Travels of a Leeds fan

Leeds achieve mid table mediocrity once again. A short season review.

2013-05-06T20:15:00.002+01:00

After the excitement of the final game and all the promotion and relegation issues I thought it would be good to look back at another season on Planet Leeds before I hibernate for the summer.

I suspect the 2012/13 season will remembered more for the off the pitch activities rather than the consistently inconsistent affairs on the pitch. Ken Bates finally sold the club in one of the longest takeover saga's known to man and then somehow managed to secure himself a position as President of the club for the next 3 years. Needless to say this Presidential position is not one that the electorate voted on or Monaco's finest would have been in danger of finishing a long way behind the Monster Raving Loony candidate. The new owners, GFH, soon realised that they needed other investors if they were to take the club forward and so began Takeover 2 which is still ongoing. If we're not careful we'll have more sequels than the Rocky films before we get some real stability at the club.

On the pitch Neil Warnock's warm and fuzzy noises he made in pre season about how he was going to turn the club into promotion challengers soon began to look ambitious at best as we headed for the crucial Xmas schedule. His public berating of fan's favourite Becchio showed a lack of understanding of man management and fans management and by the time we were humiliated by Barnsley he had lost the last vestiges of any support on the terraces. His post match excuses were by now parodied by every twitter/facebook discussion and the numerous fans forums. "The lad's tried ever so hard" "I couldn't have asked any more from the lads" and "the ref's had a shocker" were repeated week after week as our our slim hopes of reaching the play off's disappeared without trace. His final piece of verbal suicide was to publicly blame Tom Lees for the defeat at Ipswich a move that confirmed to 99.99% of fans that he had completely lost the plot. When he finally went after another abject display against Derby we were seriously looking at the relegation dog fight. The change of style and approach that Brian McDermott immediately brought to the club showed what we were missing as we sneaked away from the mass fight to stay up. If only he had come 6 games earlier?

Leeds finished on the same points total as the year before and in my opinion have spent a season stagnating that is unless you believe's Mr Warnock's view that he left the club in a fantastic position to move forward? Keep taking the pills Colin. So what were the good and bad bits of the season?

What went well?

The Cup runs. Victories against Southampton and Everton in the Carling Cup and a stirring first half against Chelsea before an epic FA Cup win against Spurs.
Sam Byram or as most fans said at the start of the first game of the season Sam who? Up until his injury in the warm up for the Brighton game he had been the only ever present in the team. He deservedly won every accolade going at the end of season awards. The irony is that he was the one player who performed consistently and yet NW clearly didn't have much time for any of the youngsters favouring his old soldiers, Brown, Tonge, Kenny etc. The unfortunate thing is Byram will probably be sold over the summer if offers come in over £6m.
Tom Lees has matured into a solid centre back with lots of potential to improve.
Winning a Yorkshire derby away from home.
The signing of Stephen Warnock. Filled the problem left back spot with assured ease.
The fantastic away support never ceases to amaze me. I think we all must be masochists.

Even better if:

We didn't have to sell players like Becchio, Snodgrass etc.
The ownership of the club saga hadn't dragged on all summer and all season.
Neil Warnock had been sacked after the Barnsley game.
Elland Road was full for every home game.
We didn't play hoofball for the majority of the season.
We took the chance to make the play offs in a season that lacked any team with real quality.
Aaron Cawley didn't support Leeds United.
We hadn't lost to Barnsley again at Oakwell.
Drummers, goal music and demented Tannoy men are banned from away grounds.
Howard Wilkinson was on the board of Leeds United.
There was a unified supporters club working hand in glove with the club.

Have a good summer and roll on August.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Watford v Leeds Utd. 4th May 2013. Last of the season's wine.

2013-05-04T21:20:00.001+01:00

The last game of the season always has a special feel to it regardless of our league position. The fact that we couldn't go up or down was a minor technicality as the extended LUFC family congregated for the traditional end of season celebrations and fancy dress party. If we won we could all delight in Udinese's frustration and if not we could have the delicious prospect of contributing to a whole lot of Humberside misery as the Codheads choke. Who said there's nothing to play for?

The Happy Chocker, Quiet One and the Kitsons joined me as we pointed the car south towards Watford at a ridiculous hour for a Saturday morning. The excited buzz of football chatter ate up the miles as we left the M18 behind and joined the M1. Inevitably we speculated if the mighty whites could manage a first half goal for the first time since god knows when and even better if we could actually win another game away from West Yorkshire. With the car safely deposited in a multi storey park in Watford we joined the excited pre match buzz in the strangely named "Moon over the Water" pub. Both sets of fans mixed well in a noisy carnival atmosphere with the majority Leeds fans lifting the roof off the pub with the full range of the LUFC songbook. We were in a dilemma though. We wanted Leeds to win but that would mean Hull would be promoted. Mmmm a difficult one for sure but one the Happy Chocker was absolutely sure of. He wanted Watford to win and scupper the Tigers chances.

We joined the convicts, Humpa Lumpas, Batman and Robins, Banana's and the rest of the fancy dress brigade in the ground for the kick off. Zac Thompson was on the team sheet but then had to stand down when it was realised that he couldn't play because technically he was still on loan. Michael Brown stepped up to the midfield spot instead. Drury replaced Warnock at left back while Morison returned up front. Watford also had to make a late change as Almunia was injured in the warm up and had to make way for Bond. The demented home tannoy man tried to whip up the home fans into a frenzy to support the Golden Boys in what he described as "Watford's biggest game of a generation". Well at least he tried.

The game started in bright sunshine as Mr Tannoy's Golden Boys, otherwise known as the Udinese 2nd team, started slickly as you'd expect from a team with a chance of automatic promotion. Leeds showed that they weren't just going to roll over and die though as they tried to match the home side's passing style but it was a nasty challenge that was the first thing of note in the game. Morison went for a high ball near the touchline only to be flattened by a well aimed elbow that knocked him out cold before he even hit the ground. Surely that was a straight red? The referee clearly thought not as he made allowances for the way Italians play their football. Morison lay motionless on the ground as the medical staff attended to him during a lengthy delay. Poleon came on to replace the groggy Morison as the game got under away again. The Hornets were buzzing as they sort an early goal to put pressure on Hull at the KC stadium. The tenseness of the scrap for the last automatic spot between the Hornets and the Tigers was not lost on the visiting fans. "We're only here to spoil your party" belted out from the 2,000 raucous away fans as the home fans whispered some encouragement to their team.

The Watford centre forward, Troy Deeney, showed all the attributes he needs if he gets to the Premier League with Watford.....petulance, arrogance and an irresistible urge to contest every decision made by the referee. He quickly went to the top of my list of most obnoxious players in the Championship and when he flicked his leg back into a prone Tom Lees after a tackle I was ready to lynch him. He would eventually get his come uppance though.

Poleon made an immediate impact with his extra pace up front and very soon contributed to the 2nd lengthy delay of the half as he chased a long ball from Tom Lees through before nudging the Watford centre half into the reserve goalie Bond. He lay motionless on the turf . He was clearly shaken and didn't stir for a good ten minutes before being stretchered off with concussion and a broken nose. Watford's third goalie of the day, Bonham, went between the sticks. The young goalie showed nerves as he handled his first couple of balls but with three minutes to the break he got into an awful mess with Ekstrand that left Poleon with the simple task of rolling the ball into the open net for the opening goal. The visiting fans danced with delight not because Leeds were in front but because we had finally scored a first half goal. Mint. 1.0 Leeds.

"1.0 to the Ingerland" rung out from the away end. The lead was short lived though as the Hornets stormed back and equalised within two minutes with a well taken goal from Abdi. Over at the KC stadium Cardiff were about to put the cat among the pigeons as they took the lead and put Udinese in pole position for promotion. The 4th official held up the board showing a staggering 16 minutes of added time. "That'll be interesting come the end of the game, Hull and Watford are now out of sync" I mused. Half time 1.1 and the automatic promotion situation on a knife edge.

The second half kicked off and soon news filtered through that Hull were now leading 2.1 and were back in the automatic promotion spot. Watford's crowd went quiet and their players seemed to accept their fate as Leeds played in a relaxed style that frustrated their hosts to a background of incessant noise from the large away following. Green smashed a shot goalwards that was blocked as the visitors looked the more likely to break the deadlock. On 70 minutes the petulant Deeney saw red as his outrageous late challenge on Brown earned him a 2nd yellow card. Watford had now all but given up and should have been put out of their misery as Varney missed with a header from 7 yards whilst catching a boot in his face for his troubles. Penalty ref? Cause not. Then the big scoreboard announced Cardiff had equalised at Hull. That meant Watford just needed one goal to get promoted. Suddenly they woke up and threw everything at Leeds. Paddy Kenny showed just why he's the best goalie in the championship as he pulled off two stunning saves to keep the scores level as the docile home crowd came to life and Leeds hung on. With all the other championship games finished all eyes turned to Vicarage Road. Could Watford snatch a winner or would Leeds be Party poopers? This was fantastic knowing that all the Hull fans at the KC were cheering on Leeds. I wonder if they were singing MOT?

As ten men Watford pushed forward seeking the illusive goal they left themselves exposed at the back. Leeds broke from defence with the speedy Aidey White, on for Brown, evading a lunging tackle before releasing Ross Mac who was one on one with the young goalie..............he chipped the ball just out of the fumbling goalie's reach and into the net. 2.1 Leeds and the away end exploded as did the KC stadium 200 miles away in Humberside. The first time ever the Codheads have celebrated a Leeds goal. Delicious! Game over. HC was gutted and refused to celebrate. What a finish to not only the game but the season. Leeds fans celebrated as if we'd won the league............well we had won away and scored in the first half and after the season we've had that's almost the same thing!

The players and Brian McD thanked the travelling fans as the assorted fancy dressed fans poured back onto the streets of Watford in party mood. I'd forgotten how good it felt to win away. So Leeds finished the season on 61 points exactly the same as last season but finished on a high. Pearce again impressed me with his commanding display and Poleon showed enough flashes of pace and an eye for goal to suggest that he might just be next season's "Byram". A good team performance from Leeds which bodes well for next season.

The long drive home flew by helped by a tearful Barnsley fan on 606 thanking their manager Flitcroft for saving them from the drop. It was emotional stuff and brought tears to everybody's eyes in the car. I nearly crashed the car I was laughing that much tha knows! So that's it for another season of trials and tribulations following the mighty whites around the country. A season that started with hope and expectation but quickly descended into the usual mix of frustration and disappointment for those who are infected with the Leeds passion. Brian McD carries massive expectations into the next campaign and I've a sneaking feeling he will deliver. Thanks for reading my musings, moans and observations this season . Hopefully we'll do it all again next time round. In the meantime have a good summer and remember next season will be the one..........

Can't wait.
MOT

Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion. 27th April 2013

2013-04-27T22:32:00.000+01:00

For the last time this season the Happy Chocker, Brother Chris and the Quiet One gathered at Selby station for our trek to Elland Road. There was a distinct end of season feeling to the atmosphere as we trundled along past the West Yorkshire countryside. After all we were stranded in mid table obscurity with nothing but pride to play for against Gus Poyet's Seagulls who were looking to secure a certain play off spot before next weekend's final games. A surprisingly good crowd of nearly 25,000 had gathered to see the last rites of Leeds' disappointing season played out in bright sunshine. The fact that most of the pre match discussion surrounded the merits or otherwise of the new Leeds shirt gives you an indication of the blase attitude to today's game amongst most fans. Brian McD had selected an unchanged team but his plans were thrown into confusion as Sam Byram was injured in the warm up. Not a good start. Peltier stepped into the full back role and Ryan Hall hurriedly got changed and warmed the bench.

Brighton had brought a good contingent all hoping to see their stylish team secure the necessary points to guarantee a coveted play off place. Poyet strode out to applause from all corners of the ground to which he responded warmly. As he took his place in the dug out I wondered if Mr Bates had got his wish in October and sacked Colin would Poyet have been leading the team in white out today instead of the visitors?

The game kicked off and Brighton's stylish passing game that has seen them climb the table in recent weeks was evident from the first minute. Before most fans had drawn breath a slick move opened up the Leeds defence on the left flank and Orlandi met the teasing cross to deflect the ball past a static Kenny and onto the post and away to safety. Leeds looked unsettled possibly because of the reshuffling but more likely due to the class of the Seagull's opening salvos. Leeds were soon showing the South Coast team that they can now play a bit aswell as Ross Mac weaved an opening only to be pulled down by a cynical tug from a visiting player. Austin drove the resulting free kick just wide of the upright. Then disaster struck. The usually dependable Tom Lees fluffed a back pass to Kenny leaving Buckley with the simplest of chances to put the visitors ahead which he clinically took with consummate ease. 1.0 Brighton and only 10 minutes gone.

If losing your star player in the warm up and then going one down after ten minutes wasn't bad enough Austin decided he'd make things even more difficult for Brian McD's men as he received a straight red for an off the ball clash with Ashley Barnes. Barnes went down as if he'd been hit by a sniper's bullet as the referee, Mr Scott, immediately reached for his red card. Now I couldn't see what actually happened but all I can say is that Barnes made a remarkable recovery that would have graced Lourdes. 1.0 down and 1 man down.

Despite been down to ten men Leeds weren't about to roll over and die as they dug in and battled toe to toe with the Seagulls. The referee started to irritate both sets of fans with a collection of strange and pedantic decisions that strangled the game's flow. Leeds seemed to grow in strength as the half went on and pressurised the Brighton goal. Varney twice tried to run through a defender rather than round him in promising positions and Diouf was at his tantalising best. I'm sure he has some sort of velcro on his chest, thigh and leg because whatever speed or height the ball flies to him he always instantly controls it and brings it to the floor like a snake charmer hypnotising his Cobra. Ross Mac swivelled and hit a shot just inches over the bar as Leeds ended the half on a high. Half time 1.0 Brighton and already the referee was being booed from the field.

