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

     League One Fixtures for 2009/10 now updated The annual Leeds United draw will now take place on Tues, Feb 9th - the night of Carlisle v Leeds United JPT Northern Final 2nd leg live on Sky. We shall watch the  match in Bennetts of Bridge Street (formerly Wisemans) and the draw will take place straight after the match at approximately 9:30 PM. Please bring all sold draw cards with you early on the night or get them to the committee via Peadars on Monday. Remember the match kicks off at 7:00PM.

Sun January 31st. Transfer window and Leeds United. The transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday night. Can we expect more activity before it closes? Leeds have so far brought in Max Gradel on a full time contract after a successful loan spell. Simon Grayson also brought in two players on loan from the Premiership before the weekend clash with Colchester, Shane Lowry until March 13th and Gary McSheffrey for the rest of the season. Both had very accomplished debuts in the game. Going out have been youngsters Ollie Hotchkiss, Jonathan Webb and Josh Falkingham who were all released from their contracts.
First team player Enoch Showunmi, was also released and signed for Scottish Premier League side Falkirk. Defender Alan Sheehan extended his stay at Swindon Town for the rest of the season and David Prutton has joined Colchester United on an initial one-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move. So will any more players come in and will we see anymore leaving before the window closes?Of course Leeds have already returned loanees : Capaldi, Ephraim and Volkes to their respective clubs. The key question is. Will anyone, particularly a Premiership club take a punt on Jermaine Beckford at �2.5M +++ ?We will wait and see.

Sat 30th of January 2010. Leeds United 2-0 Colchester United. Att - 23,425. Ankergren, Bromby, Michalik, Lowry (Johnson 71), Snodgrass, Doyle, Howson, McSheffrey (Gardel 82), beckford, Becchio. Unused Suns - D. Martin, Grella, Crowe, Robinson, White. Our two new Premiership signings made the starting line up (Gary McSheffrey and Shane Lowry) and both played along the left side of the pitch. Kisnorbo and Kilkenny were carrying minor knocks and Hughes was ill so all three weren't included in the squad. Bradley Johnson was dropped to the bench. Ady Boothroywd was making his return to Elland Road and included an experienced squad containing O'Toole (on loan from Watford),Heath (ex Coventry and over 50 apps for Leeds), Kemal Izzett (brother of Muzzy), Lizbie (on loan from Ipswich) and lanky target man Platt. It was the vistors who started the brighter and for 15 minutes their long ball game had Leeds nervous. Leeds had not won since our post-Christmas victory at Stockport and Colchester sensed a nervous Elland Road. Leeds steadily clicked into gear and Beckford went close when he rounded the keeper but defenders closed him down. Snodgrass nearly poked an effort pas the keeper and Michael Doyle should have done better with his shot from 14 yards. Lowry was looking impressive at left back and McSheffrey began to get into the game. He combined well with Beckford and had a rasping drive turned away magnificently by Williams. Colchester's only effort of note was a tame free kick that didn't trouble the confident Ankergren. On 37 minutes, Leeds broke and Becchio who was more lively than recent games, was fouled foolsihly inside the box by ex-White Matt Heath. Beckford despatched the penalty superbly inside the bottom left hand corner. Leeds went in 1-0 deservedly for their half time cuppa. Leeds took control in the second half where Howson and Doyle in the centre of midfield controlled the match. McSheffrey was endearing himself to the locals with his obvious quality and nearly scored on his fine debut. Beckford went close before making it 2-0 on 55 minutes after fine work by Howson and Beccchio. Bromby hit the crossbar and Beckford also hit the wood work. In truth 2-0 flattered Colchester who had no answer to a side desperate to get back on winning ways. This was a convincing performance that revitalises United again. Credit to Grayson for bringing in Lowry and McSheffrey, two players that he had been chasing for some time. Lowry went off injured with 17 minutes remaining but looks like a really fine prospect and we all know about McSheffrey's talent, a player that commanded a �4M transfer fee just a couple of seasons ago. Both lifted the team today and brought much needed competition for some players who may have been sitting on their laurels. Andy Hughes when free from his virus will be able to slot in at his best position, right back ahead of the inconsistent Jason Crowe. Elsewhere, Norwich narrowly defeated Hartlepool (next weeks opponents) and Charlton only drew at home to a poor Transmere Rvs side .The gap is now five points between automatic promotion and third placed Charlton who frankly look terrible currently. We have arrested the slide. "We defended really well as a team. We looked very hard to beat and were resilient, restricting them to very few chances," said Grayson. "I expected that reaction because the players were disappointed and wounded by the defeat at Swindon in midweek." He added: "It will be a different game against Spurs [in the FA Cup replay] because they won't be as direct at Colchester and will play the ball around more. We will go into Wednesday's replay still as underdogs but with nothing to lose. If we can beat Tottenham it will give us a major psychological boost because they are a top team."Grayson handed debuts to Gary McSheffrey and Shane Lowry and the loan signings slotted in smoothly before the latter limped off with cramp 19 minutes from time. "I was pleased with both of them, especially as they only trained with us on Friday," added Grayson.

