised the appeals procedures of the Football League."We had to appeal to the other clubs, all of whom had a vested interest and many of them have admitted they voted for the 15 points (deduction), not because it was right or wrong, but because it served their own selfish interests. "I think in the circumstances and in view of the criticism of the bad flaws in the Football League's procedures, the directors of the Football League board should consider their position and Lord Mawhinney should resign. "We've got to win the play-offs and get back in the Championship, but to have "an exciting and thorough football family" you have to have leaders you can trust and respect and I'm afraid that is no longer the case as far as Leeds and as far as many other clubs, who haven't got the guts to say so." The verdict means Leeds stay in sixth place in Coca-Cola League One and they must now hope to secure promotion via a play-off place. The verdict will be met with huge celebration by Swansea, Doncaster, Carlisle and Nottingham Forest, with two clubs reported to have been braced for possible legal action had the three-man panel overturned Leeds' sanction. If Leeds had been handed back all 15 points they would have jumped from sixth to second, ousting Doncaster from an automatic promotion spot, while Swansea would not have been assured of the League One title. Bates was also unhappy with the tribunal panel's criticism of Leeds for the delay in bringing about the action. "We feel this finding is unjust as the club sought to oppose the imposition of the penalty from August 30, 2007 onwards," read a Leeds statement. "We did accept the imposed condition of a 15-point penalty subject to an appeal to member clubs. "As at August 3, 2007 we had no option but to do so. If we had not the club would have been lost forever, which was far too big a price for anyone to pay. "It is galling therefore that we are criticised for the delay in bringing the appeal when it was delays by the Football League that effectively backed us into this corner in the first place. "The matter is now closed and the focus can return to the pitch." Leeds were deducted 15 points for failing to exit administration via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). A majority of more than 75 per cent of fellow Football League clubs then voted to uphold the sanction. Bates had been forced to put the club in the hands of administrators last May due to debts of around £35 million. The club denied any wrongdoing and agreed to an arbitration hearing after initially serving the League with a High Court writ. Bournemouth and Luton could start next season with a similar handicap after both recently failed to exit administration via a CVA. April 29th. Thursday 5PM will see the announcement of whether we win our court battle for the fifteen points or not. April 26th. Leeds will tour Ireland in July playing three matches.They start off in Galway on July 16th (Weds) before going to Bray Wands on Sunday 20th of July and finish with the annual pilgrimage to Tolka Park vs Shels on Thursday, July 24th. The Louth Branch will be in attendance at the matches in Wicklow and Dublin. April 25th. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Kilkenny (Marques 85), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Prutton 78), Freedman, Elding (Hughes 68).Subs Not Used: Lucas, Kandol. Sent Off: Sheehan (65). Goals: Freedman 4. Att: 9,527 April 19th. Millwall 0-2 Leeds Unied. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson (Sweeney 89), Freedman (Kandol 89), Elding (Hughes 73). Friday April 18th. The threat of League One descending into total chaos this summer has been averted a little after it was confirmed a verdict on Leeds United's points appeal will be reached before the end of the season. An independent arbitration panel will convene for a fourth and final day on Monday to hear further submissions from both the Elland Road club and the Football League over the 15-point penalty imposed last August. Weds April 16th. It has begun. The appeal in London which will have a huge bearing on where we will be playing our football next season. Of course football's begrudgers have insisted that Leeds knew what they were signing up for. Carlisle and Doncaster insist they have more to lose if Leeds get all 15 points back. But what about poor Bournemouth and Luton, both of whom may start next season minus 15 points if Leeds lose their appeal. It's all to play for. Incidentally, boyh Luton and Bournemouth voted against Leeds at the start of the season. This is what The Times had to say : Leeds United started their challenge against the 15-point penalty imposed on the club by the Football League at an independent arbitration hearing in London yesterday. The Coca-Cola League One club are attempting to prove that the League acted outside its jurisdiction by docking the points at the start of this season. If the sanction, which was imposed as punishment for allegedly breaking competition rules on insolvency, is overturned and Leeds have all their points restored, the consequences in League One could be far-reaching. Leeds would be thrust into the second automatic promotion place at the expense of Carlisle United with three matches left, while several other clubs who could be affected also face an anxious wait for the verdict. The tribunal is being held behind closed doors and a decision is expected early next week. “I think Leeds will get something back,” John Ward, the Carlisle manager, said. “But rules should be adhered to. The goalposts will have been moved with three games to go, which is strange.”Leeds were deducted 15 points before the start of this season for failing to exit administration via a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). A majority of more than 75 per cent of fellow Football League clubs then voted to uphold the sanction. Ken Bates, the Leeds chairman, had been forced to put the club in the hands of administrators last May because of debts of about £35 million. Leeds denied any wrongdoing and agreed to an arbitration hearing after initially serving the Football League with a High Court writ. If the tribunal upholds the League's penalty on Leeds, Bournemouth and Luton Town could start next season with a similar handicap after both recently failed to exit administration via a CVA. Leeds are sixth in League One, occupying the final play-offs position. The hearing will last three days but the verdict may not be announced until after the Millwall match - the far side of this weekend. East Stand open for Gills. The last league match of the season at home to Gillingham will see the East Stand open as demand is extremely heavy. Up to 35,000 are expected to attend including some Louth Branch members.
Tues April 15th. Huddersfield Town 1-0 Leeds United. Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Kenton, Kilkenny (Carole 84), Douglas, Howson (Hughes 75), Johnson (Prutton 72), Kandol, Freedman. Subs: , Hughes, Lucas, Elding, This was a pathetic performance by Leeds United after some serious character against Carlsile United the previous Saturday. Douglas was sent off just after the half hour mark and Worthington joined him for the Terriers just before half time. It was the first win for Huddsfield since they sacked Andy Ritchie. Leeds were the second best side throughout. A draw would have been an injustice although Freedman missed a great chance in injury time. Five points from our last three matches will see us in the Play-Offs but we must show a better attitude than tonight. Sat April 12th. Leeds United 3-2 Carlisle Unted. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Kenton, Kilkenny (Prutton 80), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Hughes 87), Freedman, Beckford (Kandol 51). April 12th. Leeds United will begin their attempt to have a 15-point deduction overturned next Wednesday. An independent tribunal will meet to decide if the Football League were right to deduct the points following the Elland Road club's relegation to League One. Chairman Ken Bates, writing in Saturday's programme for the match against second-placed Carlisle, stated that Leeds have been "deluged with paperwork from the Football league's solicitors" and accused them of "trying to muddy the waters in the hope that the real issues are obscured." April 9th. Leeds have allowed Matt Heath to remain on with Colchester for the remainder of the season (with a 24 recall clause) but Leo Constantine comes back from Oldham after his loan spell and may yet have a story to tell. Also, and more importantly, Neil Warnock has given permission for Dougie Freedman to remain at Leeds for the Play-Offs. Nice one Neil ! April 8th. Leeds announced that 25,506 fans are guaranteed their ticket for the Play-Off final should Leeds proceed to Wembley in May for the Play-Offs. This starts off with season ticket holders and Members card holders up to and including March 31st 2008. This is all hypothetical stuff but should Leeds get to this illustrious position we will be issuing our own specifications for ticket applicants because there are never enough tickets to go around in these circumstances. Undoubtedly contribution to the Louth Branch of the LUSC over the years will be high up the list, as well as matches attended etc etc. Inevitably those who do little for our club are the first to look for tickets. Don't bother. April 8th. Rui Marques agent has been busy touting the player around and the club and player have suspended negotiations until the summer. April 5th. Leyton Orient 0-2 Leeds United. Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Michalik, Sheehan, Kilkenny, (Hughes 78), Douglas, Howson, Johnson (Prutton 73), Beckford (Kandol 65), Freedman. Subs : Lucas and Elding Att: 7602 (2,735) April 4th. Gary McAllister insists managing Leeds United remains "one of the top 10 jobs in the country" after signing a new deal with the Elland Road club. The Scot, who succeeded Dennis Wise in late January, has agreed a 12-month rolling contract to replace the existing agreement that was due to run out at the end of the season. Matches that will affect us : Weds April 2nd. 2008. Gary McAllister may have to do without goalscoring hero Alan Sheehan and goalkeeper Casper Ankergren courtesy of FA suspensions. Having April 1st Doncaster 0-1 Leeds. Ankergren, Michalik, Sheehan, Richardson, Huntington, Johnson (Hughes 74), Howson, Douglas, Kilkenny, Beckford, Freedman, Lucas, Carole, Elding, Carole. Att : 15,001 (3,094 Leeds). Nine of the Louth branch travelled to Donny on Friday last night and scouted out their 1-0 win against Notts Forest. We were impressed, but not as impressed as we were with the Tues April 1st. Retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton was today being touted as the man with the task of chairing Leeds United's independent arbitration against the Football League. Otton is reported to have been chosen as the head of a three-man panel which will rule on the validity of United's pre-season 15-point deduction during the week commencing April 14. Otton, who retired from the Court of Appeal in 2001, has considerable experience of football arbitration matters, and chaired the hearing into the dispute over West Ham United's signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Sat March 29th. 2008. Leeds 0-0 Brighton Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny (Kandol 76), Johnson (Douglas 58), Freedman (Elding 85), Beckford. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Booked: Sheehan, Douglas. Att: 22,575
Mon March 24th. It's been a decent Easter for us. No teams now have games in How the next set of fixtures affect us : We've been down this road before, as we looked last season at how we are were definitely going to stay up, so I am not going to put a hex on us. Work it out for yourselves where points will be won and lost in the run in. Friday, 28 March 2008 Doncaster v Nottm Forest, 19:45 Tranmere v Swindon, 19:45 Saturday, 29 March 2008 Gillingham v Carlisle, 15:00 Leeds v Brighton, 15:00 Southend v Walsall, 15:00Tuesday, 01 April 2008 Carlisle v Nottm Forest, 19:45 Doncaster v Leeds, 19:45 Saturday, 05 April 2008 Carlisle v Yeovil, 15:00 Crewe v Southend, 15:00 Huddersfield v Doncaster, 15:00 Leyton Orient v Leeds, 15:00 Nottm Forest v Cheltenham, 15:00 Swansea v Bournemouth, 15:00 Walsall v Tranmere, 15:00Tuesday, 08 April 2008 Carlisle v Swansea, 19:45 Nottm Forest v Bristol Rovers, 19:45 Southend v Brighton, 19:45Friday, 11 April 2008 Doncaster v Swindon, 19:45Saturday, 12 April 2008 Cheltenham v Walsall, 15:00 Leeds v Carlisle, 15:00 15:00 Southend v Northampton, 15:00 Tranmere v Nottm Forest, 15:00 Yeovil v Crewe, 15:00Tuesday, 15 April 2008 Huddersfield v Leeds, 19:45 Walsall v Bristol Rovers, 19:45Saturday, 19 April 2008 Brighton v Hartlepool, 15:00Carlisle v Southend, 15:00 Huddersfield v Tranmere, 15:00 Leyton Orient v Doncaster, 15:00 Millwall v Leeds, 15:00 Nottm Forest v Luton, 15:00 Swansea v Yeovil, 15:00Walsall v Bournemouth, 15:00Saturday, 26 April 2008 Bristol Rovers v Brighton, 15:00 Doncaster v Luton, 15:00 Hartlepool v Nottm Forest, 15:00 Huddersfield v Walsall, 15:00 Tranmere v Southend, 15:00 Yeovil v Leeds, 15:00 Yorkshire Evening Post compares McAllister's management style with Wise's. DENNIS Wise's answer to criticism of Leeds United's performances was always the same. What logic, he would ask, could there possibly be in altering the approach of a team which was already adept at pulling in results. His dogmatic attitude to tactics this season was beyond reproach until January, and when it finally came into question Wise downed tools and left Elland Road. Gary McAllister might think of himself as a more cerebral student of football than his predecessor, but the lessons of Wise's incumbency still offer a valuable insight into how best to uncover United's potential.The squad at Leeds was, and is, at its most effective when playing to its strengths, a statement which is not quite as obvious as it sounds. March 23rd. Leeds 2-0 Walsall. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson (Douglas 82), Freedman (Kandol 90), Beckford.Subs Not Used: Lucas, Richardson, Elding. Booked: Prutton. Goals: Beckford 29, 80. Att: 19,095. We criticize when we have to. We compliment when we need to. I thought the live Sky performance against Walsall was exemplary. It's hard to single out a Leeds player that didn't play well. The keeper can be faulted for his kick outs. At the back we looked solid, although Michalik needs to work on getting distance on his secondary headers. In midfield, Kilkenny ran the show, and his pass for the first goal was superb. Johnson is getting better by the game and nearly scored ala Gary Speed with a thunderous header that was cleared off the line From up the saddlers.com unofficial website : "It’s not often the Saddlers are on the TV, which is just as well - because with one or two exception Thurs March 20th. Dougie to revitalise Leeds ? Many people suggest the time of Leeds demise this season coincided with Gus Poyet's untimely departure to Chelsea. Poyet left Leeds on the 29th October. Since then, they have played 27 games, of which they have won 9, drawn 8 and lost 10, the equivalent of 35 points from a possible 81.Whilst that in effect was of no benefit to Leeds United, there is evidence to suggest that teams had "kopped" on with the Wise/Poyet tactics of getting the ball forward to the front two as soon as possible. Kandol and Beckford enjoyed a purple patch for the first fifteen games, but it was inevitable that the former(Kandol) would hit hard times. His goal scoring record of one goal in eighteen games the previous season backs this up. Flo was brought in and Wise panicked with poor signing such as Sweeney and others who instead of waiting for their chance in the reserves were drafted in immediately. Our lack of width has been obvious from the word go, but with long ball tactics you don't need width. Doncaster and Oldham (all during Wise's time) came to Leeds and left their defenders deep and played through Leeds. Both won easily. The wheels had already fallen off long before Wise left. In his final three games in charge Leeds took just one point. I contend that arguably Leeds would struggle without the following three players : Marques, Beckford and Douglas. It was proven with Marques during his sabbatical at the African Nations cup. Douglas, though in my opinion has been the one player who shores up defence and combines midfield with attack with that enormous engine of his. From his departure injured (in the final moments of the match at Walsall )back in December 15th, Leeds have won just five matches out of seventeen (losing six) and drawing six. His performance in the match before his injury was superb, scoring the first in our 4-0 hammering of Huddersfield Town. He is the player we can't do without and hopefully he will make his come back against Brighton when 22 members of the Louth Branch will be in attendance. The 26-year-old completed 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday after a three-month injury lay-off. "My aim is to play a few games between now and the end of the season. I played 90 minutes on Tuesday and 70 last week so I hope to keep my fitness up and see what happens." Douglas' 90 minute run-out in Leeds reserves' 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday was his first competitive action since sustaining a knee injury against Walsall in December. "In the first half I was a bit tender, but once I got into it, I got stronger in the second half," he said. "I'm just glad to be back playing - no-one likes being out, and three months is a long time. "I've been working hard with the physios and I'd like to give thanks to them. "It's hard when you are out and the days are long." Even if Douglas is fit enough for selection for the return with Walsall at Elland Road on Saturday, he admits that he is not guaranteed his place back."Saturday might be too soon," he said. "But I'd like to get back in and around the squad. "David Prutton and Jonny Howson have probably been our best two players over the past few months, and I'll have to work my way back in." With Douglas back in action and the free scoring Dougie Freedman in form Leeds can go to the next level. All we have to do is get our defence sorted out - including our goalkeeper. Mon March 17th. Leeds fans are in uproar with the club's decision not to renew their contract with BBC Radio Leeds for rights to broadcast matches live. The decision basically means from next season supporters will be unable to hear full live commentary of Leeds United matches on FM or AM wavelength. Yorkshire Radio will have exclusive rights in covering live games from next season but the station is only available on DAB. Fans will not be able to hear full commentary of Leeds games on equipment like normal car radios, mobile phones with FM transmitters and standard radios with just FM and AM frequencies. BBC Radio Leeds has covered the Whites' games home and away for 40 years. The station will now instead bring reports on the matches. BBC Radio Leeds will continue to provide exclusive FM commentary of Leeds United games for the reminder of the current season with Adam Pope and Eddie Gray at the helm. But from next season the station will bring reports on matches and will continue to provide the latest impartial news