 Ahead of today’s Yorkshire Clsh with Rotherham United, Jack Fawcus spoke about his predictions early in the season and his expectations for the game.
I would just like to say thank you to WeallloveLeeds for the opportunity of doing a preview for the upcoming game on Saturday. Before we played Leeds in August I predicted that Leeds, Middlesbrough and Forest would be promoted. I still believe that Leeds will be promoted, but it’s clearly been a disappointing season for both Forest and Middlesbrough. I’m surprised by how well Norwich and Sheff Utd have done and now predict the top 3 will be Leeds, Norwich and West Brom. Leeds’ form has been very impressive and the early season speculation that Bielsa’s pressing style would wear out his players has yet to come true. Some clever acquisitions in the summer and some emerging impressive youth players has kept the squad fresh. An ambitious transfer window move or two would help you but everything looks on target from my outsiders view!
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 Leeds United are reportedly stepping up their interest in recruiting reinforcements for the remainder of the season.
The club are said to be in negotiations to take Daniel James from Championship side Swansea City. The recently relegated side have found adapting to the Championship a lot harder than expected and are currently languishing in 13th place and may look to allow several players to leave in order to afford a rebuild next summer. James, a 21-year old midfielder is apparently a major target for the Whites as they look to replace both Samuel Saiz and Lewis Baker. Predominantly a left sided winger, the young Welshman can also play on the right but could see a move into the central midfield materialise with Marcelo Bielsa having the ability to mould players to suit his system. Featuring in 16 games this year for the Swans, James has scored one goal and provided four assists during his time at the Liberty Stadium. Swansea do not seem too concerned about allowing James to leave but will only sanction a move should Leeds reach their current asking price, rumoured to be around £5million. However, Leeds feel like they may be able to negotiate a smaller fee with James only having 18 months remaining on his current deal.  This Diary is dedicated to my Mum who sadly passed on 15 of February 2019. She supported me throughout my life and I use this to Thank her. Monday 14/1 Martin O’Neil is widely tipped to take over at the ‘Shrubs’(Forest). Leeds United versus Norwich City sells out in an hour and a half after the tickets went on sale to members at 9.00am. Incredible support, but a few fans getting up to ten tickets caused many fans to miss out. Something the club may need to look at for future home games. ‘Izzy’ Brown netted twice for Leeds United under 23’s, Kalvin Phillips also played in the game to maintain his match sharpness during his time out through suspension. Leeds beat Crewe Alexandra 2-0, the win kept them top of their league. David Wagner has departed his role as Head Coach of Huddersfield Town by mutual consent. The 47-year-old leaves Town after detailed discussions with the Board of Directors, with both parties agreeing this is the correct move for the future of the Club. Leeds are rumoured to be interested in Swansea City’s Daniel James. The 21 year old winger is surplus to requirements at the Welsh club and is open to a move away from the Liberty Stadium.  Jack Clarke named in the sky bet EFL Team of the week. Tuesday 15/1 Top in the Championship, Under 23’s and Under 18’s.   Ahead of today’s clash at the Britannia Stadium, Keith Ingham spoke to Russel Dutton about all things Stoke City. How long have you supported Stoke City and why did you choose them as your team? 41 years and I was introduced to Stoke by my parents who were heavily involved with the club and the supporters association at the time. I’ve suffered ever since 😀 What’s your favourite moment as a fan. Season, game or anything other occasion. Has to be the FA Cup semi final at Wembley beating Bolton 5-0 I mean you don’t win games like that by that margin do you. They are meant to be tense affairs although I was still anxious until we scored the 5th. I relaxed after that 😀 there are so many others to choose from especially over the last decade my club has certainly ruffled a few feathers in its time in the premier league. Tell us about a player that you were proud to have on the back of a shirt, if you didn’t is there one you wished you would have. Bojan (who is still at the club at the time this is written) one of the most talented players we’ve ever had, cruelly robbed of his best years by a shocking knee injury at Rochdale in a cup match when he was playing the best football of his career  It could turn out to be a battle of the Spanish magicians in today’s clash  Leeds have entered the race again for Gyasi Zardes.
The talented forward has been linked with the Whites on several occasions and the club now look to prise him away from MLS side Columbus Crew. Zardes joined Columbus in a trade last January and has scored an impressive 19 goals in 33 appearances. The 27-year old is set to attempt a move away from the MLS after 6 years, 164 appearances and 53 goals and is set to be up for a move to England to test his ability. Leeds are said to be looking at options to bolster their attack, with Zardes being a potential suitor. However, a deal for the striker may not materialise until summer should the club make a move. The Whites face Middlesbrough, Norwich, Fulham and Crystal Palace as potential clubs for Zardes. Should Leeds make a move on the forward or look at other options? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham  Monday 7/1 Conor Shaughnessy has joined SPL Hearts on loan until the end of the season.  Lewie Coyle has also extended his loan spell at Fleetwood Town until the end of the season.