Sat Jan 30th. Leeds have added another player to their squad with the signing of defender Shane Lowry on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa. The 20-year-old left back/ centre-half, who enjoyed a three-month spell at Championship side Plymouth earlier in the season, will stay at Elland Road until March 13. Lowry has been signed in time to feature in Saturday's League One home game against Colchester. The player has played under age football for Ireland but won full  international caps for Australia as he tries to win a place in the WC squad for South Africa. He is extremely highly rated at Villa Park.

Fri Jan 29th. Leeds United have signed Birmingham City forward Gary McSheffrey on loan for the remainder of the season. The former Coventry man has found first-team opportunities at St Andrews hard to come by, making just five Premier League appearances this term. If McSheffrey impress Leeds could sign him for free in the summer as his current deal concludes at the end of the season. Birmingham signed McSheffrey from Coventry in August 2006 in a deal believed to be worth up to �4million at the time. The 27-year-old spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, but a permanent move failed to materialise. Leeds boss Simon Grayson should have McSheffrey available for the visit of Colchester as Leeds look to put their promotion charge back on track. This guy is a quality player. 

Tues 26th. Swindon Town 3-0 Leeds United. Att -14,508  Ankergren, Crowe (Michalik 46), Bromby, Kisnorbo, Hughes, Howson, Doyle, Kikenny (Becchio 46), Johnson (Gradel 65), Snodgrass, Beckford. Unused Subs - Martin, Hughes, Grella, Robinson and White. Last season Gary McAllister's 10 man Leeds United defeated an in form Swindon Town 3-1 at the County Ground. Leeds never turned up tonight as the FA cup run appears to have contributed to our huge dip in form. One point from our last nine is relegation form. Swindon were deservedly 1-0 up at half time when their Non-league wonder, Charlie Austin put them one up. Our midfield was non-existent. Simon Grayson reacted by bringing on Becchio on 46 minutes to partner the all alone Beckford, and Crowe who was very poor in the first half was replaced by Michalik. The latter partnered Kisnorbo and Bromby went to right full. Leeds raised their game a little but a soft free was conceded by Kisnorbo and Paynter made it 2-0. Leeds then hit the bar and had a shot cleared off the line but Swindon won a penalty and Paynter made it 3-0. Elsewhere, Norwich went on to win 2-1 at Walsall after being 1-0 down at half time. To rub salt into the wounds Jon Douglas controlled the midfield and was deservedly named man of the match. Doyle was missing in action. A lot of Leeds players went missing tonight especially in midfield and defensively Kisnorbo, Bromby and Crowe were very poor. One player who did perform well was Casper who kept the score down. Whilst I believe we certainly should not push the panic buttons yet one has to be concerned that players are not coming in whilst others are going through the exit door. The question many Leeds fans will ask is that how can the same side defeat Man United and draw with Spurs, and then lose at Exeter and Swindon ? Some players may be starting to think that they are better players than they actually are. League One teams will get in the faces of big fish like Leeds just like Leeds did at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane. Simon Grayson can't afford to let standards slip which obviously has happened.  A big performance is needed at home to Colchester United this weekend, ironically a side that the great Leeds United failed to beat in the FA Cup when they were in the fourth division. It's time to make a few changes and let these players who come in and do well keep their place for the high profile match with Spurs. We certainly need a striker to partner Beckford (Becchio totally out of form) and I believe a strong central attacking midfielder or runner is also needed. Norwich now go three points clear, and games in hand now become more important to win than ever before.  Simon Grayson : "We were outfought, out battled and out thought tonight. We started the game too slow against a side who were up or it. They've gotten a kick up the backside in the dressing room. The only player that comes out with any credit is Casper." When asked if the Spurs performance had affected the match he replied "It shouldn't stop them running around. I don't care what people think. What matters most is what we say in the dressing room and what we do on the park. We need the leaders and strong players (which we have) to come through. Every team has a blip and we are still second in the league. I'm far from happy and I have told the players to think abut their performance and take things on board. Richard Naylor failed a fitness test yesterday but should be available for Saturday and Parker has had a slight set back but just needs games. But those players didn't affect what happened tonight. We'll regroup and I'll have a think about who I leave out and bring in for Saturday".

Tues 26th. David Prutton moved to Colchester on a one month loan with a view to a permanent move. He promptly scored on his debut coming on three minutes after coming on as sub. Leeds have now five players gone back or loaned out and no replacements. 