from Elland Road. After BBC Radio Leeds asked Leeds United to explain their decision, the club have said they will discuss it in due course. It's another Bates decision for his Yorkshire radio station and will further alienate him from every right thinking Leeds fan in the country. Sat March 15th. Port Vale 3-3 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Hughes, Johnson (Kandol 78), Howson, Kilkenny (Carole 69), Prutton, Beckford, Freedman. Subs Not Used: Richardson, Lucas, Elding. Booked: Kilkenny, Hughes, Kenton. Goals: Marques 39, Freedman 41, 86. Att: Thurs March 14th. Matt Heath has expressed his delight at securing a loan move to Colchester United after admitting he did not expect to force his way back into Gary McAllister's regime at Leeds United. The 26-year-old defender, above, has existed on the periphery of McAllister's squad at Elland Road for the past month, and he left Elland Road to join Colchester on loan until April 12 yesterday. Heath was named in the starting line-up for McAllister's first game as United's manager against Tranmere Rovers on February 2, but he has not featured since and is one of five senior players who have departed Leeds on loan in recent weeks. Weds March 13h. Tore Andre Flo called a halt to his footballing career. Gary McAllister added: "He's been a fantastic player who has played at the very highest level. He's won championships and European cups, and I've so much admiration for the guy." Flo himself said: "I loved my time at Leeds and I just wish I could have been a lot more free of injury. I'd like to thank everyone in and around Leeds for their support. It was great to be a part of the club, and I'm very happy to have played for Leeds United." Tues March 12th. Leeds 1-2 Cheltenham.Leeds United: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Richardson (Hughes), Kilkenny, Prutton, Howson (Freedman) Johnson, Kandol (Elding), Beckford. Subs: Lucas, Huntington, Att 20,257 This was a disgraceful result. We had chances but didn't take them and let one of the worst sides in the division take six points from us in both fixtures. Only bright spot was Elding scoring his goal in front of the Kop. The Kop singled out Kandol for special abuse but if he's not up to it he shouldn't be playing. McAllister said: "We lacked touch and guile in the final third of the pitch. That was our downfall. "We had lots of possession, but Cheltenham got men behind the ball and we found it hard to break them down. "I felt the only way they were likely to score was from a mistake and that's what happened, though their second was a wonder strike. "It's important that we stick together because there are a lot of points left to play for, but this was a night of frustration for us." One consolation for Leeds were the points dropped by Southend, Forest and Walsall so despite the defeat, Leeds will start Saturday's match at Port Vale in seventh in the League One table, but level on 53 points with Oldham, Tranmere and Leyton Orient. McAllister's comments about Leeds' cutting edge would suggest there'll be a place in the starting line-up for Dougie Freedman at Vale Park. Freedman, who arrived from Crystal Palace last week, stepped off the bench against Cheltenham. Sat March 9th. Leeds United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Richardson, Kilkenny (Freedman 69), Howson (Hughes 85), Prutton, Johnson, Beckford, Kandol (Elding 90). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Goals: Johnson 11, Kilkenny 63. Bradley Johnson and Friday March 7th. Leyton Orient have distanced themselves from comments made by their manager Martin Ling, who claimed the club could mount retaliatory legal action if Leeds United successfully overturn their 15-point deduction. United are finalising their preparations for independent arbitration against the Football League after a six-month fight to revoke the 15-point penalty imposed on them in August. Ling said: "My big gripe with any change now is that we've been involved in a race all season in which Leeds have been 15 points behind us all. Indeed, we've factored that into all our plans and I'm sure punters have factored it into their bets for the season. "For it to change now would put clubs around them at a huge disadvantage and you can rest assured that if we finished sixth and lost the final play-off spot to Leeds on a courtroom appeal, we'd be straight back in court and the whole episode would drag on and on." But an Orient spokesman attempted to diffuse the controversy, saying: "The quotes have come from a personal column he writes for a newspaper. It is therefore his opinion, rather than that of the club."
4th and 5th of March. Leeds United midfielders Andy Hughes and Jonathan Douglas Arbitration. Leeds United's independent arbitration against the Football League will be heard during the week commencing April 14. United and the Football League have agreed to stage the review of the club's 15-point penalty next month, less than three weeks before the end of the League One season. Eagles legend in move U-turn. Dougie Freedman is on the verge of joining Leeds Weston heads to Scunny. Scunthorpe United have signed Le Westy heads South. Brighton have completed the signing of Sat March 1st. Swindon Town 0-1 Leeds United. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Michalik, Kenton, Prutton, Howson, Kilkenny (Thompson 78), Johnson, Kandol, Beckford. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Carole, Elding, Sheehan. Booked: Beckford. Goals: Kandol 25. Att: 13,270 Thurs Feb 28th. Leeds United boss Gary McAllister is preparing to make a move for Crystal Palace forward Dougie Freedman. McAllister is hoping to see movement into Elland Road before Saturday's trip to Swindon Town. Palace boss Neil Warnock is deciding whether to sanction the release of a player who is far from the centre of his plans at Selhurst Park, and he was expected to discuss the move with Freedman today. The 33-year-old striker is also Palace's reserve coach, but it is understood that he would be willing to vacate the position if a suitable move presents itself. Leeds United today completed the signing of Aston Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran – as Ben Parker left Elland Road for Darlington. O'Halloran has joined Leeds on a month's loan from Villa Park and he is expected to step into Gary McAllister's squad for Saturday's trip to Swindon Town after arriving at Thorp Arch this morning. The 20-year-old centre-back has been capped twice by the Republic of Ireland – both caps earned while United's assistant boss Steve Staunton was in charge of Eire's national side – and he made one appearance while on loan at Southampton earlier this season. O'Halloran has failed to break into Villa's first team but is highly regarded by manager Martin O'Neill, and the Premiership club have allowed him to move to Leeds on an initial deal until March 29. Parker, meanwhile, has departed Elland Road to join Darlington on a month's loan after losing his place in United's line-up to Alan Sheehan. Parker made five successive starts for Leeds in the lead-up to Gary McAllister's appointment as manager on January 29, but Sheehan was signed on loan from Leicester City by McAllister on the final day of the January transfer window and has retained the left-back slot in the four matches since. McAllister named Parker in the line-up for yesterday's reserve game against Scunthorpe United at Elland Road, but the defender was withdrawn from the team at late notice and was seen leaving the stadium shortly before the scheduled 2pm kick-off. Leeds finalised his switch to Darlington this morning, and the transfer has seen him join a club who are competing for automatic promotion from League Two under Dave Penney. Parker has completed one previous loan spell away from Elland Road, joining Bradford City's squad for the whole of the 2006-07 season. He made 41 appearance for the Valley Parade club and had planned to reach 20 outings for Leeds this term, but he is five short of that tally having dropped out of United's starting side after their 1-0 defeat at Southend United last month. Speaking earlier in the season, Parker said: "A good season for me would be to break into the first team and play 20 or maybe 25 games. That's what I'm looking to do. "This is a massive season for me. I've had a few look-ins here and there, but when I get my opportunity I'm going to look to cement my place." McAllister is likely to see the opportunity in Darlington as a chance for Parker to gain additional experience, and the full-back has not been included in any of the four match-day squads named by United's manager so far. Parker is widely considered to be one of the club's most promising youngsters and he was handed an extended two-year contract in October, one of four academy products to agree new deals on the same day. Personally, I am hugely disappointed that Parker was allowed leave. He has been one of the bright sparks this season and is twice the full back that Sheehan is. Weds Feb 27th. 2008. Leeds United's battle to have their 15-point penalty overturned could rest with an arbitration panel. The Football League made the offer to Leeds on Tuesday, the same day as their deadline to respond to United's High Court writ. United chairman Ken Bates told BBC Radio Leeds: "We now need to consult with our QC. "We want this in open tribunal. We want the public and press to be able to hear the evidence from both sides." Leeds were docked points for breaching the Football League's rules on insolvency. The club served a writ against the League in response and hope to have a decision before the end of the season on 3 May. Should the matter go to arbitration, it would be heard by a three-man panel consisting of a neutral Court of Appeal judge and a representative each from United and the League. Bates said: "The suggestion of a judge of the Appeal Court is encouraging. "To quote their (the Football League's) lawyers, 'impartiality and independence will be guaranteed and the competence of the tribunal will be par excellence.' That's all we've ever asked for." Bates also confirmed that if the club went to arbitration, then it would accept the final decision. "We've always said that - there's no problem with it," he added. "In fact they ought to change the League rules and adopt the ones of the Premier League so it (arbitration) automatically happens. Then this nonsense that's been running for the last six months would never have happened. "The only outstanding issue is openness. We want this thing to be heard in public and there's no valid reason why it shouldn't be. "I'm surprised it's taken so long. This is what we've been trying to get resolved since September. "For the last six months it's been batted backwards and forwards between the Football League and the FA, both of whom said we didn't have a case to answer. "Finally, when we've issued the writ against the Football League, their lawyers have now come up - at the last minute I may add - with an offer of arbitration." Sat Feb 24th. Leeds 1-1 Crewe Alex. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Kenton (Carole 52), Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Sweeney (Johnson 66), Flo (Elding 66), Kandol. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Huntington. Booked: Michalik. Goals: Kandol 86. Tresor Kandol's first goal since November earned Leeds a point but they remain winless under Gary McAllister. Nicky Maynard's 47th-minute goal threatened to give Crewe victory until Kandol's 86th minute header. Midfielder Gary Roberts released Maynard and defender Rui Marques was too late to prevent a 12-yard shot. Leeds came out of the blocks flying, and created a number of chances in the first ten minutes. None were converted as Leeds missed the league's top scorer, Jermaine Beckford. Terry McQuaid and John Freeman represented the Louth Branch. In Terry's word s: "All Leeds were short of was a mask, it was daylight robbery". Crewe played us off the park in the second half and United were extremely fortunate to earn a draw. This was against a side in the relegation sector - 4th from last. What has gone wrong int he last couple of months ? Lack of confidence is a huge factor. In the midfield Jon Douglas' absence has coincided with our massive slip down to 9th place and five points outside the Play-Offs. Sheehan and Sweeney are clearly not good enough. Ben Parker is our best left full and should be playing. Sweeney is LOI first division standard. Tore Andre Flo can't lead the line with his age and injuries have caught up with him at last. He certainly is not the partner for Kandol. Thompson has finished his loan spell with H'pool and shouldn't have left in the first place. Kilkenny is a big loss also in the middle of the park. But the key is Beckford. His pace unsettles defences and Leeds need to wrap him up in cotton wool if we are to make the Play-Offs. Doncaster, Oldham, Tranmere and Crewe have all played Leeds off the park in recent weeks. McAllister has his work cut out right now. McAllister said: "We're not going to hide behind the fact that we did get a late equaliser and take pats on the back for that. It wasn't enough. We've made it clear to the guys that when teams in the lower half of the division come here, they'll most definitely raise their game. We didn't raise our game enough. As a group of guys in that changing room, we know we've got to be a lot better than that." Sun Feb 18th. 2008. Another drop in place. Sat Feb 16th. 2008. Game off Blackwell back Tues Feb 12th. 2008. Leeds N Forest. 29, 552. Ankregren, Kenton, Marques, Two massive clubs in the third tier. Leeds needed a win but didn't get it. Forest had the better chances but Leeds had most of the play. Forest took the lead but Leeds who were denied three penalties eventually got their just desserts with a spot kick in the Mon Feb 11th. Leeds United have signed a four-year kit deal with Italian sportswear manufacturers Macron. The agreement, which begins at the start of next season, will replace the current deal with Admiral. Macron are already responsible for supplying Sat Feb 9th. 2008. Northampton 1-1 Leeds. Leeds: Ankergren, Kenton, Marques, Michalik, Sheehan, Prutton (Flo 80), Howson, Hughes, Johnson (Sweeney 71), Beckford, Kandol. Subs Not Used: Lucas, Heath, Elding. Booked: Beckford, Kenton. Goals: Howson 38. Att: 7,260 Substitute Adebayo Akinfen Thurs Feb 7th. 2008. In comes McDonald and back will come Thompson. Leeds
Sun Feb 3rd. Where are we ? From the current form guide we are in 16th position from Sun Feb 3rd, The Northampton view. (Taken from Northampton Chronicle and Echo). After blowing all opposition out of the water (a lot of that down to strength of purpose fuelled by feelings of injustice) in the first few months of the season, reality has set in. Nobody in League One is scared to play Leeds any more and teams such as Doncaster and Tranmere go to Elland Road confident of getting a result. And they do. Leeds weren't the same once Gus Poyet left for Tottenham. Dennis Wise probably got out at a good time. His reputation as a manager was still intact and nobody had the chance to judge him on his transfer-window signings. Now the bubble has burst, it could be difficult for Leeds to even claim a play-off spot. When you're on a roll, up or down, it can be hard to put the brake on. New manager Gary McAllister is a good bloke, and good luck to him. But Northampton Town have no reason to be fearful of Leeds next weekend. And, for that matter, few others in the division do either. Defeat at Sixfields would be a big nail in the coffin of Leeds' play-off hopes, let alone automatic promotion. It may well be that Leeds have blown it. Sat Feb 2nd. 2007. Leeds United 0-2 Tranmere Rvs.Leeds: Lucas, Kenton (Carole 54), Heath, Michalik, Sheehan (Huntington 74), Prutton, Howson, Hughes, Johnson, Beckford, Elding (Flo 58). Subs Not Used: Martin, Sweeney. Goals: Myrie-Williams 61, Moore 69. Att: 24,907 The return of the Mac didn't bring the lift and badly needed three points we so desperately craved. The side from the Friday Feb 1st. Ronnie Moore previews Tranmere Rvs v Leeds. Ronnie Moore fears Tranmere Rovers are visiting Elland Road at the worst possible time following Friday Feb 1st 2008. Eddie Gray on new boss. Eddie Gray, McAllister's long-time friend, says his fellow Scot would be the first to admit that he will earn his money over the course of his initial, short-term contract at Elland Road. "It's a great appointment, for the club and the fans," said Gray. "It's also a great opportunity for Gary, who's a smashing guy. He seems to have jumped at the chance but he won't be under any illusions about the situation. He said when he took over that it's rare for managers to take on a winning team, and he's right about that. The results haven't been there for Leeds recently and he'll want to change that very quickly. There's no way that he'll be walking into Elland Road thinking that the job's been done for him already. The great thing about Gary is that he'll be prepared to change the way that the squad play, and to change things within the club. A few managers might have come to Leeds and left things as they are because the season's gone well so far, but I don't think that's Gary's style. He'll be his own man. People expect him to get the players passing the ball, but the point worth making is that he'll want the passing to be purposeful. It won't be tippy-tappy football. There's nothing wrong with direct tactics if you're talking about a long pass that finds the right player and opens up a defence. It's not so much about playing a certain way but about playing with purpose, and you'll see that with Gary's team. Friday Feb 1st 2008. Return of the Mac. Gary McAllister has challenged his Thurs Jan 31st. Transfer deadline day.Four new signings. Leeds signed striker, Anthony Elding from Stockport County, centre half, Darren Kenton from Leiceater City, exciting centre half Lubo Michalik from Bolton and Alan Sheehan on loan from Leicester who plays at left full. Gary McAllister wasted no time in his second day at Elland Road with three permanent signings and one loanee arriving in. Although, in fairness much of the work was done before his reign at Thorp Arch commenced. We have struggled seriously in the last couple of months and McAllister has done decent business, especially with big Lubo and Elding may be the striker needed to drive us on. Sheehan is also a handy left back. Kenton hasn't impressed me to date but he is only there for four games so far. We still have plenty of change from the compensation allocated from the Wise and Poyet moves so don't think Uncle Ken had to dig deep. It's just not his style to be a giver. After three years at Elland a leopard doesn't change his spots. Tues Jan 29th. Southend 0-1 Leeds. Lucas, Richardson, Kenton, Huntington, Parker, Prutton (Flo 80 Mins), Hughes, Kilkenny (Johnson 82), Sweeney (Carole 67), Beckford, Kandol. Unused Subs - Heath, Howson. Gary McAllister wasn't present to see Leeds lose 1-0 at Southend. It has to be said that Wise has left behind hard workers devoid of flair who are currently feeling sorry for themselves. Kandol missed a great chance and the Shrimpers went ahead just before half time. McAllister takes charge tomorrow and this side are short of confidence. He has his work cut out as we just about occupy one of the