By Rob Atkinson Whatever some people may think of Leeds United fans – and who cares, after all, because we all know what fine, upstanding chaps we are – they certainly know the ideal form when it comes to paying full and emotional tribute to a hero lost long before his time. In the universe of all things Leeds, the news of Gary Speed’s tragic and untimely death came as a JFK moment: you just know that, years later, you’ll recall exactly where you were when you heard the awful, mind-numbing announcement that such a recent Legend in White was dead, and apparently by his own hand. The images are certainly clear and sharp over a year down the line: the sea of floral tributes around the foot of Billy Bremner’s statue; the crowds that gathered in silent, respectful tribute; the sight of that fine professional Bryn Law, struggling to contain his tears as he reported from Elland Road on the death of his friend, the female anchor in the studio clearly moved to tears herself as she witnessed his distress. It was a tragic time of shock and grief. In retrospect, it is clear that the next opponents for Leeds United in their undistinguished Championship campaign were on an absolute hiding to nothing. Team and fans alike, emerging from that initial shock into a reluctant acceptance, were determined to pay the finest possible tribute to a fallen hero. Speedo was, after all, a true legend from the most recent era of real legends, a veteran of the Leeds United renaissance of the late eighties and early nineties. We had previously mourned our dead of that earlier generation of greats; The Don was gone and so was King Billy, neither having lived to grow old. But the death of Speed was that much more of a shock; that much more distressing for his relative youth, for his contemporary appeal to a younger breed of Leeds support who had not witnessed Revie’s greats, and for the awful circumstances which had compelled a young man with seemingly everything going for him to take his own life.  The thousands of Leeds fans who descended upon the City Ground that November night may well have been pondering the state of mind that leads to such an awfully final act. They were certainly determined to pay characteristically raucous tribute: this would be no solemn wake, but a vibrant celebration of all that Gary Speed meant to the Barmy Army of Leeds United’s travelling support. The match itself was necessarily a footnote to the real agenda of the evening. Forest were pitiful in their ineptitude – a team that would later travel to Elland Road and score seven had nothing to offer in the face of United’s determination to mark the first match after Gary Speed’s death with a thumping victory. The home team seemed out of the running from the start; it was as if they knew, in the face of the emotional momentum behind the Leeds team and fans, that they had no chance at all – and they meekly accepted their fate. Before kick-off, there had been the now traditional minute’s applause – such a preferable option to the old-style minute’s silence with its potential to be disrupted by a few shandy-slewed idiots. In the 11th minute, a tribute to Speed’s occupation of the number 11 white shirt, the 4000-strong Leeds United army behind one goal erupted into a chant of his name, a chant that was intended to be maintained for that poignant number of 11 minutes. The tribute was interrupted for the best of reasons as Robert Snodgrass fired United into a 20th minute lead, a left foot shot into the bottom corner very much in the style of the man himself. On the stroke of half time, Jonny Howson doubled the lead with an even better strike, the ball sitting up for him to belt a dipping right-footed effort past a helpless Lee Camp. 2-0 at the interval, and the home side had done little to suggest that it had any intention of detracting from the tributes of Leeds fans and players alike.  In the second half the pattern continued unchanged. Forest remained awful, the home section of support seemed to expect nothing better and Leeds strolled to two further goals towards a comprehensive victory. First just four minutes into the second half Luciano Becchio met a left wing cross at the near post to glance a fine header across Camp into the far corner. Then in the 66th minute, the messiest of fourth goals. The Forest defence conspired in its own destruction, parting like the Red Sea to lay on a clear chance for Howson to score his second, only for the over-worked and under-protected Camp to first save the effort, and then scramble after the loose ball. His heroics were to no avail however as Adam Clayton picked up on the rebound to find a yard of space and fire into the empty net. One thing that stands out in the writing of this article is that fact that, in the relatively short time since Forest were humbled, all four of the United scorers that night have left the club. It’s a rather depressing thought, but they were certainly all Leeds all the way that night, and delighted to be able to help the Whites fans celebrate the life of one of their heroes with their own loud and proud tributes, and with a thumping victory to boot. Forest’s only real contribution to the evening came late on when the frustrated and already-booked Andy Reid earned himself a second yellow with an agricultural challenge on Aidy White. “Can we play you every week?” roared the United fans, a sentiment that would not survive the return game at Elland Road – and they would be glad too that it’s not every week they have cause to mark the passing of a United great at such a tragically young age, and in such awful circumstances.  Gary Andrew Speed MBE (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) Leeds United 1988 – 1996, 2nd Division Championship Winner, First Division Championship Winner, Charity Shield Winner. RIP Next: Memory Match No. 12: Real Madrid 3, Leeds United 2.
