Leeds United: Back to basics

By Shaun Stone

I always try to be as positive as I can be when it comes to our future, but I am starting to grow more and more concerned after every game. The performances seem to be getting worse. Now Brian McDermott tells us the team need to go back to basics.

Many, if not all Leeds fans are scratching their heads as to what has gone wrong. I would love to give you all the answers but all I can do is give my opinion on what I think the problems are.

We are seeing all to often the cost of individual errors and that is not something new. Every team has players who have a bad day. However, what I am seeing now is how a collection of individuals are causing errors. I could list all of these, but anyone reading this should already be aware of the issues I am referring to - Poor passing, the inability to keep the ball and a lack of desire.

In my opinion there is something seriously wrong at our club, but I can't put my finger on it. I doubt very much that Brian McDermott is to blame for this turn in form. How can a team go from being second in the form guide to what we are now? Ok, some could argue and say that we often struggle at this point in the season, but why is this the case?

The game yesterday, against Sheffield Wednesday eclipsed the Rochdale game in terms of embarrassment. Yet again, over 3000 of our fans went to the game to watch a Leeds United team that couldn't be bothered. Well, if this is the case then may I suggest any player who doesn't want to give their all to the team, to put in a transfer request and leave the club. Our fans deserve better than what has been on show of late and the players clearly didn't learn a thing from the Rochdale game and the aftermath.

Do we have the right captain? I don't think so. A captain is supposed to lead the team on the pitch and set an example. Has this really been happening?

Brian McDermott says we need another striker. I won't deny that we do, but I would also like to see a strong central midfielder and an accomplished central defender. Both of which can be given control of their lines. A commanding presence in the middle of the park and at the back. There is a lot of arguing among the players because nobody is taking control and their seems to be a lack of respect growing within the team.

All of that being said, we can't obtain these players without the funding. I hope the owners are paying very close attention to what is going on at Leeds because it needs addressing as soon as possible. I'm not saying we will be in a relegation battle at some point, but if teams like Sheffield Wednesday can do what they did to us, what does this tell you? At this moment in time we are simply not good enough. I don't feel like we are creating any chances and when we do, I don't feel confident that we will score. When other teams attack us I can see a goal before it even hits the back of the net.

The formation against Sheffield Wednesday was an odd one. Brian McDermott said he was experimenting, but was this really a good time to do this? Is there ever a good time? On the training field maybe. Plus, it is easy to say something didn't work after the event. Regardless of the formation, the players never showed up anyway.

Whatever the issues are at the club, I hope they are fixed soon because we deserve better than this. The fans show up and it's about time the players did too.