Play-Off positions. Sweeney, Kenton and one or two others aren't worthy of the Leeds shirt. Hopefully Macca can bring in some fresh ideas. As Charlie Nicholas said on Sky Sports Leeds "are full of hard workers but have no flair what so ever". Tues Jan 29th. McAllister is new boss. Gary McAllister is the new manager of Tues Jan 29th. Departing Leeds United manager Dennis Wise has been given a board-level desk role at Newcastle United. Wise's shock decision to leave Elland Road for an unspecified role at St James' Park was announced yesterday. And it has just been revealed that his new job title will be 'executive director (football)' - apparently after Wise indicated he had had enough of dealing with players day-in, day-out. Newcastle chairman Chris Mort told the club's official website: "This is all part of a vision that recently helped us to secure Kevin Keegan's return to the club as manager. "Two of the conclusions of our strategic review since acquiring the club were that the club would benefit from having a football person involved at board level, which it has not had historically. "Dennis would like to move away from day-to-day football management to a board role and, with his considerable energy and intelligence, we believe he will do very well in this new position." Wise's new job is likely to include advising the board on football matters such as the development of the academy and bringing in new players. Mon Jan 28th. From Wise to where ? Will Wise be missed by Leeds fans ? By Mon 28th. Jan 2007. Wise departs Leeds. Dennis Wise has departed Leeds for Dennis Wise factfile July 1990 - Wise quits the Dons for Chelsea for a then club record £1.6m in July 1990 and first links up with Ken Bates. June 2001 - Sold to Leicester in June 2001. Makes just 17 league appearances. July 2002 - Sent home from a pre-season tour of Finland and suspended by the club after breaking the nose and jaw of team-mate Callum Davidson in a much-published incident. September 2002 - Joins Millwall and becomes player-boss in October 2003. May 2004 - Steers the Lions to the FA Cup final, as they become only the second team from outside the top flight to reach the showpiece since 1982. Millwall lose 3-0 to Manchester United. May 2005 - Resigns following a disagreement with the new Millwall chairman. June 2005 - Returns to Southampton on a free transfer and makes a total of 12 appearances. Briefly joint-manager with Dave Bassett following the resignation of Harry Redknapp. A short playing spell at Coventry follows. May 2006 - Takes over as boss at Swindon Town on a three-year deal, assisted by Gus Poyet. October 2006 - Heads to Elland Road as manager - with Poyet as his No.2 and links up with chairman Bates again. April 2007 - Fails to stop the Whites being relegated from the Championship having managed Leeds for 35 games. October 2007 - Appoints ex Dons boss Dave Bassett as No.2 after Poyet leaves for Spurs. Sat 26th. Luton Town 1-1.Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Parker, Huntington, Kenton, Prutton, Johnson, Hughes, Sweeney (Westlake 90), Kandol, Beckford (Flo 86).Subs Not Used: Heath, Carole, Sorsa. Booked: Huntington, Ankergren. Goals: Huntington 27. Att: 9,297 We could have gone second. We didn't despite playing against a side in administration who sold half their best players in Fri Jan 25th. Things go our way. If we accept that Swansea are home and hosed, then the results went our way this Friday night. Donny who won at Elland Road last week were hammered 4-0 at home by Swansea, L Orient lost 2-0 at Northampton and Cheltenham defeated Carlisle United who are a shadow of themselves on the road. Fri Jan 25th. 2007. Final word from Derry. Shaun Derry has refused to get embroiled in a bitter war of words with Leeds manager Dennis Wise after completing his permanent move to Crystal Palace. The pair's stormy relationship has been the subject of many column inches in Yorkshire and on this forum. Thurs Jan 24th. Big man to stay at City. Bristol City striker Enoch Showunmi has turned down a move to Leeds United. Showunmi travelled to Elland Road for talks after the League One side had an offer accepted by City on Wednesday. But the Nigeria international has rejected the chance to link up with Dennis Wise's squad in order to stay at Ashton Gate. The 25-year-old is out of contract with City at the end of the season, but wants to fight for a first-team spot. Maybe it's just as well, as it would be more of the long ball stuff that teams have already sussed us out in. The refusal of Showunmi to move to Leeds will be seen as a slap in the face for Wise and Bassett and some Leeds fans are starting to get disgruntled with the direction we are taking. Leeds boss Dennis Wise has handed trials to trio Dominik Werling, Cornell Glen and Oskars Klava. Former Barnsley defender Werling, 25, is a free agent after starting 17 games for the Tykes during the first half of the season. Striker Glen, 26, enjoyed a spell with LA Galaxy and was a member of Trinidad and Tobago's 2006 World Cup squad. Latvian international defender Klava, 24, is currently with homeland club FHK Liepajas Metalurgs. Weds Jan 23rd. Another striker set to come in. in. Leeds United Who is Enoch ? So before today the only Enoch we knew was Powell the Northern Weds Jan 23rd. Shaun Derry on why he left Leeds. Shaun Derry has spoken out over the leaked teamsheet that shook Leeds United last season, insisting: "I wasn't the Tues Jan 22nd. Derry joins Palace and Thompson joins Hartlepool. I have to say I'm disappointed with Wise for letting both Derry and Thompson leave Leeds United at a Sun Jan 20th. Whare to now ? We now lie in fifth position more inclined to look Sat Jan 19th. Leeds 0-1 Doncaster Rvs Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Kenton (Heath 46), Parker, Johnson, Hughes, Kilkenny (Weston 72), Sweeney, Flo (Kandol 54), Beckford. Subs Not Used: Prutton, Thompson. Booked: Kilkenny. Goals: Stock 21. Att: 31,402. All week Dennis Wise had slagged off Doncaster Rovers. If it wasn't Neil Sullivan "who wasn't good enough for Leeds United", it was the "Doncaster Rovs players who may crumble in front of 30,000 at Elland Road after playing in front of just 7,000 at home to Carlisle United the week before." It must have been one of the easiest team talks ever for manager, Sean O'Driscoll. Whilst I am not saying this in effect handed Donny the win. A more experienced and astute manager would be less inclined to give the opposition any advantage. Brian Stock's free-kick earned Doncaster a deserved their first win at Leeds in the first league meeting between the sides in 52 years. Stock struck their winner in the 21st minute, crashing a free-kick past Casper Ankergren before the Leeds goalkeeper could move. Dons stopper Neil Sullivan denied Jermaine Beckford by saving a powerful volley from Leeds' leading scorer. And Sullivan also did well to hold Peter Sweeney's free-kick On a poor pitch, Rovers outclassed Leeds from start to finish with their slick passing game. Coppinger controlled the game for Rovers and "the weaknesses that Donaster have at the back" (according to Wise) were never exploited, or maybe they just weren't there. The only players who were invisible at Elland Road were Leeds ones, ie Sweeney, Kilkenny, Kenton and Johnson. Kenton was poor at Crewe and was poor again. Heath replaced him at half time and did much better. Prutton who I thought did well against Crewe didn't feature. Even when we had two subs used, we brought on Weston. Amazing decision given his lack of ability as seen to date, apart from pushing a Northampton player off the ball to score in the 91st minute a fortnight earlier. Wise should learn to afford the opposition some respect and not help wind them up. Sullivan played well but could only have been helped by Wise's lack of respect. Sean O'Driscoll the Donny manager had the following to say : " Dennis Wise was quoted as saying that he thought one or two of Sat Jan 19th. Leeds are to take the Football League to the High Court as the fight to win back their 15 points continues. United were docked 15 points for what the League perceived to be a failure to follow insolvency policy.The penalty was upheld at a subsequent meeting of the other 71 clubs. Chairman Ken Bates revealed in his programme notes for Saturday's game with Doncaster Rovers that the club are to serve a writ on the League.He wrote: "Leeds United have decided to sue the Football League direct. The more our legal team have dug into the matter, the shambolic administration of both the FA and the FL makes it essential that our grievance is aired before a truly independent body, namely the High Court."If the writ hasn't been issued and served by the time you read this, it will be done early next week, and we will be seeing an urgent and early hearing."It is a tenet of English law that justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Clearly that is not the case." Thurs Jan 17th. New Signings. Dennis Wise has confirmed that former Middlesbrough and Derby striker Malcolm Christie is close to earning a contract at Leeds. The 28-year-old, who was released from Boro last Other news, Leeds continue to chase big Lubo Michalik from Bolton and it's thought that we may get him near the end of this transfer window for circa £300,000. Wise added : "I'm keeping an eye on the Bolton situation and when the time is right maybe they may allow us to negotiate something." Colchester have had a bid accepted by Walsall for Leeds target, Daniel Fox, but Wise maintains he is watching events and said that "maybe there's still a possibility we may get him". Meanwhile, Fillipe da Costa has returned to Thorp arch after training with Falkirk and Queen's Park Rangers have agreed a deal for Leeds target Damien Delaney.The Londoners completed the signing for the defender from fellow Championship club Hull City for a fee in the region of £1.2m Thurs Jan 17th. The Walsall match scheduled for 3PM on Saturday, March 22nd has been scheduled for a live Sky viewing and will now take place at 5:20 PM that same evening. Makes up for the Southend game I suppose. Tues Jan 15th. Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is ready to open talks with Leeds United to secure the permanent signing of Shaun Derry. The 30-year-old midfielder has played a key role in Palace's 14-match unbeaten run which has seen them roar from second-bottom into the play-off places. But Derry's loan spell comes to an end following Saturday's home game with Bristol City, when he will have to head back to Elland Road where he still has 18 months to run on his contract. "We'll be talking to Leeds because his contribution has been good," Warnock told the South London Press. "Shaun's on a good contract at Leeds so we've got to see if they are ready for him to go and also sort things out this end. I think things will be resolved in the next week to 10 days." Leeds are thought to value Derry around the £300,000 mark. Weds Jan 16th. In a surprise development which may or may not help Leeds United, non league Havant & Waterlooville knocked out Swansea City in the FA Cup 4th round replay by 4-2. Havant & Waterlooville, who are 83 places below the Swans will now travel to Anfield for a mouth-watering fourth round tie with Liverpool.Roberto Martinez, Swansea's manager could not hide his disappointment : "All the boys are really disappointed. We weren't ourselves in the way we defended and that was going to affect our rhythm going forward. To give a 3-0 lead is something that shouldn't happen. Sometimes you feel football has got some destiny in it and it doesn't matter what you do, you get punished and in that respect, there are many, many things that are disappointing. We really lost this tie at home when we created 24 chances and only scored one goal. But I can guarantee you we are going to bounce back and respond in the right way.It's a hard pill to swallow especially with all the excitement we have in terms of trying to give something for our fans that they really deserved". We'll see. Tues Jan 15th. Leeds and Nottingham Forest are battling it out for the signature of non-league striker Paul Taylor. Taylor, who initially quit football after being turned down by Manchester City two years ago, has scored 15 goals this season and is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jermaine Beckford, who made a jump from Wealdstone to being League One's top hitman . The Vauxhall Motors top scorer, 20, is having a trial with the Whites this week after his club turned down a £50k offer from Forest. Mon Jan 14th. Crewe Alex 0-1 Leeds. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Kenton, Parker, Prutton (Johnson 71), Kilkenny, Hughes, Sweeney, Beckford, Flo (Kandol 77). Subs Not Used: Heath, Thompson, Weston. Booked: Kenton. Goals: Beckford 36. Att: 6,771 (1995 Leeds) Leeds United climbed to third place in League One after securing a narrow win over Crewe thanks to Jermaine Beckford's 16th goal of the season. Beckford got to the ball ahead of Crewe goalkeeper Ben Williams to head the winner in the 36th minute after Peter Sweeney swung over a cross. Both sides hit the woodwork, with Andy Hughes almost giving Leeds an early lead with a glancing header. And after the break Chris McCready's header for Crewe came back off the bar. In truth it wasn't a vintage performance by Derby boss Paul Jewell says he is not after Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford and has accused the United boss Dennis Wise of showing a lack of respect. Wise said Leeds were a bigger club than Derby and said he did not see why his 16-goal leading scorer would want to join the Premier League strugglers. But Jewell told BBC Radio Derby: "I think it's pretty disrespectful. "I've got no interest in Jermaine. We're looking at a better quality player than that." The Rams boss added: "I heard Dennis's comments."I don't know if he's trying to be big or score points with the Leeds fans. I wouldn't make a comment as I think it's pretty disrespectful for managers to talk about other teams unless they say nice things." Wise had earlier said Derby had no chance of signing Beckford anyway, insisting: "We're a bigger club than Derby. OK, we're in League One, but why would he want to go there? "If you're talking about the big four or five then it's a bit different, but at the moment I'm not prepared to let him go to a place like Derby." Beckford has continued the superb form he enjoyed in the second half of last season on loan at Scunthorpe, where he netted eight times in 17 starts. However, Wise says anyone keen on buying his star man is heading for disappointment. "There are a lot of people looking at him but the problem they've got is he loves this club," the United manager added. "He likes working with us and the lads, and he likes the environment - that's important to a player Jan 12th. Leeds live Sky game at Southend has been put back 24 hours and will now now be shown live. Kevin Blackwell must have run over a black cat as he swopped one club in administration for another. Together with Sam Ellis and John Carver they have both submitted their resignations at Luton, which will come into effect in one month. Their "ambition and that of Luton Town" was some what different. Luton Lost at home to Swansea to send the Swans further clear of Leeds and Notts Forest hammered Leyton Orien 4-0. Jan 10th. Kenton signs in. Experienced defender Darren Kenton became the latest The Others and Bassett's view The current window has been the first opportunity for the former Millwall and Swindon manager to really stamp his own mark on the squad since succeeding Kevin Blackwell in October 2006. Leeds have also been linked with a £500,000 move for Orient' top striker, the nippy Adam Boyd (who has already netted 11 times this season for the O's) and elsewhere Jan 9th 2007. Peter Sweeney completed his move to Leeds from Stoke this evening for a nominal fee after completing his medical at Thorp Arch. That's four in so far during the January window. Jan 8th. 2008. Leeds have completed the £250,000 signing of highly-rated midfielder Jan 7th. 2007. Two in, one out and one to decide Tiger to switch to Leeds ? Elsewhere Leeds continue their interest in Hull City utility defender, Damian Delaney. The Tigers have already turned down £400,000 from Colchetser United. Saddlers may be saddled by Leeds Walsall have this morning been rocked by the news Leeds United target Daniel Fox has handed in a transfer request. The left-back has been stalling on signing a new deal with the Midlands club and is known to have been unsettled recently with transfer speculation. Only last week contract negotiations were said to be going okay and this latest development will come as a blow to Walsall boss Richard Money who has already rumoured to have rejected an offer of around £250k, believed to have been made by Leeds. Jan 6th. More additions. Leeds are set to bolster their squad further in the shape of
Jan 5th. Leeds United 3-0 Northampton. Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Huntington, Parker, Prutton (Weston 90), Hughes, Kilkenny, Westlake (Carole 46), Beckford, Flo (Kandol 77). Subs Not Used: Lucas, Kishishev. Goals: Richardson 43, Marques 52, Weston 90. Att: 24,472 If this had been a boxing match it would have been stopped. The Cobblers obviously came to Elland Road content on I called for reinforcements and Wise hasn't disappointed. On this showing we will catch Notts Forest and maybe Swansea as well. Beter still, it shows with Kilkenny in the team we can play football on the ground and hopefully now we have dispensed with the long ball for the balance of the season. Jan 4th. More in and more links. Leeds have signed Australia midfielder Neil Kilkenny (pic'd left)from Birmingham on loan with a view to a permanent move. Neil Jan 3rd. 2007. Dennis Wise has officially confirmed his interest in the following two players : 24 year old Dean Morgan, an exciting striker-winger with Luton Town and striker, 21 year old striker, Jason Puncheon of Barnet. Morgan is currently on loan with Southend but is a free agent at the end of the season. Broke Luton would probably accept around £250,000 for the player who caused havoc in the 5-1 demolition of Leeds back in 2005. Has has over 200 appearances under his belt and has also played for Sheffield United, Colchester and Reading, where he made an impression on Andy Hughes. Puncheon has already scored ten goals this term at Underhill, and the Barnet player seems to top Wise's wanted list, especially now that Leo Constantine is out for two months with a broken arm after scoring against Oldham. Jinxed or what ? Jan 3rd.Some sound advice - Take it ! Jan 3rd. Seb signs in and Derry refuses to come back. Dave Bassett has warned Shaun Derry that the midfielder will face a frosty reception if he returns to Leeds United at the end of his loan spell with Crystal Palace. United failed with an attempt to recall Derry from Selhurst Park ahead of yesterday's clash with Oldham Athletic at Elland Road – leaving boss Dennis Wise fuming at what he believes was a "snub" from the 30-year-old. Derry's two-month loan with Jan1st 2008.Tues Jan 1st. Leeds 1-3 Oldham Ath.Leeds United: Ankergren; Richardson, Rui Marques, Heath, Hughes; Prutton, Kishishev (Constantine 46), Thompson (Parker 56), Carole (Flo 46); Beckford, Kandol. Unused substitutes: Huntington, Westlake.