Brighton had the better of the opening part of the second half as they went in search of the killer goal. Buckley should have done better with a chance inside the box but steered it wide and Kenny pulled off a fine save as the ball sped through a ruck of players. Leeds' build up play was good but all too often the final cross or pass just went astray. Typical of this was a bundling run from Varney into the box who then handled the ball just as he should have been shooting. Mr Pedantic with the whistle booked him for his troubles. Then Leeds were back in the game on 74 minutes. Calderon, (a Trevor Hockey lookalike for those of you old enough) clumsily bundled Diouf over in the box. Penalty!............harsh but a penalty. Even harsher was the red card that Mr Pedantic produced as Calderon joined Austin for an early bath. Both teams down to ten men as Diouf stepped up to take the penalty. He coolly slotted the ball home before peeling away to run the length of the pitch to blow kisses and juggle his bollocks in front of the visiting fans. This was too much for Mr Pedantic who produced his third red card of the game to the penalty scorer and although Leeds were now level on goals they were down to just 9 men. The world's gone mad if celebrating in front of opposing fans is now a red card? If it is why weren't the Wendies players all sent to the dressing room after scoring and celebrating in front of the kop a couple of weeks ago? All I could say was it was a good job we didn't need points from this game or Mr Pedantic wouldn't have escaped with his life from LS11.

Still could the nine men hold out for 15 minutes or even pinch an unlikely winner? Leeds battled hard but Poyet's men utilised the wide open spaces well to take advantage of their extra man. With 5 minutes left Brown replaced the tiring Tonge. "Mmmm we could end up with 8 men now" I suggested to brother Chris. Within 2 minutes Brighton counter attacked and Leeds found themselves 3 on 2.........Ulloa easily headed in unchallenged from 7 yards. Brighton fans celebrated their now certain play off place whilst the home fans belted out "2.1 to the referee"

Pearce so nearly snatched a late equaliser with a header on 90 minutes but the game ended 2.1. Pearce, Ross Mac, Green and Diouf all played well with the consistent Warnock oozing class at left back. A disappointing end to the home campaign but there were probably more positives to take from the game than usual in a home defeat. Brian McD has got Leeds playing with some purpose and direction now. Add a couple of quality players to the squad plus a goal scorer and next season is already looking bright.

The traditional end of season curry at Akbars was a roaring success as we debated who we'd keep and who we'd sell over the summer. It's amazing how a couple of beers and a jalfrezi crystalises what's needed for the team for next year! The train home was delightful as we shared it with Hull fans returning from their defeat at Barnsley, a defeat that leaves them needing to beat Cardiff next week or hope Watford lose to gain automatic promotion. I know I shouldn't but I took great pleasure in seeing a Hull fan asking us through gritted teeth to "do them a favour and beat Watford next week" "You do realise we got two sent off today and we haven't won away since 1963? Still there's always a chance" I cheerily informed him. He visibly withered and I though for one minute I could see tears in his eyes! The Happy Chocker did a victory jig even though we'd lost on the platform at Selby as we left the Hull fans to stew in their own sorrows all the way back to East Yorkshire. Sometimes football can be fun even when you lose.

So Watford awaits us next week. I think I might take my boots as we will be down to the bare bones of the squad. It's win win game for Leeds though because even if we get beat we can always console ourselves that somewhere in West Hull there will be a few tears shed on our behalf if Cardiff finish on a high. Delicious.

Can't wait.

MOT

FOLLOW @WeAreLeedsMOT3 Leeds United v Brighton... by WeAreLeedsMOT33

Birmingham City v Leeds United. 20th April 2013.

2013-04-20T21:12:00.001+01:00

Birmingham was the destination for our penultimate away game of this hugely frustrating season. As ever the Happy Chocker and the Quiet One were on board as we caught the Cross country train from York in bright Spring sunshine. A smattering of Geordie horse punchers and Wendies fans were also using the Iron Horse to reach their respective away games. The new optimism that Brian McD has brought to the club gave us the tantalising prospect of securing a 4th away win of the season and complete a hat trick of wins since he took over the poison chalice from Mr Hoofball. The change in style Brian McD has embedded in the team has been dramatic. Gone are the hopeful punts down field in the general direction of Morison/Becchio/Varney replaced by a sweet passing game based on an ever changing diamond formation that illuminates midfield. If only he'd arrived after the Barnsley game?

After pre match refreshments in the Ibis Hotel we joined the massed ranks of the Leeds away faithful to wallow in our new found hope. Would Morison start? What about Peltier and Diouf? Even though this was a meaningless end of season fixture the away end was buzzing with expectation. Then the game started.

Brian McD stuck with the same team that did so well against Burnley but on a sunny afternoon in England's 2nd city Leeds new optimism was about to take a a bit of a battering. The first 20 minutes sauntered by with not a lot to keep the crowd on the edge of their seat. The 2,500 away fans were in good voice but the entertainment on the pitch was definitely of the end of season variety. With both teams safe from the relegation dog fight inspiration was lacking in both sides. The giant Zigic naturally won every ball he challenged for but caused little problems in a robust Leeds back four..........even with Pearce starting!

The only shot of note that Leeds mustered in the first 45 minutes was a Ross Mac volley that just dipped over the bar. At the other end Kenny hardly got a sweat on as the first half stalemate played out to an ambivalent home crowd and a slightly frustrated away following. The euphoria that followed Brian McD's first two games was tempered by the realisation that he is going to be very busy over the summer if he is going to turn the mighty whites into promotion material next season. HT 0.0 yawn!

If the first half was a stalemate then the second became an awful procession of everything that is wrong with championship football. Chances were few and far between at both ends as both teams went through the motions. Birmingham were looking the most likely though as Redmond started to dominate the game and give the blues a slight advantage. Mullins broke the stalemate on 70 minutes as he pounced on a rebound from Kenny and slotted home the easiest of chances to put the blues in front. All of a sudden the home fans found their voice as they celebrated their one goal advantage. Brian McD rung the changes as Peltier replaced Green and Byram moved up into midfield. Almost immediately Byram so nearly got on the end of a cross to snatch an equaliser. Drury replaced Austin and slotted into the left midfield spot. Leeds huffed and puffed but struggled to trouble Butland in the home goal. There was an inevitability as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Leeds just didn't look like scoring as the game petered out to a 1.0 win to the Brum.

As the fans streamed away from St Andrews a Brum fan enthused "that was the best performance of the season" all I can say is that they must of watched some shite this season. A disappointing result but news that we were now statistically safe from relegation brightened the after match mood. It would have been a far different picture if we hadn't secured the two wins against Wendies and Burnley.

In summary this was not good to watch. A poor game with two teams that knew their places were secure. Difficult to pick a MOM for Leeds. Byram had another decent game but other than that we were distinctly average. Whilst the game was disappointing the fact that we are now statistically clear of relegation gave a warm feeling of satisfaction as we travelled back up north. Following Leeds this season has had it's ups and downs as most seasons do but the impetus that Brian McD has given the Leeds family has left massive expectations for next season. I get the feeling that our bald headed leader will match those expectations.

Brighton up next at Elland Road. No pressure so we might just upset Poyet's end of season hopes?

Can't wait.

MOT

Leeds United v Sheff Wed. 13th April 2013

2013-04-13T18:09:00.000+01:00

The first glimpses of spring were evident as the Happy Chocker, Brother Chris, Quiet One and yours truly boarded the train at Selby station. That rare feeling of optimism was permutating the pre match discussions as we eagerly reviewed the weeks changes at the Theatre of Hope. Brian McDermott had finally signed a 3 year contract to try and guide Leeds up the football pyramid. His first task was to drag Warnock's collection of players away from the relegation dog fight. A win against Dave Jones' Wednesday was vital if Leeds fans were going to have a stressless finish to the season. Anything else would leave non existent fingernails amongst the hardy mighty whites fans. The Masterchef Gregg Wallace lookalike Leeds manager had an intriguing selection dilemma for his first game. Who would play at centre half with Lees suspended and Peltier injured? Austin was rumoured to be in line for a start at the back but the ex Reading man surprised a few by putting Stephen Warnock alongside Pearce at the heart of the Leeds defence with Adam Drury returning at left back. Managing a football club doesn't get any tougher than that! The midfield looked a bit unbalanced as Varney and Norris were deployed wide with Green and Austin in the midfield. Ross Mac and Morison started up front.

A disappointing crowd of 23,000 had assembled for this vital Yorkshire derby as the game got under way in faltering sunshine. The aficionados of Leeds football scrutinised the opening exchanges for evidence of a change of tack from Warnock's less than pleasing Hoofball style. The green shoots of change were soon evident. Kenny actually rolled the ball out to the full backs and Austin had clearly been instructed to pick up the ball from the back. Encouraging but there were some very nervy Leeds defenders with this alien tactic not least Jason Pearce. Brian Mac had taken full control of the team. Yes Redders was still in the dug out but it was the suited and booted Brian Mac who was stalking the technical area directing operations on the pitch and making copious notes in his little black book.

Morison had the first real chance but mis kicked from 6 yards. Mmmmmm new manager but still the same quality of players on the pitch. Wednesday looked lively on the break and the new look Leeds back four didn't look that solid with Warnock having to make a couple of timely interventions to deny the Owls. Leeds were struggling to settle into their new style of play with Austin promoted to some sort of playmaker from the back. Whilst he was keen to receive the ball his distribution was less than impressive. After another wayward pass Brain Mac scribbled furiously into his notebook. Leeds were playing the ball on the floor but not opening up a distinctly average Owls side.

On the half hour Wednesday sent their 3,000 fans into delirium as Johnson beat the hesitant Kenny and Warnock to an innocuous through ball and looped the ball into the net. His goal celebration at the corner of the kop was ill advised at best. In reality he demonstrated crass, selfish judgement in taunting the home fans. The reaction to his antics didn't deflect from the fact that both Kenny and Warnock made a complete hash of what should have been a simple clearance. Leeds 0.1 Wednesday.

The goal took some of the wind out of Leeds sails but they did manage to pressure the Owls with a Ross Mac free kick and then Pearce somehow missed a header from 7 yards whilst at the other end Kenny had to be at his best to keep the Owls at bay as they pushed for a second goal. Half Time Leeds 0.1 Owls.

The urinal philosophers were not too disheartened but reflected more on the lack of inspiration from Morison and Austin rather than some of the isolated bright sparks of the first 45 minutes. "Austin can't pass fucking water" one vile animal commented. " Morison makes a donkey look quick" another quipped. Our new manager had a difficult first half time team talk. His tactics certainly looked better but some players were struggling with the concept of keeping the ball on the grass. Norris looked lost on the wing and Pearce looked as nervous as a child bride in his role of distributing from the back.

During Warnock's reign his use of substitutes and tactical changes were heavily criticised for the lack of creativity. Brian Mac went boldly where Colin feared to go as he gave Norris the hook at half time and sent on Diouf to freshen up the Leeds wide play. His shock move had an immediate effect as Leeds new width paid dividends as Diouf glided through the midfield and set up Morison clear on goal but his laboured control and finish was easily saved by Kirkland. Leeds smelt blood and soon Ross Mac forced a superb save from Kirkland before both Varney and Green tried to force the ball home. The Leeds crowd were fired up and MOT belted out from the KOP with as much passion as I've heard all season.

White came on for Morison on the hour as Brian Mac added pace to the right flank and moved Varney to centre forward. Numerous home fans had to seek clarification on the rules. Were you allowed to bring on subs before the 91st minute I heard one confused fan ask. With Diouf dancing on one wing and White flying on the other Leeds looked more balanced as the new passing style started to gel. 63 minutes had gone when the wonderfully industrious Ross Mac found space on the right flank and swung a delightful cross into the box............Varney's pace gave him space to head firmly against the bar..........the ball crashed down. Was it in? Yes it was as the ref blew for the goal and headed back to the centre circle. Get innnnnnnnnnn! Leeds 1.1 Owls.

Elland Road was only half full but it was now bouncing as Leeds tore into their South Yorkshire rivals with some style. Ross Mac was on fire and his mazy run into the box provided another telling cross for Varney who once again flicked his header goalwards. This time there was no doubt as the ball nestled in the top corner. 2.1 Leeds and the old stadium erupted. Two goals for Varney had changed this game within ten minutes of him taking up the strikers role. Wednesday were now there for the taking.

The novelty of leading going into the last ten minutes seemed to make Leeds nervous as Wednesday looked to grab an equaliser. Steve Howard somehow found space and smacked a shot against the post while Lita should have absolutely buried a golden chance with only two minutes to go.........but he didn't as his tame shot rolled a yard wide with only Kenny to beat.

Added time provided a nervous finale for Leeds but they survived for a much needed victory. Full time Leeds Utd 2.1 Sheff Wed. Brian Mac came onto the field and shook all his players hands something Colin never did. The kop stayed behind to pay tribute to the team and the new manager. Smiles were back on the fan's faces for the first time in a long while. Even in the queue for the shuttle bus there was laughter, smiling and joking............unheard of!

The second half performance was rich in promise from Leeds. Diouf made a significant difference as did Varney's move to centre forward. Ross Mac was illusive and with Byram and even White causing havoc out wide Leeds looked a different side to the laboured directionless eleven we have witnessed in recent weeks. Same players different manager. I wonder if they were concentrating more on passing the ball and playing to a plan rather than "giving their all" for the manager?

The three points steer Leeds well away from the relegation scrap and if they follow up with a win against Burnley on Tuesday then Brian Mac can start looking towards building a team ready for a promotion push next year. His tactical nous and calm confidence has already impressed the demanding Leeds fans. Could we be on the verge of something good at long last at Leeds? I do hope so.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Will this season be a car crash or a can we swiftly move up a gear?

2013-04-10T19:40:00.001+01:00

Tuesday night's two results in the championship came right out of the "Sods Law" book of football under the chapter entitled "Unexpected results that really piss you off". The fact that both Barnsley and the Wendies both scored crucial goals in added time to earn them precious points added a cruel twist given that Leeds can only do the opposite once the clock ticks past 85 minutes in their games. The net result was an explosion of cyber rants from the extended Leeds family as the reality of our current position hit home. What seems a wafer thin five points clear of third bottom Blackburn Rovers with five gut wrenching games to go is the stark position Leeds go into Saturday's Yorkshire derby. "If we lose to the Wendies...." must have been trending on Twitter with the number of LUFC fans who started their tweets with that apocalyptic entry. So after spending the majority of the season trying to peer through the slightly steamed up, cracked windscreen towards the play offs we are now desperately scanning the rear view mirror for the fast approaching tailgaters who are now overtaking our spluttering veteran vehicle that has stalled without a qualified driver. Add to that we don't appear to have more than 75p in the bank to carry out emergency repairs and the situation is as bleak as the bleakest mid winter in the last two hundreds years!

