It's a funny old game

By Keith Ingham

In my younger days nothing would tear me away from the tv on a Saturday afternoon if 'Saint and Greavsie' were doing their show, yes ex Liverpool and Spurs players but they provided a young football fan with enjoyment. Greavsie's catchphrase was "It's a funny old game" and the last seven days at Leeds United nothing could be truer. Disgraced by a team forty odd places beneath them and a reception from the fans that bordered on mutiny because in their eyes the eleven plus the substitutes didn't do enough in the gold and blue shirt. Myself I openly criticised the team and questioned why the manager didn't seem to have a plan B, when clearly the system being used at the present didn't seem to be working and results have been poor.

The days up to the Wednesday were full of fans having their 'four pence' worth on what should be happening in Leeds 11. There were positive noises coming from the club as the owner of the club sponsors Enterprise Insurance Andrew Flowers was involved in the ongoing process of acquiring seventy five percent of the club from GFH. The company formed to do this assured fans that money was in place to bolster the managers wallet in his search for new addictions to the squad. Thursday indeed brought the first one, as I've mentioned before in a previous blog. Cameron Stewart was brought in on a ninety three day loan which would become permanent at the seasons end.

Friday, another face joined the team. Jimmy Kebe, once of Reading was brought in on a initial rest of season loan which if Leeds do get Promoted at the end of the season will be made into a permanent transfer. The tall Frenchman was indeed spotted by Brian McDermott when he was with the French club Lens, they did not want to sell at first but eventually Brian got his man and throughout his Reading career, Kebe was a regular scorer and is another winger the club so needed. There is a saying about buses that springs to mind. I like Jimmy Kebe even more than Stewart, he is a direct player who likes nothing better than to leave a defender in his slipstream. The player isn't bad in the air too if my memory serves me right. Two good paced wingers should finally put the 3-5-2 into history as the manager can hopefully use said wingers in a 4-4-2 or maybe a 4-2-3-1. It depends on how he sees the players roles within the team. I'm very,very pleased with the signings and the positive feeling around the club and on social media sites is clear for all to see.

They didn't get Ashley Barnes, who decided to ply his trade with the six fingered ones down the road at Burnley. He wasn't my choice as a recruit but I understand why the manager saw him as a striker that could complement Ross McCormack and take some of the weight of the Scottish strikers shoulders. There was even a strange link up with the San Francisco 49ers to promote and encourage both clubs around the world. It seems that the name of Leeds United is still strong even in the U S of A.

The past week just shows how football can change in such a short time and myself I can't wait to see the new additions in the gold and blue of Leeds United tomorrow at Sheffield. A word or two about Mr Haigh and :-) Salem and others. We asked them to provide and so they have. If only the other earlier Chairman would have been so forthcoming!,  A good week in Leedsville I think all supporters will agree. 

On On On.