weallloveleeds.co.uk
  • Latest
  • Fixtures/Results/Table
  • Have Your Say
  • Meet the team
  • Contact Us
  • Links

Diary of a Leeds Fan (23/01-30/01/17)

30/1/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
Monday 23/1

Heidi Haigh's Monday look back on Saturday's defeat at Barnsley

http://www.followmeandleedsunited.co.uk/barnsley-21st-january-2017

Even a defeat is made easier by your superb blog and photographs.

Toumani Diagouraga joins Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season, the move probably brings to an end to the midfielder's Leeds United career. He is mind you under contract until 2018. He has featured once this season, the 3-0 defeat at QPR.

Good luck 'Dave'.


Tuesday 24/1

A look back to 1970 when Sutton United hosted League Champions Leeds United in the FA Cup 4th Round

http://www.sheridan-dictates.com/sutton-vs-leeds.php?disable_mobile=true

Many Thanks to Sheridan Dictates for the trip down memory lane.

Garry Monk's look ahead to tomorrow's clash with Nottingham Forest;

Said that previously the team have reacted positively to negative results and they (squad) want to get back to winning ways tomorrow, Pontus Jansson is available again after serving his two game suspension having him back will be a boost.

Sacko also in the squad for Forest, Charlie Taylor and Liam Cooper absent again, but Cooper may be ready for the cup tie, on transfers; "I'm very hopeful those bodies we need will be delivered to help the squad progress into 2nd half of the season."

He ended by saying "Our fans have been fantastic home and away and we need them tomorrow night, it is great to see them backing us no matter what".

A Confident Monk


Wednesday 25/

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest
Picture
Team News: Three changes, Jansson, O'Kane, Dallas replace Coyle, Vieira and Doukara

Team: Green, Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, Berardi, Bridcutt, O'Kane, Roofe, Hernandez, Dallas, Wood.

The Game:

Leeds returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over struggling Nottingham Forest, after a even first half where Forest had the best chance, Green saving Assombalonga's shot acrobatically.

Leeds dominated proceedings after the break and Chris Wood scored his twentieth goal of the season just before the hour mark. The New Zealand international is in incredible form.

Substitute Souleymane Doukara added to the score with probably the best goal that will be seen at Elland Road this season.

The win takes Leeds third in the Championship.

Man of the Match: Liam Bridcutt, always involved.
Picture

Read More
2 Comments

Last man standing

28/1/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture
I suppose the exit of Alex Mowatt is no big surprise but it continues the annoying habit that the club has of emptying of the talent that comes out of Thorpe Arch for a pittance.

Its true that the youngster (yes he's only 21) has only featured in a smattering of games this season but he does posses a pedigree at this level few of his meagre years could match.

I'll admit I like the lad, I've said in articles before he has a little of the Gary Speed I saw in the late eighties. True he didn't have Speedo's pace but I saw enough to think that he would develop into a good player. What 'rankles' me more is that players are being let to run down their contracts when time and money has been spent bringing them to a standard when they are ready for the first team squad.

We have of course more that came through the same way as Alex did but only Charlie Taylor is left of the ones that were advertised in the campaign 'Real History, Real Future and Real choice', that statement seems very hollow now.
Picture
How long will it be before the emerging talents of Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira go the same way as the others?

I've not questioned Garry Monk's judgement much and I agreed with his honesty in telling Luke Murphy and 'Dave' their future would be best served away from Elland Road in their footballing careers.

Alex's case is different, he has many years hopefully ahead of him and it's a shame that he has had to move away from the team he loved so early in his career.

My last point is this; simply wasn't Mowatt a better option late in games? When Pablo had weaved his magic? To bring on a player of Alex's calibre to close out games and offer that left peg that has brought so many superb goals. More importantly, it's certainly a lot better than using players like Matt Grimes who is a loanee and not lit any fires in his spell at the club so far.

Football is all about opinions and like it or not, this one is mine.

I wish Alex all the best in the future at his new club Barnsley. I just hope the decision to sell him doesn't come back to bite Leeds and Garry Monk in the arse! Which it has in the past on many occasions.

By Keith Ingham
7 Comments

An interview with a Legend

27/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Two years at Elland Road, 83 appearances and 33 goals, the sign of a true marksman. Leeds have been blessed with many a talented striker and one of them is Ian Baird.