So what are GFH doing about the situation? As each month goes by they show all the signs of being massively out of their depth trying to run the football club whilst at the same time touting the club around the market with the desperation of a punter trying to offload a timeshare in downtown Seoul. Fans are fast loosing patience with the new regime as each of their shiny new commitments bite the dust. "We will engage with the fans more"screamed their early PR efforts. One cancelled Fans Forum and a few anaemic tweets later and we are still waiting for any real engagement and transparency of the goings on at the club. "We will bring in new investors" was a more intriguing statement they spouted in their takeover statement. With just one addition to their war chest in the 10% share capture from a Bahraini group has hardly shaken the foundations of the championship whilst more worrying the proposed 51% buyout by Steve Parkin's group has so far floundered under forensic due diligence inspection. We might be potentially a big club but there is something fundamentally wrong behind the scenes that scares away any sensible investors. If it wasn't so serious it would be laughable. The club that has the largest non parachute payment revenue in the championship is apparently unsaleable. If the financial situation is as bad as it sounds now it could be terminal if we are relegated.

So we enter what we thought would be a quiet end to the season with all the excitement, intrigue and frustration that we have sadly become accustomed to in recent years. Will Redders and Nayls find the right gear to drive us away from relegation oblivion? Or will the sheer chaos off the pitch send the team careering into an end of season car crash of mammoth proportions? My heart says the former but I fear my uber optimism might just be misdirected this time. One thing I am sure of is that the next two games are immense. The team needs every ounce of support against the Wendies and Burnley. No Dave Jones chants, no chants about how shit we are, no booing our own players. Shoulder to shoulder marching on together is what's needed because after the Burnley game even I can't see us getting another point. I've said it before but life is definitely not dull supporting Leeds. Seat belts on and singing voices tuned up this is the business end of a very frustrating season.

Can't wait.

MOT

Charlton Ath v Leeds United. 6th April 2013

2013-04-06T21:04:00.001+01:00

After passing a late fitness test the Happy Chocker joined me for the trek to London for our clash with Charlton and the start of hopefully the post Hoofball era. With the anniversary of the murders of Kev Speight and Christopher Loftus the trip was always going to be a poignant mix of respect for the memories of the two Leeds fans and hope that we can mark the date with a much needed win. News that cult hero Andy Hughes was planning to wear a black armband in respect added a nice touch to proceedings.

Per match refreshments were taken in the pub next to Charlton Station and to say the place was bouncing was a gross understatement. There's one thing with Leeds fans and that is we don't need success on the pitch to create an atmosphere. In fact it tends to the opposite. The worse we get the more passionate the fans get. Redfearn hadn't changed the team a great deal. Ross Mac and Morison started up front with Norris and Tonge in midfield and Green and White providing a colourful wing pairing. Poleon was on the bench but last week's debutant, Chris Dawson, dropped out all together. A massive 4,000 Leeds fans had filled the away end. I still find it amazing how many fans follow the team away especially on current form.

The game kicked off in bright sunshine and on a less than perfect pitch. The opening 2 minutes were played with the Leeds fans turning their back on the pitch as a tribute to Chris and Kev. With both teams locked in mid table vulnerability the opening exchanges were tense and sprinkled with little quality. If the change of manager had lifted expectations amongst the Leeds faithful those expectations were soon lowered. The favoured hoof ball style from Colin's reign was still in evidence and just as ineffective. Charlton's winger, Harriot, looked a decent player with his tricky runs unsettling the lack last lustre Leeds side. This wasn't going to be a good afternoon. It could have been worse though as Charlton's Morrison blasted over from 6 yards when he should have scored.

The game drifted to half time with the game slowly changing from optimistic to scrappy and was heading to dreadful as the 45 minutes were up. Leeds hadn't had a shot in anger and whist Charlton had had the better chances they hadn't really troubled Kenny in the Leeds goal. Two poor teams trooped off for their half time Orange as I reflected on the fact that Andy Hughes had controlled the midfield in his second appearance of the season. Much as I love him for what he did at Leeds seeing him provide the only flicker of a creative spark in the first 45 minutes summed up the game in a nutshell.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the ball pinging from one side to another usually in the air and when it was on the floor the bobbly pitch did its best to dampen any attempt at playing flowing football. This was dire. The paucity of quality on the pitch didn't stop the away fans singing though as they tried to instil some passion into the team in blue but to no avail. Finally Leeds so nearly broke the stalemate when Morison bundled his way through and smacked the ball against the post from a tight angle. The Leeds defence looked vulnerable though when ever Charlton attacked as a goal seemed inevitable.

The deadlock was broken when an Andy Hughes shot ricocheted across the box into the path of Jackson who buried the chance. The Valley erupted in joy as Hughes trooped back to the centre circle refusing to celebrate. 1.0 Charlton. The goal sparked a response from Leeds. Ross Mac was busy up front as he tried single handedly to wrest the advantage back from the South London side. The familiar sinking feeling in my stomach reflected my fears that this was yet another away day that was going to end pointless for the mighty whites. After surviving a number of scares in their own box Leeds surprisingly levelled when a Varney shot deflected off Andy Hughes and into the Charlton net. 1.1 and the away fans gratefully fed on the crumb of success. A point will take us bit nearer safety after all. But could we hang on? Our record in the last ten minutes of games is dreadful so I braced myself for another gut wrenching finish to the game.

What was a poor game was now culminating in an exciting finale.............exciting in that either of the teams on show were quite capable of conceding another goal as both sides sort a precious win. Leeds had some momentum and enticed some hope from their battle weary fans as the ball bobbled about in the Charlton box but nobody got a boot to the ball to steer it into the net. Peltier took a bad knock and on came Austin to shore the defence for the 5 minutes added time. Naturally my stomach was in that "oh fuck" stage as it tightened like a stressed anaconda as Charlton battered Leeds for the final time..................the ball flew into the box........Obika rose unchallenged and flicked the ball past a stationery Kenny. 2.1 Charlton and game over. Where the fuck was the marking? There was barely time to kick off as Leeds sunk to their 197th away defeat this season. Only Ross Mac and Byram came out of this game with a smidgen of credit for Leeds. The rest were at best poor.

Andy Hughes swapped shirts with Ross Mac at the final whistle and ran to the Leeds fans giving the Leeds salute. He is a class act. Gallows humour accompanied the phalanx of Leeds fans heading back into London. "Let's pretend we scored a goal" they sung as the train trundled towards London Bridge. You have to have a good imagination to pretend that!

This defeat shuffles us nearer the dreaded relegation trapdoor and although we are still 5 points clear it is difficult to see where the next win will come from. This team is far worse than the one that were relegated last time. I am preparing myself for a very tense finish to the season. I'm just thankful for the likes of Blackburn and Huddersfield who appear to be in just as bad a run of form as Leeds. Redfearn's first game in charge wasn't a success. I'm not sure he even wants to manage the team. Leeds are a club in crisis both on and off the field. The only quality surrounding the club at the moment are the fans.

The long trek home was not good. The prospect of playing the Wendies in a must win game on this form is like waiting for a dentist appointment to have four wisdom teeth removed. You know it will hurt and there's nothing you can do about it other than numb the pain. I best drink about 25 pints before the game if that's the case! They say the ones you love the most hurt you the most. That's certainly true with Leeds. It's more difficult to see any positives as each week goes by. Hull trains even managed to sell us the wrong tube tickets again. Not long to the end of the season ends now.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Charlton 2 v 1 Leeds 06/04/2013 by sparkyman2

Once again Planet Leeds is awash with uncertainty.

2013-04-04T19:48:00.001+01:00

Mr Warnock's departure was never going to be a quiet affair. His decision to step down, or his sacking depending which version you believe, was inevitable after the defeat against our number one bogey team Derby County. Judging by his numerous media appointments since his trip back to Cornwall he took a healthy portion of sour grapes with him as he continued to try and convince the football world that he'd done fantastic job in West Yorkshire and the club were in a far better position than when he arrived. Yes right Colin! He believes it but I don't think you'll find even his staunchest supporter agreeing with him.

So where do we go from here? The financial situation at Leeds appears to be still as precarious as ever. Warnock alluded to an element of chaos behind the scenes and a distinct lack of cash in his post sacking monologues something I suspect is a lot nearer the mark than his assessment of his record at Leeds. Whilst the candidates for the Leeds job grows with each day I can't see an appointment being made until the ownership situation has been resolved. In the meantime Neil Redfearn and Richard Naylor get the chance to guide the good ship Leeds through the choppy waters of the last 6 games and away from the jagged rocks of relegation. Their first chance to impress the Leeds faithful is the trip to the Valley on Saturday and the clash with Charlton Athletic. The recall of Dom Poleon to the squad has already pleased the majority of fans. They will need 100% support from the extended Leeds family if they are to benefit from a post Warnock surge of form though. Despite Redfearn doing a sterling job with the development squad and Leeds youngsters I'm not sure we will see the immediate influx of youth some fans are expecting until we put some blue water between us and the bottom three. It would be a massive risk to throw the cream of our youth into what is now a relegation battle.

Charlton will be a tricky test followed by a big Yorkshire derby against the Wendies the following week. In lots of ways this will be the biggest week of the season for Leeds. If they come through unbeaten with at least 4 points the momentum that would give the team will catapult Leeds far away from the unseemly relegation dog fight. On the other hand if we continue with our recent form and emerge from next Saturday's game without a win then the alarm bells will be ringing loud and clear on Planet Leeds. If that is the case our off the field problems will multiply faster than you can say "Yeovil away anyone" to any potential investors.

So the heat is on for Redfearn and his new charges. It's definitely time for the players to step up to the plate. Although Warnock rightly received fierce criticism for his management of the team and tactics ultimately its the players who perform on the pitch and too many just didn't. Now they need to show some bollox and dig in to grind out the results we need. Hopefully Ross Mac will be given a run in the team to show his undoubted skill and passion for the team. Goals have been scarce of late.........actually ever since Becchio departed for Norwich......so somehow Redfearn needs to find the ideal striking partnership, Morison and Ross Mac or Ross Mac and Poleon? Persevere with Varney and Morison? Difficult call but I've a sneaking feeling the team sheet will have some surprises in that area come 3pm Saturday.

A London away day beckons. Will Redfearn and Naylor find the magic formula to fire Leeds to victory in the smoke? Will Dawson keep his starting place? Will Poleon make an impact? The intrigue of Leeds' season continues. This season is far from over. Seat belts fastened please.

Can't wait.

MOT

Leeds United v Derby County. 1st April 2013

2013-04-01T19:46:00.001+01:00

Kicking off at 5.05pm on Easter Monday could have been a decent April Fools not so long ago but not now. For some reason the powers that be at Sky TV thought the clash between two old rivals would whet the viewers appetite. As we numbed our senses in the members bar before kick off there were many fans slightly puzzled as to why a mid table clash between Leeds and the Rams appealed to the TV bosses. Once the teams were announced though the one topic of conversation was Chris Dawson's selection in the centre of midfield. Had Warnock listened to the fans chanting for him to have a chance on Saturday? Or did he genuinely think Dawson was the man to give the team a lift? We'll probably never know but Dawson was definitely making his debut.

As the teams came out some fans mistook the Leeds mascots for Dawson. Well he is a tad on the small side but then again so was the great Billy Bremner. Diouf returned to the starting line up as Warnock once again shuffled his midfield round. Pearce was in for the suspended Lees at the back. 21,000 fans had half filled the stadium by kick off.

The opening exchanges were sprinkled with mid table averageness. Dawson was playing an advanced midfield role with Morison the lone striker and Diouf on the wing. Austin who had returned to the starting line up was scuttling about making some meaty challenges but the game itself was well rather tepid. There were few moments of note in the first half. Warnock tested Fielding in the Derby goal before Varney wasted a golden chance as he sliced his shot wide. Green finished off the only decent move of the half by crashing his shot against the bar. At the other end Kenny pulled of a one on one save with Sammon but other than that this was definitely not a good advert for championship football. The half time whistle blew and everybody ran for the sanctuary and warmth of the bar to reflect on an underwhelming 45 minutes play.

Dawson had shown plenty of enthusiasm in his first game but there was little else to get excited about from the rest of his team mates. God knows what the TV pundits found to discuss during the break? The urinal philosophers were in apathetic mood. The grind of the recent poor run had finally taken its toll on the well meaning critics. The only topic of debate was whether we were or weren't in the relegation dog fight......."I can just see us needing a point at Watford to stay up" one pessimist said......"no chance there's too many teams below us" an optimist replied. I'm sure I wasn't the only one rechecking the league table as I returned to my seat?

Thankfully the 2nd half was more lively than the first as both teams awoke from their slumbers. Austin struck a firm shot from 30 yards just past the post as Leeds exerted some pressure on the Derby goal. Morison wasn't inspiring many fans with his display though. He looks strangely weak in the air for a big lad and rather slow on the floor. Not the ideal combination for a striker who's expected to score goals. On 57 minutes Dawson got a decent ovation as he was replaced by Ross Mac. The experience will have done home good. Maybe next time he should put some longer studs in as he appeared to struggle to keep on his feet at times. Definitely one for the future though.

Leeds nerves were jangling shortly after as Sammon had the ball in the Leeds net only for a linesman's flag to cut short the Derby fans celebration. Aidey White joined the fray in place of Diouf who minutes earlier had lost the ball in midfield resulting in the attack that Derby scored their disallowed goal from. White made an immediate impact as he scampered round the Derby full back and won a corner. Warnock swung the corner into the back post causing havoc in the Rams defence. Green laid the ball back to Ross Mac who hit an unstoppable curler into the top corner of the net. Get innnnnnnnnnnn! 1.0 Leeds and both subs had contributed.