The late, great Don Revie always longed for his legendary Leeds United side to be pitched against the biggest legends of them all, and to draw CF Real Madrid in European competition. Sadly, it never happened in The Don’s lifetime, but when a slightly less vintage era of Leeds finally appeared in the amazing Estadio Santiago Bernebeu, they were not disgraced – indeed, I rather think that Sir Don would have been proud.
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By Steve Barras
The ‘silly season’ is upon us and we at We All Love Leeds would like to contribute in our own small way. Once a week we will post the latest rumours from legitimate sources, ones that we have heard but please feel free to leave your own rumours in the comments section at the bottom.  Jermaine Beckford Jermaine continues to be connected to a move back home. Currently contracted to Leicester City, Beckford spent time on loan at Huddersfield Town last season and is widely tipped to return there this summer, although he would personally prefer a return to Leeds.  Adam Le Fondre It was rumoured that Brian McDermott was interested in re-uniting with Reading striker Le Fondre and the rumours haven’t abated, however Reading chiefs have said that new manager Nigel Adkins is under no pressure to sell any of their players.  Chris Humphrey The Jamaican born winger is being touted as the replacement for Robert Snodgrass. Humphrey currently plays for Motherwell in Scotland and isn’t considered to be high on McDermott’s wanted winger list. Rangers are said to be closing in on a deal for him.  Matthew Kilgallon Kilgallon has been released by Sunderland and could be the ideal man to provide competition for places in central defence. A move to his first club could also be appealing to him.  Matt Mills Leeds have been linked with the £1million rated Mills in recent weeks. He signed for Bolton last summer but has featured sporadically during the campaign. He would link up for the second time with McDermott if the deal comes through. Bolton manager, Dougie Freedman is happy to sell.  Jerome Thomas
Surprisingly released by West Brom this summer and constantly linked with Elland Road, Thomas could be one of the wingers we need. Following a successful loan spell with us last season, Thomas’ agent said that a number of clubs including Leeds were interested in signing him permanently. By Kim Bjerregaard
A rumour surfaced today that Leicester would either release or transfer list Jermaine Beckford, and instantly Twitter exploded with people either wanting Leeds to sign him up or people doing their best to persuade Leeds to leave Beckford alone. I'm a bit torn to be honest, the guy can score goals, plenty of goals when he's in the right mood, he can also be a lazy bugger that complains and moans most of the time, and the "fun" part is, you never know which Jermaine you'll see.
Beckford will always be a hero to Leeds fans for his goal against Manchester United on January 3rd 2010 and for him scoring the goal that finally got us out of League One on a wonderful day in May 2010 - but if I'm honest I think we should let Beckford sign for someone else, I just can't see him being a 20-25 goalscorer in the championship, plus the whole taking players back who asked to leave is not really always the best idea, I fear he'd return with an attitude of him being bigger then Leeds since he's been in the Premier League and we haven't. So, the verdict will have to be; Thanks for the memories Becks but our paths should probably not cross again, for the good of Leeds United and probably for you too... So Brian McDermott, please sign Billy Sharp! MOT By Steve Barras
Mr Ken Bates walked into the fabled halls of Elland Road for the first time as owner in January 2005 and some eight years later he is leaving the club in the hands of GFHC. During his time at the helm I wondered how much money he has managed to acquire through player sales alone, this would be an extensive list if I included all the freebies so I have only listed the players that came and went for actual cash. Also because of the lack of transparency regarding transfers, i.e. the undisclosed sum syndrome (A staggering twenty-five players brought in and an equal twenty-five players sold), I have disregarded these transfers as well.
So El Presidente Bates has managed to acquire over £11million over eight years at Elland Road and that is not including the sales of Jonny Howson, Fabian Delph, Luciano Becchio and Kasper Schmeichel to name but a few of the twenty-five players sold without a disclosed amount.
Make of that what you will By Rob Atkinson
It's a slightly worrying time for Leeds fans - otherwise known as "summertime" - the months when the "For Sale" signs start appearing above the heads of our latest prized asset. The boy wonder in question this time is Sam Byram, and the usual loud denials and pledges of allegiance are to be heard already. Brian McDermott is "almost certain" that Byram will be at Elland Road next season. The player himself has hinted he'd like to stay. An ominous silence is noticeable from the direction of the owners. I've written elsewhere that it might not be the end of the world if Byram did end up following the footsteps of Delph and other richly-promising youngsters, away from LS11 to fulfill their undeniable potential elsewhere. Historical precedent appears to favour the likelihood of this happening: we don't have to go much further back to the loss of Aaron Lennon for a paltry million - what might he have added to the game plan of successive United bosses in the years since? 
