 While the rhyme always tells you to never smile at a crocodile, I've learned that Wikipedia is the thing you really can't trust in football. A recent story has been linked that Leeds have been linked with Belgian striker Jelle Vossen, which has apparently resulted in his Wikipedia page being changed. However, should the story be true, here's some info on the potential new signing. Vossen will be known to many fans having featured against Leeds for two separate clubs against Leeds in the space of 12 months having played for both Middlesbrough and Burnley. The aforementioned move to Burnley in the summer of 15/16 season is a peculiar one to say the least. Vossen only spent two months at Burnley in 2015 before departing for Belgian supremos Club Brugge. Burnley having spent £2.68million on him then decided to let him leave for £2.81mil begging the question; why was he signed in the first place?!  What scared Burnley off keeping this former Belgian hotshot? And should Leeds be worried about the same thing? Anyway, Vossen is now back in his native Belgium and is once again banging the goals in for fun having scored 34 goals in 80 appearances for Club Brugge.
A talented forward who can play up top along with occupying a second striker or wide forward position, Vossen is a talented forward who could add some goals to Leeds attacking line up and support for Chris Wood. However, Vossen is everything we already have in Marcus Antonsson and resembles the same gamble Leeds took when signing the Swede last summer. In my opinion, we'd be better giving Antonsson the support he needs to improve on his gameplay and investing in a different type of striker, one with some damn pace! Do you think Vossen is a potentially good signing or do you think Leeds should be looking elsewhere? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham
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 With a new Spanish backroom and head coach, it was highly expected that Leeds would dip into the Spanish market for new additions. The same thing happened when Massimo Cellino joined Leeds United with the summer of 2014 belonging to an abundance of 11 players being signed from the Italian leagues. With Victor Orta bringing in his own Spanish scouting network, it's likely the next few signings will be of Spanish nationality or having played in the Spanish division One player who has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds is Samuel Saiz. The 26-year old has been a journeyman in the Spanish second division having featured for seven clubs, including five B teams for high profile Spanish clubs. Saiz started his youth career at the famed La Fabrica youth academy for Real Madrid youngsters and even featured for both the Real B and C teams for three seasons. He then moved on loan to Sevilla B, an interesting move that could be key to Leeds signing the player with Victor Orta and his backroom team having worked there during this period. They could have been the people who located the player as a key prospect in the past.  Could Saiz's precious experience at high level academies help him blossom at Leeds? Fast forward to the 16/17 season and Saiz has finally found a place to settle down at Huesca in the Liga Segunda.
In his second year with the club Saiz has blossomed and last season was their highest finish in their history as they finished sixth in Spain's second tier. This was no little down to Saiz registering an impressive 12 goals and 7 assists. The former Spain under 19 international is an attacking midfielder by all aspects but can double as a backup or second striker. There's some interesting YouTube clips that shows his varied passing range including weighted balls, cross field passes and delectable flicks all in his repertoire. The video also shows his ability to finish and you won't be disappointed with his shooting boots as he crashes in a few beauty's from outside of the box. But we all know how YouTube clips can be. Here's the link should you feel inclined: https://youtu.be/bf8FBJfuOxM Overall, Saiz could be an interesting transfer and add something to Leeds' game that we lacked last season; more goals. Chris Wood cannot do it himself and a player of Saiz's calibre could be the difference for Thomas Christiansen. By Ryan Ingham  While Leeds United have announced the signing of Thomas Christiansen as their new head coach, we have seen a move like this before. Like the YEP reported on the announcement of Christiansen, the appointment bares a few similarities to the addition of Dario Milanic as head coach back in September 2014. Both managers had managed in Europe for minor county clubs and had succeeded in getting them into a strong footing in Europe before leaving and taking the reigns at Elland Road. But instead of getting you all scared and worried that this manager will last the same amount of 32 days as Milanic, here's three differences; Footballing background Whereas Milanic's playing career was restricted to Serbian and Austrian national leagues, Christiansen had flourished with different spells all over Europe. Christiansen has enjoyed spells in Spanish football with Barcelona, Racing Santander, Gijon and Villarreal and although everyone keeps saying it was 'Barcelona B' the coaching standards at the Nou B team will be better than most clubs around the country. The Spanish capped striker has also spent a total of six years in the German Bundesliga representing VFL Bochum and Hannover. The German competition is said to be the closest in comparison to the English divisions which will surely help him when focusing on his playing style.  Paperboy vs Poster-boy, we all know who'd win this argument. What we can say is that Milanic's playing style was very old and outdated and didn't suit the club, whereas Christiansen has the know how of how to adapt within modern football.