The goal fired the crowd up but Derby immediately put pressure back on Leeds by winning a corner. My nerves were re-ignited. At 0.0 I was in a state of ambivalence. A point for each team wouldn't be a disaster for either team but now Leeds had scored the game opened up and the precious three points we were currently holding looked vulnerable. My fears were realised minutes later when Pearce lost his man and chased him back into the box........."don't bring him down" I screamed as Tom Lees replacement bundled him over from behind. FFS don't we ever learn?. Sammon slammed the penalty against the post but Coutts responded the quickest to follow up and grab the equaliser. Bollox 1.1 and Leeds were now rocking.

They wouldn't have been rocking if Byram had converted a sublime cross to the back post instead of smashing his header against the bar. Revolt was in the air though and ironic chants that "it's all Tom Lees fault" spilled from the Kop. Derby were the team now looking the most likely though as the Leeds defence began to creak not helped by some dubious referee decisions. From one of the dubious decisions Derby were awarded a corner. 2 minutes to go. From my vantage point all I could see was the ball fly into the box and the ball bounce tamely into the Leeds net. 2.1 Derby and for the 9th game on the trot Derby were about to beat Leeds. Leeds hoisted a few hopeful balls in the direction of the Derby box but all to no avail and the game finished 2.1 to the East Midlanders leaving Leeds just five points above the drop zone.

I should be used to the disappointment of throwing away a lead by now but I'm not. It still hurts. No it doesn't hurt it burns away at my inside as I march to the car and drive home seething. We should be better than this. Even with the well publicised lack of funds. This league is not dripping with quality it's soaked in mediocrity and as such we should have grasped the nettle and taken the opportunity to climb up the table........but we didn't. That's not all down to Warnock the players have a lot to answer for in my book.

With the crowd baying for his blood at the end it was no real surprise when news filtered through that Warnock had stepped down after the game. His ego wouldn't let him just step down though he had to recommend who was taking over from him. He arrived at the club as the fans choice with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. He stated he needed to bring in ten or eleven players to change the team which he did but in practical terms we are worse off now than when he took over and that's despite having a great bunch of lads who couldn't give anymore week after week. Fact is he assembled a team of his type of players to play his style of football and it didn't work. Crowds have dwindled and the fans who have remained loyal have become hugely disillusioned almost apathetic. He won't be remembered with much fondness even though he thinks he did a fantastic job. You didn't Neil. Football is a results business and you failed.

A week is long time in football. By the time we get to Charlton next Saturday there will be a different atmosphere on Planet Leeds. Will it be enough to steer us out of the choppy waters of the relegation bun fight? Don't hold your breath. Despite all that.........

Can't wait.

MOT.

April Fools? It's just another normal day on Planet Leeds.

2013-04-01T10:03:00.001+01:00

It's well known that anyone who supports Leeds United does so not only with pride and passion but in the knowledge that for 99% of the time they will be depressed, embarrassed, frustrated to hell or all three at the same time. So when April Fools day arrives with it's collection of "unusual" news stories to tease the nation's gullibility those of us who inhabit Planet Leeds have a distinct advantage. We contend with similar stories all year round. If you don't believe me examine the stories below. You will recognise the true ones of LUFC origin mixed in with a sample of the more ridiculous April Fools gags from today's papers:

- Leeds sign a striker more famous for catching ducks than scoring goals.
- Angel of the North statue painted pink in tribute to Cheryl Cole.
- Leeds ask their manager to help find his own replacement.
- Facebook launches new "scratch n sniff" technology to accompany videos.
- Leeds chairman accuses his own fans of being morons and dissidents.
- New world record for Suffolk woman in underwater basket weaving.
- Michael Brown has played 22 times for Leeds this season.
- NASA deletes it's Mars Rover account after receiving abuse for picking the wrong types of rocks to analyse.
- Leeds new owners are the only skint Arabs in the desert.
- New Pope shuns Popemobile for a donkey.
- Leeds Utd pay Seth Johnson £35k week when his final demand was £20k.

Of course there could be plenty of April Fool material at tonight's game with Derby, a team we find impossible to beat for some bizarre reason. It goes without saying that NW will get as much out the players as is humanly possible but that might not be enough to pinch the three points. What we really need is a team that will play a sensible pass and move game with a passion befitting the shirt laced with copious amounts of skill and steady finishing. Somehow I think we will have more chance of seeing the underwater basket weaving record broken?

On a more serious note Leeds are showing all the signs of a club in crisis as each week goes on. The big debate in cyberspace is around who will be Warnock's replacement with every out of work manager floating to the top of the bookies favourite list for at least one day. Adkins, Di Canio, McDerrmot, Southgate, Hughes, O'Leary, Coyle and the list goes on with names only dropping off when they find gainful employment elsewhere. Whilst the choice of the next manager is critical I believe there is more of an issue off the field and resolving the ownership and investment question. To be fair to GFH when they bought the club they declared they were looking for further investment or in layman's terms they'd spent up prising control from Capt Birdseye and had no spare cash for incidentals like transfers and players wages. Another 10% of the club was sold on to another Bahraini investor but based on the £22m GFH paid for the club that will have raised £2m. It would appear that Steve Parkin and his investors are waiting in the wings to claim 51% stake in the club. If that goes ahead will that be an end to it? Will it mean the finances are sorted and the current "cash flow problems" are eliminated? The problem is until all this is sorted how can the club have a realistic discussion with a potential new manager when they don't know how much money is going to be available for transfers and wages?

For what it's worth until the finances are sorted I would hand over the reins to Naylor and concentrate on getting rid of some of the high wage earners that are adding no value to the club, Bromby, Rachubka etc and replace them with some of the promising youngsters we have on our books.

Can we beat Derby in front of the TV cameras or will we be left looking like April Fools playing in front of a half empty stadium with the fans revolting? Will Warnock catch the last train to Cornwall after the game? Will Chris Dawson get some game time? Will Morison prove he's not the next holder of the Billy Paynter Barndoor award? Time will tell.

Those of you who are going to Elland Road look out for the half time entertainment this evening. Thom Kirwin of Yorkshire Radio is interviewing three of my Urinal Philosophers on the big screen. Should be interesting?

Can't wait.

MOT.

Ipswich Town v Leeds Utd. 30th March 2013

2013-03-30T22:48:00.002Z

The bright sunshine that dazzled my eyes belied the bitter cold as I gunned the car southwards towards East Anglia for the clash with Mick McCarthy's Tractor Boys. The Happy Chocker, Quiet One were joined by the Wakey Warriors for the latest Leeds United awayday. The mood was remarkably positive in the car considering we had only sampled the sweet taste of success three times away from Elland Road this term. Could Ipswich be the fourth? Well judging by the atmosphere inside the Station Hotel Ipswich there was nothing that could stop the mighty whites from taking three points back up north as the full back catalogue of the Leeds United songbook was given a healthy airing by the hardy Leeds fans packed into the Suffolk hostelry. Once again that wonderful pre match anticipation drug was working it's magic on the gathered LUFC family and like a boxer who keeps coming back for more we were all drinking it in with naive abandon.

Warnock had made three changes from the last game against Huddersfield with Austin, Habibou and Diouf making way for Norris, Morison and Michael Brown. Ross Mac was left on the bench with Varney partnering Morison up front. Not for the first time this season there were some puzzled faces amongst the away fans as they tried to understand our leader's selection logic? Still Ipswich were teetering on the relegation precipice so they should be there for the taking shouldn't they?

The match kicked of with a Siberian wind whipping through the Cobbold stand and flurries of snow blowing across the pitch. All this on a day when the clocks are adjusted to British Summer Time! The opening exchanges were lively to say the least as both sides came out fighting. Cresswell swung two early crosses into the Leeds box that had Lees and Peltier scrambling to get the ball away whilst at the other end the Ipswich defence were at sixes and sevens as a Warnock corner clattered a post and Green's follow up was gratefully cleared by Stearman. Leeds fed on their early superiority and soon Loach in the Blues goal was called upon to keep out shots from Norris, Green and Varney before punching a Morison header to safety. This was good early pressure from Leeds........................all we needed was somebody to finish one of the chances. Even Michael Brown ghosted onto a cross and fizzed the ball inches over the bar. For once we were creating good chances up front whilst at the back Tom Lees was winning everything in the air despite taking a nasty knock to the face in the opening 5 minutes. This was good and if I'm honest a little too good. there had to be a twist...........this was Leeds playing away. The twist came on 31 minutes.

Tom Lees mistimed attempt to stub a Tabb attack out resulted in a straight red card for the Leeds youngster much to the rankle of the massed Leeds hordes. It was a harsh decision but not surprising. Lees caught the Ipswich player in the chest with his knee although Tabb is only 4ft 2" high it was still a reckless challenge. So for the third game running a Leeds player had taken an early bath on a visit to Portman Road with Lees following in the footsteps of White and Bruce in the last two years. Mmmm 60 minutes to go with only ten men. Not good.

Byram went to centre half and Green dropped to full back as Leeds reshuffled. Green so nearly compounded a bad situation as he appeared to bring Tabb down from behind in the penalty area just minutes later. The ref waved play on. It's safe to say that Mr Tabb was not the most popular player with the away fans at this time. Leeds recovered their composure and even opened Ipswich up with a lovely move that Morison wastefully fired high and wide under no pressure from 12 yards. Bollox. Then just when it seemed Leeds would get into half time level they conceded a desperately disappointing goal right on the stroke of half time. Edwards found space on the right and floated a teasing cross into the box where Hyam headed against the bar and McGoldrick snaffled up the rebound to put Ipswich 1.0 up. Half Time.

Warnock changed the team at half time bringing Pearce on for Green. The next goal was now crucial. If Ipswich got it then I feared for Leeds and my fears were well founded as they opened up the Leeds back line with almost their first attack of the half giving McGoldrick the simplest of chances that he accepted with ease. Ipswich 2.0 and game over against the ten men of Leeds. Morison had a chance to pull one back for Leeds but his wayward shot struck Varney instead of the back of the net. Sort of summed Leeds up. The away fans were now resigned to yet another fruitless away trip and gallows humour became the order of the day. Songs advising Mr Warnock to take a trip to Cornwall and ironic cheers when we had a shot or strung more than three passes together spilled down from the frustration of the Cobbold Stand. On the pitch Paddy Kenny was now working overtime to give the scoreline some respectability. Byram had a terrific shot blocked on the line but Ipswich added an inevitable third on 70 minutes as the game drifted away from Leeds accompanied by defiant chants of "We're shite but we still Love Leeds" and "you're not so special we lose every week" from the remaining Leeds fans. With the exception of Byram, Kenny and Warnock there were too many players in Leeds shirts just not showing the passion required when you go down to ten men. The game finished 3.0 but I was already back in the car. Ipswich is a fucking long way to come to watch your team give in without putting up much of a fight.

This was the 5th game without a win for Leeds a statistic that had us nervously scanning the league table as we headed back north. After the bright opening the capitulation after Lees' red card was so annoyingly frustrating and so similar to last year's trip to Portman Road when we failed spectacularly in the 2nd period. If anyone had any doubt that we are nowhere near good enough to get out of this league then this game must have eliminated any last spark of forlorn hope. It's time the players shouldered the blame aswell as the Manager. This season can't end quick enough for me but with uncertainty over who will own and manage the club next season I can't see the summer being anything other than drenched in rumours, speculation and too little action on Planet Leeds.

Derby up next on Easter Monday. Can Leeds resurrect some semblance of form and beat the East Midlanders..................something we've failed to do in the last 87 games against the Rams? I'm not overly optimistic on this one. Life on Planet Leeds gets more difficult as each week goes by.

Difficult to take much more.

MOT

IpswichvLeeds by Super_chris

Takeovers, Job descriptions and a weekend off for good behaviour.

2013-03-23T08:31:00.001Z

This week I've got a weekend off for good behaviour from watching the excruciating torture of my beloved Leeds United stumble about in mid table championship oblivion. The majority of fans have long since accepted this season will not see a glorious return to the promised land of the Premier League and are conditioned to seeing the season out with a run of "dead rubber" games sprinkled with the odd exciting battle against teams such as Dave Jones' Wendies side. Of course Leeds being Leeds that doesn't mean the end of season will end in a whimper as new investors, or are they buyers, circle the GFH chuck wagons looking for a killing as our new owners look to solve their cash flow black hole. If that wasn't enough the saga of Warnock's potential successor becomes more convoluted than a fire insurance claim on Coronation Street as candidates appear and disappear from the bookies runners and riders list with the same frequency as a Rio Ferdinand physiotherapy appointment.

Gareth Southgate suddenly came out of the back field as a potential Leeds manager to join the hard core of Adkins, Poyet, McDermmot and even mentions of David O'Leary and Gary McAllister. Given that GFH seem to have about as much knowledge of the Football manager market as a giant centipede followers of the mighty whites will be comforted by the fact that Mr Warnock has found time in between trips to Cornwall and praising his "great bunch of lads" to advise his employers on their next appointment. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when they're drafting the job description. It would probably look a bit like this:

Personal attributes:
- Complete self belief in their own ability and the vision to see their performance as fantastic even when it's decidedly average.
- Reluctance to ask any more from the lads.
- Must live in Cornwall and refer to this in every press conference after a defeat.
- Must understand that referees and ex top goal scorers are the only reason their team fails.

Football knowledge and tactical awareness:
- Must understand the complexities of tactical substitutions. It will be an advantage if they can quote from my book, "The benefits of waiting until the 91st minute before making subs"
- Must understand the skills and types of players required to play with the ball in the air. Any mention of the words passing and on the floor will immediately disqualify the candidate.
- Selection. Any inkling or evidence of understanding of what your best team is and consistently selecting said team will be a disadvantage. Any candidate suggesting this radical approach should be avoided.
- Tactics. Must be one dimensional and based on getting the ball forward quickly and at the expense of control and finesse.

Qualifications:
- born in Sheffield.
- Achieved at least 7 previous promotions despite having poor game win ratio in total career.
- Must have managed at least Notts County, Sheff Utd and Scarborough.
- Must be a bloody minded Yorkshireman.

