LUFC: Ten things we've learnt this week #9 TSS November 19, 2010 Leeds United 5 Comments #01 – Becchio’s not a fan of fishing The week started with claims that Luciano Becchio was being targeted for a surprise transfer to Hull City. With a new deal still to be agreed with Leeds United, Becchio could leave for a free in the summer. The unavoidable comparisons to last seasons Beckford saga came quick and fast, but Luciano moved quickly to quash all speculation by revealing he wanted to stay at Leeds United and was in talks to secure a new deal. #02 – Upping the ante Becchio continued to dominate the headlines, but this time it was a superb 17 minute hat trick against Bristol City – the first of his Leeds United career – that had everybody talking as Leeds ended a dismal run of games without a win on home turf. #03 – Hunt for Killa begins With Luciano Becchio effectively ending the speculation around his future, Neil Kilkenny was the next target as ‘silly season’ got under way early. Derby County, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and QPR are all rumoured to be chasing our “emotionally charged” midfielder. #04 – Leeds fans here, Leeds fans there… We learnt this week that Leeds United’s influence has spread deep into Korea, as a group of kindergarten kids shared their performance of some classic Leeds United anthems with the world. #05 – Stats just how we roll A statistical look back on the season so far proved a popular inclusion this week as The Scratching Shed revealed how we’ve hit the woodwork more times than any other and how Bradley Johnson has the most pathetic conversion rate in the history of football. #06 – Living up to the Dirty Leeds name Our statistical reflection also revealed how Leeds United are the dirtiest club in the Championship so far this season, with Luciano Becchio (#5) and Bradley Johnson (#10) ranked as our dirtiest players. A proud moment, I’m sure you’ll agree? #07 – McCormack and Paynter keep the pressure on Ross McCormack netted a hat-trick this week in a reserve game against Hull City. Also on the scoresheet was Billy Paynter, as Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma were reminded of the intense pressure they’re under to keep a first team place. #08 – Somma love across the world We learnt this week that it’s not only the city of Leeds that’s been hit with a touch of Somma-loving. The South Africans took an instant shine to their new international forward too as he made his Bafana Bafana début, picking up the man of the match award in a 1-0 defeat to the United States. #09 – Aidy loaned out, it’s the White move A lack of fitness has limited Aidy White to just 3 appearances so far this season so Simon Grayson took the decision to loan him out until January. The left-back/midfielder will join Oldham until January, where he hopes to gain some valuable first team experience. #10 – Inconsistent, infuriating and in need of a new job There were tears this week as we learnt Bradley Johnson’s contract negotiations had broken down with Leeds United and he had been put on the transfer list. Admittedly, the tears were mine – and they were ones of uncontainable joy – but I assume it was a similar experience for the rest of the Leeds United fans reading this. The inconsistent, wasteful and infuriating midfielder tried to force the clubs hand and held out for a bigger pay-rise, but after Johnson rejected the clubs final offer, Bates held firm and immediately transfer listed the player. Johnson has drawn a lot of criticism from fans for his wastefulness in possession. So far this season, he’s had more shots than any other player at the club with a pathetically low conversion rating of just 6.25%. Despite playing every game, he’s also beaten in the assist chart by injury victims Robert Snodgrass and Sanchez Watt, and has also giving away more free-kicks than everyone except Becchio. The only question for me is, why were the club offering a new contract in first place?