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No matter how ridiculous things get at Elland Road, you can always rely on the Geordies to go one better. This week, the Looney Toons fired Chris Hughton for getting them promoted and taking them to a respectable mid-table position in the Premier League, and replaced him with the ‘more experienced’ Alan Pardew.

By ‘more experienced’ one can only assume they mean ‘more experienced at failure’ as Alan Pardew’s CV is a long list of lower league mediocrity and Premier League failure. It is however, understandable that the Geordies would like someone used to ridicule and failure because the managers job at Newcastle rarely results in much more.

Whilst we were disappointed that Kevin “twice walked out saviour of the Toon” Keegan wasn’t reappointed for another disappearing act, we will look on with great amusement as Alan Pardew’s five and a half year compensation is dished out sometime next year. We thank the Geordies for always bringing humour to football.

The Ken Bates hypocrisy corner

This particular column would probably be non-existent if it wasn’t for the sheer hypocrisy of our chairman. This week, the Monaco based bearded maestro picked Bradley Johnson for his latest war of words as he slammed him for his reluctance to sign a new deal in his programme notes. After Johnson was booed by the Leeds fans, the midfielder responded saying he wasn’t being greedy and just wanted parity with the other players.

Ken then broke his silence (erm…) and slammed Bradley on Radio Bates for bringing business into the public domain, clearly ignoring the fact Bradley had only responded to his own dig in the programme notes. Either Bates has a bad case of amnesia or his hypocrisy grows stronger with age.

Kis it better and get on with it

We end on the good news that Patrick Kisnorbo may still play a part for Leeds United this season after an Achilles tendon injury left him sidelined. The Australian international was a real hit with the fans last season and has been desperately missed this time round as Leeds’ defence continually parts easier than Jordan’s legs.

Obviously I’m joking. On paper, Harding’s goal was the difference, but in reality, it fails to show the reasons why theres such a difference in current form between these two sides.

The statistic that really tells it all about this game is that Leeds United had one shot on target throughout and very few chances besides. Southampton meanwhile were creating chances almost at will in the first half and were unlucky not to get the second when they had a goal ruled out by the ref.

Simon Grayson’s clearly irritated reaction after the match shows how frustrating it was for everyone that made the long journey south;

“The majority of the players didn’t turn up today and we didn’t play well, our passing was poor, as was our decision making.”

Southampton’s defence had no problems nullifying any Leeds attacking threat in the first half, which led to the increased use of the long ball, which was even less affective as the Saints two centre-backs cleared everything with ease.

Becchio and Beckford failed to cause any threat at all with the ball pumped long and high, rarely challenging for the headers and never winning them. No matter how much trouble we’re having getting through when the balls on the floor, it’s the only way Leeds should be using when we have two strikers with very little aerial presence.

For the reasons why Leeds’ defence started pumping the ball long and high, you have to look at the midfield. Time and time again possession was lost and given away cheaply by misplaced passes or poor control.

There were very few similarities between the team that destroyed Tranmere and the one that turned up here and Southampton thoroughly deserved the three points.

As bad as Leeds were, you can’t fail to acknowledge how well organised, hard-working and fluent in attack the Saints were. Alan Pardew is a very good manager that gets the basics right and leaves very little to chance. The strengthening he did in January should give Southampton an outside chance at the playoff positions, but if they fail to make the top six, they’ll walk this league with absolute ease next season.

You only have to look at the top goal-scorers list to see why Southampton are cruising and Leeds United are stuttering to the finishing line. Leeds have one player capable of 20+ a season, whilst Southampton have the top two in the league and plenty of others able to contribute.

I’ve said time and again that January was a massive failure for Leeds. I took some criticism at the time as people pointed towards McSheffrey and the permanent signing of Gradel, but the first was never likely to contribute many goals and the second we all knew would be an inconsistent bit-part player, capable of changing games one week, but having no influence the next. Neither were the second proven goalscorer we’ve missed all season that the best clubs in this league (including Southampton) have.

The clubs that did do well in January are now reaping the rewards, whilst those of us that didn’t do enough are struggling to match them. I don’t think it’s season over, and still believe we’ll go up automatically, but it could have been much, much easier and it’s games like these that show us what we could have achieved given one or two more astute signings.

Overall, what we witnessed was a well-oiled Saints side that could give every team in this league a good game. Pardew has built and developed an unstoppable force that will win this league outright next season if their dreams are shattered this time round and it won’t be long before they’re back in the hunt for a Premier League place.

Despite the result I’m quietly confident about the next few weeks. You take Norwich out of the list of upcoming fixtures and there’s a lot of winable games coming up starting on Monday when we host Millwall. The Southerners did destroy Charlton yesterday and are the form team at the minute so we’ll have to raise our game, but spurred on by a good crowd at Elland Road, I fancy we’ll take all three points. Keep fighting!

UP – The revival

Gary McAllister’s reign as Leeds United boss came to an end after five straight defeats, which included the embarrassing exit from the FA Cup away to lowly Histon. Simon Grayson quickly identified the flaws, strengthening the defence and inspiring a new confidence in Leeds United that led them on a remarkable run, ending the season just five points off the automatic spots in position for another dice roll in the play-offs.