I'm not sure there will be many candidates who fit those stretching criteria?

Back to the ownership issue. I do hope this can be resolved before the end of the season because I don't think I could stand yet another summer of "definite" takeover dates infesting each week of the close season only to get to the first match of next season in exactly the same position. History will look back on the Bates period at Leeds as the Dark Ages. Question is what will the next age be? Will it be Arab inspired riches or a Venky like inspired chaos? Until that is clear Planet Leeds will continue to frustrate, amuse and disappoint their uber loyal residents with the odd sprinkling of unexpected joy.

Ipswich away is next for the hardy band of away followers. The joys of a 97 hour drive and bar maids with Leeds shirts on.............oh and we might just win.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Leeds United v Huddersfield Town. 16th March 2013.

2013-03-16T15:40:00.001Z

Leeds United might have designated today's game a "Paint it White" game but the West Yorks weather wasn't joining in with the spirit of the initiative as a horrible grey drizzle descended upon Elland Road. Neil Warnock had injury problems that curtailed his selection options so Habibou, Diouf and Austin all got a starting place at the expense of Ross Mac, Morison and Norris. "Well the fans who have clamoured for Habibou to get a start will be pleased" I muttered to the Happy Chocker as we had a pre match pint of last of the play off wine. Still Huddersfield were in shocking form and leaking goals for fun so we should get three points that would keep the play off dream alive? Shouldn't we?

The Paint it White salute was impressive as the players ran towards the kop. All we needed now was a passionate performance and a few goals to saviour. Leeds started as if they meant business. Luke Varney met a Warnock corner at the front post only to see his header beat Smithies in the Huddersfield goal but cleared off the line by a desperate defender's head. Minutes later Diouf's low shot from the edge of the box had Smithies stretching every sinew to tip the ball round the post. This was a good start and Huddersfield were rocking. Habibou's first three touches showed some promise as he defied his big frame to engineer neat passes that released Leeds attacks. The sheen soon wore of the mighty whites though as the game became almost attritional as the lack of quality on both sides shone through like an embarrassing Uncle at a family wedding. It was a local derby but there wasn't much to stoke the atmosphere on the pitch.

Vaughan should have put the Dog botherers in front when he inexplicably found acres of space in the box but headed a perfect cross onto the bar with Kenny well beaten. Clayton was having by far the better of his midfield tussle with his ex colleagues despite his liking for giving the ball away cheaply. This wasn't a match that was pleasing to the eye. Jermaine Beckford got the loudest cheer of the half as he warmed up in front of his adoring ex fans. Mmmmm I'm sure he used to be a lazy bastard in a lot of people's eyes? The first 45 minutes finished with Kenny saving superbly from a Danny Ward header after some head tennis in the Leeds box. Half Time 0.0. "I can't seeing this staying goalless" I suggested to HC. "I don't know about Paint it White the first half was more like Paint it Shite" HC moaned.

Austin was sort of industrious in midfield with his two best bits of play ending up with two Town players in the advertising hoardings. Diouf was an eager beaver in the first half reminding fans of his undoubted skill but also his fast reducing speed on the ball. Habibou started well but looked laboured as half time approached. The game desperately needed a goal as the 2nd half got underway.

From the stands neither team appeared to have the usual derby day passion. I'm not sure if that was as a result of the disjointed nature of the game or what but the match needed a spark and it got it with just over 50 minutes gone. Leeds indulged their neighbours with some generous defending as first Byram headed the ball back into the box from the right and then Green stood by motionless as Danns got goal side of home volleyed home the opening goal. The travelling Huddersfield fans celebrated their precious lead whilst there was a group shrug of the shoulders by the home fans. After all we are now far to well used to our favourite team flattering to deceive us into thinking we might just have a chance of the play offs and then delivering a stunning body blow. 0.1 Huddersfield.

The goal shook everybody up. Was that the subs board being prepared by the Leeds bench? It can't be there's still over thirty minutes left I thought but no I was right NW was making not one but two subs and it wasn't the 90th minute. Unbelievable. More unbelievable that it worked almost immediately. White and Hall replaced Habibou and the seriously out of touch Green. "If we're relying on those two to pull us out of the shit were in big trouble" I depressingly muttered to HC. But how wrong was I? White's first touch was a cushioned header into the goal after ghosting round the back of the Town defence to equalise from an inevitable long ball into the box. 1.1 and game on.

Each team now looked for the winner as they slugged it out toe to toe like two aging overweight heavyweights looking for the knockout blow. The game entered the last ten minutes with the scores still level. Could Leeds reverse the trend of recent weeks in conceding late goals? Well Austin nearly pinched all three points when he latched onto the ball on the edge of the box and screamed a volley onto the bar. Varney had a penalty shout turned down as he was nudged in the box as Leeds pushed forward looking for the win. Hall looked off the pace though and when he lost possession on a promising attack Leeds looked stretched at the back. Town broke quickly and exposed the sparsely populated Leeds back line........Vaughan easily found space in the box and slid the ball coolly past Kenny. 2.1 Huddersfield and the final drop of the Last of the Play Off wine emptied from Leeds' cracked glass.

Leeds still had time to miss a glorious chance to equalise in added time as Byram made a horrible hash of a chance at the back post. The referee blew his whistle to end the game and Leeds' season. What has been excruciatingly obvious all season, the fact that we are just not good enough for the play offs, was finally confirmed. Our chance to put pressure on the top six by beating a poor Huddersfield side was refused. In truth we never looked like winning despite hitting the post twice. This was a poor match between two poor teams in a poor division.

The win will ease the relegation fears for Town ensuring we can renew this rivalry next year. For Leeds a massive cloud of uncertainty continues to thrive in a low depression over Elland Road. Who will takeover from NW? Will there be any money to strengthen the team? Will NW leave before the end of the season? Whatever happened to Adam Drury? One thing is for sure and that is the current team are nowhere near good enough to go up.

A weekend off next week due to the international break. Hopefully Morison and Ross Mac are fit for our trip to Ipswich. Difficult to see much joy during the final games of this season now? Hopefully a new manager and few new players could lift spirits over the summer?

Can't wait.

MOT

Will painting it white banish the Derby day blues?

2013-03-15T21:24:00.001Z

Negativity seems to have finally engulfed Planet Leeds after a season of frustration, mildly false dawns and the usual rabid over expectation. Leeds will enter the West Yorkshire derby on the back of a six match unbeaten run that has included three clean sheets but more tellingly four draws and only two wins. In recent years a comparable run would have had begrudging smiles returning to the gnarled faces of the battle weary Leeds faithful in the hope that this was a platform for the return of that long lost mistress, Mrs Success. So with only five miserly points between Leeds and the precious sixth spot why isn't everybody eagerly awaiting the chance to reduce that deficit against our West Yorkshire neighbours who are currently flirting with the relegation?

The simple answer to that teaser is that the majority of fans who have had the pleasure of watching the mighty whites this term have long since recognised that this team is just annoyingly short of the quality that's required to convert draws into wins and defeats into draws. Unfortunately we seem to have an unerring ability to do exactly the opposite especially on this recent run where the curse of conceding late goals has become expected rather than a frustrating surprise. My only real surprise is that we are still statistically in touch with the play off bun fight which reflects the wafer thin difference between the top and the bottom in the very competitive Championship.

On a more positive note the new owners again showed this week that they are listening to the fans as they announced reductions on season ticket prices for next year. Another initiative will precede the game against Huddersfield as the Elland Road crowd will be urged to "Paint it white" in the shape of white shirts and white placards around the famous old stadium. This should ramp up the atmosphere, not that it should need ramping for a derby, but I suspect I'm not the only fan hoping that this isn't the thin edge of a wedge that includes other cringe worthy ideas such as club bands or drummers and the dreaded goal music?

So back to the West Yorkshire derby. Town fans are even more depressed than their Leeds cousins as a season that started so encouragingly for them has spiralled out of control and into the fringes of the murky whirlpool of the relegation dog fight. The managerial merry go round in Kirklees has failed to halt the slide down the league for the Tesco Bags so they will arrive at the Theatre of Frustration with expectations as low as a Pot Bellied Pig's belly button. Maybe it should be billed as the "nobody's going to win derby"? Yorkshire folk are well known for being dour and slightly critical of the ones they love................this game could write a new chapter in Yorkshire folklore with both fans taunting each other with songs such as "We're shit and we're worse than you" or even "there's only one shit team in Yorkshire"

Finally I had a new experience this week in my long association with Leeds United. I watched my first match on Twitter. Exiled away on business in Venice I scanned the social media cyberspace in between my Antipasta and Il Primo whilst watching Barcalona spank Milan's bum in a Messi inspired 4.0 win. The outpourings of Leeds United's keyboard warriors mixed with my sheer amazement at the skills of Barcalona accompanied by sumptuous food washed down with a fine glass of red was certainly a heady mix. Such a mix of emotions as Leeds struggled to beat Peterborough whilst in the presence of two stellar teams that used to feature on the mighty whites radar such a short time ago. A disappointed Milan fan enquired what was distracting me from the game and the wonderful food. When I told him he poignantly enquired in perfect English "ahhh Leeds United what ever happened to them" "that my friend is a very good question, bring that bottle of Chianti and I will try to enlighten you. When I've finished you will be grateful you've just watched your team lose 4.0 to Barcalona"

Can we beat the Tesco Bags and creep nearer to illusive 6th spot? Course we can. Will we bridge that 5 point gap? Very much doubt it.............but that won't stop me dreaming of the impossible. Don't you just love football!

Can't wait.

MOT.

Crystal Palace v Leeds United. 9th March 2013

2013-03-10T00:06:00.001Z

The sky was slate grey over Selby as we boarded the Hull trains 9.05am to Kings Cross. The miserable weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the Happy Chocker , Quiet One and yours truly though. We were on an away day to London and they always seem to be that extra special. It didn't matter that we were playing one of the form teams of the division in their own back yard and we desperately needed an away win to keep our slim play off hopes alive we were definitely going to have a good day. After all the Quiet One had just become a teenager and I was on the verge of yet another birthday so it was celebration time.

As the celebratory beers flowed our expectations and confidence grew and by the time we pulled into Kings Cross we had convinced ourselves this was the day Leeds would shock the Eagles and secure their fourth away win of the season. Alcohol has some amazing properties at times. It had persuaded me to put my hard earned cash on a 3.1 win for the mighty whites. After more pre match refreshments and an All Day breakfast at Garfunkels we were ready for the game but not before we bumped into Paul Walsh on his way to report on the game for Sky sports Soccer Saturday. What did he mean "I've drawn the short straw this week"?

Warnock had stuck with the same team that did so well at Leicester whilst Palace had goal machine Murray up front with two tricky wingers in Zaha and Bolasie on show. The game kicked off in front of a packed Selhurst Park bolstered by 3,000 plus boisterous Leeds fans. Palace had the better of the opening spats with Dikgacoi heading over after ten minutes before Morison squeezed a shot over the bar for Leeds. Wilfred Zaha, on a return loan from Man Utd, was reminded of just how much Leeds United fans love his parent club as he danced down the wing in front of the away support to a chorus of Shit, Scum, Bastard. He was clearly shocked because he started waving and interacting with the unforgiving Yorkshire fans. Reel him in! Minutes later he disappeared onto the other wing out of the way as he swapped with Bolasie but not before he swung in a lethal cross that Murray tested Kenny to the full with a stinging header. Leeds were battling well but it was the Londoners who were having the better of the play. Murray again tested Kenny before Bolasie had two attempts fizz near the goal. Ross Mac twice brought out saves from Speroni in the Palace goal.

The deadlock was broken on 27 minutes when Murray found space at the back post and ghosted onto a deep cross and easily beat Kenny from 4 yards out. Palace 1.0 Leeds. The home crowd burst into life driven on by the incessant banging of the Palace drum. Why do teams need drums to lead their chanting? It just drives me nuts. Leeds were rattled by the goal and palace surged forward looking for a second. The fair haired Jonathan Parr cut inside and screamed a shot at goal. Kenny palmed it away. Peltier was struggling to cope with Murray so Lees took over the responsibility with some success.

As the game headed for half time Leeds so nearly pulled one back. Morison, having a much better game than recently, slipped a lovely ball through for Green who's shot was saved by Speroni........the ball rolled enticingly across the open goal...............Varney slid in and beat Speroni but a Palace defender cleared off the line. Bollox. Half time 1.0 to Palace. The home side had clearly been the better of the two sides but Leeds' determination and pressing had kept them in the game. Zaha had shown touches of class but Byram had kept a tight hold on him. The half time scrum for the toilets was made doubly difficult by pedantic stewards refusing to use an ounce of common sense in trying to sort the situation out.

Leeds were one down in a game they really needed to win. This was going to be a tough half. within minutes of the restart the step over king, Mr Zaha, should have killed the game but he blazed his shot high and wide when he only had Kenny to beat. I don't think he'll be sending that clip to the Theatre of Shite for Sir Alex Rednose to assess. Leeds were hanging in there and had their own opportunity to pressurise Palace when Ross Mac struck a free kick just wide. Leeds were starting to have some joy with balls played beyond the Palace back four for Varney and Morison to run onto and it is from one of these runs that Varney picked up a yellow card for diving as he pirouetted into the air after a challenge in the box. He didn't let this bother him though as minutes later he ran onto a similar ball and pulled it back for Morison who coolly slotted the ball home past a despairing Speroni. 1.1 and the away fans exploded with delight. Against the run of play maybe but just reward for Leeds never say die mentality.

The goal fired up Palace though and they were soon testing the creaking Leeds back line. Warnock brought down Zaha as he sprinted away from the defence towards the goal. Our new hero at left back received a yellow for his troubles as the home crowd bayed for a red. Shots were now raining in on Kenny's goal but the Leeds defence held firm. then as the clocked ticked towards 70 minutes Leeds were in front. A long clearance from Kenny found Morison outpacing the home defence to slide the ball into the Palace net. Palace 1.2 Leeds and pandemonium in the away end as the long suffering away fans celebrated an unexpected lead. But could we hang on? The repetitive chant of "Steve Morison" cascaded from the massed ranks of Leeds fans. "I knew he'd come good" said one fan behind me with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. Suddenly the ex Norwich, Millwall and Stevenage player had captured the attention of the harsh Leeds critics for the right reasons.