Mon 25th. Charlton missed a chance to go level on points with Leeds and Norwich Ccity when they were beaten more comprehensively than the 1-0 score line suggests at the Valley. Personally, I feel the league will still not take full shape until late March/early April. It will not be the next three or four games in League One that will shape our destiny. Many thanks to club chairman, Greg Tipping for pointing out a few errors on the web site that are now amended.

Mon 25th. The Leeds v Spurs FA Cup tie has been moved back to Wednesday, February 3rd to accommodate the live showing on ITV.

Mon 25th. Max Gradel today signed a two and a half year contract with Leeds. Max has already made 16 appearances this season, contributing 3 goals. United manager, Simon Grayson had this to say : "We're delighted we've been able to do a deal to secure Max. People have already seen what he's all about. He's been terrific since he's been here. We feel he is at the right age to improve and make us a better side for now and the future". "It's a dream come true " said Max. "I'm really excited to join a big club like this. I really can't believe I'm a Leeds player now. I just want to pull on a Leeds shirt again and help Leeds where the club should be. It's a very big club with the fans and I just wanted to be here and be one of the manager's players so I am very happy. I'm thankful to the manager and the club for believing in me and wanting me to come. The manager has done everything he can to get me here. The fans have been brilliant as well. I like to play and I'm glad they like that." Another player wanting to make the switch permanent is Mickey Doyle who hopes that Coventry don't price him out of a move to Elland Road. The player is currently on a season long loan from the Sky Blues. 

Mon 25th. Next up it's Swindon Town (on Tuesday night) who have made a decent fist of it lately. They have come a long way since losing their first fixture of the season at Gillingham by 5-0. Former Whites, Jon Douglas (their player of the month for December) and David Lucas are regulars in the side. Danny Wilson's side sit impressively in fifth place, 13 points behind Leeds. Billy Paynter up top is their danger man with an impressive haul of 14 goals already this season. They have won their last three league games in a row with Paynter scoring in all of them. Before that they earned a creditable 2-2 draw at Charlton Athletic. Swindon Town have an impressive home record. Norwich only gained a point at the County Ground and Huddersfield Town lost 2-1. The last side in League One to take three points from Swindon was Hartlepool back in October when they were 2-0 winners. If we better Norwich's result we will go back to the summit. Norwich travel to Walsall, a venue which Paul Lambert was extremely happy to see unplayable a few weeks ago. The team will travel to Swindon in full confidence. Max Gradel should be available for the trip following his transfer from Leicester City. Leeds are believed to be nursing one or two knocks from their FA Cup exploits. Last time out Swindon won at Stockport County. One player unavailable for Swindon is on loan left full, Alan Sheehan. Simon Grayson may freshen things up a little with possible starting places for Aidan White, Luciano Becchio, Lubo Michalik and maybe Max Gradel. It looks like Tresor Kandol is still unavailable. Hopefully, Simon Grayson can bring reinforcements into the squad sooner rather than later. 

Sun 24th. Leeds were drawn for the fifth time in a row away from home in the FA Cup. This time Premiership Bolton Wands entertain the Whites if they over come Spurs. The Spurs tie will take place on Tuesday week, February 2nd. 