DOWN – More playoff heartache

The reborn Leeds United appeared almost untouchable under Simon Grayson’s leadership, but our second attempt at escape from League One via the play-offs ended once more in heartache for the Whites. This time, we went out in the semi-finals to Millwall 2-1 on aggregate. Clearly, the only way to escape League One for Leeds United was automatic promotion and Grayson was under no illusions that that’s what we needed in 2009/10.

DOWN – Villa make Fabulous signing

After weeks of rumours, the inevitable sale of Fabian Delph was finally confirmed. Leeds United’s brightest prospect was to be sold to Aston Villa and with his exit, the Leeds fans feared we’d taken a step backwards and this showed a lack of ambition from the current board. The fans were spirits were temporarily lifted when Bates left us under the impression the money would be used to help repurchase Thorp Arch. Another ‘down’ in waiting as the board screwed us royally again, the funds vanished and the training complex’s deadline would pass without repurchase.

UP – Fresh faces, fresh start, fresh approach

With almost no money spent on the transfer market whatsoever, Leeds fans feared the worst as the new campaign got underway. The players Grayson had brought in for nothing however proved to be more than capable, especially Patrick Kisnorbo and Shane Higgs who strengthened the defence massively and led Leeds to the longest unbeaten run in the country.

Whilst leading the team to the top of League One looking like we were in second gear for much of it, Grayson also smashed two of Don Revie’s records. The first would come early doors when Grayson’s team won their first eight consecutive games breaking a record that had stood since 1973.

UP – Fortress Elland Road

Another record breaker for Grayson as his side won fifteen consecutive matches at Elland Road. Impressive in it’s own right, but possibly surpassed by the current run of remaining unbeaten at home for almost a year (and counting).

UP – Cup kings

Early in the season Grayson’s team secured a showpiece Elland Road clash against the mighty Liverpool in the League Cup. Whilst none of us expected to win the game, the Whites came close and ran Liverpool ragged for 90 minutes. A simply brilliant display from the lads, who were unlucky to eventually lose 1-0.

Meanwhile, in other competitions Leeds United are set for a trip to Old Trafford to start the new year with a rekindled rivalry against Manchester United. We’re also well on course for a trip to Wembley in the JPT if we can overcome Carlisle United in the regional final. I’m still unsure as to whether the mighty Simon Grayson can turn around our fortunes at Wembley, but I’ll try and remain optimistic should the chance arise.

DOWN – The Jermaine Beckford saga

The endless rumours surrounding Jermaine Beckford have been a constant area of media attention for Simon Grayson. Whilst reassurances have been made again and again by the board and manager, the national rags can’t resist linking him with every club in need of a few goals.

Beckford may have made the decision to sell a little easier for Leeds United though. They’ve said all along that should a ‘ridiculous offer’ come in, then they’d have to consider it, but as it stands he’d be at Leeds until the summer. His antics against Southampton, where he sulked off the pitch and down the tunnel seem to have turned even more fans against him though and a transfer could well be inevitable.

UP – It’s going to be a White Christmas

Victory over Southampton put Leeds United four clear at the top of League One with a game in hand on Alan Pardew’s chasing Charlton Athletic. It also put Leeds well beyond the halfway point in expected points to win the League and the Whites’ sit comfortably on 50 points having played 21 games. This time last year, Leicester City topped the table with 47 points.

Leeds have only lost once in League One so far this season and will head the table on Christmas day, just like Leicester City did last season. Simon Grayson’s record so far at Leeds United speaks for itself. Of the 57 games he’s took charge of for the Whites, Leeds have won 38 with an overall success rate of 73%. Even the legendary Don Revie couldn’t top that with his record standing at 62%. Of course, the sample size is much smaller and they competed in different leagues at different times, but under Grayson we seem to be going from strength to strength.

UP – In Grayson we trust

I hope Grayson has a chance to look back on his first year in charge and celebrate everything he’s achieved so far. His performance as Leeds United manager has been remarkable and he’s been the answer to every Leeds United fans prayers. A lifelong Leeds fan himself, he knows exactly what the fans expect and is striving to deliver. I congratulate him on his progress so far and hope he continues to build upon that success. Marching on together!

Southampton are another victim of the Football League’s ridiculous points deduction policy and started the 2009-10 campaign on minus ten. What annoys me about this rule is that when a club hits financial difficulty, the Football League should be helping teams overcome their troubles, not hindering them further. Afterall, without these member clubs, there wouldn’t be a Football League.

I’m not going to dwell on the ridiculous rules which teams are governed by though. I think we as Leeds United fans have suffered enough at the hands of Lord Mahwinney and co. and although I have nothing but sympathy for the Saints, I can’t help but think the idiots at FL head office have done us a favour this term (about time too!)

