And so the roller coaster ride starts... ‏

By Keith Ingham

Back in May my feelings on carrying on doing a thing that I'd done for forty plus years was a subject of conjecture, I was fed up of the situation within the club and my distrust of Massimo Cellino was at it's highest. I simply didn't believe he was doing things in a proper way and was thinking of other ways to amuse myself on a Saturday afternoon as were many others.

Things seem to have altered within Leeds 11 since then, key appointment for me was Adam Pearson who slowly is turning the 'ship' away from the rocks I feared the club would end up on. A club secretary, head of recruitment and a coach that has assembled people he trusts and above all well respected at getting the best out of players at their disposal. The lack of interfering from the Italian is imperative if this season is to be a successful one. Six signings also have raised hopes, including Chris Wood and the newest Tom Adeyemi.

I set off on my first 'away day' with Bob and Ryan Turnbull on the journey to York City, I've known the lads for a long time and both are 'Leeds' and next week they are travelling abroad to follow the team. Lucky sods !. When the team came to us via Twitter I was a little surprised that Silvestri had travelled to Tadcaster with another Leeds X1 leaving Ross Turnbull, signed earlier in the day between the sticks. The experienced keeper has medals from his time in the west end of London. It looked apart from Bianchi the team that could start versus Burnley. Berardi stated at right back, Sam Byram in a more advanced right midfield role. Bellusci and Bamba at centre back and Lee Erwin on the left hand side of a three pronged attack. Chris Wood was pulled out before kick off due to a 'slight strain'. Morison led the line.

Leeds started well and throughout the first half impressed me by playing good first touch balls and the midfield three of Cook, Mowatt and Bianchi made sure Byram and Erwin had plenty of possession. It was no surprise when a beautiful ball by Taylor was met by the head of Byram. 1-0 Leeds !. The lead should have been extended but for a couple of good saves by the York keeper. A enjoyable first half.

York in the second half made it more difficult to keep momentum going as the game was constantly stopped with numerous substitutions. Leeds still held the upper hand until legs seem to be fading and key performers, Beradi and Mowatt being replaced. Scott Wootton maybe a good back up centre back but a right back I'm still to be convinced by him and he gave a York player far too much room for him to cross and York equalised. Morison should have put the game to 'bed' earlier but a wonderful save from Ingham denied the striker, Ajose also was thwarted when in a great position also late in the game.

A good run out in the second of the five preseason games scheduled by Rosler. Players who did really well were Berardi, Mowatt, Bianchi, Cook, Byram and Erwin. Adam Drury looked lively when he came on as a substitute. Nearly two and a half thousand Leeds fans were in attendance at York and another one and half thousand travelled to Tadcaster. Incredible support by the fans.

All I asked for was a change in direction and I hopefully feel that the club is heading for calmer waters and yes I'm onboard once again !.

MOT