National ties However you feel about it, Leeds have a bumper new backroom that will be heavily involved in proceedings. The appointments of Ivan Bravo and Victor Orta especially. Both Bravo and Orta are Spanish nationals that enjoy taking the reigns of the club and getting stuck in. Although Orta has been blamed for the miscommunication at Boro last season, every club finds someone to point their finger at. With the two Spaniards handling day to day chores, it's likely that having a respected Spaniard in charge of the squad will be a major benefit. Milanic's reign was marred with miscommunication, the club and the players didn't really get the chance to settle in with the manager and I doubt he even got the chance to find out all the names of his backroom staff never mind his players. Christiansen is fluent in both English and Spanish and for a foreign manager, that's a welcome bonus. He's got a plan! I'm not sure about any other fan but when I had read about how Christiansen got the job with a PowerPoint I seriously considering packing some FM slides and heading to the FA for my badges. Christiansen apparently wowed Radrizanni with a presentation dealing with where Monk fell short last season, how the club should play and where we need to strengthen. Now that is some interview! The fact that the Spanish Dane is clued up means Leeds can hit the ground running. The departed Milanic never had that opportunity, he came in to a club in despair in the ruins of the Hockaday appointment and only lasted 32 days, I bet he didn't even have a security badge or parking spot! And there's the three reasons why it could work out better with Christiansen, we hope we've been able to clear any doubts and bump up your confidence in the new man. The fact of the matter is; we're in good hands. The new owner has his sights set straight forward and I think Christiansen's appointment could be a move in the right direction. Give it time. By Ryan Ingham  Leeds United yesterday announced the appointment of Thomas Christiansen on a 12 month rolling contract.
Christiansen's appointment came as a surprise to most people having had no links to the role prior to being handed the reigns. It's been stated that new owner Andrea Radrizzani was very impressed with the former professional footballers presentation which included; what strategy suits the team, what areas are weak within the squad and also pointing out where Garry Monk went wrong in certain games last season. To many fans this was a shocking and very underwhelming appointment having seen the likes of Juande Ramos, Aitor Karanka and Claudio Ranieri linked with the role since Monks departure. However, this is a very good appointment at the right time for Leeds. It might not sound great but all Leeds need right now is for someone to keep the ship in the right direction, not alter its course during the season at the slightest hitch. With Christiansen, we have an experienced footballer and a coach just starting off in his career, he will be energetic and will have fresh ideas of European football. To me, that's not a big problem. The Spanish international who can also represent Denmark spent a very overwhelming season at Apoel Nicosia prior to leaving after twelve months in charge for a new opportunity, sound familiar? Christiansen had excelled in his role at the Cypriot first division side and not only handed them the Cypriot title but also got them to the cup final and to the Europa League last 16 for the first time in their history, beating Bilbao along the way. That's no mean feat for any manager worth a look at and a hell of a lot more than most of the men who people were clambering for. It's clear to me that the 44-year old head coach is good at working with small clubs on average league budgets, which is what Leeds will be working with this summer. I think it's also worth noting that Christiansen has favoured a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 strategies during his time as a head coach in Europe, both formations that Leeds have played or could easily fit into. He's a fan of pacy wingers and we do have two of them in Roofe and Sacko and also he has good links with Spanish football, which will work well with our current interim assistant Pep Clotet. Last season Leeds were one of the teams with the highest clean sheets in the league, last season Christiansen lead Apoel Nicosia to 27 clean sheets during their regular season. A stat worth keeping in your mind. Overall, we haven't set the world alight but in no way have we gone for another Dave Hockaday. Christiansen looks set to hit the ground running and already has an understand of how he wants to play. Let's see how we feel come December, when the fellas actually had a chance. By Ryan Ingham  With the summer transfer window open and Leeds still without a manager, it's expected that the club will still complete deals for players under the onus of the new team that owner Andrea