Now we hear that Reece Wabara, an extremely promising Man City starlet capable of operating in a variety of roles, is tipped for a loan move to Leeds this summer. Quite apart from that little frisson of pleasure that goes with any link to players from such an elevated environment, this rumour should be seen in the context of Byram's future, both over the short-term and perhaps slightly further ahead. Are City throwing us a crumb from their bountiful table in order to pave the way for them to pick our ripest and juiciest plum? Or are we far-sighted enough to want to add a player of Wabara's potential and quality, in order to free up the even more sumptuous skills of Byram to operate further forward, possibly as a wide midfielder?
Whatever happens this summer, and fairly or unfairly, the ability or otherwise of United to hang on to Byram will be seen as the acid test of the still-quite-new owners' ability to run the club along ambitious lines. The retention of star players has never been a strong point; even during our last period of relative success in the nineties, when we had a team to compete with the very best - we couldn't hang on to an unhappy Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. So if Leeds DO manage to keep young Sam on the payroll, then we could perhaps say that sends out the right kind of optimistic message to pave the way for a real challenge for promotion next season. It may be of course that City are playing a long game of their own. A club with their virtually unlimited resources can buy just about anyone they like, Financial Fair Play rules permitting, naturally. But maybe the advent of those rules are persuading the Premier League high-rollers to look at more creative ways of ensuring a flow of incoming talent. The loan of a top-class youngster, and maybe a few million chucked our way and a loan-back option to sweeten the unpalatable pill - and City could well have secured themselves an option on a player who is likely (really highly likely) to be a major performer at the highest level and quite soon at that. If Wabara does end up at Elland Road for next season, I'll applaud United's ambition, as far as it goes. And if Byram is either sold or mortgaged, I won't be screaming abuse from the rooftops - as long as the deal is done with the best interests of the club at heart, and especially if - in his own heart of hearts - Sam wants to ply his trade further up the food chain. It's going to be an interesting summer, and maybe a pivotal one in the history of our great club. Whatever juggling act goes on, let's hope that we don't drop too many clangers this time. By Rob Atkinson
"We're not famous any more" sing the Leeds fans, showing a neat grasp of irony in a medium too often dominated by the literal and the just plain crass. The point is, of course, that we still are famous. Hugely so. Our fans scattered all over the globe mean that wherever you go, you're likely to see a visiting Leeds United shirt to provide a welcome relief from all the tedious Man U rags sported by the clueless locals. Listen to any Sky Live broadcast from the Theatre of Hollow Myths, and you'll hear those wurzelly Devon accents mixing in with the nasal cockney whine as the Man U faithful describe how they "all 'ate Leeds scam, innit".
And the evidence is there in the ether too, as the web buzzes with references to our beloved Whites, ensuring that even the most facile and puerile of blogs can guarantee itself hits aplenty merely by mentioning those magic words "Leeds United". Some have taken it to such lengths that their Leeds-related output has shoved the more more mundane stuff about their own desperately anonymous favourites way into the background, which is peculiar, but hey - you have to provide your readers with what they want to read, apparently - and if possible you have to try to attract some of football's most fanatical fans by being "controversial" - or as we might more accurately describe it: talking bollocks. The leading contender for biggest culprit in these dubious and unprofessional tactics is a poorly-constructed and ill-written blog, ostensibly concerned with minor London club West Ham United, and entitled "The Game's Gone Crazy", which has a specially-created page to allow it to burble on about matters which are, frankly, none of its concern. The Leeds United content of this page is out of all proportion to the interest you might expect the 'Appy 'Ammers to take in our beloved club, and of course it tends to paint the goings-on down at LS11 in the most negative light possible. He's been at it again, capitalising on the 24th anniversary of Don Revie's death to write another "controversial" article which - naturally - consists of second-hand lies and rumours recycled from various down-market tabloids, some successfully sued by former Leeds United personalities in the past. Now, it must be said that a cursory examination of the contents of this upstart site(I'd caution you, gentle reader, not to waste too many of your valuable minutes on it) will reveal that the site-owner's tactics are a hell of a lot sounder than his less-than-impressive literary ability. He manages to attract a lot of comment and abuse from outraged fans of other clubs, with Leeds obviously prominent among their number. The simple process of writing about Leeds, writing often and writing groundless rubbish, generates a lot of traffic for this site, traffic that its 'Ammers stuff could not possibly hope to generate. So, from that point of view, the author is running a successful operation, but one which owes little to the merits of his creation - which are appallingly few. The sly Bubble-blower has fastened onto the global appeal of Leeds United to his advantage, and we should perhaps praise his acumen; it