Reasons to be cheerful : Signs of progress ‏

By Keith Ingham

It has been a privilege to write for Andy Gregory who has run the site since it's start, now the 'baton' has been given to myself and my son Ryan to give Leeds United fans a place where they can write their opinions on the club.
Marching on Together !.

This is my opening article.

As most people who've come across my blogs post May might with reason think I'm so anti Cellino the bridges that needed building may have seen too big to build.

I have to admit though I've seen the best summer in a long time in Leeds 11, the appointment of Adam Pearson in my opinion was the best of the signings Massimo Cellino has done. The mild mannered man from Harrogate has revolutionised the club, key appointments of people who know their jobs but more importantly are being allowed to do what they are paid to be doing without much, so far interference from the Italian. The keeping of the young talent was also imperative in showing intent for this fledgling season.

The eight players recruited have mainly been young, enthusiastic men, most with Championship experience, the exception being Ross Turnbull but he came with medals aplenty and is widely respected within the game and Jordan Botaka who played in Holland. So far the ones making the headlines have been Chris Wood, three goals in the five Championship games he's played in. A no nonsense centre forward who despite his size has ability on the ground as was shown with his 'goal of the day' winner versus Derby County last Saturday. He will get better and I expect him to get at least fifteen goals this season, maybe even twenty. 'Sol' Bamba, the captain of the club has been inspirational in the centre of defence. Everything you'd expect in a captain is in bodied in the Ivorian. My tip already to be  a contender for player of the season.

Tom Adeyemi, a holding midfielder has impressed me with the way he goes about his business, breaking down attacks and supplying the midfield, he has a goal in him too. Stuart Dallas, the winger we all wanted already has made goals for his teammates, whether on the left or the right has the ability to go past a defender and I'm sure the goals will come too. He showed with his strikes last season for Brentford that he knows where the goal is. A little off the pace at the start of the season but improves game after game.

We've not seen much of Lee Erwin or Charlie Horton but their performances in under twenty one games have shown promise. Ross Turnbull will be a able deputy if Marco Silvestri is injured. The latest signing  Jordan Botaka is nicknamed 'The Wizard', another winger who shows promise in the YouTube videos that have been shown on social media. Ex Leeds striker Brian Deane is very impressed with the signing of the Congo international, he's young and I can't wait to see him in the white or yellow of Leeds. The two wingers purchased are definitely a step up from Stewart and Kebe !.

Two other players who deserve a mention are Gaetano Berardi, a dependable right back this term after his less than impressive first appearances has made the position his own with Sam Byram playing further forward in the front three and Mirco Antenucci, who although was the club's top scorer seemed he club be on his way out of the club but so impressed on substitute appearances has forced his way into the first team, he looks very good in the role just behind Chris Wood, a busy energetic player and nobody will forget his goal in the opener versus Burnley.

A unbeaten start with four draws and a victory is for me a good start, it would have been fantastic if we'd have beaten Bristol City when two goals in front with only minutes remaining. The team has played well in most games this season, they seem 'together' as a unit which was not apparent in the later part of last season.

So far, so good. Please Mr Cellino let it continue, be the captain but don't rock the boat. 

MOT 2015/16