Strong Older Head

Last night Leeds United surprised a lot of people by confirming the capture of experienced stopper Rob Green.

The former QPR player was a casualty this summer as head coach and former Leeds favourite Jimmy Floyd Hasslebank looks for a squad reshuffle after spending 4 years at Loftus Road.

Green joins on a one year deal and is set to be competition for the starting spot against the likes of Silvestri and BPF.

The 36-years old's signing is sure to raise some eye brows with a minority of fans, who will be wanting to know why we haven't secured the signing of a younger keeper who can enjoy plenty of years at the club.

What we have with Green though is stability between the sticks and a footballing brain that has seen it all. The former England keeper has 12 caps to his name along with more than 10 years in England's top flight.

Usually I'm not a massive fan of bringing in players who are above the age of 32. I'm not agist, and I do understand that having an experienced head in the dressing room has its benefits. I just think it's the coaches job to take charge of the dressing room and some older players can become quite ignorant.

Green, however, is an exception to this rule. I don't there are many keepers that were available in the market than can beat the talent that he possesses.

The former West Ham and Norwich City goalkeeper is a commanding voice on the pitch and can organise the weary defence that concedes stupid goals and gives away too many chances. Granted losing Bellusci had already helped the issue, signing Green gives us a water tight seal at the back.

I honestly think that with a good preseason behind him, Green can become a fantastic signing and lead from the back.

In exciting by the signings we have made this summer, we've brought in goals, a strong defender, pace and now a top quality keeper.

Leeds then made the announcement this morning that 20-year old midfielder Matt Grimes has joined on loan for the season from Monk's old club Swansea.

A talented midfielder with both pace and the ability to keep the ball at his feet and dictate play. Grimes is currently part of the England Under21 side and is a fantastic player to bring in for the season.

We've also heard news from Phil Hay that Leeds haven't given up on signing Oxford's Kemar Roofe. A signing like Roofe would be the icing on the cake.

Now let's hope Monk can turn this new squad into a promotion winning side.

On On On


By Ryan Ingham