Sat 23rd. Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Leeds United FA Cup Rnd 4. Att -35,750. Ankergren, Crowe, Hughes, Bromby, Kisnorbo, Howson, Doyle (Becchio 81), Kilkenny, Johnson (White 88), Snodgrass, Beckford. Unused Subs - Martin, Prutton, Grella, Michalik, Robinson. Well, well we did it again. Some of us may have hoped that it remained 1-2 to Spurs because of our dip in league form and the quantity of games adding up. For me I thought it was a terrific performance and I'm delighted we are still in the cup. We can take this confidence into the league and hopefully this will start on Tuesday night at the County Ground. The match started at a frantic pace and Spurs created chance after chance. Ankergren has really stepped up to the plate in the FA Cup this season and he made some superb saves including a brilliant penalty save from Defoe. I thought the penalty was harsh but Defoe went down again over Crowe for what looked like a stone wall penalty. This time referee, Wiley (who had a stinker at Elland a stinker in the  Leeds v Livpool LC tie) chose not to point to the spot. Snodgrass went close, Beckford fired wide with his left foot and had a super half volley palmed away by Gomes. Just when it looked like heading to half time at 0-0, the lanky 6 foot 7 inch robot that is Crouch ( who we were finding difficult to handle) fired home a rebound from Ankergren's initial save on 42 minutes. Spurs deserved to be ahead but it was tough on Leeds who had performed well as a team. Grayson clearly regrouped the team at half time and Leeds began the second period as the better side roared on by a fanatical 4,300 travelling support. Bromby (whom I thought was our player of the match) and Kisnorbo stood off the beanpole Crouch and Leeds began to win the second ball. Doyle and Kikenny were competitive in the middle of the park with the latter spreading passes all over the park cleverly and efficiently. Snodgrass was tricky and clever but his final ball was poor. Up front Beckford was a real handful and it wasn't against the run of play when he prodded home the equaliser like the poacher he is on 52 minutes from a corner that was bravely won by Bromby and Snodgrass combining. For once Snodgrass's delivery was good and Bromby's flick was precise. The match was balanced on a knife edge and the home crowd were stunned and mute. Spurs had not conceded at home in four matches. Redknapp threw on Keane and Pavyluchenko with 19 minutes remaining and the tall Russsian scored a superb goal within five minutes of coming on. Leeds began to look tired but still you had the feeling that we were not out of the match. Becchio came on for Doyle on 81 minutes to help Beckford in attack. It was the introduction of 19 year old Leeds boy Aidan White for Bradley Johnson which proved pivotal in the match. The exuberance of youth combined with no fear, speed and confidence propelled Leeds forward probing openings on the left. Spurs were on the backfoot. Five minutes into time added on time, Beckford took on Dawson in a one on one. It was a superb long ball from Kilkenny that allowed the Leeds man a one on one. After two step overs, Dawson lunged in and Beckford went over. Surely the referee who caused our exit in the LC and who booked five Leeds players and no Tottenham players would  award nothing. To the White Hart Lane groans he pointed to the penalty spot. Beckford the man who missed two out of our last three penalties and allegedly doesn't score against the big teams, stepped forward. He buried the penalty into the top right hand corner in front of the delirious travelling Yorkshire support. To the Premiership clubs reluctant to take a punt (except it seems Everton you foolish, foolish people). The lad is quick and scores goals. He can be wasteful, lacking in touch but he scores goals and probably will at any level, even if not as prolific as in League One. I hope Bates puts his short hands into those very long pockets to help supplement our thread bare squad for a final assault in League One. Charlton and Norwich have an advantage against a side who will play 61 games minimum this season.  The Spurs and Man United matches will surely bring in �2Million extra and we are going to get �400,000 for Matt Kilgallon going to Sunderland. We need to keep focused but from the reaction of Simon Grayson at the death, he just wants to see Leeds winning every single match. Beckford won the battle of the two Jermaines but I thought Bromby and Ankergren were brilliant. There is no doubt that Bromby is at his best when playing centre half, and he ably filled in for captain, Naylor's absence. Gradel will be a nice player to bring on against tired defences and Kandol is not too far from recovering from a groin injury. That said, I would like to see another two or three quality faces in the squad. We have the profile, we should now regain the momentum and lets hope this kick starts our season again in the league. Just like Cantona arrived to drive us on for the title in 1991/92 can you imagine the  lift a �1M player would do for us this season ?

Sat 23rd. Leeds agreed a fee with Leicester for Max Gradel and he will sit a medical on Monday morning. Norwich rode their luck to beat Brentford 1-0 despite having captain and talisman, Grant Holt sent off at Carrow Road. Brentford missed chance after chance but the Canaries go top on goal difference of + 2 with Leeds having two matches in hand. The Canaries dismissed rumours that they are about to go into administration on Thursday and have threatened legal action against the News of the World. No smoke without fire ?

Friday 22nd. Barnard joined Southmpton for a fee thought to have been �200,000. Have Leeds missed out or have we bigger fish tom fry ? Apparently the player wants to stay down South. No ambition !

Weds 20th. Southend have denied a rumour that their star striker, Lee Barnard has transferred to Leeds. They say on their website they have three interested parties but have received no bids. The player can leave for free in the summer. Leeds have had a second offer for Max Gradel turned down by Leicester City. David Healy has issued a come and get me plea to Leeds. He has made just six substitute appearances for Sunderland this season and is desperate to go out on loan and is quoted as saying : "If there was a club I was ever to go back and play for it would be Leeds United. I have huge affection for the club". Healy has also lost his international place, being dropped recently for the first time in nine years. Leeds boss Simon Grayson is not convinced about Jermaine Beckford's alleged pre-contract agreement with Everton. "Pre-contract agreements aren't binding so both parties could pull out at any time. If he bangs in another 20 goals he might have bigger clubs than Everton coming in for him". 