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 |
|||||
 |
||||||
 |
service in Ireland. We have just lost our seventh in a row. We don't do cup finals do we ? Ask Sunderland, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Charlton Athletic, Aston Villa, Watford and now Doncaster Rovers. Leeds won the pre-match battle with Lord Mawhinney as every player blanked the man when forced to shake his hand. The Leeds contingen left him in do doubt regarding their feelings.Howver, on the pitch Sean O'Driscoll won the tactical battle at Wembley over Gary McAllister's Leeds United. Leeds named an unchanged side from the 
previous two matches v Carlisle. It was a mistake as they looked uncomfortable all afternoon down the left flanks. Sheehan should have been recalled at left full with Johnson pushed further forward. He also would have been more than useful for the couple of set played we won in dangerous positions. Kilkenny should have missed out and Prutton played wide on the right and Carole should have been on the bench. Then 
again 20/20 vision is always best one would say and many of us would have changed the side that lost 1-2 at home to Carlisle in the semi-finals. Donny were well worth their victory and Leeds could have rectified the situation at half time but straight after the restart James Hayter's second-half header secured Doncaster a place in the second tier of English football for the first time in over 50 years. Goalkeeper Casper Ankergren kept Leeds in the game with two great first-half saves from James Coppinger and Hayter. Doncaster then took a deserved lead on 47 minutes when the unmarked Hayter headed home a corner from 10 yards. Leeds surged forward and dominated possession late on but had few clear-cut chances as Rovers held on. Promotion to the Championship is a remarkable feat for a club who were playing Conference football five years ago. V
ictory was no less than they deserve however as throughout this season Doncaster have played with an attractiveness befitting of a Championship side. For Leeds, it is now a case of a second season in League One following a season clouded in controversy after they were deducted 15 points by the Football League. Doncaster were the better side at Wembley, even though Leeds went all-out on attack in the final 10 minutes to set up a grandstand finish. Rovers had a number of great opportunities to take the lead inside the first 10 minutes as Leeds struggled to cope with Doncaster's slick passing. Leeds were vulnerable down the flanks and had 
it not been for Ankergren Doncaster would have been out of sight. In the ninth minute, the Danish keeper came quickly off his line to pluck the ball from Coppinger's feet when the midfielder was clear and a minute later the 28-year-old produced a brilliant one-handed save to stop Hayter's run towards goal. Before that, Jason Price and Richie Wellens both should have found the target in what was a blistering start from Doncaster. Leeds gradually tamed the onslaught but Doncaster keeper Neil Sullivan was hardly troubled; their best chance coming near the end of the half when Jonathan Howson's long-range effort sailed inches above the crossbar. Only two minutes of the second half had elapsed when Hayter gave Rovers the lead with his first goal since January. It was a moment of bad defending from Leeds but no less than the Sean O'Driscoll's men deserved. Leeds pushed forward in search of the equaliser; Howson again tried his luck from distance while Beckford shot from an acute angle to force a save from Sullivan. Howson was becoming more influential in midfield, and in the final 10 minutes the ball was mostly in the Doncaster half as Leeds bombarded the opposition goal. Sullivan was equal to the test and even with five minutes of injury time Leeds could not get through an impregnable defence. Leeds lacked guile. KIlkenny's corners couldn't beat the first man, and our only offensive player on the bench, Kandol wasn't really up to this occasion as we have seen time and time again. Beckford had a number of half chances but was extremely poor as he has been for previous few games. Perhaps the injury is affecting him but he looks a shadow of the player that started the season. Frazer Richardson was not allowed space for his bombarding runs as Donny did their home work. Leeds missed a great opportunity today and were roared on by nearly 60,000 of the 75,000 crowd. Fans don't win games and from this match only Huntington, Ankergren and Douglas can take any credit. Freedman deserved a cleverer strike partner than Beckford who too often plays for himself. Leeds will win this league next season but we have had a major set back today no matter what spin is put on it. The Louth Branch travelled in large quantities with over 20 represented and Wembley stadium is everything that Croke Park isn't - a truly wonderful stadium. Those who weren't in the Millennium a couple of seasons ago were more disappointed than those of us who witnessed the Watford surrender. I wouldn't say you get used to the losing but the pain is numbed out quicker because of the experience of the Leeds experience. McAllister must learn from today. Some players are not good enough and a few wide additions with at least one striker and a Robbie Blake type player of craft is essential. We are Leeds fans and we will regroup, but as said at the beginning we are Leeds and we don't seem to do finals. Gary McAllister 
said: "It goes without saying that it's very disappointing. But what I've tried to impress on the guys in the dressing room, who are obviously very low, is that each of those individuals should be proud of what they've done. Myself and the coaching staff are very proud of what they've achieved, and I think the Leeds fans are as well. To start a campaign with such a hefty handicap and to get right to the final play-off match deserves to be applauded. They've continually got up and got on with it, and it's quite simple – that group of players won 27 games, gained 91 points and barring the handicap they would have been promoted. I've got to say that I think the players have got the stomach to come back. They'll go away this summer and regroup, and there's going to be a hardcore of these guys back at Leeds United next season. It's going to be busy for myself and the chairman over the summer trying to recruit people that can make us better. I'm better off myself after 20 games at this level of football. We've got to go into next season positive. I know it's difficult to say that at the moment, but we will. McAllister admitted that Doncaster had produced the more fluid performance at Wembley, saying: "We huffed and puffed, and we gave it every ounce of our energy. "But in the final third, our final ball or effort on goal lacked quality. I didn't think we chose the right execution of crossing, passing or shooting." United's boss, meanwhile, predicted a productive summer in the transfer market after insisting that he would be under no pressure from chairman Ken Bates to auction the more valuable members of his squad. Leeds have already lined up the signing of Swansea City winger Andy Robinson on a three-year deal, but McAllister will also be free to resist any offers for the likes of academy product Jonathan Howson, whose stock has risen rapidly this season. "Things are better with the finances now," McAllister said."Any players at the club who I want to keep will be kept. I'm under no pressure to sell anybody if there are offers for some of our players. "Right through to our academy, the big clubs with the big money have been poaching, and we've been well rewarded for that. We've sold four or five (players) in the last few seasons and made four or five million pounds I believe. That won't happen again. Leeds no longer have to sell people to exist. "We've already started with Andy Robinson. He's a champion with Swansea who wants to sign for us because he's aware of what this (club) can achieve further down the line. We're looking for people who want to come and join us."
United when his contract expires at the end of June. In an official statement on the Swans website, the club expressed its disappointment at Robinson’s decision but wished him all the best for the future.The statement brings a dramatic end to the ongoing saga over Robinson’s future. The winger had set a Monday deadline for his final decision but the club refused to accept his demands and gave him a final ultimatum yesterday. Robinson scored 54 goals in 200 appearances for Swansea and usually plays out wide. The player is moving to a far bigger club, and Swansea failed when they called his bluff before Monday knowing that he may be in a division below Swansea by that time. Meanwhile, Rui Marques has come in from the cold and agreed a two year contract extension with United. Sensible boy.
Tykes than it does for Leeds United. Both sides have three points apiece from matches played this season. On April 1st, Alan Sheehan converted a superb free kick to give Leeds the winner at the Keepmoat stadium. Rovers fans will no doubt point to the Brian Stock goal that gave Donny their 1-0 victory at Elland Road back in January. Doncaster slipped up on the final day, when a rugged Cheltenham side fighting for survival defeated them 2-1. The defeat meant Notts Forest eclipsed them by two points for that second automatic promotion spot. Donny, according to many are the best footballing side in the division. The Louth Branch witnessed that when we watched them defeat Notts Forest back on March 28th. That said, they struggled near the end of the campaign, with just nine points from their last seven matches. They have struggled to find an individual who will score plenty of goals inspite of Coppinger's hat-trick against Southend in the semi-final. Joint top scorer, Paul Heffernan with seven league goals is suspended for the final, but Rovers will rely on their other seven goal scorer, Jason Price who provides more nuisance value than ability. For me their two best players are Richie Wellens in midfield who started life with Man United, and the skilful wide player, James Coppinger. In goals, they have former Leeds player, Neil Sullivan. Leeds will point out that with the fifteen points restored they would have finished eleven points clear of Rovers. United will also point out that they scored more goals (72 vs 65) than Rovers and conceded fewer (38 vs 42) at the other end. Leeds also finished the season stronger, and are a side never beaten. Ask Carlisle, who were convinced that the job was done at Elland Road. United have amassed an amazing seventeen goals in the final five minutes of matches. That's not luck but sure belief. Alan Sheehan is available for the final after serving his three match suspension, and Jermaine Beckford should make it also. In midfield Leeds have bags of experience with Douglas and Prutton. Howson is on his game and talisman, Dougie Freedman wants to go out on high in his last game in a Leeds shirt. At the back Leeds are strong, and one hopes that the wide Wembley pitch will provide ample space for the galloping runs of Frazer Richardson at right full. Come on Leeds ! Head to Head. 2007/2008 Tue 01 Apr Doncaster Rvs. 0 - 1 Leeds Utd. League One Sat 19 Jan Leeds Utd. 0 - 1 Doncaster Rvs. League One 1955/1956 Sat 14 Apr Doncaster Rvs. 1 - 2 Leeds Utd. Second Division Sat 03 Dec Leeds Utd. 3 - 0 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division 1954/1955 Sat 02 Apr Doncaster Rvs. 0 - 1 Leeds Utd. Second Division Sat 13 Nov Leeds Utd. 1 - 0 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division 1953/1954 Sat 10 Apr Doncaster Rvs. 0 - 0 Leeds Utd. Second Division Sat 07 Nov Leeds Utd. 3 - 1 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division 1952/1953 Sat 25 Apr Leeds Utd. 1 - 1 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division Sat 06 Dec Doncaster Rvs. 0 - 0 Leeds Utd. Second Division 1951/1952 Sat 22 Dec Leeds Utd. 0 - 0 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division Sat 25 Aug Doncaster Rvs. 2 - 0 Leeds Utd. Second Division 1950/1951 Sat 16 Dec Doncaster Rvs. 4 - 4 Leeds Utd. Second Division Sat 19 Aug Leeds Utd. 3 - 1 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division 1947/1948 Sat 28 Feb Doncaster Rvs. 3 - 0 Leeds Utd. Second Division Sat 11 Oct Leeds Utd. 0 - 0 Doncaster Rvs. Second Division
We have been inundated with requests for tickets for the Wembley game vs Doncaster from both members and non-members. Non-members are advised to contact Leeds United or log on to 
to name an unchanged side for the most important game of the season to date. Many thought he was wrong, including me. A comprehensive Leeds United victory was the answer for the quiet spoken Scot. Players had points to prove and from the tenth minute when Howson put us ahead after a neat move, we were never in any real trouble. It didn't feel like that at the time. Play-Off matches are tense affairs especially when you are involved as a Leeds fan. The Louth branch with nerves tingling gathered in Peadars and celebrated with relief when Howson's first levelled the tie. Up front Beckford looked like a player that was carrying a knock, but all four midfielders were sublime : Howson, Prutton, Douglas and just a little less so than the others, Kilkenny. Richardson gave a master class at right full, breaking up attacks and bombing 
forward at will. He kept the dangerous Bridge-Wilkinson quiet all night. Our make shift left back, Johnson was careful not to wander too far forward and performed well especially with a last ditch header away in front of the ineffective Danny Graham. Ward, the Carlisle manager won the tactical battle in the first leg, but over two legs Gary McAllister (our gaffer) came on top. Oh how priceless that 96th minute goal from 
Freedman at Elland Road proved to be. Dougie had a quite night again, but his composure, experience and not to mention finishing adds plenty to the side. The second half saw Leeds on top with Prutton almost scoring and Johsnon's terrific header rebounding off the post form a corner. Michalik and local lad, Huntington were solid. Ankergren, often criticised by me was comfortable and made a vital save late in the first half. Just when it looked like it was heading to extra time, Howson (who feared he would be dropped) moved forward, played a one two and hit a left footed daisy 
cutter into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. There was no time for Carlisle to react even though the ref added a further ninety seconds on. Leeds had reached Wembley, Peadars erupted and the phone began to reach over load from the texts coming in with congratulations and request for tickets. Congrats to the players officials but most of all us the fans. We deserve this and just one more match will bring us half way to where we really belong.