The game entered the final 10 minutes with Leeds holding a precious lead. "3.1 is still on" I reminded HC and then nearly had a heart attack as Morison glided into position and pulled back a lovely ball to Ross Mac on the edge of the box who's shot was inches wide of the post. Just 6 minutes remained when Delaney delivered a perfect ball to Murray who was somehow free in the box and he nonchantly swept the ball into the net past Kenny. 2.2. Not again. Just like Wolves and Leicester we've conceded late in the game.

Habibou, Austin and Hall came onto to try and regain the lead. Austin had one barnstorming run before losing the control of the ball as the game ended 2.2. In the end a very entertaining game and a well deserved point. Morison silenced his doubters with two classy finishes and claimed the man of the match award. Overall a good team performance and more signs that Warnock's team is gelling better as a unit. We really needed a win to close the gap on the top six but five points out of a possible nine this week is not a total disaster against three tough teams.

The journey home was accompanied by the Steve Morison chant where ever we went, Victoria station, Kings Cross and carriage C on the 19.48 hull trains back to Selby. Funny how he was becoming the new Billy Paynter at Leicester but now inspires comments such as "who needs Becchio"? Harsh that I thought.

In the end another brilliant away day in London. The Leeds fans were in good voice from start to finish. I just wish we could have held onto the lead. Now how many time shave I said that this season? A final thanks to Hull trains for selling us the wrong Travelcards for the underground and then refusing to refund them on the train home. "Ever so sorry but you'll have to send them back to head office to get a refund" the less than helpful ticket inspector told us. And they say that customer service is dead in the UK!

Still only 6 points off the play off's with a home game against the Posh to come on Tuesday. More goals for Morison? I do hope so.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Can Leeds storm the Palace on Mission Impossible?

2013-03-08T21:49:00.000Z

The tantalising sniff of a rare away three points haul at Leicester on Tuesday has left Leeds fans with renewed hope as they travel to London for the clash with Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been soaring recently and will provide a stern test for Warnock's newly found settled starting eleven. Ian Holloway has inherited a talented squad and has made good use of them since his arrival at Selhurst Park guiding them into a strong play off position just 2 points behind Udinese in 2nd spot.

So what logic suggests Leeds can take three points from the Eagles nest and prolong their interest in that coveted 6th play off spot? Well for a start Leeds have picked up some momentum over the last four games despite their very average finishing in front of goal. Add to that a back five who now have a look of togetherness and steel that seems strange for a Leeds United defence. Clearly the late goals that were conceded at Leicester, Boro and Wolves confirm this is work in progress but signs of the green shoots of recovery in this department are clear to see. So all we need to do to beat Palace is not concede a late goal and improve our finishing. Simples!

Realistically we are in Mission Impossible territory again as we enter the last eleven games of the Championship season. With six home games to come and five away from Elland Road it will be the away form that will decide how long the play off fuse will burn. Convert three of the away trips into wins, as many as we've managed all year, is the Herculean task Leeds need to achieve if they are to gate crash the play offs. It is still a long, long shot for Warnock's warriors.

Away from Planet Leeds this week the rest of the football world seemed to be preoccupied with Nani's sending off in the Manure v Madrid CL quarter final. Sir Alex Rednose was too distraught to face the after match press conference. Presumably he was furious that some unknown referee had the nerve to send one of his players off despite the fact that technically Nani had committed a red card offence. The thousands of Manure "fans" were so incensed that they got out of their armchairs and danced around their living rooms in rage. One knobhead actually rang 999 to report the incident as a crime.........from his house in Nottingham! For me the most amusing bit was the continual stream of distraught Manure fans ringing Five live to explain how unfair the decision was.....................not surprisingly none of them seemed to focus on the fact that they were a goal up and had the advantage of an away goal when the "travesty of justice" happened. The referee didn't score two goals Madrid did or more to the point Manure couldn't hold onto what they had. That's why they lost.

So this weekend is birthday weekend for both yours truly and the Quiet One. Hopefully we will be celebrating a precious three points as well as another year lost to the sands of time at the final whistle on Saturday? If we are then Mission Impossible will be well and truly burning bright for Leeds United. Or will Crystal Palace be a Bridge Too Far? Time will tell.

Can't wait.

MOT.

Leicester City v Leeds United. 5th March 2013

2013-03-06T01:36:00.001Z

2,600 Leeds United fans had shuffled work commitments to get to the King Power stadium in the hope of seeing the mighty whites keep their flickering play off hopes alive. The play offs are still a long shot but a win against a strong Leicester side was what was needed to give us that spark of hope for the trip to Palace at the weekend. The mood amongst the faithful congregating on the concourse before the game was cautiously optimistic. After all we had kept three consecutive clean sheets and all of a sudden the 4.3.3 system seems to have given Leeds a better shape. Warnock stuck with the same team as Saturday. Could they deliver the goods away from home and on a Tuesday night? History would suggest not but that didn't stop the travelling hordes lifting the decibel level as the game kicked off.

The Foxes started brightly with their confident passing style opening Leeds up twice in the opening ten minutes but their finishing didn't match their build up play. Leeds were not over awed though and their hard working pressing style in midfield soon sparked attacks on Schmeichel's goal. Young Sam Byram ghosted in at the back post and tested the ex Leeds goalie with a firm header that the son of scum punched away in dramatic style. Next up Norris fired goalwards whilst at the other end Kenny was kept busy keeping out a viciously deflected shot before scrambling across to tip another goalbound effort over the bar. Leeds were giving as good as they got though with both Byram and Warnock causing trouble down the flanks. Ross Mac was having a busy game stretching the home defence wherever possible. Norris popped up again in the box but pulled his shot wide. Leicester finished the half putting pressure on the Leeds goal but the resolute defence held firm. Half time 0.0 and an excellent showing from Leeds. Full of energy and no little threat on Schmeichel's goal. The only downside to the half was Morison's inability to make any impact on the game.

The half time penalty shoot out between Leeds and Leicester girls was entertaining especially when a Leeds girl who was no more than two foot tall rifled the ball into the top corner of the net. Get in! Leeds started the second half with determination and were soon on the front foot. Byram was causing havoc down the flank with his link play with Green and Ross Mac and from one classy run his cross was turned behind for a corner. This was more like it..................but we never score from corners do we?........Well we did this time as Byram sneaked in at the back post and hammered the ball home from six yards. 1.0 Leeds. Get innnnnnnnnnn! The players and the crowd celebrated the goal with an eruption of joy recognising that this goal could just be the one to fire Leeds back into the play off picture. Mint.

Leeds were now on fire as they looked to put the home side to the sword. Norris, Ross Mac and Green all had good chances to get the killer 2nd goal but Schmeichel was equal to everything that was thrown at him. Byram continued his raids down the flanks and sent over two gift wrapped crosses begging to be headed home but Morison failed to take advantage of either of them. After the 2nd failure plenty of fans around me were speculating what Mr Becchio would have done with those crosses. Leeds's purple patch fizzled out as they sought to hang onto their precious one goal lead. Pearson shuffled his pack with twenty minutes to go as they went all out for an equaliser. The Leicester crowd stuttered into life led by the roly poly drummer, cue "We're Leeds United we don't need a drum" and "he's eaten his drum, he's eaten his drum your fat bastard has eaten his drum" from the Leeds fans. Kenny's goal was under siege though as bodies were flung in front of shots and Kenny flung himself from one side of the goal to the other to maintain the pristine clean sheet.

Norris had a golden chance to wrap the game up as he went one on one with Schmeichel but somehow the ball stayed out. Bollox! 5 minutes to go and the pressure was building on the men in white. Corner after corner swung into the Leeds box. Header after header kept the ball out. 90 minutes were up but 4 minutes of added time to endure. Nerves were jangling around me. "I can't watch" HC muttered as we conceded another corner but once again we were equal to the vicious inswinging corner. Schmeichel was now helping the attack. 93 minutes gone and yet another corner. I had no nails left. The corner came in and Keane rose unchallenged at the far post and headed an equaliser that felt like a stake through the heart of the Leeds resistance. The home crowd were jubilant whilst the travelling fans watched in stunned silence. Another late goal away from home had drained the blood from the Leeds play off push. There was still time for a last desperate Leeds attack but to no avail. Final score 1.1. Leicester will feel they deserved the equaliser but in truth it was very cruel on Leeds.

Despite yet again snatching a draw from the jaws of victory this was a good performance from Leeds. Byram was outstanding as were the three man midfield. If only we were more clinical in front of goal? Morison looks laboured and out of touch up front. Ross Mac had a decent game. He just needs a goal. Warnock had another impressive game at left back. Not for the first time this season I have left an away ground overcome by frustration at dropping points that we could have secured.

The journey home was a nightmare in the thick fog only lightened by the constant bleating of Manure fans on the radio bemoaning the fact that some referee had apparently scored two goals for Real Madrid to knock them out of the Champions League, tough shit.......better still Sir Alex Rednose was "too distraught" to attend the press conference. Man up Fergie what do you think it feels like to concede an equaliser in the 93rd minute at Leicester? Get a grip man.

A win at Palace will give us the 7 points in a week we were looking for. If we can perform like tonight and convert our chances you never know? Mission Impossible still possible?

Can't wait.

MOT.

Leeds United v Millwall. 2nd March 2013

2013-03-02T17:43:00.003Z

A bright frosty morning greeted the Happy Chocker, Quiet One and yours truly as we assembled at Selby station for the trip to the Theatre of Frustration for the early kick off against Millwall. Somehow sunshine seems to give you more optimism despite Leeds facing a monumental week ahead where the last flicker of hope for the play offs will either be re-ignited or rudely extinguished with games against Wall, Leicester and Palace. Warnock had beaten the Leeds drum loud and proud all week ranting on about how he had finally discovered a settled team and we were going for a last glorious charge at the Play off citadel. Whilst I was still trying to square our leader's assessment of the current situation with recent performances I had witnessed the hardy fans from Selby boarded the train.

The midday kick off, high ticket prices and a lack of any away supporters made for a subdued atmosphere amongst the 19,002 hardy fans. Optimism rose as kick off approached with most fans expecting a win against our London rivals. I was still a tad apprehensive but it didn't stop me having a side bet on a 1.0 Leeds win. Warnock stuck with the same team from last week's frustrating draw at Blackburn. Millwall had ex Leeds players Lowry and Keogh in their squad whilst Leeds had ex Lion, Morison, starting for them. Bright Spring sunshine beamed down on LS11 as the game got under way.

Millwall roared from the first minute as they swarmed all over a hesitant home side. Woolford fired in an early shot before James Henry rattled a post with a firm shot all before 15 minutes had passed. This wasn't looking that promising and the possibility of a victory to start a crucial week for the club looked a million miles away. Leeds did wake from their slumbers though and a Varney header whizzed into the kop before the busy Tonge rasped a shot into the same area. The quality of the football on both sides was decidedly average as neither team seemed able to put more than two or three passes together before hoofing the ball into the heavens. Leeds build up play started to improve though and when Byram jinked into the box on 28 minutes Lowry mistimed his tackle and the young full back lay prostrate on the canvas. PENALTY! Ross Mac stepped up to take the kick but the ref wasn't happy with the ball on the spot and made him re-spot it. Could he banish the memories of his recent misses to history by converting from 12 yards............No. Forde dived to his left and tipped the ball onto the post and away to safety. A collective sigh of resignation drifted around the half empty stadium.Minutes later the Scot had an ideal opportunity to redeem himself as he benefited from a superb move down the left flank but fluffed his chance from 10 yards out with the goal gaping in front of him. Once again he tried to pull the ball onto his favoured right foot instead of hitting it with his left. "Just put your fucking boot through it" one coach advised from the Capt's Lounge.

The game had opened up and Marquis had a chance for the visitors but Kenny was equal to it. It was Leeds who held the slight upper hand though and so nearly pinched the lead when a Ross Mac cross floated past Forde and hit the post before rolling innocently wide. This wasn't edge of the seat stuff but it was lively mainly due to the numerous times each team gave the ball away to each other. The comparison with a hot potato was very apt. Millwall finished the half with chances for Lowry and Woolford both of which were spurned. Half Time 0.0. Morison had had a quiet game against his ex colleagues whilst Warnock was adding numbers to his ever growing fan club with another impressive display. Ross Mac was playing well until he gets sight of goal and then he resembles a quivering jelly being carried by an alcoholic with the shakes.

The urinal philosophers were in an unforgiving mood. "that was shite" one punter announced, presumably referring to the game. "Ross Mac's useless" another frustrated fan announced to nobody in particular and another thought "none of that lot could pass water never mind to another white shirt" Yes the mood was not all that positive at half time even though it was still 0.0!

The 2nd half followed a similar pattern to the first with the ball pinging about the pitch like a demented pin ball in a machine on permanent tilt. As the clock ticked towards the hour mark first Green and then Tonge hit promising shots goalwards as both teams strived for that all important first goal. "I can't see this finishing goalless" HC suggested. Leeds were now enjoying their best bit of a scrappy match without bringing out any sort of decent save from Forde in the Millwall goal. Then with just over twenty minutes left Leeds were awarded a 2nd penalty after Ross Mac was bundled over. No complaints from the Millwall team but who was going to take the kick? Would Ross Mac's fragile confidence hold out? Neil Warnock didn't think so as he scrambled El Hadji Diouf to get on the pitch to take the crucial penalty. Stephen Warnock settled everybody's nerves though as he stepped up and slotted the ball home. Bizarrely with a worse penalty than the one Ross Mac had saved! 1.0 Leeds and the faint whiff of 3 points wafted in Leeds' direction.

Millwall pushed on for an equaliser straight away winning three or four corners on the bounce to test the nerves of the home fans. With each corner the kop screamed for the ref to re-spot the ball in the triangle which each time he trotted across to check. Somehow the redoubtable Lees and Pelts kept the weak Millwall attack at bay. Varney then wasted a chance to kill the game as Forde denied him on a one on one. Both teams had a man stretchered off after tackles from Warnock. Varney was the recipient of one of the tackles that will leave him doubtful for Tuesday's clash with Leicester. After copious amounts of added time Leeds finally emerged victorious against a plucky Millwall side. 1.0 Leeds.