A career total of 472 appearances and 128 goals, Ian Baird was an ever present force in English football. Now in his 50's, Baird is now well into his coaching career having managed both Hong Kong and Eastleigh and now finds himself as assistant manager of Sutton United, Leeds' opponents tomorrow in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

Head of Content Keith Ingham got the chance to speak to Ian ahead of tomorrow's match, here's what was said;

Ian, you've been away from the club for a while. What's your thought's on what has happened to it since you left the club?

Since I left the club, which is a long time ago now, the fans have experienced the full range of emotions. Wilkinson delivered two titles in three years and then eventually the paid for a few years of no further success. The Champions Lge run was as incredible but the turmoil and relegations that followed were unbelievable. Nobody could've seen that coming but Simon Grayson did a good job when he came in. The club has been in the Championship too long but Garry Monk looks like he's turning it around and I hope the fantastic league form continues.

Special games you played for Leeds? I remember so well Newcastle United at Elland Road, your diving header won it for us, it was a horrible pitch and a proper battle. On and off the pitch!

The Newcastle game lives long in the memory. It was a special atmosphere, as always, that afternoon and we wanted revenge for the hammering we took on the opening day. I was lucky enough to get the winner against a good side. I remember Mel putting a great cross in which I managed to get on the end of to win us three vital points.
Picture
There was a 'special' group of players at the time of your involvement at Leeds, any players that stick out for different reasons?

We had a good young side under Eddie Gray. Shez, Denis Irwin, Scott Sellars, Tommy Wright. Ian Snodin was there and he was a class act. There were the older lads like Frank Gray and Lash. They were special times.

Who is your favourite manager and how did he had a impact on you as a player?

Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner were different class. They both looked after us and the lads were gutted when Eddie got sacked. When a men like Eddie and Billy, who re-signed me from Portsmouth want you to come and play for their football team, it's a real honour. Billy used to entertain us with his stories about the glory days and although he was manager, he was still the best player at the club.

Any players from your era you keep in touch with now?

I keep in touch with a few of the lads from Leeds. John Stiles, Ian Snodin and Shez are the main three.

You've seen some of the best (in your era) stadiums and some that weren't. At Non-League level is it a different world to what you were used to?

I've been involved with clubs at this level for a while now and there are some excellent facilities and stadiums. There is a lot of money in the national league these days.

How did you get involved with Sutton United FC?

I worked with Paul Doswell the manager when I was at Eastleigh and he gave me the opportunity to go to Sutton. I had been out of the game for a year or so but the opportunity felt right and I was happy to get the chance.

Any players you think can easily make the step up from Non League to Football League from both Sutton and teams you've played against this season?

Like I said, there is a lot of money in the national league and some of the teams have massive budgets. There are lots of players who have played at higher levels and lots who have the potential to do so.

Is the gap between Non-League and Football League decreasing or increasing?

The gap is decreasing and you see a lot of teams who get promoted into League 2, go straight through it into League 1.

Prediction for the game?

We'll have a good go and we have nothing to fear. Leeds will make six or seven changes and we have to fancy our chances. Cup shocks have happened in the past and will happen in the future. Why not Sunday?

We'd like to thank Ian for taking the time to do our interview and wish him and Sutton the best of luck for tomorrow and for the rest of the season. It truly is such an honour to have an Elland Road legend on our site.

By Keith Ingham
0 Comments

Mo-Watt the Hell?!

26/1/2017

13 Comments

 
Picture
Could Leeds be set to lose another academy graduate for the third consecutive window? Possibly!

Rumours are rife that Barnsley are intending to replace the departed Conor Hourihane with Leeds midfielder Alex Mowatt.

Leeds have already lost Sam Byram and Lewis Cook in the last two transfer windows and could now be rocked with a third consecutive academy sale.

According to Phil Hay, Barnsley have opened up a dialogue with Leeds and enquiries about the 21-year old midfielders availability during this window.

This is due to the current contract situation going on with Mowatt, his deal is set to expire this summer and no fresh terms have been offered to the player.

Whether this is due to be recent buyout of the club or due to Garry Monk not believing that Mowatt is at the standard he wants at the club, nobody knows!

It is true that Mowatt has struggled to feature at the start of this season under Garry Monk and has only recently come back into the fray after a stunning performance against Cambridge, but to let him go would surely be insane.

Mowatt has shown in previous years the talent and skills that you need to be at the higher end of the Championship scale, the only problem with his consistency is the actual inconsistency of the position he will be played by the incumbent manager at that time.

Monk now seems to know exactly where to play Mowatt in the number 10 position and he will now be utilised as cover should Pablo Hernandez receive a knock, so to let him go would be a massive risk.