ching career. I had opportunities to come back into the game before I came back to Leeds and nights like this are why I chose Leeds. McAllister, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a top midfielder, has already earmarked Howson for a bright future. "He couldn't have picked a better time to score and it was a great strike," said McAllister. "He's been an ever-present since I arrived.
own heading to Brunton Park. If we do get up we'll do it the hard way. There were nerves galore at Elland Road for the Whites as the big occasion seemed to stifle Howson, Kilkenny and maybe Huntington also. Freedman normally so assured needed that little touch extra, and Beckford was off the pace following his return. That said, credit to Carlisle for coming at us from the off. Carlisle took the lead after Simon Hackney's volley was deflected in off the back of Danny Graham. It came as a result of an unforced Richardson error that lead to corner that never was and the shot rebounded off Danny Graham's big arse. Visitors keeper Keiren Westwood was in heroic form and he superbly denied Freedman and Jermaine Beckford. We were 1-
0 down at half time. The second half saw Carlisle again start the stronger and they doubled their lead when Marc Bridge-Wilkinson slotted home early in the second half. Leeds huffed and puffed and showed little invention as Johnson was uncomfortable at left back, Kilkenny was uncomfortable on the left wing and Douglas and Howson were not having a good night in the middle. The crowd were unhappy when top scorer was replaced by Kandol who seemed to come deeper and deeper for the ball and Prutton was replaced by Carole. Westwood was finally beaten in the 96th minute when a long-diagonal free-kick deep fell to Freedman and the Leeds forward put a close-range shot through the keeper's legs. It was no more 
than Leeds deserved as the Cumbrians continued to waste time at every possibility. A big goal by a big player means that we are still in it at half time in the 180 minute encounter. Don’t book your planes to London just yet, but maybe just maybe Leeds will show another twist in this tale. I thought McAllister and Staunton got it wrong tonight in their selections and substitutions. We had too many square pegs in round holes. Play Kenton or Hughes at left back and leave Bradley Johnson out wide on the left were he feels more natural attacking defenders. Play a disappointing Howson and a disappointing Douglas in the middle again at Carlisle with Prutton on the right but leave Beckford and Freedman up front with the midfield players getting forward more to support them .If we chase the game and need Kandol, then leave the front two on but Freedman in the hole behind. Too much tonight Kandol tried to play that role. He's definitely no Zico but when he got in the box his nuisance lead to the goal. It's not over year but a lot of Leeds players owe us a better performance and the keeper can't have another night like tonight can he ?
Leeds United and Carlisle United at Elland Road. I was set to start to draw parallels between us being 2-0 up after the away leg at Yeovil last season, and of course ultimately failing dismally, which would have offered Leeds some solace for their trip to Bruton Park. However, a goal in the sixth minute of added time (only four were added, mind!) by Dougie Freedman perhaps gives Leeds renewed hope.Westwood in the Carlisle goal was undoubtedly man of the match, he kept out a plethora of Leeds chances which would have put the game well beyond doubt despite goals from Danny Graham and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson that looked to be giving the Cumbrians a surprising 2-0 lead to take back with them to the north. A surprising turn of form for them given their remarkable collapse in the final stages of the regular league season (much to our benefit!).Following on from the somewhat disappointing first semi-final between Southend and Doncaster, it’s been good to see some decent end-to-end football; controversy wasn’t far away - not least with the amount of time allowed at the end of the game - it leaves a tantalising fixture for the return game, Carlisle won’t feel comfortable to sit on their lead, and of course Leeds will need to attack to overturn the existing deficit. After both first legs it remains in the balance which sides will be battling out for the final promotion spot at Wembley.I can only reiterate what a relief it is to watch the playoffs as pretty much a neutral; whilst many folk I know are clamouring to see Leeds lose, I find myself just out for seeing a decent game of football to be honest - and tonight that’s certainly what I’ve seen - and I’m hoping for more in the next leg
number of goals from our own Jermaine Beckford (on loan but not recalled by Wise) came top by six points. Their stay in the Championship was short as they were relegated this season, finishing in 23rd position. Bristol City added just three players to their squad, finished six points behind Scunthorpe last season in League One and are now in the Play-Offs with a chance of promotion to the elite Premiership. They finished just five points behind Stoke City. Blackpool finished 3rd and went up in the Play-Offs with a victory at Wembley over Yeovil Town. They remain in the Championship. 
ed the following season with Leeds United from the Championship. Colchester survived an extra year before they were relegated this season. Fifth placed Barnsley almost reached the FA Cup final this season and won the Play-Offs at Cardiff from an identical 5th place finish to Leeds United.
lish football after falling to the same administrational fate as Leeds United. Hull City who struggled with Leeds last season to remain in the Championship now find themselves in the Play-Offs fighting for Premiership promotion. Sheffield Wednesday were promoted via the Play-Offs after finishing fifth in the Play-Offs (dejavu again). They stayed in the Championship on the last day courtesy of a 4-1 win over Norwich City. 
stance since their automatic promotion with limited resources, I may add. QPR have gone through financial turmoil and have at last found themselves a huge investor for an excellent club. Nomads, Brighton came up via the Play-Offs having finished fourth and it is good to see that they will finally have their own ground in a couple of seasons after years on the road. They fell back down to the third tier but narrowly missed out this season to a side called Leeds United for a place in the Play-Offs. I wonder what will happen to them.
r Richard Cresswell move to the Britannia Stadium last summer. Leeds chairman Ken Bates told Yorkshire Radio: "I'm pleased for Stoke and I wish them well. "When they took Richard Cresswell we were on a bonus if they got promotion, so we're delighted." Cresswell scored ten league goals for Stoke City mostly from the left wing position, and dennis wise didn't rate him for Leeds. Says it all really. Danny Pugh and Dominic Matteo (injured since November) were two other Leeds players in the successful Stoke City squad.
January to mid February. Our last eight matches has seen title clinching form with six wins, one draw and one defeat. McAlliser has them playing decent football with Dougie Freedman the talisman. He creates and scores and with the imminent return of Beckford, this striking partnership could cement our place back in the Championship. Leeds have been mean at the back also, conceding just four goals at the back in the last nine matches. Huntington (apart from his mistake against Gillingham) and Michallik have formed a good central defensive partnership. In the middle of the park, Jonny Hoswon is the form player in this division. Leeds have won 15 matches at home and 13 on the road. They are a match for anyone. Had it not been for the 15 point penalty, Leeds would have clinched automatic promotion with a fabulous 91 points. That would have left us nine points clear of Notts Forest in second. Carlisle are probably the side they would have chosen to play in the Play-Offs had they a choice. The Cumbrians would no doubt have the opposite view. The first match takes place on Monday, May 12th at Elland Road with the return leg at Brunton Park on Thursday, 15th of May. The Play-Off final is in Wembley on Sunday, May 25th. I expect Leeds to be there.
be at Wembley on May 25th. It's a
credit to the players and staff at Leeds United, not to mention the long suffering fans. Once again we did it the hard way with Alan Sheehan receiving a straight red card after 64 minutes. Despite having to defend a few corners after that, Leeds actually finished the stronger. Freedman after four minutes put Leeds ahead in Somerset, and Yeovil had their biggest ever crowd at their stadium beating even the attendance for their home cup tie v Liverpool a few seasons ago. If we get all fifteen points back, we would actually be two points ahead of Swansea (with one game extra played). If we don't let's go on to finish strong against Gillingham and prepare for the Play-Offs. Sheehan will be suspended for the Play-Off Semi finals (both legs) unless his red card is over turned, In fairness it should because although it was two footed he got the ball first by some distance
n about the injustice of Leeds appeal pursuits, United just concentrated on their football and took three precious points from the Lion's Den. In truth Leeds were battered, especially in the second half when attack after attack was repelled. Leeds are made of stronger stuff these days. None of the aforementioned sides won this weekend, and it does seem incredible to me the lack of knowledge emanating from some of these football people, who clearly don't understand what Leeds case is about. Sheehan was recalled to left full after his two match suspension, and Leeds were better balanced, although in the middle for long periods we looked out of sorts. Our best two players were 
Huntington, who is growing in stature and captain for the day, Johnny Howson who gets better with every game. A super strike from outside the box by Prutton gave us the lead and the winner from Andy Hughes resulted from a super move by Leeds on the counter attack as Millwall poured forward. A victory at Yeovil Town next Friday would guarantee United's inclusion, but McAllister said: "I'm reluctant to say there's a sense of relief. We can't have a big sigh until we achieve what we're trying to do. "It's still in our hands and that's the thing we wanted most – to define what our destiny is going to be. One more win and we're in. "We've got to hold our hands up and say we rode our luck and that Millwall did well, but we take the slice of luck and move on to the next game."
half saw the visitors in front through former Aberdeen player, Scott Dobie. A different Leeds side entered the fray for the second period. The higher tempo suited Leeds United as Howson and Douglas started to get on the ball and the influence of the sublime Dougie Freedman became obvious for all to see, including our own Terry McQuaid. The injured Beckford was replaced by Kandol who quicky got involved in everything, with his obvious height an 
advantage. He could have had three goals as he missed some easy chances. As it turned out Freedman equalised on 50 minutes sending the Leeds fans into raptures. They were even happier nine minutes later when Howson converted from Kandol's miss. Ankergren (the one weak player in our team who may yest cost us promotion) missed a c
orner cross and Danny Graham (who was on loan with Leeds last season) scored to make it two- two. From then on it was really all Leeds and no surprise when Freedman scored his second and Leeds winner with twenty one minutes to go. We could have added to it but didn't. We have now defeated at least once all the teams above us and the momentum is still going. Brilliant ! 
Road and put the Whites back in the Play-Off positions. Once again Leeds were a huge draw (with 2,735 officially Leeds fans and no doubt countless more inside also) and due to crowd congestion the match was delayed 15 minutes. Paul Huntington scored after a flick on from a Bradley Johson free kick on sixteen minutes. The big Geordie is really in form and will be hard to dispossess of that shirt for the next match. Hoswon and Douglas were superb in midfield with the former proving what a huge player he is going to be for Leeds. He 
had a couple of super efforts but couldn't score. Beckford at last got a goal from play five minutes after the restart. He became the first Leeds player to hit 20 goals in a season since Mark Viduka in 2003. He limped off after 65 minutes not before Kilkenny blocked Freedman's effort on the Orient goal line. It was a an assured performance from Leeds again but once again Howson stood out. He's been in the starting line up for every one of McAllister's line ups, something which Wise didn't give him and he's looking like a quality player. Elsehwere Brighton lost at home to P Vale, Tranmere lost at Walsall, Donny drew at Huddfield and Carlsile won 2-1 at home to Yeovil.
Gary Mac : "I will certainly enjoy my weekend. But for their keeper's saves it could have been anything, Today we had some really solid performances. I have to say again the supporters are a great help for us again. They filled the ground. The lads kept passing and moving and we deserved to go ahead. The second goal knocked the stuffing out if them a wee bit. Paul Huntington got a knock on the eye, a real centre back's black eye.m He's no longer a pretty boy. I'm getting to know the players. They are getting to know me. We look at each game knowing we can win it, looking to be offensive. The players know I'm staying and it's up to them to show me that they want to be here for the future. We look forward to Carlisle and we know we can beat them".
Leeds have lost just twice in 11 games under McAllister and sit one place outside the play-off places following Tuesday night's win at Doncaster Rovers. The United manager said: "This is one of the top 10 jobs in the country, even though we are in the third tier. You can't get away from that. "It is a fantastic honour to now be manager for an extended period. "When I arrived, the job was a three-and-a-half month contract and the brief was simple – get us moving forward and get us out of this league. We are nudging closer. It took me about two seconds to say 'yes' (to the offer). The negotiations were very simple. I want to bring success to the club. It has been a rough ride for Leeds United and the club has been through a lot. But I believe Leeds United are on their way back. It is still going to be a long process but the worst has gone. It has bottomed out and we are ready to go again." McAllister has been joined by assistant Steve Staunton and first-team coach Neil McDonald in signing new rolling contracts and the United manager believes the increased stability can only help the club. prosper in the future. The Scot added: "There is some continuity for the players who know where they stand with regards to who the manager will be beyond this season. "The players are fully aware of what direction we are trying to take the club and where the emphasis needs to be. If I was a player, it would be give me peace of mind as to where I stood. It will not be a case of having to impress a new man at the start of pre-season." United chairman Ken Bates added: "We have been impressed with what Gary has done so far. So we decided it was fair to offer him a rolling contract to enable us to plan the future of Leeds United with confidence and security." With the security that comes with the new deal, McAllister now plans to relocate his young family to Yorkshire from the Midlands on a permanent basis. He added: "My kids are delighted. My eldest is a Yorkshireman because he was born when I played for Leeds. "It is important to commit to the club, I want the players and staff to be living in the area."
scored the winner against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, Sheehan picked up what was his 10th yellow card of the season, and will therefore now be suspended for two league matches. The defender, on loan to Leeds from Championship side Leicester City will be available for this weekends trip to the capital to face Leyton Orient, however will miss vital matches against Carlisle United and Huddersfield Town.
