Cometh the hour. Cometh the man‏

By Keith Ingham

The appointment of a new captain at Leeds United was welcome news for most supporters of the club. The talismanic Scottish striker had earlier in the season struggled with the 'diamond' formation Brian McDermott was using, with the player used in front of the midfield and even though it was tough at times he still weighed in with some important goals, the equaliser against Wednesday, where he passed the ball to himself then coolly slotted the ball inside the right upright and the winner down at Ipswich. 
 
Fans like myself clammed for his rightful place upfront after a indifferent run of results where goals were proving difficult and failed transfer bids from Middlesbrough made the board improve his existing contract. To keep a player instead of selling him was a welcome change from years before, where players regularly left the club much to the annoyance of fans. 
 
Ross came from Cardiff City where he was key member of the side until there seemed to be a fall out with the then manager. Leeds fans, myself included couldn't wait to see him regularly getting in the goals in the white of Leeds. His first season was one of frustration where the formation of 4-5-1 with a certain Argentinian leading the line and his opportunities were limited. When he did get the chance I always thought he gave his all and in the game against Burnley he scored the only goal to get Leeds that three points. 
 
A lot of people thought he might leave but while others moved on for the bright lights of the Premier League, Ross was content in the knowledge he was at a big club already so why move on. The season after he scored nineteen goals and was
a revelation and his celebrations showed fans where his heart lay. He was Leeds and bloody proud of it. When Warnock came I hoped for another good season but the manager seemed content in knocking the confidence of the player and I think as a result his performances dropped because of the constant 'sniping' by the Cornishman.
 
We needed a leader, a man that showed that playing for the club meant something and was an example, fly tipping apart that others could look up to. Rudy Austin's performances of late have been disappointing because of the weight of the captaincy proved just too much for the Jamaican. I hope now we can see the Austin of old because he is on his day a excellent box to box midfielder. 

I wish the captain good luck because in Leeds' history when the captain was a Scottish one, a certain Billy Bremner usually a few trophies followed. And in the week when the club lost a legend in the death of Bobby Collins it is hoped that Ross McCormack can follow both Billy's and Bobby's example and lead the club to better times. The advertising boards around Elland Road have been warned !.
 
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