Tues 19th. Leeds 1-2 Carlisle JPT Northern Final 1st Leg. Att - 13,011. Ankergren, Crowe, Bromby, Naylor, Hughes, Howson, Kilkenny, Johnson, Snodgrass, Grella, (Becchio 83) Beckford. - Unused - Johes, Michalik White and Doyle. The last league one side to win at Leeds was Carlisle and they did it again tonight against the run of play. It was an open first half before our old bogey man, Kavenage fired home just inside the box after 21 minutes. That's the third time he has scored against us at Elland road for three different teams - Wigan, Sunderland and now the Cumbrians. Earlier Beckford placed the ball inches wide when clean through and he hit the inside of the post a few minutes later. Carlisle were causing problems on the break with Crowe receiving a torrid time from Robson. Grella's audacious bicycle kick deserved a goal and Johnson should have scored but the ball got caught under his feet. 1-0 it stayed at half time. On 56 minutes Leeds scored the goal their play merited when Crowe got in at the far post to head home. Hi should have scored his second two minutes later but failed to convert when well placed. It was all Leeds. Howson was unlucky and beckford missed another chance perhaps justifying the doubters in his all round finishing ability. But six minutes from time Carlisle bagged an undeserved winner when the sublime left foot of Harte found Anynsiah to head home. Becchio nearly equalised and Howson's rebound was hacked off the line. It's another defeat in our bad run currently and more concerning still are the same bodies we are utilising on Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday again. We have Spurs at home followed by Swindon away this day week. A few new bodies in would give the team a lift. After all we have lost five players in Showunmi, Vokes, Gradel, Capaldi and Ephraim. There is very little on the bench in an attacking role to change things just now, and Kandol is also out with a hamstring injury. Whilst we can easily turn around this tie at Burnden Park in a fornight one wonders if we are better conserving our efforts for the race to get out of League One. Charlton beat Hartlepool tonight to get within three points of Leeds, and Norwich will probably go top on Saturday when they play Brentford. Simon Grayson - "I thought we didn't quite get the breaks tonight. That's three games now in a row we haven't won and we are disappointed to have lost our home record. We are in negotiations with a few clubs about different players to freshen the squad up. We knew we wouldn't have things our own way going though a whole season but a few things are going against us just now. We certainly had our chances and I was very pleased with our second half performance where their keeper kept them in the game. We dust ourselves down now and look forward to games against Spurs and Swindon where we will still go with confidence". 

Tues Jan 19th. Discussions are ongoing between Leeds and Leicester City surrounding the possibility of extending or securing the full time services of Max Gradel. Simon Grayson : "We're looking to see if something can be done whether that can be an end of season loan or something more permanent I don't know. The manager admits he is working on players bot arriving and leaving the club."I'd like to bring in maybe one or two faces and there could be one or two to go. Hopefully by the time the window shuts we might have a few fresh faces for the final push, but as I've always said I'll only do something if it's right for us and not just for the sake of it."

Jan 17th. A blip or more than that ? We are a fussy lot as Leeds fans but then again we have been through hell and high water. There is no doubt that we are weathering a tricky spell currently. Forget about the Man United performance for a moment and one can see that we have had a difficult spell for a few weeks now, even though results have gone our way by and large. Let's look back realistically for two minutes. On December 12th we struggled at Brentford on a pitch similar to Exter and came away with a scoreless draw. Our next game saw us win against Southampton with a piece of Snodgrass magic in a game that could have gone either way for large parts. The 3-1 win at home to Hartlepool  flattered us to the extreme and we should have been 2-0 down before an OG gifted us an equaliser. Stockport County lead us 2-1 (when they had lost 11 on the bounce) and it was only a rare Bromby screamer that put us ahead with two minutes remaining. Getting the pattern ? However, since the Man United match and arguably after the lord mayor show we have taken just one point out of six from sides in the bottom half of the table. So what's gone wrong ? In my view it's fourfold. (1. There was no way that our 17 match unbeaten run could extend much longer. Every side no matter how good has a tricky patch. It's simply the law of averages. (2. Whilst others may argue differently, there is no doubt that the Jermaine "will he go" Beckford saga has had a negative impact on our side. Before and after the incredible Man United victory it's been constant media speculation, and Newcastle in particular have not come out smelling of roses in the whole affair. Simon Grayson has had no more prolific question posed than that surrounding Beckford. The fact that he is now staying will I believe give our side a huge lift. (3. Loan signings returning to their respective clubs, and competition for places. Ephraim has gone back to QPR, Volkes has gone back to Wolves, Capaldi has returned to Cardiff and Gradel may have played his last match for Leeds unless Leeds can convince Leicester to loan him out for the rest of the season. I acknowledge that apart from Gradel, the other three have had minimal impact. But, what they have done is make sure players no longer rest on their laurels. A little complacency has set in and I think we need some quality extras around the club. This I'm sure Simon Grayson will study and in recent squads Tresor Kandol has been noticeable by his absence. We are running into a heavy period of matches. Tuesday, Saturday and Tuesday again will become the norm rather than the exception. (4. Lastly, perhaps the FA Cup run has derailed our league campaign some what. A 12/1 win over Man United and another live cup tie at Spurs this Saturday may have turned a few heads away from the monotonous fixtures against the Wycombes and the Exeters of this world. If that's the case Grayson won't be long getting his message across. Norwich are within three points and Charlton are within six points. Charlton exited the FA Cup to a Non-League side. They are hungry and The Canaries are in form right now. Games in hand for the Whites can't be taken for granted to turn into points. Lambert's side have won five in a row including wins against Wycombe, Huddersfield and Millwall. The seven goal swing this weekend has placed their goal difference at + 31, and that now is one ahead of Leeds at + 30. If they defeat Brentford at home this Saturday, they will go top. Leeds will have two matches in hand but these have to be won. Next up for Norwich : Brentford (H), Hartlepool (H), Millwall (A), Brighton (A), and Southampton (H). Of course if anything were to happen to Holt or Houlihan one wonders if they have enough cover. Probably not. 