Whites of Yorkshire for grabbing three priceless points at the Keepmoat tonight. This was as good as any result we had during the early part of the season. Alan Sheehan can strike a free kick. We saw that on Saturday when he went close twice. Tonight he curled the winner into the top corner after just twenty minutes. It was a terrific reward for a young player who has worked hard to get his fitness back after a poor start in a Leeds shirt. The transformation and McAllister's courage in persevering with him must be
commended. We had to endure a lot of pressure from Donny. Howson and Douglas were immense in a Leeds side devoid of Marques , Kentton and Prutton (three of our strongest players). Paul Huntington had a superb game at the back. The second half saw more pressure from Donny, but Howson went close twice and Beckford had a couple of half chances. I have to say I am delighted with this win even though not predicting the order of the four points from the last two matches.One last piece of irony. Who is the April fool now ? Answers on a postcard to the Donny groundsman who had the game called off a month ago. 
the ball didn't cross the line. And Freedman went close again when he flicked Bradley Johnson's centre inches outside the far post. Leeds created numerous chances as Howson had a superb game in the middle of the park. Brighton never really created anything but that elsuive goal for Leeds proved evasive. Beckford shot over inside the box when unmarked. But Dougie Freedman, normally so assured 
when finishing, was put clean through. He could have gone down for a penalty put chose to remain standing and took one touch too much before the keeper smothered it. Brighton held out for the one point that their ambition soley demanded. Ankergren was the one player for Leeds who was poor. His kick outs were a disaster. In other matches Leeds will create less chances and win matches. Sadly this was on we should have won but didn't.
hand over us and in most cases it's the Whites with excess matches to play. This Bank Holiday, Carlisle United look good for second spot with a 2-0 win over Northampton, Doncaster can't buy a win currently and drew 1-1 with Oldham who really needed a win to kick on for the Play-Offs. Brighton got a decent draw at Notts Forest and they won't be easy for Leeds on Saturday, but we are starting to hit form and are getting our key players back. Tranmere Rvs have fallen out of the Play-Offs with a bad 1-2 loss at lowly Bournemouth, but in form Southend had a decent 1-0 win away to Swindon Town. Elsewhere Martin Ling who threatened to fight Leeds in court can forget about the Play-Offs if his side (L Orient) can't get points at Cheltenham. Walsall's last minute draw only saw them get a draw at home to lowly Crewe Alex. 
from a corner. Prutton worked hard, fired a couple of decent shots on goal from distance an played well. Howson worked hard up and down and made some great runs were a pass from Beckford wasn't returned. Beckford scored two goals and could have anther three, and Freedman gave a master class in how to play up front. If Beckford was a little more experienced and less selfish he would appreciate the man on loan from Palace evene more. Walsall have a decent record away from home, but despite Gary Birtles insisting Walsall were still in it. Leeds were by far the better side and 4-0 score line would have been more realistic. Mooney, when he shot over from eight yards was really the only chance they created. We have no game over Easter, but Brighton next week is another must win, and if we play like this, I think we can at last get a bit of momentum going in the run in. I like the way we are trying to get the ball down and play, ten million miles away from the Wise Leeds team. One overlooked plus point was the return of Jon Douglas, a massive player for us. Walsall manager Richard Money admits that his side were unable to open up Leeds despite some healthy play and that striker Jermaine Beckford was the uncontrollable difference.“It was always going to be a tough ask for us, but we gave it our best shot,” “There were periods where we played well but we just couldn't open them up in the way that we wanted to. The top and bottom of it is that we couldn't handle a very good player in Jermaine Beckford and he was the difference.” Gary McAllister : "We played well and derserved the three points. To do both makes for a decent Easter. Jermaine Beckford scored twice and there's no finer sight than seeing a young striker with confidence again. He looked a real threat. They only breached us once. After conceding three last week at Port Vale we defended well. We held a stronger line and the two centre backs headed away more than they have in the previous eight matches. I was delighted with the clean sheet. When we break the game down it was 
he most pleasing thing, but I'm delighted Jermaine is back on the score sheet. The cameras were here and we sent out a message on Saturday. Dougie Freedman was excellent along side a very sharp Beckford. After the last game here I was saying we needed to take more care in the final third, and we knew walsall would come and frustrate and put men behind the ball. But look at some of the positions our forwards got in. Their movement was terrific and I don't know any defence that would have coped. I was pleased for Alan Sheehan as well. It was clear that after a couple of games the jump of playing reserve team football to the first team here was big, but he's worked very, very hard, staying behind on an afternoon here and he played well on saturday. This is a crucial part of the season and I'm looking for characters and people who can cope. I'm backing my players - I think they've got it."
y far. Michalik has been a shadow of the player that was on loan last season, and letting Parker go to Darlington on loan was a disastrous decision. We are down to 10th and keep depending on other sides dropping points. one point out of two matches with Cheltenham and Port Vale is nothing short of a disgrace. I don't know what has gone wrong but we deserve better than this and when I say we I mean us long suffering fans. Can anyone work out why we called off the Huddersfield match when we are missing Kandol (who is playing shit), Michalik (who is also playing shit) and Sorsa (who can't get a game). Baffling decision ! McAllister said: "Some people might think we have dropped off again, but that wasn't the case and we still have everything to play for. "Of course we are disappointed not to win after scoring three goals away from home, but I couldn't fault the work-rate of the team and I'm confident we can push on. "I was looking for a reaction after losing to Cheltenham and I felt I got that. There were a lot of positives and there are still a lot of games to go." "I've got four experienced guys playing at the back in this match and they've got to defend better. To lose a goal right at the last kick of the game isn't good enough." McAllister was also incensed at the penalty decision that allowed Port Vale to pull the game back to 2-1 after Andrew Hughes was adjudged to have handled the ball. "I've looked back at it and the Port Vale players aren't asking for a penalty," added McAllister.You can tell from their reaction that it was not handball. "I didn't think we reacted well to the bad decision - for 10 or 15 minutes after that it was still affecting us, and you can't let that happen. "You've been dealt a bad blow but you get on with it, and we conceded another soft goal very close to it." The result saw Leeds slip to tenth in the League One table, two points outside the play-offs, and McAllister thought it was a missed opportunity. McAllister continued: "To come away from home and create a few chances as well as the three goals we scored - it's just hugely disappointing. "The facts are that if you come away from home and score three goals, you should be going home with the points." Leeds now face a run of five games against sides all vying for promotion. "We're going to have to stick together," added McAllister. "We really need to have the sort of mentality the club probably had at the start of the season when everyone was writing them off then. "People are maybe looking and saying 'their push is maybe fading a little bit', but I can assure we'll be working extremely hard to get ourselves back in there."
Neil Kilkenny scored their first goals for Leeds United to hand the club a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at Elland Road. Johnson took advantage of a defensive error in the 11th minute to open the scoring, and Kilkenny's 18-yard strike secured United's second straight league win with 63 minutes gone. Johnson was allowed to walk the ball into an empty net after Bournemouth goalkeeper David Forde and defender Neil 
Young collided with each other on the edge of the box, but the visitors should have restored parity before the break. Sam Vokes shot wide of an empty goal after a mistake from United goalkeeper Casper Ankergren, and Max Gradel fired an effort harmlessly over the crossbar with only Ankergren to beat in the 31st minute. Vokes also missed two excellent chances after the interval, and his finishing was punished when Jonathan Ho
wson's pass to the edge of the box was stroked into the net by the on-running Kilkenny, settling the contest. The score lines was tough on the Cherries, who had their chances. Seventeen year old Vokes was the one player who came to Elland Road this season and made Rui Marques look very ordinary indeed. It's two wins from the last two for McAllister's side with none conceded. This is the platform to build on. Leeds are up to seventh. Next up it's Cheltenham on Tuesday followed by a trip to Port Vale on Saturday. Nothing short of six points from these two matches will suffice. McAllister said: "It was difficult for their keeper because he only joined Bournemouth late in the week. He had no time to develop communication with his back four and we took advantage. We have two strikers (Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol) who have proved they can score goals but it is important that goals should come from the midfield as well. Neil disguised his shot really well by giving their keeper the eye and wrong-footing him. I have admired Neil from his Birmingham days. He is a footballer who can get on the ball and make things happen. I've been watching Bradley and there are a lot of times during games, especially when he climbs above people, when he reminds me of Gary Speed. He is a central midfielder playing out wide but I feel he can score goals from out there. He is our most accomplished left-sided player. The beauty of it is that he is getting into the game and having a big influence. The glowing tribute wasn't lost on Johnson, who said: "To be compared with Gary Speed, who has played so many games in the Premiership, is flattering and I'll take it. "My goal was a bonus. I saw their keeper and a defender go for the ball and gambled on it dropping to me. We have put that bad run of a few weeks ago behind us and now our aim is to kick on and win every game."
have returned to training this week after injury. Captain Hughes, 30, has missed the last two games but is now in contention for Saturday's visit of Bournemouth. Republic of Ireland man Douglas, 26, has been out since December with a knee injury, but he is not ready to return to the first-team yet. Manager Gary McAllister told the club website: "They both enjoyed joining in and it's good having them involved. "Andrew has made a good recovery and it's been a case of holding him back a little, but Dougie is still a wee bit away yet. "They both bring experience and it's a good time to have players returning." McAllister has been busy trimming his squad this week - letting Ian Westlake, Curtis Weston and Leon Constantine out on loan. "They are guys who are on the edge between competitive games, and hopefully this will give them an opportunity to play," said McAllister. 
United on loan, the Advertiser can exclusively reveal. After last night's clash against Cardiff City, Freedman explained reasons behind why he at first snubbed a move to Elland Road. But the Advertiser has learned that Freedman's proposed switch to Gary McAllister's side is back on, just hours after it looked as if the deal was dead in the water. Warnock told the Advertiser: "I think Dougie has agreed to join Leeds."
efender Stephen O'Halloran says he is staying positive about his future after suffering a potentially serious knee injury. The 20-year-old's loan at Leeds was cut short after he damaged cruciate ligaments ahead of what would have been his debut last Saturday. "It's early days at the moment and I'm just trying to be positive,"I'll probably need an operation so we'll have to take it day-by-day."
with a raft of goals for Oldham Athletic - in spite of the possibility that his contribution at Boundary Park could threaten Leeds United's play-off prospects. Constantine has been sent to Oldham on a short-term loan, one of three senior players to leave Elland Road this week, and the striker hopes the transfer will breathe life into his injury-plagued career with Leeds.Constantine said: "I can't think about that. I've gone to Oldham to play games and to score goals, and it'll be better for me if I perform well while I'm there. "I hope I'm still in the manager's plans at Leeds, and that's what I've been told. But I do need games, and it probably makes sense for me to get them elsewhere until I'm fully fit. Leeds are in a good position in the league and the manager wants players who are 100 per cent sharp. By the time I come back, hopefully I will be."Oldham have got a chance of the play-offs and if I do well for them then it'll help their position, but I don't think that's something for Leeds to worry about. They've got a lot of games left and they know what they've got to do. They won't want to rely on another club's results."
Leeds midfielder Ian Westlake on loan until 5 April for Albion's hectic spell of nine league games in a month. The 24-year-old former Ipswich man has signed in time to face Gillingham at the Withdean on Tuesday. Manager Dean Wilkins said: "He is exactly the calibre of player we want to bring in to strengthen the squad." Westlake is not eligible to take on Leeds at Elland Road on 29 March under the terms of the loan deal.
At Swindon's last home game there was a crowd of 6,256 present to witness the visit of Walsall. More than double that turned up today to witness the visit of League One's biggest draw, Leeds United. Wiltshire has become a difficult place to visit. In January Swansea and Forest came looking for three points and only one point left Wiltshire in those two matches. Neither side demanded five digit numbers in attendance. Leeeds started well today even though they lost Stephen O'Halloran in the warm up through a knee injury. A super header by Kandol after 25 minutes was the only goal of the match, and how we needed that. It was pleasing for Kandol who knows that the possible arrival of Freedman is more of threat to him than Beckford. We came under a lot of pressure but still had our chances to score a second. Conditions were difficult with an horrendous wind blowing. Thompson came on for the influential Kilkenny with twelve minutes remaining. The win takes Leeds up one notch and just two points outside the Play-Offs. McAllister was naturally delighted with his first win : "When you come back into footb
all having been out for a while, there's nothing like winning a match. There's an old adage that I've used all the way through my career which is that 'the harder you work, the luckier you get', And these guys have been working really hard. They deserved a break It was an awkward one today and we did everything very well." Maurice Malpas was less impressed suggesting that his side were mugged. "It was disappointing in terms of the result but in terms of the performance I am delighted. I gave them a lot of criticism last week in terms of the result, and it was thoroughly deserved, but I will give them praise today because they deserve praise today.
before the game was due to be played. Leeds were unhappy that the part of the pitch that was unplayable was the only part that wasn't covered. It means that Beckford will be suspended for the visit of Brighton and maybe this is a blessing in disguise. It give McAllister more time to work with his squad and get his ideas across as we strive to change from long ball to footballing team. It's no secret that the sides that play football are all above us in this division.
last eight mins. Beckford scored his 17th of the season to give the Whites a badly needed lift. We needed the three but just got the one. Yet again the Louth Branch were represented. This time by the Toners from Bellurgan, Dundalk. We're now ten points behind second placed Doncaster Rovers and go there this Saturday without League One top scorer Jermaine Beckford. If we are serious about chasing an automatic promotion spot, we have to avenge our recent home defeat to Donny with a win. Right now most of would take the Play-Offs. Our own Pete Sebine said "we were a lot better against Forest with more pace and I was impressed with Pruttotn and Howson". 
kits to Swansea C ity and several clubs across Europe, and the Italian firm have described their deal with Leeds as "the flagship of our activity". Leeds have not confirmed the financial terms of the four-year deal, but it is understood the contract is the most valuable held by a club outside the Premier League. Chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "This is an exciting partnership for the club. The decision to work with Macron in preference to other international brands who were also interested in supplying kit to Leeds United was easy when we learned that their long-term objectives for the brand complement our own objectives. "It's a big day for Leeds United football club. Those that have followed Leeds United's recent history know that it's always been hand-to-mouth and year-to-year. This is the first time we've been able to sit down an evaluate where we want to be over a period of time."
wa grabbed his second goal in as many games to earn Northampton a deserved draw against us. Leeds created the early chances with Jermaine Beckford wasting two openings before Jonathan Howson turned in Bradley Johnson's pinpoint cross. However, Akinfenwa equalised with 15 minutes remaining, forcing the ball home from Paul Houbertz's pass. Both sides went close late on but neither could find a winner. If the league were to have commenced six matches ago, Leeds would be fourth last and that's forgetting about the minus fifteen. McAllister and Staunton 
United have named former Carlisle United manager Neil McDonald as their new first-team coach. McDonald stepped down as Lincoln City's assistant boss today to move to West Yorkshire and take his place in Gary McAllister's coaching team at Elland Road.
