Diary of a Leeds Fan (06/02-12/02/17

Monday 6/2

Heidi looks at the aftermath of yesterday's derby defeat at Huddersfield

http://www.followmeandleedsunited.co.uk/huddersfield-5th-february-2017

Cheers Heidi, as ever in your debt.


Tuesday 7/2

The expected announcement from the FA after Sunday's 'disagreement' between Garry Monk and Wagner.

Huddersfield Town and Leeds United have have been charged following their game at the John Smith's Stadium on the 5th of February 2017.

It is alleged that in or around the 89th minute of the fixture, the two clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour, contrary to FA Rule E20(a). Both managers have also been charged in relation to the same game.

Huddersfield’s David Wagner is subject to two alleged breaches of FA Rule E3 in that in or around the 89th minute, his behaviour in entering the field of play amounted to improper conduct. It is further alleged his behaviour upon his return to the vicinity of the technical area amounted to improper conduct.

It is alleged that Leeds’ Garry Monk breached FA Rule E3 in that in or around the 89th minute, his behaviour amounted to improper conduct.

All parties have until 6pm on 10 February 2017 to respond to the charges.


Wednesday 8/2

Chris Wood wins the PFA fans Championship player of the month for January. A great month in a superb season for the New Zealander.


Thursday 9/2

Chris Wood is nominated for the Sky Bet Championship player of the month.

Garry Monk's look back on the Huddersfield aftermath and ahead to Saturday's home game with Neil Warnock's Cardiff City: Taylor again absent, apart from him Monk has a full squad to pick from, including Kemar Roofe, about Huddersfield "We've moved on. I've given my view to the club to pass on (to the FA)", pleased with Wood winning one award and has been nominated for another, said "he's not got the calculator out yet" but might when there is 6 or 7 games left, Leeds have six loanees (5 allowed in match day squads) and Matt Grimes will still be involved with the first team squad.

He hopes that Sol Bamba and Warnock get a decent reception when they return to Elland Road. I can't see it myself, especially Colin!

A determined Monk.

Sol Bamba's thoughts on his return to the club; "In my head I was sure I'd always support the team, always be behind them no matter what. But I guess you don't know how you'd think if you felt like you were on the outside and never getting back in. Monk did what was best for both of us and I was only thirty one, it's great management when you think about it."

He added he still respects the club and Head Coach for their honesty and it was a honour to captain Leeds United and hopes that they make the playoffs.


Friday 10/2

Chris Wood named Championship player of the month for January.

Two awards in three days for the impressive striker.

Last five home games v Cardiff City

Leeds 1 Cardiff 0 Champ Nov 15
Leeds 1 Cardiff 2 Champ Apr 15
Leeds 0 Cardiff 1 Champ Feb 13
Leeds 1 Cardiff 1 Champ Oct 11
Leeds 0 Cardiff 4 Champ Oct 10

Leeds vs Cardiff Preview

If ever there was a time not to play 'Colin's' team, it's probably just after you've lost a local derby and to one of your biggest rivals too in the battle for a top six place. It is what it is, Leeds have two home games to keep the seventh placed team at arms-length, Norwich are the latest team to get within striking distance from Leeds.

I feel that despite Pablo Hernandez's talents a more combative midfield might be need on Saturday, Vieira, O'Kane and Bridcutt for me being the three in the 'engine room' with Dallas and New signing Pedraza on the wings with EFL Championship player of the Month Chris Wood leading the line.

A foresee a tight game and the battle in midfield will be key, if Leeds can win this I see them winning another close game. Leeds 2-1.

Warnock playing 'mind games' pre game; "They’re the biggest club outside the Premier League fans wise and in terms of facilities. They’re a massive club."


Saturday 11/2

Leeds v Cardiff City

Team News: Two changes; Liam Cooper in for the ill Jansson, Pendraza replacing Doukara.

Team: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Cooper, Berardi, Bridcutt(c), Vieira, Dallas, Hernandez, Pendraza,
Wood.

The Game:

Warnock 'did a number on us' and his team deservedly took three points off Leeds and Cardiff became the first team to do it at Elland Road since Newcastle.

It was a scruffy win but we've had a few lately so eventually it had to happen to Leeds.

Two second half goals were enough to do it and to lengthen the agony Liam Bridcutt was sent off late on for two yellow cards.

Ponderous in a defence minus Jansson, due to illness and uninspiring in midfield and if you don't supply the balls to Chris Wood how can you hope for him to get goals.

Leeds need to show a response on Tuesday against Bristol City or by the end of next weekend they could be out of the top six, simple as that.

The long walk; Bridcutt makes an exit after his second yellow.

Post Match:

Garry Monk: Wasn't too disheartened with the performance, two mistakes cost Leeds dearly in a game they could have won, not concerned with the current results or form, does not feel that performances have 'dipped', doesn't think Jansson will be fit to play against Bristol City, he phoned in sick this morning.

He ended by saying; "We're still in a good position and a position that not many people thought this group would be in."

A Defiant Monk.

Neil Warnock: "Leeds haven't got to forget where they came from, they are a young, vibrant side."


Sunday 12/2

Andrew Butterwick's observations on Warnock and Bamba's return to Elland Road

https://leedsfan.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/leeds-utd-v-cardiff-city-11th-feb-17.html?m=1

Thank you Andrew, the old bugger (Warnock) did us good and proper.

MOT

By Keith Ingham