certainly far outstrips his ability to string enough sentences together for a decent piece of writing. As you might expect, a number of his West Ham-oriented readership are a bit embarrassed about this craven behaviour - but their criticism falls on deaf ears by and large. It's quite obvious that "Dr. Evil", as he is referred to by himself (and we presume he fondly hopes that others so refer to him as well), is preoccupied by getting as many reads as possible for his site and - only too well aware that his meagre talent is not going to get him far down that road - has opted instead for setting up as an irritant that will attract opprobrium and attention in equal measures. It's a back-handed compliment of course - the world knows that Leeds United is still big news out there, and any LUFC tag will pretty much guarantee a readership made up of Leeds fanatics (many thousands of us) and those who detest the very mention of our great club's name (positively millions in the Devon/Cornwall hotbed of Man U support alone.) So we should perhaps be flattered by the attention - it's better than the dreadful and depressing anonymity suffered by West Ham and other such small fry. And viewing it like that - not taking it too seriously and dismissing it as the unsubtle attempt to drag in readers that it undoubtedly is - we can smile ruefully and reflect on how much quieter a place the internet would be if Leeds United didn't exist. What would they all talk about then? And where would the hapless and not-terribly-good Dr. Weevil find his victims... ahem... readers?? By Steve Barras The ‘silly season’ is upon us and we at We All Love Leeds would like to contribute in our own small way. Once a week we will post the latest rumours from legitimate sources, ones that we have heard but please feel free to leave your own rumours in the comments section at the bottom.  Luciano Becchio Becchio has been linked with a return to Elland Road after an unsuccessful spell at Norwich. The Canaries may send Becchio out on loan next season and Leeds could be his destination.  Jermaine Beckford Currently contracted to Leicester City, Beckford spent time on loan at Huddersfield Town last season and is widely tipped to return there this summer, although he would personally prefer a return to Leeds.  Jean-Bryan Boukaka The French born striker is apparently attracting the attention of McDermott; he currently plays in France for Tours and spent the last half of the season on loan at Boulogne.  Carlton Cole After his release from West Ham, Cole is apparently attracting the interest of Leeds and Q.P.R. McDermott has tried to sign the striker in the past, for Reading but the move never materialised.  Kevin Doyle Doyle is another old Reading hand that McDermott knows well. He was part of the relegated Wolves side last season and could sign for a host of Championship clubs this summer.  Ian Harte Former Leeds favourite and one of McDermott’s promotion winning Reading side. He will be out of contract at the end of June and a number of clubs are said to be weighing up moves for him.  Chris Humphrey The Jamaican born winger is being touted as THE replacement for Robert Snodgrass. Humphrey currently plays for Motherwell in Scotland and isn’t considered to be high on McDermott’s wanted winger list.  Noel Hunt A former McDermott favourite at Reading and he has been released by the club after five years service. A re-union with his former manager could be on the cards.  Zurab Khizanishvili A former Reading player, Khizanishvili currently ply’s his trade in Turkey where he has allegedly signed an extension to his contract. If true then this rumour is a non-starter.  Adam Le Fondre It was rumoured that Brian McDermott was interested in re-uniting with Reading striker Le Fondre, however Reading chiefs have since said that new manager Nigel Adkins is under no pressure to sell any of their players.  Matt Mills Leeds have been linked with the £1million rated Mills in recent weeks. He signed for Bolton last summer but has featured sporadically during the campaign. He would link up for the second time with McDermott if the deal comes through.  Billy Sharp Sharp has been consistently linked to Leeds United every transfer window. The ex-Doncaster player is struggling to meet Southampton’s expectations of him and he was farmed out on loan to Nottingham Forest last term.  Jerome Thomas Surprisingly released by West Brom this summer, Thomas could be one of the wingers we need. Following a successful loan spell with us last season, Thomas’ agent said that a number of clubs including Leeds were interested in signing him permanently.  Nathan Thompson
Thompson is being linked to Leeds as a possible replacement for Sam Byram, should the Essex born right-back leave for the Premier League this summer. Thompson currently plays for Swindon Town and is priced at around £500,000. By Kim Bjerregaard Reports came out today that Aston Villa have decided to release former Leeds loanee Eric Lichaj when his contract expires next month. I remember Lichaj fondly from his time at Elland Road and would like to see him join the club in the summer.
Not only is he a good RB, he also has a killer last name, that's gotta count for something to right? He's also played quite a lot of Premier League games for Aston Villa since his Leeds days, so I think that us signing up Lichaj would show a bit of ambition - Whether Sam Byram leaves or not I still think Lichaj will be an important player at ER. Sam can be pushed forward, or maybe we could even allow the 19 year old a few rests during the season, luxury! So Brian, get on the phone to Eric's agent and sign him up. MOT |
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January 2019
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