As fans tumbled out of the stadium and into the bright sunshine comments such as "3 points is 3 points" were common together with "another clean sheet". Not many were eulogising about the quality of the football though? But as everybody was saying three points at this stage of the season is all that matters. Warnock was my man of the match. Lees and Pelts again did well at the back whilst Morison has still to convince the vast majority of Leeds fans that he is a quality player. Worryingly Ross Mac's finishing is now worse than a blind plasterer as his confidence in front of goal plummets. Varney is slowly turning from a Marmite player into a fans favourite on the back of his willing work ethic and ability in the air. If he can just sort his finishing out he'd be a good asset. Today was a strange game I thought. Not one to get the adrenaline surging through your veins although there were plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch. Still three clean sheets on the bounce is encouraging. Now if we could just make it five by the time we return from Selhurst Park on Saturday night then Neil Warnock might just be right about our play off chances. It's a tough ask though.

Leicester up next on Tuesday night. Having tamed the Lions can we follow that up by snaring a Fox?

Can't wait.

MOT.

Leeds 1 v 0 Millwall 02/03/2013 by sparkyman2

Can Leeds tackle the Menagerie and creep nearer the Play Offs?

2013-03-01T23:05:00.000Z

The Leeds United manager, Neil Warnock, has spent the week bullishly talking up his side's chances of still challenging for the play offs. Despite Leeds' woeful away form and the fact they have yet to beat any team away from Elland Road who sit higher than 18th in the table Mr Warnock is convinced we can follow up a home win against Millwall with away success at two of the top six teams in Palace and Leicester. Well I like his optimism and forgive me for not dashing out and booking a hotel for the Play Off weekend just yet but I think I will keep my powder dry for another couple of weeks at least.

The basis for Warnock's rabid optimism is what he calls a "settled team" for the last two or three weeks with special emphasis on his "new" midfield trio of Tonge, Norris & Green. Whilst the midfield has undoubtedly been revitalised by the coming together of three players who all seemed out of favour just a few short weeks ago the "Elephant in the room" for Leeds is the sudden lack of a cutting edge up front since Becchio disappeared to the carrot crunchers. If Leeds are to make a meal of the veritable Menagerie of teams they face over the next 7 days messr's Morison, Ross Mac & Varney must immediately improve their finishing that has seen some frustrating misses in recent games against Blackburn, Blackpool, Boro and Wolves. Ironically the paucity in front of goal has corresponded with two back to back clean sheets in the league.

So will the vile animals witness the taming of the Lions, the chasing down of the Foxes and the clipping of the Eagle's wings over the first week of March? Certainly if we can take seven points from our weeks safari into the championship wildlife then there will be a proliferation of green shoots appearing on the plains of Leeds' route to the unlikely Oasis of Play Off heaven. Crucial to this spark of hope is a victory against the Millwall Lions. Millwall have swung between outstanding results, such as their victory at Boro, and some spectacular failures as they did in their last home outing when they lost 5.1 to lowly Posh. There's no doubt the match against Sarf London's Lions is a difficult one to call and is likely to follow the trend of tight and tense games we have had in recent years. The paltry 170 away fans who will sit in the away section will struggle to create much of an atmosphere especially for an early kick off. It's such a shame that circumstances conspire to reduce the away support for what should be a crucial game to no more than 3 bus loads. Still if it was the other way round I've a sneaking feeling there would be a few more than 170 making the journey to the New Den?

Has Warnock gelled a team who can now put a late, late run in for the play offs? It's a long shot and even by Leeds standards of expect the unexpected an unlikely one.........but you never know! So will this week be a rumble in the jungle for Leeds or will they get devoured by the hungry Lions? Could be an interesting week!

Can't wait.

MOT.

Blackburn Rovers v Leeds United. 23rd Feb 2013

2013-02-23T20:48:00.000Z

Away days seem to be coming thick and fast of late for the mighty whites. Possessing one of the worst away records in the division didn't inspire lots of confidence amongst the Happy Chocker, Quiet One and yours truly as we traversed the Pennines and headed for the Ribble valley and one of Lancashire's many former cotton towns, Blackburn. Trying to figure out which Leeds team would turn up at Ewood Park whiled away the miles................would it be the "rejuvenated" team that beat the Donkey lashers on Wednesday or would we be back on more familiar territory with the team that succumbed to Boro at the Riverside?

Pre match refreshments were taken in the compact Golden Pot pub before braving the biting cold for the walk down to the ground. Warnock had kept the same side that beat Blackpool on Wednesday. The 3,500 travelling fans tried to ignite some atmosphere into the spacious Blackburn stadium but most of the home fans appeared to have come straight from a monastic order who had taken a strict vow of silence. Leeds started brightly picking up from where they left off against the Donkey lashers. Tonge was prominent as Leeds put early pressure on the home team. Ross Mac wriggled free in the box and got his shot away only to be denied by a desperate block by Dann in the Rovers defence. From the corner Lees tested Kean in the home goal. "This was good" I purred as I checked with HC that we were actually away from home and playing well and I wasn't in some hallucinegenic dream. On paper Blackburn look as good as any team in the league but the newly found vibrant approach in the Leeds side put Leeds on the front foot. Morison was playing wide much to the puzzlement of most fans around me................"get in the fucking box" one of the 3,500 managers in the away end screamed as the ex Millwall striker collected a ball wide right and delivered a cross into the box bereft of any away players.

Blackburn's first sniff of a chance fell to ex Tesco bags striker, Rhodes, who drove the ball over the bar into the laughing Leeds fans behind Kenny's goal. After numerous disappointing away games following the mighty whites this season this was shaping up into an oasis of hope. Warnock showed his class at left back as he made a couple of sublime passes that released Leeds attacks. At last we now seemed to have found a decent left back. Leeds continued to trouble the Rovers back four without carving out a real golden chance. Varney went close and Morison had a shot blocked whilst at the other end Kenny saved well from a fierce Kazim-Richards shot. Veteran Danny Murphy used all his years of experience to pull Norris down as he sprinted away from him on the half way earning him a yellow card. The ex scouser had the cheek to argue with the ref over the card for what was a very, very cynical foul. Bastard!

The game continued to be lively as half time approached. The home fans still didn't make any noise. Maybe their trip to the Emirates library last week had had a profound effect on their fans.............but then again they only took 1,400 to North London so it couldn't be that. 0.0 at half time with Leeds having the best of the game. All we needed to do was score. Mmmm!

The mood was positive amongst the Leeds fans as their heroes attacked the goal they were banked behind. The 2nd half exploded into life. Morison controlled the ball and found some space from a flick on from Varney............he looked up and picked out Ross Mac hurtling into the box unmarked..........the ball bobbled horribly on the poor pitch and Ross Mac chose to take a touch before striking the ball into the side netting. 3,500 expletives accompanied 3,500 heads falling into 3,500 pairs of hands. He should have buried it. "We could regret that miss" the guy behind me muttered. He wasn't wrong. Minutes later the Leeds fans were enraged as the linesman gave offside against Morison as he picked up a back header from Dann in the Rovers box. "Don't you know the rules?" or words to that effect were spat in the direction of the incompetent portly linesman.

Pelts then decided he'd allow his ex team mate a chance as Rhodes drove past the Leeds captain and bore down on Kenny's goal but his side footed shot found the side netting much to the relief of the increasingly nervous away hordes. Having failed to keep a clean sheet away from Elland Road this season the generous lack of finishing by the Leeds team was threatening what was a decent performance. Varney mishit a shot when Norris was about to shoot............Ross Mac had two shots blocked then Byram got behind the full back in the box only to get brushed to the ground then Varney scuffed a glorious chance from 10 yards out. He should have scored. All he had to do was hit it cleanly. Bollox. Ten minutes left and still 0.0 but Blackburn were stirring and could smell the anxiety in the Leeds play as they pushed on for an unlikely winner. "Why doesn't he bring some fresh legs on?" the guy behind me asked. Nobody could give him a sane answer. Why not change things? After all a draw was not exactly what we needed if the forlorn hope of the play offs were to be kept alive. Stubbornly NW refused to change his starting eleven.

A series of corners brought horrific memories of the last 5 minutes at Wolves flooding back. Could Leeds hang on or even snatch a last minute winner. Tonge surged into the Rovers box but his attempt was blocked before one final corner for the home team tested my nerves for the final time. Final score 0.0. Very frustrating. No it was extremely frustrating. A game we could easily have won with steadier finishing from the Leeds attackers. Inevitably comparisons with Becchio's finishing surfaced as the fans left the stadium. The walk back to the car was in eerie silence. The Rovers fans skulked back to their monastery whilst the Leeds fans had the familiar look of away post match trauma.

Tonge was my man of the match closely followed by Warnock. The front three of Varney, Morison and Ross Mac were equally frustrating as they wasted good chances to win the game. Mr Warnock thought the lads had done ever so well as usual and couldn't understand how they hadn't scored a single goal. I couldn't understand why Mr Warnock hadn't let one of his substitutes do ever so well for the last 15 minutes. You never know we might have won the game?

Millwall up next. Should be interesting to see what reception Morison will get from the travelling fans from Bermondsey? Remarkably we are still only 6 points off the play off spots. Frustratingly we are just not good enough to bridge that gap though. I'd love the team to prove me wrong though.

Cant wait.

MOT.

Life is never dull on Planet Leeds is it?

2013-02-22T19:38:00.001Z

Just when you thought the season was over and it was safe to start preparing for close season hibernation Leeds provide a tiny spark of hope by not only beating Blackpool but keeping a clean sheet as well. In a match that saw Morison open his Leeds account with a classic poachers goal................alright the ball rebounded to him in the box and he smashed it home......and the cheaper ticket prices saw of the missing fans return to Elland Road you could be forgiven for thinking that all was suddenly rosy again in the Leeds garden. Warnock's post match interview was laced with subliminal references to how much he felt Becchio had held Leeds back and how much better Morison was in that position. I do hope Colin is right but is there any need to continue with the "it's not my fault Guv" stance when talking about results good or bad?

A win against a Blackburn side who have hit a bit of form since Michael Appleton arrived will send Leeds fan's expectations into turbo charged overdrive less than a week after the depressing capitulation at the Etihad. A Leeds fans we should used to this teasing by now. We should expect our form to be consistently inconsistent as it's been for the last two years but that won't stop us latching onto any possibility of improvement no matter how slim it is. After all we have the same team, manager and tactics that have failed miserably on the numerous trips away from LS11 this term so why should the journey to Ewood Park be any different?

I suppose that's the $64,000 question. Has Colin suddenly found a formula that works? Is 4.3.3 more effective than 4.4.2 especially as we've failed to secure a half decent winger? Is Steve Morison the answer to all our perceived attacking failures? Is the answer to the midfield quandary a Tonge, Green, Norris threesome? Or was a our victory against the Donkey Lashers just a statistical blip on our journey to mid table mediocrity? The probability is it will be the latter. We have failed to keep a single clean sheet on our travels and the paltry three away victories have come against bottom four opposition so to plunder all three points at buoyant Blackburn is a very tall order indeed.

News of further denials and refusals of offers of further investment into the football club continue to pepper all forms of news media together with varying reports as to the manager's future at the club for the rest of the season. Has Adkins actually been in negotiations with GFH? If he has will he start before the end of the season? Should we give Richard Naylor a chance? What about Poyet? As ever with Leeds there are more questions than answers. Life is never dull following the mighty whites.

So I will travel to Blackburn along with hordes of other vile animals hoping for an unexpected victory that would defy most footballing logic and re-ignite a spark of hope in this most frustrating of seasons. Morison to score again anybody? We can but hope!

Can't wait.

MOT

Where do Leeds go from here?

2013-02-19T21:38:00.001Z

After the cup capitulation at the Etihad speculation has been rife as to the future of Warnock and what's the next step in the ownership saga. Cyberspace has been alive with suggestions as to who will pick up the poisoned chalice that is the Leeds United's manager's job after Warnock departs LS11 and returns to his beloved Cornwall. Poyet and Adkins were many people's choice before that arch fascist and calm, cool and collected manager, Di Canio, departed his Swindon job in a blaze of vitriol and joined the list of possibles.

The challenge for GFH is to select a manager who will fit a more longer term strategy rather than one who's the current flavour of the month. I would rather see a manager come in with a brief to build the club based on a clear footballing philosophy that is sustainable and rather more pleasing to the eye than the current Hoofball we seem to have adopted. A mixture of strong defensive qualities mixed with a pass and move belief, underpinned with a rod of steel down the centre of the pitch would fit the bill. Once the footballing fingerprint of the club has been defined then we can select a manager to fit that profile rather than try and pick up a popular, available manager who brings his own style to the club. If we took this approach then the footballing footprint could be built from the academy upwards with all teams playing in an identical style. It's just a thought and I don't pretend to be a football expert. I'm just a fan but after witnessing year after year of directionless management at the club with no apparent master plan that has got us absolutely nowhere it's about time we tried something a bit different and with some logical thinking behind it isn't it?

Of course Warnock is still in the chair and the small matter of facing Blackpool at home is what's hopefully occupying his mind. How does he get some purpose back into a side that have given up 3 points at Boro and been thoroughly outclassed at City in the last week? Fans confidence will be as low as a centipede's stomach especially against a Blackpool team who have enjoyed lots of success against Leeds in recent matches. I know they have not had the best of seasons and currently languish 2 points below us in the table a fact that should give some hope to Leeds but I'm not sure there'll be lots of home fans rushing to put their hard earned cash on a much needed win for the mighty whites. It's certainly a difficult one to call.

So where do Leeds go from here? The play offs are out of the question unless Leeds pull off a comeback of similar proportions to the 4.3 victory at Southampton. The off the field connotations are multiple and are by no means settled. Until Leeds have some real financial stability it's difficult to see anything other than pain and frustration for followers of the once mighty Leeds United. Batten down the hatches and fasten your seatbelts sever turbulence ahead on Planet Leeds. Hopefully there will eventually be a chink of light at the end of the tunnel that will at least lay the foundations for next season?