Mon Feb 4th. 2007. Stan is Mac's man. Former Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton has been appointed as assistant manager of Leeds United until the end of the season. Staunton has been out of the game for four months after failing to lead the Irish to Euro 2008 qualification. But new Leeds manager Gary McAllister hopes his former Liverpool team-mate will help in the task of steering Leeds back into the Championship. The pair are good friends off the field and Staunton was one of McAllister's first signings as Coventry City manager five years ago. "I'm delighted to be here," said Staunton last night. "It's a great opportunity to work at a big club with a good manager and learn the ropes from someone else on the inside and see how a club runs "I hope I can be of assistance and help this great club get back to where it belongs," he added. "Your next progresssion after playing is coaching and managing and this is a great opportunity for ourselves to be part of something that will be big in a few years." Staunton worked with the squad for the first time yesterday at the Thorp Arch training ground and his first game alongside McAllister in the dug-out will be this weekend's trip to Northampton Town. Leeds have taken only seven points from the last seven games and slipped out of the League One play-off zone for the first time since November when losing to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend. They are now two points adrift of the play-off zone and six points adrift of the top two with 16 games left to play.
Wirral made it four wins from four and gained revenge for the reversal on the first day of the season.Paul McLaren curled a free-kick against the bar as Tranmere pressed, before Leeds replied with a David Prutton set-piece that clipped the woodwork. But Rovers took the lead with an angled shot from Jennison Myrie-Williams after he gave defender Matt Heath the slip. They doubled their lead and sealed the points when former Leeds striker Ian Moore headed in a McLaren free-kick. Moore, the LUSC joint player of the year last season, enjoyed the moment especially after Wise said he wasn't good enough for Leeds this season. His 11 goals this season (10 for H'pool) seem to appear otherwise. McAllister gave debuts to Michalik, Sheehan, and Elding but all three will have better games in a Leeds shirt. The Louth Branch was heavy in attendance but saw little to allow optimism for the future. Tranmere thoroughly deserved their victory as we lost our second home match in a row. Our run is poor and Mac has his work cut out. He had the following to say : "I've got to say that I'm delighted to be back. There is work to be done on the training ground to get us back on track again. But it's obvious that there's work to be done to get things back on track again. We've got a free week coming up before the next game and we'll be doing a lot of work on the training ground. Looking at the run of results, we've got to snap out of it quickly. The job brief I've got is pure and simple – to get out of this division.We are in a bit of a rut at the moment, but we have 16 games left to get out of this division and I know how many wins we need. We have to be better than that. We have to show a bit more bravery on the ball and first we have to make sure we compete and win our battles. The players have shown this season that they can win 12 games or so in a row. Since being out of football I've probably seen more matches than ever, so I know what's required."
Gary McAllister's return. Tranmere would move into League One's top six at Leeds' expense with a win tomorrow, but Moore predicted a "15 per cent" improvement from United's players as a result of the appointment of their new manager. Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Southend hours after McAllister was confirmed as Dennis Wise's replacement, but the Scot will take charge of his first game this weekend leaving Moore's players to contend with a large crowd and a team of heavily-motivated players at Elland Road.The Tranmere boss said: "It's a great signing for the club, and I'd expect Leeds to take a different approach under Gary than they did under Dennis. It doesn't really affect my approach to the game but Leeds seem to have gone down the long-ball route, and Gary will get them playing again. I've no doubt that he'll get an extra 15 per cent from every player tomorrow because they'll all want to impress the new boss. "It's probably the wrong time for us to be going there, and it would have better from my point of view if they'd waited a bit longer to announce the new manager. But we won't be going to Elland Road to play 4-5-1, I promise you that. We'll have a go at them and if we win then we'll be in that top-six place. If you don't fancy playing in front of 30,000 people then you really shouldn't be a professional footballer, so I don't want to hear any excuses." Moore also rubbished claims that United's mediocre results since Christmas had reduced their promotion credentials, saying: "To be fair to Leeds, every team in this league is going to have a hiccup at some stage.You can't read too much into their form. The only thing you can say about Leeds is that the way they got over the 15 points was outstanding, and they're right up there as serious contenders in my book".
players to become history-makers and the new Leeds United manager intends making it fun. McAllister, who took over from Newcastle-bound Dennis Wise this week, believes promotion from League One would rank as one of the club's greatest achievements. He said: "You have to set targets and set them high. If we get out of this division, with the 15-point deduction, it would be one of the greatest achievements in the club's history. "There is nothing wrong with trying to emulate the good things of the past. "There is a big job to be done here and, as much as my contract is to the end of the season, I want to take the club forward. "I asked the players for freshness in training and got a wonderful response. "Training wasn't too technical. It was ab
out fun and getting on the ball. I think they enjoyed it. "I've spent all my life trying to play. The proper way is to win games but if you can do that with style, all the better." McAllister won't be demolishing the squad Wise built. He said: "We were active in the transfer market on Thursday but I've got respect for Dennis Wise and I am sure he has brought players in with the right mentality. "We have a squad of players who are well capable. I don't envisage making too many changes." Meanwhile, former Bolton coach Sammy Lee is poised to become McAllister's right-hand man at Elland Road. Lee was in charge at the Reebok Stadium from last April to October.
Leeds United agreed an undisclosed fee for Stockport County striker Anthony Elding. Although new manager Gary McAllister has only been in the job a day he has continued Dennis Wise's previous quest for a new striker. While Leeds have the league's leading scorer in Jermaine Beckford, they have scored just twice in their last four outings. Elding has 15 goals in all competitions for Stockport this season, including five goals in his last six games. The 25-year-old is likely to go straight into Leeds' squad for this weekend's game with Tranmere, once personal terms are agreed and the move is finalised. He has scored 21 goals in 40 games for Stockport County and was throught to be joining Hartlepool or Crewe before Leeds nipped in at the death.
United for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old spent time on loan with The Whites at the back end of last season, but was unable to prevent Leeds being relegated to League One. Bolton secured the services of defender Gary Cahill from Aston Villa on Wednesday, paving the way for Michalik to join Leeds. Then manager Dennis Wise had been tracking the 24-year-old and new boss Gary McAllister was clearly happy to continue to press on for a deal. Michalik had been playing regularly for Bolton ( 17 apps 1 goal) of late and is likely to step straight into the side against Tranmere at Elland Road this weekend. Michalik's arrival caps a busy day for Leeds following the permanent capture of Darren Kenton, while Alan Sheehan has also joined on loan from Leicester.
Leicester's Republic of Ireland Under-21 international defender Alan Sheehan has joined Leeds on loan for the remainder of the season. Sheehan has moved to Elland Road after Foxes manager Ian Holloway signed fellow left-back Jamie Clapham from Wolves. Sheehan will be reunited with former team-mate Darren Kenton, who has had his contract cancelled by Leicester whilst on loan at Leeds. Sheehan has made 24 appearances for Leicester this season, scoring two goals."I've seen Alan play quite a few times. We have Ben Parker at left back but this will give us more competition in a vital area", said Gary McAllister.
Leeds United. The 43-year-old former Elland Road midfielder joins the club initially until the end of the season. He takes over from the departed Dennis Wise, who left the club yesterday for a role as Newcastle's Director of Football. Former Scotland international, McAllister made almost 300 appearances for Leeds United during a six-year spell as a player, and will meet the players for the first time on Wednesday.
some perhaps, but by the majority no. Whilst he did a decent job up to a point, there is no doubt that Leeds have been in decline over the past six weeks and he has failed to stop the rot. The long ball will only take you so far. The minus fifteen points were quickly eradicated. It soon proved that when the luck ran out with last minute winners there was little content beyond the post match huddle. The writing may have been on the wall when Gus Poyet left for Tottenham. He brought in Bassett and the football achieved little pattern. Wise had over three quarters of the campaign last season and he inherited a decent squad who never should have been relegated. There were rumblings of discontent with experienced players. He brought in his own players who have achieved up to a point. The players who have been invaluable to Leeds were arguably the ones he inherited : Beckford, Rui Marques, Jon Douglas and Frazer Richardson. Other talented players like Gary Kelly, Shaun Derry, Richard Cresswell, Neil Sullivan to name but a few were driven out. We have drifted from near certainties for a top two finish to a side just inside the Play off positions and we are currently hopelessly inconsistent. Maybe Wise saw the writing on the wall himself. The big question now is what calibre of manager will not only come to Leeds but be happy to work for the autocratic Ken Bates. 
Newcastle United. A statement on the official club website reads: "We have agred a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manage Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday after completing the preparations for game at Southend United that evening. "We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future."
the past fortnight. We lead at half time from a goal by Huntington. Amazingly Beckord was taken off in the second half instead of Kandol when he was the runner who was taking up all Luton's defenders. Richardson will take the blame for the goal but in truth Luton deserved their draw. It came in the 94th minute which is a sickener. In truth how many times 
have the opposition felt like that when playing Leeds this season ? Morgan, the player we could have signed ran us ragged when he came on and delivered the decisive pass for old hat Sam Parkin to head home. He scored a brace against us for Ipswich three seasons ago and popped up at the death again. We are in free fall, in terrible form having won two of our last eight away games. Not promotion form. Wise has added to his squad but to date one must ask has he improved the quantity or the quality of the squad. At the moment my money is on the former. It's off to Southend on Tuesday night when nothing short of three points will suffice.
have agreed a deal to sign Enoch Showunmi from Bristol City. The Nigerian international, who has scored 13 goals in 44 appearances for City, now has to agree personal terms before moving to Elland Road. The 25-year-old played a key role in The Robins' promotion to the Championship last season. He also won back-to-back promotions with Luton Town before joining Bristol City in the summer of 2006. City confirmed the Showunmi move on their official website: "Following an approach from Leeds United, City can confirm they have given permission for the League One club to talk to Enoch Showunmi about a permanent transfer," they said in a statement. Leeds boss Dennis Wise has been keen to add striker cover to his squad with Leon Constantine sidelined with a broken arm. Wise has also allowed teenager Scott Gardner to join Blue Square Conference side Farsley Celtic on loan until 24th February.
Loyalist fireball. Here's a run down on our new 6 feet 5" striker who was born in Kilburn, London of all places on April 21st 1982.Before you read this, I warn you it looks like more of the long ball as Kandol has a colleague for the longest legs on the bus. Showunmi entered the professional ranks relatively late, signing for his first professional club Luton Town at the age of 21 from non-League team Willesden Constantine, having first completed a Business degree at London South Bank University. A tall and bustling striker who also possesses pace, Showunmi joined Luton in early September 2003 following a successful trial spell with the Hatters that saw him feature regularly during the 2003-04 pre-season against such teams as AFC Wimbledon. At the time of his signature, Luton had a very small squad due to the administrative receivership that they were under, that prevented them signing new players. Regular midfielder and captain Kevin Nicholls ( I wonder what happened to him) received an injury that was to prevent him playing for 3 months, and Luton were able to use this injury to seek dispensation from the Football League to sign Showunmi. Showunmi's debut came against Plymouth Argyle in September 2003, and his first goal arrived in an LDV Cup win against Rushden & Diamonds in November. After increasingly enthusiastic displays that indicated a player making the most of his opportunity, Showunmi's stock rose with the Luton fans who came to expect both moments of incredible skill and mistakes of a non-league player in a professional game. He improved with each game he played and late in the season scored a hat-trick in a home match against Brentford F.C.. In total he scored 7 goals in 28 appearances during the 2003-04 season, that culminated with his international debut for the Nigerian national team as a 71st minute substitute as Nigeria beat the Republic of Ireland national football team (It had to be Ireland with him being from Kilburn)3-0 on May 30 2004 at The Valley. He was a substitute in Nigeria's following 2-0 victory against the Jamaica national football team. Luton's promotion season in 2004-05 saw Showunmi regularly used as a "super-sub" to score 6 goals in 38 matches, only 7 of which he started, including a late winner against A.F.C. Bournemouth after Luton had played most of the game with only 10 men. In 2005-06 Showunmi often played in midfield with moderate success, due to injuries to many midfield players at the club. On October 3 2006, the football agent Charles Collymore was charged with "touting" Enoch to Millwall, without the consent of Luton Town. Before the 2006-07 season, Enoch moved to Bristol City F.C. on a Bosman transfer. He had a good start to the season scoring in 3 consecutive games making him an instant fans favourite. However he featured sporadically for the rest of the season due to injuries and good form from other City strikers. Despite not being a first team regular he finished the season as Bristol City's second top scorer behind Phil Jevons with 13 goals in all competitions. Enoch faced strong competition for places at the start of the 2007-08 season, especially after fellow strikers Lee Trundle and Darren Byfield signed for the club with Steve Brooker also being in contention after returning to fitness. On the 23rd January 2008 Enoch completed a move to League One giants Leeds United
mole."The midfielder confirmed his innocence after completing a permanent transfer from Elland Road to Crystal Palace, the club who were at the centre of the 'Molegate' scandal last year.The Championship game between Leeds and Palace on February 10 was overshadowed by the revelation that one of Dennis Wise's players had passed his line-up to a member of the London club's squad ahead of kick-off at Elland Road. An angry Wise warned that the player responsible "will not be playing for this club again" and Derry, who had clear links to Palace and had been missing from United's team for a month before the controversy, left Leeds yesterday without making another appearance. It is understood that the 30-year-old was injured at the time, and there has never been any suggestion within Elland Road that he was responsible for the leak. But Derry has moved to clarify the situation after insisting he did not want his reputation among United's supporters to be affected by suggestions that he had passed over Wise's line-up.Derry said: "I don't want to be looked upon as the guy who gave the team away. It wasn't me. Danny Butterfield was a Palace player, and with him having been best man at my wedding, people put two-and-two together. The accusations hurt but I can look every fan and every one of my team-mates in the eye and say I wasn't responsible. I'd never do that. Dennis understands that it wasn't me, and he wouldn't have asked me to come back and play for Leeds on New Year's Day if I'd been responsible. It's obviously in the past now, but I wouldn't want my time at Leeds to be clouded by people thinking I'd betrayed the club."
time when our midfield is simply not up to it. Derry's feud with Wise is well documented (at least Wise's side is), but since Derry joined Palace on loan they have won ten of their twelve games in a league higher than ours. What does that tell you ? Good managers don't have to like their players, but they keep the better ones. If he had rated Derry he would have had a 24 hour recall clause like Bolton had with Michalik last season. He didn't. Derry was told to play games to get fit, and yet that same luxury was afforded to Kishichev who was never fit at Elland Road the second time around, but yet played a number of times. Different rules ? Derry has discretely kept his council on the whole affair. But a player loved by Leeds fans will have his say at some stage and I look forward to hearing a balanced account on the whole thing. Thompson has been let go on loan to Hartlepool for a month. J
Johnson and Kilkenny never got a kick against Doncaster and our club captain is let leave. Wise's comments were as follows : "I think it's better for us because the other part of Thommo going on loan to Hartlepool is that he will play against teams who are near us in the league. I'm hoping he does really well and upsets all the teams and comes back fit". Elsewhere, Swansea won 2-1 at home to Crewe and at this stage look out of sight to Leeds. We are ten points off the top and they have two matches in hand. Still Bertie Bassett had the following pearls of wizdom to offer : "The second half of the season was always going to be harder.The players were fantastic in the first half but to emulate that is very difficult. Teams who end up at the top of the table don't get the same in the second half of the season. It's only ever been done once, and that was by Fulham about nine years ago.To think that 
Leeds were going to get another 50-odd points in the second half of the season, and to expect Leeds to automatically do that, is a tall order. But we're still in fifth position and if the season finishes today then we'd be in the play-offs. Everybody would have had that at the start of the season. Getting into the play-offs would be a great achievement, but we haven't given up on chasing top spot. We want to do that, and the players could have an early holiday then.The expectations were lifted by the players and if there had been a few defeats early in the season we'd be looking at it differently. But that's part and parcel of life. We have to accept that, and we're not kidding ourselves – we know it's going to be hard during the second half." Since he has come in, he has been a prophet of doom. Are we missing Poyet's influence more than we think ? I personally believe that Poyet has been a huge loss. Luton and Southend are up next in the forthcoming week and both are away from home. We need a double win to keep our slender hopes of automatic promotion alaive and hope that "last two players" that Wise is hoping to sign bring more to the party than the arrivals of Sweeney and Kenton. 