Radrizanni has put in place. Last week the Premier League clubs announced their retained lists and as always, there's a few gems that have departed for free agency in search for first team football. Here's a list of players that we think would be suitable for Leeds to snap up while they have the opportunity; Ezekiel Fryers The former Tottenham defender has finally been allowed to leave Crystal Palace after a few rough years in the capital. Fryers is a talented left back can also pick up duties as a centre back and would be a welcome addition to Leeds defence as a versatile defender. Blessed with pace and a good amount of strength, all Fryers needs is regular football to kickstart his career again and we could have a diamond in the rough. Fryers is only still 24 and has bags of talent along with some experience in the Premier League, itd be crazy for Leeds to not entertain the idea. Joe Ledley What Leeds was lacking last year was a bit of steel in midfield, someone to really take the game by the scruff of the neck and bully the opposition.  Ledley is a battle hardened central midfielder who could really add some steal to a young and inexperienced Leeds midfield. The Welsh international midfielder is now 30 years old and has admitted that he may have to step down to the Championship after four years in England's top flight. Ledley is also capable of bringing goals to the plate having been renowned for his long range efforts while spending time at Celtic. Toni Gomes Once heralded as 'Jurgen Klopp's biggest jewell' only 12 months ago, Gomes is a talented young striker who deserves a punt in the Championship. It's imperative that Leeds look to bring in more striking options to support Chris Wood this summer and one fairly reasonable idea would be to bring Gomes to Elland Road on the cheap. The 18-year old striker who comes from the same country as Ronaldo Vieira is known for his skills in and around the box and resembles a low cost gamble for Leeds with a potentially huge payout. Jan Kirchhoff Once of Bavarian giants Bayern Munich and then relegated from the Premier League with a tinpot club from the North East, how depressing.  Kirchhoff was once a very talented defender who has been playing for a poor side and an appalling manager.
With the right coaching and support, he could create a formidable partnership with Pontus Jansson in the heart of Leeds' defence. Sebastian Pocognoli You'll have seen the name before. Pocognoli spent the majority of last season on loan at promoted Championship side Brighton and was impressive. With Charlie Taylor departing, Leeds are left with the possibility of being short at left back and Pocognoli could fit this gap in a heartbeat. The talented full back is a former Belgian international and has bags of top flight experience having played for clubs including Standard Liege, Hannover and West Brom. Is there anyone we've missed? Who would you like to sign? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham  With a constant stream of managers ending the speculation of taking over at Leeds United, new owner Andrea Radrizanni is in a bit of a pickle.
The Italian businessman who has completed his 100% purchase of Leeds United was stunned on his second day in charge as Head Coach Garry Monk decided to resign from his position instead of signing a bumper three year deal at the club. Leeds are now managerless and heading into a very important summer as they look to better their seventh places finish from last seasons Championship campaign and any appointment needs to happen post-haste. The new favourite for the role is Monk's former assistant Pep Clotet, who has already stated that he wants to commit to Leeds United ahead of his deal expiring on June 30th. Although it's not a high profile signing, Clotet is a very good option to hand a chance to. He has worked with Monk long enough to know the foundations that have been put down, he has spent time with the players and understands what they need in terms of coaching and the players have responded well to him. Clotet has bags of managerial experience having spent time as a youth manager at Espanyol, then taking roles at Malaga as the Reserve manager. He's also been an assistant at clubs including Malmo, Swansea and Leeds United. He has a good knowledge of Spanish football and will work well with Radrizanni's new backroom team of Ivan Bravo and Victor Orta, who both have links to Spanish football. Although their careers in football may be vastly different, we must remember Pep Guardiola started as a youth coach and assistant prior to taking the plunge into management, like many world class coaches have done in the past. It's not an mouth watering 'we've done well to get him' but it is a young managerial prospect who wants to stay at the club and knows how Leeds tick. To me that's what we should be looking for. By Ryan Ingham  The first major signing of the summer is through the door and he's no stranger...