Had Southampton not began this season with the handicap they did, then I honestly think we’d be facing more competition than that of Norwich City and Charlton Athletic. Add the ten points back to the Saints’ current tally and they’d be right alongside Huddersfield Town in the play-off places. Not only that, but after their slow start to the season, Southampton have picked up the pace and are now picking points up at an ever-increasing rate. Maybe a little premature for predictions, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t make the play-offs.

A lot of the credit for Southampton’s defiant rise up the table has to go to League One’s star striker, Rickie Lambert. Whilst no one man makes a team, Southampton have successfully built around the hitman and his return of 17 goals so far puts him top of the scorers list – five ahead of our very own Jermaine Beckford.

Both players will attract a lot of press over the coming weeks as the transfer window opens. With struggling Premier League teams desperate to find a goalscorer and Championship clubs looking for an edge, many will turn to League One’s attention grabbing duo for answers. Whether both clubs can retain their key men, only time will tell, but this weekend is bound to bring out a few scouts.

It’s been over two years since we last played Southampton in our relegation season from the Championship. They bet us both home and away that season, reversing the results from the season before where Leeds United were victorious in both meetings.

For both sets of fans, the fixture will no doubt bring a reminder of how far the teams have fallen. Back in 2004, before our two seasons together in the Championship, Leeds and Southampton competed in the top flight. Neither team will have expected to be meeting in League One just over five years later, but that’s the unfortunate reality.

Regardless of how big both teams are, both have fallen from grace and both will be hoping to turn things round and head back towards the dizzy heights of the Premier League. This Saturday’s clash at Elland Road will no doubt draw a bumper crowd as the game shows all the hallmarks of a classic.

Jermaine Beckford vs Rickie Lambert. Simon Grayson vs Alan Pardew. Leeds United vs Southampton. It’s Simon Grayson’s 40th birthday today and he’ll also celebrate a year in charge of Leeds United this week. A win over the Saints will be the ideal present for him and a great early Christmas present for the Whites fans. It’s likely that Beckford or Lambert will be making the headlines Sunday morning. Let’s hope Jermaine can win the battle.

Season so far

Leeds United remain undefeated so far, whilst Charlton have lost just one game and sit three points behind Leeds in second. Both teams had a disappointing Tuesday night as Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw by Carlisle United, whilst Charlton were hammered 3-0 away to Colchester.

The growing injury list at Elland Road looks set to rule out Shane Higgs, Leigh Bromby, Ben Parker, Jason Crowe, Rui Marques and Robert Snodgrass. Leeds do have depth though and the last undefeated team in England will be confident infront of an expected crowd of 30,000.

So, what brings you here?  

Charlton Athletic – also known as The Addicks or simply Charlton – are a London team based in the district of Greenwich, formed in 1905 they’ve played their home games at The Valley since 1919.

Charlton have had a bit of a rollercoaster history and finding themselves in the third tier is nothing alien to them. However, not so long ago they were battling against Leeds in the Premier League under the guindance of long-serving manager, Alan Curbishley.

Alan Curbishley left the Addicks in 2006 and with his depature came a serious slump in form that saw Charlton relegated. Despite being touted as favourites to make a swift return to the Premiership, Charlton’s luck didn’t improve. A string of managers came and went, losses of £13,000,000 were reported and the club was relegated again.

Charlton are now managed by former Hull City manager, Phil Parkinson who joined them in 2007 as assistant to Alan Pardew. He took over the role from Pardew late in 2008, but couldn’t save the club from relegation.

Head-to-head

Leeds United and Charlton last met in the Premier League in 2004. An early goal from Holland put Charlton into the lead, but Leeds fought back with goals from Matthew Killgallon, Jermaine Pennant and an Alan Smith penalty giving us a 3-1 lead. Another penalty, this time for Charlton was converted by Euell to make it 3-2 and he scored again minutes later to earn the visitors a point and subsequently relegate Leeds to the Championship.

In the reverse fixture earlier that season, Leeds won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from James Milner, but perhaps the most memorable result was at The Valley in 2003, when we hammered the hosts 6-1. That day, Ian Harte scored a penalty, Harry Kewell scored two and Mark Viduka hit an hattrick.

Overall, our success rate against Charlton is pretty good. Out of the 45 competitive meetings between the teams, Leeds have won 24, lost 14 and drawn 7.  

They also played for Leeds

A few recognisable faces once again in the Charlton line-up including Frazer Richardson who will need no introduction to the Elland Road faithful. Sam Sodje is also applying his trade at The Valley now and the more observant of you may remember Matthew Spring who had a brief spell with us back in 2004-05.

Prediction

It’s a tough one this weekend with so many players out injured. The performance on Tuesday has done little to inspire any confidence in me either, but Charlton’s form seems to have dipped a little too so both teams will be looking to prove themselves.

Quite often, when you’re expecting a thriller, you find that teams cancel one another out and there are few clear cut chances for either side – MK Dons being a prime example of this. The defence looked a bit shaky at times on Tuesday and Casper Ankergren has never convinced me in goal. That said, I think we have enough quality and depth in this side to win matches like this at home and I’d be disappointed with anything less.