 Leeds on the other hand are running into fixture congestion : Tues 19th (H) Carlisle Utd (JPT), Sat 23rd (A) Spurs (FA Cup 4th Round), Tues 26th (A) Swindon Town (L1), Sat 30th (H) Colchetser United (L1), Sat 6th of Feb (A) Hartlepool (L1) ,Tues 9th (A) Carlisle United (JPT) and Sat 13th (A) Leyton Orient.

 And then there is Charlton Athletic. The Addicks have had their bad spell.  Next up is : Tues 19th (H) Hartlepool, Mon Jan 25th (H) L Orient, Sat 30th (H) Tranmere Rvs, Tues Feb 2nd (A) Walsall, Sat Feb 6th (A) Swindon Town, Sat Feb 13th (A) Bristol Rvs - all league One. Can Charlton go on another run ? I doubt it.

Simon Grayson will target the players' attention on what is most important and that's getting out of this division automatically. Beckford staying is the first lift but a couple of new arrivals would be perfect just about now. Like it or not Norwich and Charlton have no other distractions right now, and we have to go to the Valley and Carrow Road. Current Betting : Leeds 1/2, Norwich City 9/4 and Charlton Athletic 8/1.

Jan 17th. "Leeds United are pleased to announce striker Jermaine Beckford will be staying on at Elland Road for the remaining duration of his contract. Conversations have been ongoing with the player and his representative since a transfer request was handed in on December 30th. The subsequent speculation surrounding his transfer has not been helpful in terms of stability, but having spoken with Jermaine all parties have decided it's in everyone's best interests that he stays until the end of the season and and continues to help the club's bid for promotion. This is despite several financial offers that have been made to the club. Leeds United manager Simon Grayson said : "What we have achieved over the past twelve months has been a team effort by everyone and I'm delighted we have resolved this situation to to assist us achieve what we are aiming to achieve. The whole squad has done terrifically over the season and the most important thing is that we continue  what we have been doing. Promotion is our main aim but we are still in two cup competitions and have plenty of football to come over the next few months. I'm keen to draw a line under the situation and now e can all move on together. I never wanted Jermaine to leave and and we have turned down offers for him. We could have cashed in, knowing what could happen at the end of the season, but the chairman has backed me all the way, and it demonstrates what we are looking to achieve. Jermaine has always given 100% and hopefully his goals will play a big part for us over the next few months". This is what the player had to say : "After a lot of thinking over the last few days I have decided to withdraw my transfer request and commit my immediate future to Leeds United. It was never a comfortable decision to ask for a transfer in the first place, but after the game against Manchester United and the unbelievable reaction from the Leeds United fans in the Wycombe match I have decided that I want to finish what I have been striving to do for the last few seasons - and that is to help promote Leeds united out of a division which it doesn't belong. 

Jan 16th 2009. Exeter City 2-0 Leeds United. Att - 8,451 Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor (Grella 84), Kisnorbo, Hughes, Snodgrass, Kilkenny, Doyle (Howson 66), Johnson, Beckford, Becchio (Gradel 73) - Unused subs = Jones, Crowe, Michalik, White. United went surprisingly to only their second league defeat of the season at St James Park. Simon Grayson opted to shuffle his pack. Leigh Bromby replaced Jason Crowe at right full. The ever consistent Andy Hughes reverted to left full and Snodgrass and Johnson played on the wings with Howson starting on the bench. It was an horrendous first half performance which saw Leeds fall behind after only four minutes to Harley's header past Ankergren. Leeds were fortunate not to go in at least three down at the interval. The manager played with Hughes and Johnson as wing backs and Bromby, Kisnorbo and Naylor making it a back three. The rain and sodden pitch was no excuse for the league One leaders and Hughes should have done better when he got his shot away in the box. Gradel, playing the final game of his loan spell was introduced with 17 minutes to go for the ineffective Becchio. Leeds were poor, lacking decisiveness and urgency and Harley made it 2-0 with seven minutes remaining. There is no doubt we are hitting our bad spell of the season. What are the reasons if any (read above).Elsewhere, Norwich are flying, winning 5-0 at difficult Colchester, and Wycombe, so difficult for the Whites to overcome last week, failed to take any points of a resurgent Charlton Athletic. Simon Grayson had the following to say : "It's disappointing to take just one point from six against Wycombe and Exeter but we have only lost two all season. We have a strong squad but it was a heavy pitch at Exeter and we tried to play as if it was a normal dry surface. Credit to Exeter they played percentage football and worked us a lot harder in the first half.We responded in the second half but didn't get the breaks in front of goal.It was a great strike for their second goal and killed the game off."