Hadi Sacko may frustrate a few fans but without a doubt he has the attributes of a very promising signing. 67 times he attempted to get past a defender, that's the highest total in four years for a Leeds player. That little fact was given by @LUFCDATA. His stats back up the statement, impressive to say the least and the important thing is that after 'having a look round' he decided Leeds United FC was for him, something sadly his coach didn't see before him. Although many may think this signing sets the world alight, you've got to look at the bigger picture. We've signed a talented young player for a minimal fee in a position we needed to strengthen. Sacko's outlay gives us the option to further invest in wingers with a more respectable budget. However, football is changing. Norwich received over £40million in parachute payments last year from the Premier League. How, as a club can we battle out for players in that situation is beyond me. If we can sign talented players with promise like Sacko and work on them, I'm happy with that. The benefit we have is that playing with the white shirt on still motivates players to move here and Hadi Sacko said as much in his post signing Tweets and interview. Himself and Ronaldo Vieira (improved, longer deal) are young enough that we will hopefully see the best from them in forthcoming seasons. He seems to have a little humour too as he hash tagged 'SquareitHadi' after confirming his permanent signing. The club is hopefully in better hands now, Andrea Radrizzani has made key appointments in the boardroom and one of them Victor Orta, the new director of football has years of experience to boost not only the first team squad but the under 23's too. The emergence of young talent has to continue, last season was poor results wise but at the start of last season both Ronaldo Vieira and Tyler Denton were within the squad and look how those two 'blossomed'. Despite Denton's injury, good things are still expected of the left back and one that makes it an area of the field that doesn't need recruitment. Despite the wait to see who takes on what Monk left I'm confident that the time taken will be worth it, whoever finally gets the job. The future of Leeds is in good hands and feet! MOT By Keith Ingham  Well, wasn't yesterday's news a bit of a shocker? I can't imagine many fans will have expected that. Much like finding the square root of x, we'll never be privy to the root cause of the issue, nor the instance of what went wrong. The news is still extremely peculiar after both parties looked set to agree on a new three year deal after the club had activated his 12 month extension before his deal expired. A smart move to ward off any other potential suitors. Whether or not Monk believed the extension was a tongue in cheek way of stalling on a deal is irrelevant and the fact is, Leeds were marking sure that they had their manager secure. Any issue Monk had with that would be downright pathetic. I also can't believe for one second that the offer of a long term deal wasn't on the table by Radrizanni. The new owner doesn't seem the man to give lip service on an issue and then be doing something completely different in the background. The club look on the up, so for Monk to just walk out on the project is extremely out of the blue. Whether he has received a better offer or believes Leeds were only a stepping stone may be a miscalculation by the man. Having spent time in the press area I can say with no doubts in my mind that for most of the season Monk was extremely happy at the club and was energetic about what was next for Leeds.  What changed for Monk? However, on the final home game against Norwich, all the I's and we's that had been present all season when talking about the future had turned to 'the club'. It seemed his attitude had changed a little after it was confirmed we would not be reaching the playoffs. It could have been nothing or it could have been the start of Monk looking ahead of his time at Leeds United.
The only issues that come to mind when you look at the resignation fall into where Radrizanni and Monk wanted to be next season. A number of things would have fallen into the contract negotiations including; contract lengths, transfer committees, transfer budgets, Monks wages or even where he was expected to finish. I do think that this is Monks decision and his alone. I can't see any issues coming from Leeds' end but I do believe that if Radrizanni knew he was taking the club forward at the end of the season, a deal should have been done during the season. None of this would have been an issue and more than likely we'd already be planning for next season. We'll never know the truth but we'll always know our fans. A massive well done to the 15,000 that have placed orders for their new season tickets - a massive achievement. We are a club with a lot of pulling power now that could temp a higher class of manager, a good squad that will need some investment and the best damn fans on the god damn planet! Let's move on from this, pick our feet up and march on. This is no time to fret or give up, support the club and the owner and look forward to a great season. By Ryan Ingham |
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