I like Mowatt; he's got a sweet left peg, he runs about like a little terrier chasing the ball and his passing range is sublime. To let him go? Surely it would not be good business to allow one of your still emerging talents be allowed to leave to not only your local rivals, but a team that are currently challenging for a playoff spot.

I sincerely hope that we have a plan and the idea is to allow this speculation to die off before offering the midfielder fresh terms. There's no benefit to letting Mowatt go and would show terrible business on the clubs part.

By Ryan Ingham
13 Comments

Match Report - Leeds vs Nottingham Forest

26/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
An inspired return to Elland Road for Leeds United in which Garry Monk's side cleared any demons that could have been left behind from Saturdays clash at Barnsley.

Leeds looked resolute at the back and the threat of a goal from the home side had been coming from the kick off. Mr Reliable Chris Wood bagged another goal to add to his tally and a screamer from Souleymane Doukara was enough to see the game through as Leeds finished 2-0 winners.

The powerful attacking football we have got used to under Garry Monk nearly resulted in a goal as Kemar Roofe sent a dangerous ball into the box with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

However, the first half had very little chances and apart from a glorious save from Rob Green to deny Britt Assombalonga and Chris Wood had the ball in the net on 13 minutes only for him to be adjudged offside being the main highlights.

It wasn't a poor performance but it was a half when Leeds seemed to struggle with Forest's game plan and were second to their own balls on many occasions.

A different Leeds came out for the second half and it looked like whatever Garry Monk had said at half time really got the gears going for the home side.

Within 10 minutes Leeds were ahead after a corner from Pablo Hernandez ended in a glorious chance dropping to Chris Wood in the six yard box. It wasn't the most delicate goal but Wood's intuition and current form allowed the striker to steady himself before guiding the ball past a mass of defenders.

​
Leeds then took charge of the game and some steady play and after an array of chances they doubled their lead from another corner with an exquisite effort from substitute Souleymane Doukara after the corner was directed out of the box on 74 minutes.
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

An interview with a Rival... Forest

24/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Well Garry both teams seem to have gone in different directions. Your thoughts on the current position's of both teams?

It's like night and day now between us cant believe it cellino seems to have stepped back and let gary monk get on with job and its paying dividends for you, whilst we still lurch from one disaster to another the latest being the american takeover collapse, if fawaz is to stop he needs to take a leaf of out of cellinos book and appoint correct people and then let them run it, im not convinced he can do that,i personally hope that the takeover with the Americans can be revived as it think its best for all concerned that fawaz leaves forest 100%.

It doesn't seem possible but your owners seem 'hell-bent' on destroying your club, your thoughts?

As above the takeover collapse is the final straw that broke camels back and fawaz has lost support of all fans and it is irreparable i think, as your guys slogan went "time to go fazzimo!!"

With over half the season gone, is there any players that have shone for your team?

Not many tbf but the young players like osborn, cash, worral have been quality most of season. Jack Hobbs is back in the team and he is a quality defender, love him!

Why our ex-manager Montanier didn't play him to begin with is beyond me! and Eric Lichaj is Mr Dependable as ever.

It looks likely that Henri Lansbury will leave the club, do you think he'll be a success at another club?

Yes he will be he's a quality player no coincidence that we never won a game when he was out the team. I understand him going to villa for money etc. but think if had waited to the end of season he may have got a move to a prem team like Watford. Mind you £3.5m for a player with only 5 months left on his contract was excellent business, hopefully we can get a quality replacement in with that money!

The top two look pretty set but any teams out of the top ten that have caught your eye?

Despite there placing in the league Wigan looked a decent side when we played them in cup the other week (mind you we make most teams look like Brazil at present) and they seem to have started picking points up in the league now too.

Football, managerial wise seems to have hit new lows. Do you think a system should come in to stop manager's getting sacked after short periods in their positions?

No not really. You only have to look at your ex-manager Hockaday. Imagine being stuck with him all season! Same goes for us and Alex mccleish! lol

Any Championship player you've seen this season you think could go to a higher level with ease?

Conor Houirhane of barnsley is a quality player. I think he could, although as I write this sounds like he may be heading for the megabucks that lansbury had chucked at him at Aston Villa too. Wouldn't mind him to replace lansbury at forest if could get him.

Forest v Leeds, any memorable game you can remember?

Leeds 3 Forest 7!! say no more lol

Where do you think both teams will finish in May?