Jan 15th. Some of our members have booked to go to the Millwall match. Please take note that this game has now changed to a live Sky Monday night fixture on March 22nd replacing the March 20th fixture. 

Jan 10th. Wolves and Stoke may have joined the race for the services of Jermaine Beckford according to newspaper reports. 

Jan 9th. Leeds United 1-1 Wycombe Wands. Att - 24,383 Ankergren, Crowe, Kisnorbo, Naylor, Johnson (White 76), Doyle, Kilkenny, Snodgrass (Gradel 66) Beckford, Becchio (Grella 84). Subs - Martin, Prutton, Michalik, Bromby. It was a case of after the lord mayor's show and United were lucky in the end to scramble a point against struggling Wycombe Wanderers. Elsewhere the Canaries were defeating Exeter City 3-1 and getting to within six points (although we have a game in hand over Norwich) of Leeds. Leeds got off to a super start in the fourth minute when Howson's drive eluded Shearer in goal. Jon Paul Pittman rattled the crossbar a few minutes later as the visitors sensed Leeds were vulnerable. Beckford, Snodgrass and Johnson all went close for Leeds but it was Wycombe who were dominating midfield, and just before half time Mousinho missed a great chance to make it 1-1. Beckford and Kisnorbo went close in the early part of the second half. Pitman, the best player on the pitch equalised for Wycombe on 63 minutes when he easily beat Naylor and drove home past Ankergren, Then visitors pushed hard for a winner and Leeds brought Gradel and Grella on all to no avail. In the end Leeds were hanging on for a point. 

Jan 7th. It emerged that Beckford's transfer request was handed in some four days before the Man United game. Simon Grayson was furious that this was made public. It seems the player's agent is the person that has put it in the public domain. 

Jan 6th. Jermanine Beckford's agent has confirmed that the player has handed in a transfer request. It's a disappointing development. Newcastle have already had a bid of �1.25M turned down. One of the heroes of our great win over Man United has soured things by doing so. Gary Hopper of Scunthorpe (below left 7 Lgue goals in 15 starts this season)or Billy Sharpe of Sheffield United (and on loan with Doncaster Rvs this season - 7 goals in 12 starts)are the likely replacements. Newcastle are obviously rubbing their hands with glee having unsettled the player. Hopefully other clubs will come in from the Premiership and up the ante regarding price. Having watched a lot of Newcastle live on TV over the past few weeks, I am far from convinced about their quality in what remains this season quite a poor Championship. This may turn out (if it is Newcastle) quite a poor move for Beckford. Of course Leeds could insist on the player seeing out the rest of his contract until the end of the season. Knowing Ken Bates, this is the least likely scenario. Like a ticking time bomb Leeds will wait until January ticks by to see how desperate Newcastle become, whilst all the time negotiating with other clubs about potential replacements.  The loan market is also another option but perhaps the least favoured. Beckford remains the quickest and most lethal striker we have and that combination versus the sort of money that Bates pays on wages could be the biggest deterrent we have in finding the right player. 

Jan 3rd to 5th.   Latest News . Alan Sheehan has gone on loan to Swindon Town for the rest of the season. He can't play in the Swindon Town matches v Leeds on January 26th and April 3rd. Leeds have also confirmed that their FA Cup 4th round tie at Tottenham will be live on UTV at 5.15PM on Satutrday, January 23rd. Tony Capaldi has returned to Cardiff City after an unsuccessful loan spell and Sam Vokes has gone back to Wolves. The duo join Ephraim who returned to QPR already. Those travelling to the Walsall match, please take note that game has now been replaced by the Spurs fixture

Jan 4th. As the nation of Leeds fans rejoice in yesterday's glorious victory, Newcastle appear to be stepping up their pursuit of Jermaine Beckford and they appear to be very confident of getting him. Chris Hughton : "I wasn't at Old Trafford to see Jermaine and there is no deal done yet,' he told the Evening Chronicle. 'All we can say is that we're working very hard on bringing in new players and I am very confident we will get them. We have to be patient and there is a long month ahead of us, but we won't panic. 'His profile now goes up because the game was on TV. But everybody knows that this is just one game and whether he'd done well or badly, he would still be a talented player. 'He's one of a few players we are interested in." 
On yesterday's evidence, to lose him in the current transfer window could be
problematic, to say the least. "We have stressed there will be three scenarios with Jermaine," said Leeds manager Grayson last night.
"He either signs a new contract, he leaves at the end of the season or we sell him now and get some money which we think is too good an opportunity to turn down.
But we have made a decent amount of money today and got back on an even keel on the financial front. My best-case scenario is that Jermaine signs a new contract or gets us the goals to earn promotion and then leaves.   Grayson added: "We knew there would be talk about him as soon as the window opened." 

