Diary of a Leeds fan (29/1-4/2/16)

In a new feature Head of Content Keith Ingham logs the past week for Leeds United

Thursday / Friday 28/29/1/16

After Massimo Cellino's conversation with Sky where he stated that incomings were 'unlikely', the club then made two bids for players. The first offer was for Barsnley top goal scorer Sam Winnall, the 300k bid was dismissed by the South Yorkshire club as they weren't prepared to sell their prize asset for such a low offer,

The second bid was for Frazier Campbell from Crystal Palace which was rejected due to the club being reluctant to lose this player on loan in this transfer window. Interesting that the Italian says one thing then does completely the reverse. 

Saturday 30/1

Bolton Wanderers v Leeds 4th Round 
Match day: Steve Evans was forced into changes at the Macron Stadium, 'Dave' starting his first full game instead of Murphy, with Antenucci and Bamba coming in for the injured Wood and Cooper.

The game ...
Leeds were ahead early when man of the moment Doukara scored on nine minutes, Antenucci nearly doubled their lead but Amos saved his effort. Just before the break 'Dave' scored his first goal in Leeds colours when Antenucci found him unmarked in the area.

The second half, although Leeds had chances it was Bolton who so nearly forced a replay. Pratley scored with less than ten minutes to play and Madine's effort took a coat of paint off a post with time nearly up. A good win and progression into round five. 

A word about the incredible, near seven thousand fans that went over the Pennine's to support, I bow my head to you all. 

Sunday 31/1

FA Cup Round Five 

Leeds will play ... Watford at Vicarage Road. Very disappointing and a hard ask to be honest, but I'm sure Stevie's boys will give it their best. Because of the continued involvement in the FA Cup Leeds' visit to Birmingham City will have to be rearranged. 

Other news, not a lot really with the deadline approaching it remains to be seen if Leeds will add to their squad tomorrow. 

Monday 1/2

Deadline day... or Monday as they say at Leeds.  No news here people, get on with your day to day lives!

The transfer window shuts with two loanees, Bridcutt, Carayol and 'Dave' joining permanently, with Sam Byram, Chris Dawson and Tommaso Bianchi leaving the club. 

My lack of comment should speak volumes. 

Tuesday 2/2

Very little apart from the obvious disappointment of the majority of fans that no player was brought in. This was balanced by relief at keeping Cook, Taylor and Mowatt. A bit of verbal 'handbags' by Evans and the Barnsley manager Lee Johnson about the size of fee Leeds offered for their fifteen goal striker Sam Winnall.

Sol Bamba should be fit for the Forest game as the injury he came off wasn't as bad as first thought. 

Wednesday 3/2

When the loan window opens next week the same names that were mentioned pre transfer window are being linked to the club. Lafferty, Campbell and Grealish amongst a host of players that could be available. Away from Leeds came the sad news of the death of Mark Farren, Derry City's leading all time goalscorer. The 33-year old died of a brain tumour. 

A great quote from Lewis Cook in a national newspaper which he said; "Some people make that choice to move and it doesn't always work out for them. At the moment I feel like I’m enjoying my football. Leeds are a big club as it is. I love playing for Leeds at the moment. Maybe for some people the speculation might be a bit disruptive but not really for me. I just focus on my game and playing for Leeds. That’s it.”   

The midfielder is nineteen today, can you believe it?

Thursday 4/2

Steve Evans admitted his disappointed in not adding to his squad on Monday, he said in the interview that he only made four inquiry's, all strikers and thought at 7:00pm he had got his man but a larger bid for the player came in. He didn't admit he was watching the Presidents collection of videos as they waited for news. 

It may be interesting to look into the sky on Saturday as a 'fly past' may well happen. Somebody is rumoured to have acquired a plane to vent their feelings on a certain Italian, shame he probably won't be there to see it. 

Chris Wood will probably be out of the side for two weeks minimum after the scan on his injury. In the same press conference, Evans commented that if weren't challenging for at least the top six next season, he would resign. 

The match programme versus Nottingham Forest may well be a collectors item as it has been marked issue 16b due to the owner not liking the number 17. You really couldn't make it up. 

By Keith Ingham