You will make the play offs definitely this season not sure whether you will go up but if in playoffs anyone's really to win. As for us think will finish mid table no higher. Luckily they are at present 3 teams worse than us in league and I don't think we will go down.

Prediction and Scorers?

Fancy us to get something at Elland Road have done well in recent games. We have kept 2 clean sheets in last two games so I'm going to go for a one-nil win for us. Jamie ward to score winner.

We'd like to thank Gary for taking the time to do the interview and wish him the best for the season ahead.

By Keith Ingham
0 Comments

Diary of a Leeds Fan (14/01-21/01/17)

23/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Saturday 14/1

Andrea Radrizzani's first press conference with Massimo Cellino and Ben Mansford.

On ownership; “I’ll bring this club (forward) gradually to be a modern structure, a modern club and be ready for when we are back in the top league.”

Radrizzani said he had harboured ambitions of investing in a football club for many years but had not intended to pursue a deal “in this particular moment of my life” until he became aware of Cellino’s intention to sell a stake in Leeds

On his relationship with Cellino:
"I’m honoured to have the opportunity here and I’m grateful to Massimo for giving me the opportunity. This club have been unlucky with roller-coaster experiences and different owners in the last decade so the first objective in my ownership and management will definitely be to bring more stability to the club."

Plans for the club: "Now we really are partners so we will start to have different agendas and discussions about the progression of the club in the future but we can easily manage Leeds together if we give responsibility and delegate to the management. We have a good team here."

January Transfer window:

Cellino; “We have many players. Don’t get in a mess. Sometimes we want to have too much. As owners we want to participate in games and sometimes it’s a disaster. "The team is playing good, they’re growing. They should get better and better. Sometimes buying players, you think it makes a team stronger but maybe we break it up. Sometimes spending money can hurt the club.”

Radrizzani said: “We are aligned completely, me, Massimo and Garry on what we need. We don’t want to touch the balance of the team."

Garry Monk: Andrea Radrizzani has revealed the club are keen to tie the 37-year-old down to a new long-term contract.

"Its not a big issue, to be honest. We are in communication - myself, Massimo and Garry Monk. I see that all three parties are convinced and have the intention to stay together".

He added, importantly that "sooner or later we will sit down."

The Fans: Support the team even when things are not going so well. I think we've got that covered Mr Radrizzani!


Sunday 15/1

Recapping a marvellous night at Elland Road, Andrew Butterwick's magnificent matchday blog.

https://leedsfan.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/leeds-utd-v-derby-county-jan-13th-2017.html?m=1

Such a happy place is Leeds 11. Thank you Andrew.

Read More
0 Comments

Diary of a Leeds Fan 09/01-13/01/17

16/1/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
Monday 9/1

Leeds confirm that Pablo Hernandez has signed a six month contract with a option of another year.

One down, a few more hopefully in the 'pipeline'.
Picture
FA Cup Round 3

Team News: Eight changes, Silvestri, Denton, Cooper, Mowatt, Phillips, Grimes, Dallas and Antonsson come in.

Team: Silvestri, Berardi, Jansson, Cooper(c), Denton, Grimes, Phillips, Mowatt, Dallas, Doukara, Antonsson.

The Game:

From the off the home side penned back Leeds but Antonsson for Leeds shock the woodwork in the early minutes, after that the second division side seized on every misplaced Leeds pass - and there were plenty of them. Phillips, Jansson (he now is suspended for two games for reaching ten games) and Berardi went into the referee's note book for late challenges.

It wasn't a surprise when Cambridge went in front, the goalscorer Ikpeazu beat Silvestri following a half cleared corner and they deserved the half time lead, Leeds were disappointing to say the least.

As in a few games this season the second forty five minutes were immeasurably better by Leeds, first to the ball and busier in midfield. They were level just before the hour mark, Stuart Dallas heading in Alex Mowatt's superb cross, Cambridge were struggling to keep up with their visitors and Man of the Match Alex Mowatt headed in a goal bound effort from Pontus Jansson to give Leeds the lead.

Leeds lost Liam Cooper late in the game through injury with could cause Garry Monk a headache when picking the team on Friday.
Picture

Read More
1 Comment
<<Previous
    As featured on NewsNow: Leeds United newsLeeds United News 24/7

    Categories

    All

    Archives

    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    RSS Feed

    This is an image from weallloveleeds.co.uk, the leading fans site for Leeds United
    Follow @weallloveleedsu
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Latest
  • Fixtures/Results/Table
  • Have Your Say
  • Meet the team
  • Contact Us
  • Links