over our shoulder than up above us. We have played every team in our division. None have the resources that Wise has been afforded. The team huddle at the end of the match has run its course as we run to the high court in order to reverse our on the field misfortunes. Swansea City,a side knocked out of the FA Cup my a mickey mouse Non-League side occupy top position. They are some seven points ahead of us currently, with a better away record and three games in hand. If and I say if, they were to win their three matches in hand they would be sixteen points ahead. That would put pay to our "what if we hadn't been deducted 15 points scenario" ? Wise has tried to change tactics a little realising that teams have kopped on to our direct approach. Kandol has hit a loss in form and a lot has been placed on the shoulders of Beckford to find the net. The luck we had in earlier games has run out. No more last minute winners. Douglas has been a huge loss in the middle of the park. He shores up the the middle, block runs through the two central defenders and manages to get box to box. Kilkenny, the ball playing central midfielder bought recently will be effective along side him. Against Crewe and Doncaster he did little, as Hughes and Johnson provided little or no balance. Peronally, I don't rate Sweeney. His left foot is sweet but his lack of pace and lack of hard work getting up and down the flanks is less of a plus than Westlake. The latter although not a natural wide player works hard and contributes the odd goal. Prutton has drawn the short straw of late and is our best option out right although I would like to see him tried in the middle. We need width. Our build up play is cumbersome and predictable. What about our new Finnish winger ? If he's up to it, try him. Doncaster Rvs, according to their chairman. John Ryan are the Arsenal of the third tier. They came to Leeds and gave us a footballing lesson. That's one defeat in seventeen. It will be interesting to see their encounter at home to Swansea next week. They may be more of a threat than Notts Forest, who like Leeds are off the boil, except at home when they usually pick up points. Oldham and Doncaster have come to Elland Road in recent weeks and left with three points apiece. Our asnwer agsint Oldham was to buy their best player, Kilkenny. Will we be buying Donny's Coppinger next ? We have Luton away, Southend, away, Tranmere at home, Northampton away, Notts Forest at home and Doncaster away in our next six matches. We need to be taking fourteen points from the eighteen available. Wise in my opinion has been naiive tactically in a number of encounters. It was a well known fact that Donny like to get the ball down and play, and yet we had nobody in their faces stopping them. It was Donn'y chairman, John Ryan who won the mind games calling on Thursday of last week his own manager, Sean O'Driscoll "the Arsene Wenger of the third tier". Against Leeds they were certainly allowed to look like the Gunners in more than the red and white shirts they wore. Wise moaned about Doncaster filling the area behind the goal. Leeds have this advantage in most away games. Where else can one accommodate 3,000 fans at Elland Road ? He also has a knack of winding up the opposition before we play them. No team has spent the money in the January window that we have, but our form is poor, and to date the captures haven't been great. I thought we were poor away to a bad Crewe side and just did enough to win. Kenton at centre half is not the answer. He has been a poor replacement for Rui Marques and Heath is a better option. It's in the midfield that we are all at sea. This needs to be sorted out immediately. Swansea went to Kenilworth Road and won 3-1 last week. Nothing less than three points for Leeds against a Luton side obliterated by administration and fire sales will satisfy the Leeds crowd. We need to get the train back on the track. The Play-Offs will not suffice. Leeds are not a cup team and the lottery that steam rolls to Wembley is not where we want to be. If we can't win this league, nothing short of second place will satisfy Leeds fans. I hope you take this on board Messrs Bates and Wise.
our players would crumble. But we stood up to everything they threw at us, controlled large parts of the game, played football on a terrible pitch and came away with the win. Even when we were under the cosh, we were in control and defended when we had to. It was a complete performance.Wise told Leeds website before the game that "there wasn't many at Doncaster last week, hopefully a few of them might crumble in front of 30,000-plus. Bertie Basett had the following to say : "Dennis and I take some responsibility because we had seen Doncaster before and we ended up with one less player in the wall than we needed. Maybe we should have made it clearer to the players, but to be fair, Doncaster deserved to win the game. They had more shots on target and more efforts on goal than we did. They came out of the blocks very quickly and were definitely up for it. We recovered early in the second half but fell away and in the last part of the game I couldn't see us getting a goal. A few of our players were below par. We knew the second half of the season would be harder for us that the first. But we are still in sixth position and haven't given up chasing top spot." It's time Leeds woke up to the fact that Swansea are nearly out of sight and we aren't playing well at all.
summer after an injury-hit four years on Teesside, trained with the Whites squad last month. Christie impressed greatly but then picked up a back problem before he could undergo a medical which has delayed his signing. However Wise says once he is fit the club will then assess him before deciding whether he is worthy of a more permanent deal. "I spoke to Malcolm and he's done fantastic here," Whites boss Wise told the club's official website. "I said 'do you want to play and we'll give you a contract.' Christie is a different striker than we currently have on our books, more of a fox in the box, and if we can get him fit, he will be a worthwhile addition.
any means. Leeds should have had a penalty when Richarson's goal bound shot was handled on the line. We looked ring rusty at the back with Kenton having an indifferent debut along side Huntington. The amount of free headers afforded to the Railwaymen will worry both Wise and Bassett. Although Sweeney's cross for Beckford was sublime, he contributed little else. Sweeney looks heavy and needs to track back in a similar vein to the hard working Prutton on the opposite flank. Kilkenny was quiet in midfield, and Beckford up front could have converted more than the once chance. It's our first away win since defeating Bournemouth in early November, and a win is a win.Good to see the Bull Quigley and the secretary collecting on Beckford's 4/1 capabilites. When asked after the match on Sky Sports where his future may lie, Jermaine Beckford won a lot of Leeds fans over with his reply : "What shirt am I wearing Bruv" ?
player to join Dennis Wise's new-look Leeds United when he signed a five-week loan deal this morning. Leicester City star Darren Kenton, 29, is the fifth player to join United in a hectic 10 days since the transfer window reopened – signing initially until February 12. The player appears to be a ready made replacement for Rui Marques. Kenton started his career at Norwich City in 1997. He later went to Southampton in 2003 on a free transfer. Kenton scored his only goal for Southampton in an FA Cup match against MK Dons on 7 January 2006. Having been released by Southampton in May 2006, he joined Leicester City on 27 June 2006, the team for which he had previously had a loan spell in 2005.He started the 2006–07 Championship season well and apart from an own goal against West Bromwich Albion was going well, but injury has plagued him over the past few months and is only just returning to first team action. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4-2 defeat away to Stoke City and got his second of the season in a 2–1 loss against Norwich City.On June 19, 2007, Kenton was placed on the transfer list by then manager Martin Allen. However, the injury of Stephen Clemence and James Wesolowski on October 23 awarded him a recall into the senior squad, playing in midfield position. Kenton has remained in the first team squad ever since despite the midfielders' return from injury.
Walsall's Daniel Fox, (left) a defender has handed in a transfer request, possibly in the hope that Leeds will follow up their interest with a firm offer. If Bobo Balde moves to Bolton from Celtic, big Lub Michalik could move back to Elland Road permanently. Lubo would be sure to command a fee of £500,000 plus but would be an outstanding addition at this and the next level. Boyd is a small, pacy and tricky striker who would give us something different to the strikers we currently have on our books. The Puncheon of Barnet link has not resurfaced of late. Once again he has scored prolifiically in the lower league for Barnet. Leeds continue to be linked with Cork born Damian Delaney a left back out of favour at Hull City. Perhaps he is expensive at around £600,000 which is lot of money at this level, when all our eggs may go on big Lubo instead. I called for movement in the transfer market in January (in the Xmas magazine) and Wise hasn't disappointed me. Glad I could have been of help.
Bradley Johnson from Northampton Town. Johnson, 20, looked set for Leicester but has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Leeds after they also had a bid for him accepted. Northampton boss Stuart Gray said: "We are disappointed to lose Bradley but he moves on with our best wishes and we have now got to move on ourselves. We've got a good fee for him and we didn't want to stand in his way." Leeds extended the stay of on loan keeper, David Lucas until the end of the season.Barnet boss Paul Fairclough was expecting a bid from Leeds for his star striker Jason Puncheon and Leeds have warned off potential buyers to £3M rated Jermaine Beckford. Radostin Kishishev is set to return to Leicester City when his loan at Leeds expires on January 23rd. He will rejoin injured Marc Devries who has already returned to the Walker Stadium.
Luton Town forward Dean Morgan. The 24-year-old had been on loan at Southend where he scored three FA Cup goals, but failed to hit the back of the net in six league starts. Morgan has confirmed Leeds have agreed a fee with the cash-strapped Hatters for his services ahead of discussing personal terms on Monday. "Leeds have agreed a fee with Luton for me and I should be agreeing personal terms with them on Monday.I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Southend and everyone has made me welcome. Leeds is a long way away from home but it will be amazing playing in front of 37,000 people. They are a massive club and it's a massive opportunity." He failed to find the net in eight league appearances for Southend, but was pleased to score twice in his last game and help the Shrimpers through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. "To be honest, I should have performed better in the games that I played in, so to sign off with two goals was good," he added.
On Saturday, Dennis Wise confirmed that utility midfielder Peter Sweeney is set to arrive (from Stoke but having been on-loan to Walsall!). The 23-year-old is known by Dennis Wise from his Millwall days and will undergo a medical. He joined Stoke in 2005, but has struggled to establish himself under Tony Pulis and linked up with Walsall in late November.The 23-year-old played under current Leeds boss Dennis Wise at Millwall and featured in the 2004 FA Cup final against Manchester United. And Leeds are still waiting for a response from Northampton winger Badley Johnson having agreed a fee with the Cobblers, although it is thought that other clubs are chasing the 20-year-old . Wise said on Johnson : "We've agreed a fee with the club and I've asked him to take a bit of time and have a good think about what he wants to do and then come back to me, and the next time we sit down he can become a Leeds United player". Wise has already signed Sebastien Sorsa and Neil Kilkenny, the latter earning the man-of-the-match award for his performance against Northampton on Saturday! The official leeds website has also confirmed an interest in Hull defender Damian Delaney of Hull City. Wise's view on the signings are : "I ain't stopping with Kilkenny and Sweeney. Everyone saw how Neil gave us a lift on Saturday against Northampton. I wanted to get some in because we hit a spell and we needed a lift. When things don't go for you sometimes you need to bring in some personnel. You need a lift but you have to pick the right time. Neil made us tick on Saturday. He's not afraid to get hold of it and he's not scared to try things. He's got good delivery and he's a good passer. I saw him a long time ago. I'm not stopping there because I want more in".
earning a draw. Leeds gave a debut to Neil Kilkenny who a few days earlier had destroyed the Whites in midfield with a terrific display for Oldham. He didn't disappoint on his home debut. The guy was everywhere and showed for every ball. It was a super midfield performance from a two footed player completely at ease with his game. This guy will be a terrific player for us and with the other additions on the way, notably Dean Morgan, the future looks bright for Leeds fans. Frazer Richardson scored the opener for Leeds after a fifty yard dribble and super finish with his right foot. That was just before half time. Beckford hit the crossbar with a brilliant curling shot and missed a couple of easy chanc
es. That said, although he can be lazy, this guy has goals in him. Although frustrating at times, his dribbling skills are fantastic. Flo as usual has a marvellous first touch but although he stayed on for 77 minutes he just doesn't look fit. It may be as an impact substitution that we see the best of Tore Andre Flo in a Leeds shirt. Kandol came on with 13 minutes to go and won almost every header. Leeds went two up on 52 minutes when a returned volley by Hughes was headed in to the top corner by Rui Marques for his second goal of the season. Dave Bassett said after the match that they had been practising this move in training. Marques took a bow to 
the Kop after the match as he jets of to the African Nations Cup. Alongside him in defence was Paul Huntington, who although was never troubled by a poor Northampton attack, gave a master class in accurate long range passing. Next time out he will partner Matt Heath who was suspended today. The deserved third came with seconds left on the clock when Weston shrugged of a defender to finish neatly in front of the Kop. The Louth branch were represented by three committee members and young Conal Tipping and Sean Cunningham. In their ten years combined they are the future of our club and will rarely witness a more dominant Leeds performance in the years to come. Dennis Wise said after the match : "I thought we passed the ball particularly well on a bad pitch. I am not blaming the groundsman, who has done an excellent job. Neil Kilkenny's passing was excellent and he made us tick. He is a very good footballer whose presence calmed the rest of the players down. He gave us a lift."
was on loan at Oldham and featured prominently in the Latics 3-1 win at Elland Road on New Years day. He is a Birmingham City player who doesn't feature in Alex McCleish's plans and a permanent may be worked out next week. An Aussie international, the 24 year old has als been with Arsenal. The Elland Road club have also had a bid for highly-rated Northampton midfielder Bradley Johnson 
ason, knocking in five goals from midfield and at 20 is the age Wise likes. Meanwhile, Argentine defenders Jonathan Bottinelli and Nicolas Bianchi are set to train with Leeds next week as Leeds agreed a deal with their club San Loreno who are in the top tier of the Argentinal league. The deal entails a swopping of ideas and players coming over to train at Leeds with a view to a possible deal. Dennis Wise is set to make a £150,000 move for Barnet's prolific attacker Jason Puncheon. The 21-year-old has netted 10 times this season and Leeds are reported to be in talks with Luton Town about their talented striker cum winger, Dean Morgan. Exciting times around Elland Road again.
Leeds have completed the permanent signing of Finnish winger Sebastian Sorsa on a free transfer from HJK Helsinki. The former Finland Under-21 international, who has signed an 18-month contract, said: "It's a really good challenge for me. I'm delighted to be here and my first hope is to get myself into the team. "I was really impressed with everything here. It's very professional, everyone gives their all, and the standard is very good. "Dennis Wise has a good reputation and he has obviously been a top, top player. Everyone listens to what he has to say and he is someone who has done most things in the game."
Palace expires on January 19, and United did not insist on a recall clause when the original agreement was reached in November.Wise had hoped that a direct appeal to Derry would convince him to ask Palace to sanction his return to Leeds in time for yesterday's game and solve a deep injury crisis at Elland Road, but the midfielder is thought to have indicated his desire to remain in London until the end of his loan.Palace are now likely to sign Derry on a permanent basis this month, but United assistant Bassett said: "If Neil (Warnock) doesn't want him, Shaun's coming back and he's obviously got a problem with the manager, who thinks he's not too bothered about Leeds United. "It's left a sour taste in the mouth with Dennis. He thinks he's been snubbed."