By Rob AtkinsonSome of the suggested targets of new United manager Brian McDermott will likely have Leeds fans sitting up and taking notice - as well as licking their lips in anticipation. It has been frustrating to see lesser clubs picking up gems in the market, while our own beloved Leeds have sat by and under-achieved. Now we understand that Brian is possibly of a mind to raid his old club Reading for Adam le Fondre, a man much linked with Elland Road when he was at Rotherham. From what I've seen of le Fondre this season he's done well at Premier League level in a team that has always struggled - surely the sign of a man who would prosper in our league, with his instinctive fox-in-the-box movement and awareness. And what's more, the talk is that, despite possible interest from middle-ranked top flight clubs, Adam would relish a move to Leeds and a reunion with the manager who gave him such a big chance in the big time.
Another striker often tipped to come to Leeds in the past is Billy Sharp, and this is one I've always thought would eventually eventually end up on the strength sooner or later. Sharp is currently on loan at Forest, but his parent club Southampton will probably see a big turnover in the summer, and Billy could be making a permanent move away somewhere. Why not to Elland Road? It will, of course, all depend on the finances. A less obviously popular signing could be Ian Harte, of whom we might think we know much to put us off. Looking at Hartey's well-known plus points - he would certainly still present a threat around the opposition penalty area with that quality hammer of a left foot. It was often said though that - for a left back - he could be exposed by pace and that defending wasn't his strong point. I think though that, for a lot of Harte's time in his Elland Road career, he suffered from playing behind Harry Kewell, a notoriously lazy git when it came to tracking back and one who, when the going got tough, would frequently limp off. This was particularly noticeable in his Liverpool days, and the less said about his subsequent career, the better. So maybe Hartey could still do a job at Leeds, operating behind a more industrious wide-left player? I'd be inclined to back McDerrmott's judgement on that one, whatever it might be. Speaking of which, the question of who we keep is at least as important as that of who we sign. Please, Brian - let us hang onto Super Sam Byram. There's going to be many more names thrown up by various media as possible signings between now and the start of next season than the three mentioned above. Who we'll end up with is anyone's guess and there remains the worrying possibility that it could be yet another big let-down. But Brian seems to want to import some quality, and you get the feeling he'll have made his wishes known where it counts. Let's hope so, and let's hope that the summer that's a-coming in proves to be rather more exciting and inspiring than some of the fallow transfer windows of recent years.
15 Comments
ReidyI
23/4/2013 12:56:50 am
I love this time of year, and I like two of the potential targets, before reality kicks in, and we always start signing players I've never heard of. Unfortunately, we might be able to afford a 'fee', but we can never match a 'top' championship, let alone premier club with our wages. Hence, we continue to luxurate in mediocrity, and will do so until someone waves a magic wand - or McDermott begins to bring on some of our youngsters and belend them with some new blood!
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PAUL
23/4/2013 01:12:30 am
Here we go round the rumour mill again, from people who try and know all, well you don't Billy would prob stay at Forest rather than our shower, and as for Harte he is past it and why do people keep going on about bringing old players back it wouldn't work they are all old and past it and different players now, why not get bowyer, Smith and indeed Kewell back as well oh and Robinson in goal or Prutton perhaps and update our already pensioner age squad
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Woldo
23/4/2013 01:19:07 am
Paul - you need a big bowl of cheer up dude
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LUFCforever
23/4/2013 01:54:13 am
Miserable git!
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beej
23/4/2013 02:24:07 am
Wise up all of you, u no we're just going to get reject,s as usual
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23/4/2013 02:50:41 am
Just trying to inject a little sunshine into you chaps' miserable lives ;-)
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Daz King
23/4/2013 04:52:24 am
Ian Harte would be one of the last on my shopping list. We are hardly short of left backs at the club. We need to strengthen in other areas first.
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john wilson
23/4/2013 05:35:21 am
Lets hope that McDermott has learnt from his failure at Reading when he was loyal to players who weren't good enough for the Premiership - and it cost him his job. Making the inexperienced Redfearn first team coach is not a good start and all the crap about 'the group' and 'good people' suggests the wrong priorities. I have my doubts that McDermott is strong enough to be an effective manager as opposed to being a mate to the players. Lets hope he has learnt from his relatively limited experience as a manager.
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Allan
23/4/2013 12:15:58 pm
We had a manager who had tons of experience and seven promotions and look at what a mess he made of things and could have got us relegated. IMO getting everyone to pull together hit the nail on the head to get the club and team to move forward. McDermott has had one promotion and if he only has one other in his career I wouldn't mind at all so long as it was LUFC to the Prem. Then stay there for many years to come. I bet people would then complain saying he did not do much in his career....only two promotions !!
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RobFlit
23/4/2013 04:59:35 pm
Would trust BMc judgement and agree that both Le Fondre and Harte could add something. Particularly agree with comment about Kewell. Hartey got a lot of unfair criticism.
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teapot
23/4/2013 06:23:05 pm
get batty tony curry (he was hot stuff) dorrigo and mel sterland oh and roque jnr back and we,ve cracked it
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Chris
23/4/2013 09:18:54 pm
Leeds fans bang on about how there the best in the country all the time, our anthem is 'Marching on Together', and yet all I read and hear all the time is negative people who slag off the players and staff. I don't care how shit our players or manager are. If they want to play for the club, show passion and desire, and are committed; I will support them and cheer them on. I don't see how giving them flack will help the situation. Half of the people who give the abuse are probably the same armchairs who make excuse after excuse for not supporting the team. Bloody hell, just get behind the lads and McDermott. MOT
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Jimbo Jones
23/4/2013 10:47:26 pm
"Harry Kewell, a notoriously lazy git when it came to tracking back and one who, when the going got tough, would frequently limp off. "
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Terry
23/4/2013 11:10:40 pm
''I just hope that GFH! Has told McDermott that the money! For the players he wants to bring to Leeds is there...It's great saying we're getting this player and that player'' but as we all know what it takes to get the players we need!...Look at Warnock had to do to get three dross players'' sell our top scorer Becchio'' I'd say McDermott will be told that if he wants probably more dross'' Byram will have to sold!...I'm praying that with Bates! Out of the way that the money Mc'D needs will be giving to him hopefully''...
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