Liam Cooper plays sixty plus minutes of Leeds’ under 23’s 3-1 win over Hull City. The Leeds captain has been out since limping off at Bramall Lane. Premiership leaders Liverpool go out of the FA Cup losing 2-1 at Wolverhampton. Neves scoring a ‘worldy’ to win the tie. Tuesday 8/1 Marcelo Bielsa, Pablo Hernandez and Josh Warrington are to be joined by rising stars such as Ciara Schlosshan and Hope Price following the unveiling of finalists for the record-breaking 2019 Leeds Sports Awards, set to be held at First Direct Arena on Thursday, February 28th. The event will again be hosted by BBC Sport reporter Tanya Arnold with this year’s awards having attracted a record 2,266 votes. The finalists for the Senior Achievers Awards had already been announced with Leeds United’s stellar first half of the new Championship campaign seeing the Whites listed for two awards. World renowned Argentinian chief Bielsa is nominated for the coach of the year award alongside Leeds gymnastics supremo Dave Murray, Hunslet Club Parkside rugby league coach Paul McShane and Leeds Rhinos rugby league ace Adam Cuthbertson. Whites playmaker Hernandez is also in contention for the Sportsman of the Year award alongside IBF featherweight world champion Warrington, triple Commonwealth Games gold medalist diver Jack Laugher MBE and another triple Commonwealth Games gold medalist in Nile Wilson who also secured two Commonwealth silvers. Gary Rowett sacked by Stoke City, he leaves after a disappointing first half of the season. Stoke are fourteenth in the Championship and have won only once in their last six games. Leeds United defender Paudie O’Connor has today joined Sky Bet League One side Bradford City on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with fellow League One outfit Blackpool, making 17 appearances in all competitions for the Bloomfield Road side. O’Connor, who has made four first team appearances for Leeds, will now link up with former Leeds midfielder David Hopkin who is in charge at Valley Parade and look to help get Bradford out of the relegation zone.  Leeds: WWWLL Derby: DDLWD Against Derby: LWLDW At Home vs Derby: DWDWL Lineups: Leeds: Peacock-Farrell, Ayling, Jansson, Cooper, Alioski, Forshaw, Klich, Hernandez, Harrison, Clarke, Roofe Subs: Huffer, Gotts, Davis, Halme, Shackleton, Stevens, Roberts Derby: Carson, Wisdom, Bryson, Keogh, Tomori, Evans, Holmes, Mount, Lawrence, Lowe, Marriott Subs: Roos, Bogle, Malone, Huddlestone, Josefzoon, Waghorn, Nugent In a game mired by somewhat controversy, Leeds did not hang about like a dog who’d just pissed on the carpet and knew it was in trouble. Instead, the whites did what they do best, controlled every facet of a game that many fans had thought would be a tough game. The game started with Leeds once again being denied a penalty after 35 seconds. Alioski had been played through on goal and after pointing to the spot, the play was called back for offside. On further review, the player was at least two yards behind the defender. It wasn’t long before Leeds asserted their dominance and some wonderful skill by Jack Clarke resulted in a cross being flicked in by Kemar Roofe. Another showcase of the sheer talent of Clarke, who was making his first start for the club.   Leeds United look set to announce the signing of high profile goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
The 32-year old stopper looks set to exit Real Madrid early in search for first team football and will challenge Bailey Peacock-Farrel for the starting job at Elland Road. Although the name may not be a household one for many fans, Casilla has spent a large proportion of his career at Real Madrid. Being the backup to keepers like Iker Casillas and Kaylor Navas, the former academy graduate has featured for the club in the past but has seen his opportunities drop with the recent addition of Thibaut Courtois. Casilla has spent the last three seasons with Los Galacticos having left the club on a free to join Espanyol in 2007. However, the club decided to re-sign the stopper in 2015 for a few of £5million. During his time in Spain, Casilla has won several trophies including one La Liga, three Champions League medals and two UEFA Super Cups. The move for Casilla will resolve a problem area for Leeds in the goalkeeping position, having lost Jamal Blackman to a season and loan ending injury and with questions over BPF’s confidence in recent games. With Leeds resolving one problem area, their attention will now turn to both attacking midfielders and wingers that could be suitable options. Are you happy with the Casilla signing or did you think Leeds should focus their attention elsewhere? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham |
 Leeds United News 24/7CategoriesArchives
January 2019
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