Can't wait.

MOT.

PS. Sorry no match report on the Blackpool game due to work commitments.

FA Cup 5th round. Manchester City v Leeds United.

2013-02-17T20:54:00.001Z

Match day dawned with bright sunshine and a harsh frost covering the delights of Selby. Cup games have their own special excitement and you don't get any better than cup games against the champions of England in the their own back yard. To say I was looking forward to this one is to state the bleeding obvious. I wasn't the only one getting caught up in the heady drug of cup fever though. Platform 2 at Selby station was alive with match chatter and the reassuring hiss of cans opening despite the early hour as the extended Leeds family prepared for the assault on Manchester. The Happy Chocker, Bro Chris, Quiet One and the beer monster Jusser were with me as we clambered aboard the packed train and headed for Manchester Piccadilly.

Everybody accepted we were massive underdogs. The amount of money that City's owners have underpinned their journey from perennial under achievers to champions is eye watering even in these days of obscene salaries and transfer fees. In comparison the first player that the Blues bought when their wealthy Middle East saviours, Abu Dahbi United Group, arrived was Robinho at a cost of £32.5m. GFH's first signing was Michael Tonge for an undisclosed fee. These harsh facts were conveniently stored in an inaccessible corner of our brains as the pre match optimism kicked in. After an epic fail for the new tram service from Piccadilly to the Etihad, they seemed to have vastly under estimated the number of fans who would use it, we caught a cab and arrived at the magnificent Etihad stadium.

Warnock had made 4 changes from the Boro game with Diouf, White, Ashdown and Austin starting in place of Morison, Green, Kenny and Norris. The 6,100 Leeds fans in the away end tingled with anticipation as the game got underway. What we needed was to hold our own for the first twenty minutes against a very strong City side but it was the home superstars who made their mark from the very first second. Leeds started nervously unable to cope with the slick pass and move play from the champions and with only 4 minutes on the clock Leeds were behind. Silva, Aguero and Tevez all featured in the build up as the giant Ya Ya Torre sliced through the Leeds defence before rounding Ashdown and sliding the ball into the net. 1.0 City. This could be a long afternoon I muttered to HC. The blue tidal wave continued. Tevez clipped a shot just round the post and then Silva nearly found the net with a clever shot. Leeds defenders didn't know whether they were coming or going and we'd only played ten minutes.

The massed ranks of Leeds fans were singing loud but with an increased sense of irony as their team succumbed to Mancini's magicians. City were 2 up on 15 minutes after Tom Lees breathed on Aguero as he went past him and ref, Clattenburg, gave a harsh penalty. He dispatched the spot kick with ease and suddenly 90 minutes seemed a hell of a long time for Leeds to play against the champions. This was men against toddlers.

The rest of the half saw a procession of blue control as City completely dominated proceedings except for one Ross Mac free kick that the home goal punched away. The irony in the Leeds songs got deeper the longer the half went on......."Michael Brown is not for sale" boomed round the Etihad followed by "You're not that special, we lose every week" and when "Stand up if you hate Man U" got an airing the whole stadium joined in. Encouraged by the mutual singing the away fans then started the Poznan and that swung round the ground like a rumbling Mexican wave. Leeds survived to half time with the score only 2.0. In truth it could have been a hell of a lot more.

Hopes weren't exactly high as the second half kicked off but I did offer a token piece of optimism. "Well if we can nick the next goal......................." at least that brought smiles from all around. Morison replaced Ross Mac and Norris swapped with the injured Brown. It took only 6 minutes for City to kill the game with a third goal courtesy of Tevez. "Now this could get embarrassing" I hissed. The stats on the big screen showed we had managed only one shot on target. At 3.0 we were sinking fast but that didn't dampen the spirits in the away end. "Lets pretend we've scored a goal" was the next ditty followed by mass celebration then another Poznan followed by "Shoes off if you hate man U" we might not have a very good football team but we have definitely got Premier League fans.

Leeds continued to struggle to get any sort of hold in the game. The victories against Everton and Spurs seemed light years away as City tore Leeds apart without getting out of 2nd gear. Mr Warnock was advised to take a trip back to Cornwall by the frustrated fans. City got a 4th in the 74th minute but the game was already gone. There wasn't a spark of hope from the Leeds team as the game limped to a 4.0 conclusion in favour of City. The Leeds players and home fans applauded the away fans at the end. At least the mauling on the pitch was taken in good humour. The walk back to the station didn't dilute the frustration in witnessing another disappointing display away from Elland Road. City are a very talented team and would always beat Leeds if they played to their ability. The resources the Blues have at their disposal are huge and it shows on the pitch. The resources Leeds have at their disposal are minuscule and it shows on the pitch. Did any Leeds player stand out today? No. A lot played to the limit of their ability and you can't ask any more than that. It's no disgrace to lose to a team like Man City but it's hugely difficult to see a time in the near future when Leeds United will be in a position to challenge for promotion into their league let alone compete with them on level terms.

Neil Warnock was upset with the fans chanting for him to go. My view is that his time is up. He's not moved the team on during his tenure if any thing we've gone backwards but the lack of stability and lack of funds off the field are an ever burdening millstone around the neck of this club. Who ever replaces him will have the same issues until normal service is resumed off the pitch and the club returns to some sort of financial robustness.

A strange day really. The atmosphere and banter were first class but the capitulation on the pitch was depressing. Next game up is Blackpool on Wednesday a game I will miss due to work. Last time I missed a game we beat Stockport County away back in the League 1 days. Hope the same happens this time.

Can't wait.

MOT

FA Cup offers an Oasis of joy for Leeds in Manchester.

2013-02-15T20:54:00.002Z

So Leeds travel to Manchester for an FA Cup tie on a Sunday as massive underdogs. Well we have been there before and we all know what happened on that wonderful chilly January day so what's to stop us writing another page in the history of Leeds United and the FA Cup? The magnificent Etihad Stadium is the venue this time for the battle of two old Roses rivals who both share a pathological hatred of that team in red from across the city. Whilst this fosters a mutual respect between the Blue Mooners and the Mighty Whites once the game kicks off the sell out crowd will generate a spine tingling atmosphere that once again will remind the battle weary Leeds fans of what they are missing as they languish in mid table championship obscurity.

The Capital One and FA cup have provided Leeds with some welcome relief and a joyful Oasis from a truly frustrating and hugely disappointing season in the league this season. Capturing the scalps of Premier League Everton, Spurs and Southampton and scaring Chelski in the first half have defied logic after anaemic performances in the league against Watford, Barnsley, Forest, Hull etc etc. Against a background of off the field activities that continue to baffle the majority of fans and a manager who's lost a significant amount of fan's support Leeds United are still a club in flux. The game at Boro on Tuesday was the pinnacle of fan's frustration with Warnock that started with the debacle at Oakwell. His sarcastic clapping of the away fans singing "Warnock, Warnock make a change" as he dithered over making a substitution was the final straw for a lot of fans. My frustration was that the Boro team that secured the three points and cemented their position in the play offs were not any better than Leeds and emphasised the small improvement needed to get us into the coveted top six spot. Problem is we're a million miles away from making that change on current form and approach to each match and the responsibility for that sits firmly on Warnock's shoulders. If we don't pull off a miracle at the Etihad then our season is over and with it Warnock's Leeds career.

Bizarrely the very tactics that have turned off Leeds fans in droves this season have been effective against the fancy dans of the Premier League. Neither Everton or Spurs could cope with Leeds high tempo pressing game and succumbed to what fans refer to as Hoofball. Southampton reserves fell to the same formula and even Chelski's aristocrats were ruffled before Leeds tired in the 2nd half. So will it work at Middle Eastlands on Sunday? Leeds are 20 to 1 to beat City and you don't need to look any further than the City team sheet to understand why. Michael Brown against Silva, Norris against Nasri or will it be Barry or maybe Ya Ya Torre? Up front City can chose from Dzeko, Tevez or Aguerro whilst if Ross Mac or Morison escape from the blues stellar defence they have then to beat the peerless Joe Hart in between the sticks. So that's the case for Leeds getting absolutely mullered but is there another scenario?

Well the FA Cup's history is littered with famous giant killing acts that defy all football logic and in the dim and distant past Leeds have suffered their own embarrassments a plenty in this competition. Add to that the fact that Leeds have already dispatched a strong Spurs team into FA cup oblivion this year then Man City will approach the game with a large dose of caution. After all they have not had the best of times themselves since the turn of the year as their form has stuttered as they attempt to retain the Premier League title in fact there are rumours that Mancini might be clearing his desk if City fail to beat Warnock's warriors..........then again Warnock might be doing the same if Leeds lose!

So will the 6,100 Leeds fanatics be celebrating another dip into the Oasis cup come Sunday tea time? I'll be happy if we put up a performance to be proud of and compete against City's millionaires in their own backyard. We don't want to look back in anger on this one do we?

You'll not be surprised that I have a sneaking feeling we can continue our cup run and extend our season just a little bit longer. Anybody else want to dream? Varney first goal and Leeds to win 2.1 at 400 to 1.......got to be done! Guess what?

Can't wait.

MOT.

Middlesbrough v Leeds United. 12th Feb 2013

2013-02-11T21:44:00.001Z

After tearing across the country at breakneck speed I arrived at The Riverside in time for kick off of Leeds United's latest championship test against Tony Mowbray's Boro side. The Riverside is one of the few away grounds where we have had plenty of joy in recent years so I was hopeful that we could put the frustration of Saturday's disappointing draw behind us..............not to mention the renewed speculation of another takeover/investment/sale in LS11.

As ever an impressive number of Leeds fans had shuffled work and family commitments to make this midweek fixture, especially considering this was the 2nd of three away games in a week. Leeds United are criticised on many levels but the loyalty and volume of our away support is a welcome constant in the increasingly turbulent atmosphere on Planet Leeds. Warnock's team selection saw him keep the same team as Saturday with Diouf and Austin returning to the bench after missing out at Wolves. With Boro pointless this year but still in 6th spot and Leeds seemingly inability to win away from Elland Road something had to give on a wintry night on Teeside.

The game started brightly with mistakes on both sides aiding some adventurous play from both teams. Boro so nearly took the lead after two minutes when Williams found himself all alone at the far post but shanked his shot just over the bar. Our marking in the box is not the best! But before a dark cloud of depression could descend on me it was Leeds who were suddenly carving out chances with some decent football. Norris had two chances from the edge of the box after excellent build up play involving Morrison, Ross Mac and Green. Varney, fresh from his goal scoring on Saturday, sort to add another as he took advantage of good set up play from Morison but failed to trouble Steele in the Boro goal. Boro looked dangerous when they attacked though as the Leeds defence stood firm. This was turning out to be an entertaining and lively game but don't be fooled..........quality was at a premium on both sides.

The referee wasn't helping the flow of the game as his finicky style frustrated both sides. Pelts got a yellow card for a perfectly good tackle in midfield. Sometimes I thinks ref's and managers watch a different game to me? Shortly after that the best move of the game saw Ross Mac latch onto a pin point ball from Green and helped by Steele's timely slip in the Boro goal Ross Mac had the open goal wide in front of him. He chose to control the ball back onto his right foot before firing the ball at ex Leeds favourite, Woodgate, on the line. A golden chance spurned. Boro's confidence looked fragile. If we could just put one of the chances away they could crumble.

The game flew towards half time with misplaced passes and high balls a plenty dictating that neither side held onto the ball for much longer than 2 nanoseconds. Boro so nearly stole the lead right on half time though as a lovely ball over the top brought a stunning one on one save by Kenny. Half time 0.0. A strange half quite entertaining with a good number of chances but the quality of the football was average at best.

Leeds were now playing towards their 2,000 fans behind the goal and whilst their was plenty of endeavour from the men in white too often than not the final ball didn't match the approach play. A Morison header was easily dealt with by Steele whilst at the other end a free kick from the edge of the box fizzed inches wide. The scrappy play yearned for a goal to fire up the match as both teams played an open game helped by lots of passes going astray. The longer the game went on the more frustrated the away fans got. The lack of quality in the team that has been evident all season can wear you down especially when a team is there for the taking as was this nervy Boro side. But whilst the score remained goalless the match remained in the balance.

Morison was struggling to make an impression and Green was having one of those games where nothing seemed to go right for him typified when he was inches away from a Ross Mac cross in the 6 yard box. Boro were gaining in confidence and they so nearly took the lead when an almighty scramble in the Leeds box saw Lees, Byram and finally Kenny stop the marauding home team. As the game entered the last 10 minutes the deadlock was broken though.

Leeds attacked down the right but when possession was given away for the umpteenth time Boro broke quickly and a long ball to the far post found Main all on his lonesome and his looping header found the back of the net. 1.0 Boro. Another late goal damaging Leeds. The frustration of the weary Leeds fans boiled over. "Warnock, Warnock time to go" rang round the ground. His tactics are not pretty which is palatable when we are winning but on our woeful run of form away from home is something that is very difficult to digest time and time again.

Diouf, Austen and then Habib Habibou came on for a final fling. Main got himself sent off for a second yellow card just before Yabadabbadoo's first touch saw Steele expertly tip his header over the bar. Maybe he can play after all. Morison spurned a superb chance to equalise when he planted a firm header too near Steele. Even 5 minutes added time couldn't help Leeds as the game finished 1.0 to Boro.

Not for the first time this season I've left a match frustrated by the sheer lack of guile and quality in the present Leeds side. This was an end to end game with no little entertainment value but neither sets of fans were kidding themselves. They had watched two very average teams play and one of them is even in the play off places. Frightening!

Driving back down the A1 and reflecting on another away defeat didn't offer much hope for Sunday's cup clash with City............and as for reaching the play offs that I'm afraid is a dream for another season. Unless there is complete turn round in form our season is drifting away into another anti climax for the second year running. Very disappointing.

Still we can dream of some more cup success? Well at least until 4pm on Sunday we can!

Can't wait.

MOT.