January 3rd 2010. Man United 0-1 Leeds United. Att - 74,526. Ankergren, CRowe, Naylor, Kisnorbo, Hughes (White 90), Howson (Snodgrass 77), Kilkenny, Doyle, Johnson, Beckford, Becchio (Michalik 89). Unused Subs - Prutton, Grella, Capaldi, Martin. Leeds United a little team representing League One, two massive divisions below Manchester United, the current Premiership Champions went to Old Trafford surely only to pocket the one million pounds money (their share) and give their 9,000 travelling fans a decent day out. Think again. It was 29 years since Car Harris stormed down the right wing late in the second half to send over a decent cross for little Brian Flynn to rattle home from eight yards. This time Leeds were managed by local boy Simon Grayson, and they came to a Man United venue that chose to rest some of their illustrious "star"players. Leeds attacked from the off and carved out a few decent chances. Rooney for Man United was looking lively but Berbatov seemed to be going through the motions. Leeds had their twin towers in defence. Naylor and Kisnorbo, ably assisted by two decent full backs in Hughes and Crowe. In midfield Leeds had Kilkenny, Doyle, Howson and Johnson, and up front our potent attackers were Beckford and Becchio. On 19 minutes a 40 yard pass from Howson  found Beckford who slipped easily past Wes Brown to fire Leeds 1-0 up. Was this the same Beckford who doesn't score against the big clubs ? Leeds had chances to go 2-0 up but Becchio and then Bradley Johnson headed over when equally well placed. United's best chance fell to Wayne Rooney (who had scored in his last 3 games running) with a shot that beat Ankergren but not Crowe who cleared off the line at the last gasp. Both sides had shouts for penalties in the first half but the referee indicated no on both occasions. At half time it was 1-0 to Leeds, yes the 11/1 outsiders that nobody except the most diehard Leeds fans. (of Course some of this did take the 11/1 long shot and also the 8/1 on Beckford for first goal, but that's a different story). Leeds started the second half equally well, and were in no mood to sit back. Brown was was booked in the first half and yet remarkably stayed on the pitch after a couple of rash challenges. Perhaps that was the referee's only real error. United huffed and puffed and took a good save from Ankergren . On came the big guns, Giggs, Valencia and Owen. Roared on by the 9,000 travelling fans Leeds were in no mood to cave in and Beckford went within a whisker of making it 2-0. Berbatov, Owen and Rooney went close again before Snodgrass (who came on for Howson) rattled the crossbar from 25 years with Kusczak beaten. Doyle in the middle (who was on the Coventry side that won 2-0 at Old Trafford a few seasons ago in the LC) covered every inch of grass, and Naylor and Kisnorbo were putting their bodies in the way of everything that the arch enemy was throwing at them. Time was slowly trickling down but even Ferguson's famous wrist watch couldn't buy an equaliser. The referee signaled 5 extra minutes and United went close again. They eventually played 6 minutes and Leeds held firm to defeat Man United 1-0 and knock them out of the FA Cup, the first time that an Alex Ferguson side has fallen at the first hurdle (3rd round). A super performance, a professional performance and most of all a deserved performance. As that famous Norwegian commentator said back in 1978, when his semi-pro Norway defeated the might England (Keegan and all) "Fergie, we gave your boys one hell of a beating". Simon Grayson "Obviously I am very proud of my team and what they have done today. We worked very hard and I feel we deserved this win. I told my players to go and make themselves proud whether they win or not and they've done that. We knew we could hurt them today and this signalled how well we have been playing all season. This win is for the fans who have stuck by us in every game. Once again they were great and they deserve this". Our reward is a trip to Spurs in the fourth round in three weeks time.  There has been all kinds of talk regarding Jermaine Beckford moving to Newcastle after this match. This time there seems to be plenty to it, but I for one hope that he is still wearing a Leeds shirt in February. 

Dec 09 Update               

Nov 09 Update

Oct 09 Update

Sept 09 Update

June 09 to Aug 09

Feb to May 09

Index January 09 

Index Nov 14th 08 to Dec 31st 08

Index June 08 to Nov 11th 08

Index Jan 08 to May 25th 08

For Archived Files for December 07 click here

For Archived Files from October to November 07 click here

For Archived Files from August to September 07 click here

For previous news stories, please click here.

For what you think of Leeds, click here to send in your rants and I'll include them in the "Rants" page.