The Scratching Shed

Leroy Lita

Bookmakers Betfair have stumbled across (or ‘invented’ for the more cynical/realistic amongst us) some more Leeds United rumours to keep our attention firmly focused on their company. Only a couple of days ago, Betfair linked Leeds United with a move for Chelski youngster, Scott Sinclair, and eager to keep the attention on the firing line after Jermaine Beckford’s exit, the betting firm has highlighted two more strikers we’re allegedly interested in.

It seems the team everyone wants to be linked with in the Championship is newly-promoted Leeds United, and reports today suggest that Simon Grayson is looking at two strikers. Middlesbrough’s Leroy Lita could be the target of a £500,000 bid from the Whites, while the United gaffer is also pondering a move to take Aston Villa’s England Under-21 international Nathan Delfouneso on a season-long loan.

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With the closure of the loan transfer market came Simon Grayson’s last throw of the dice for our promotion dreams. With injuries to key players Jermaine Beckford and Patrick Kisnorbo, Larry had one final chance to get things right to save Leeds United’s promotions dreams, and most probably his job.

However much I like Larry, the one thing he has to do this season is secure promotion. An incredible start meant it was ours to lose, and of course, we’re doing our best to make sure things aren’t easy. If he fails at the final hurdle, no matter how close he comes, it simply isn’t close enough. Tough as that may be, he’s in charge of one of the countries biggest clubs and with such a big job, comes big expectations.

The first area Larry addressed was the most obvious one. When Kis went off injured against Millwall, our defence fell to pieces. With Rui still injured, a replacement seemed the best way forward and for that, he turned to Preston North End and their out-of-favour centre-back Neill Collins.

Already, an unhappy and disillusioned Leeds United faithful have been quick to criticise this move due to his lack of success at Preston. I must admit, I have my own reservations too, but if you take a closer look at his history, you’ll see he’s been quite successful elsewhere; most notably, Wolves.

This could be an absolutely disastrous signing, as many of Simon Grayson’s loan signings have been. It’s a signing forged in desperation and adversity, so it’d be no major shock if Collins wasn’t the answer to our prayers. However, I’m feeling quite optimistic about his arrival. He’s a player with an established career at a higher level, desperate to prove his worth and undoubtedly looking to secure a future away from Preston. Only time will tell, but he’s definitely got a lot to play for so shouldn’t need much motivation.

Sticking with the defence, Shane Lowry returns from Aston Villa to fill the troublesome left-back vacancy that has been a constant weakness since Ben Parker was sidelined through injury.

I’ll probably take heavy criticism for this, but I was actually quite impressed with Lowry. He didn’t make the brightest of starts admittedly, but before he returned to Villa injured, he looked like he’d started to gel with the rest of the team and was certainly more successful than Andrew Hughes. Won’t be the most celebrated of signings, but he’s here to fill a void and it was a necessary move on Grayson’s part.

Finally we come to Sanchez Watt who joins us on loan from Arsenal. The Gunners are expecting great things from this youngster who Wenger brought in as a 15-year-old. When it comes to youngsters, no one has a better eye than Arsene Wenger so the young winger may be the one to watch as our season draws to a close.

Coming from Arsenal, he may be just what we need in that he’ll be familiar with passing the ball on the floor (something the rest of the team have clearly forgotten). Watt is also said to have electrifying pace and likes to run at players. Just the attacking threat we needed on the wing then?

A few months ago, the above three signings would have had my mouth watering, but after such incredible flops as Cardiff’s Capaldi, seeing will most definitely be believing as far as I’m concerned. It’s a shame the depth of the squad wasn’t used more when it should have been as a team of Leeds United’s size really shouldn’t have to resort to desperate last minute loan deals.

Going in the other direction is Liam Darville to Rotherham United and Andy Robinson leaves for Tranmere. I guess it was only a matter of time with Robbo, but his move highlights the kind of players we have available to us that have gone unused since Simon Grayson’s arrival. If the loan signings pay-off and we get automatic promotion then you can’t really question Larry’s judgement. However, if the season ends with Leeds United still in League One, the departure of Andy Robinson and David Prutton will be brought under intense scrutiny.  

So, the dice are rolled, jobs are on the line and tens of thousands of supporters expect. No pressure.

It’s good to be a Leeds fan again this morning after our 2-0 victory over Colchester ended the dismal run of league form we’ve been experiencing lately. The frustrating run of results left many Leeds United fans pulling their hair out when taken into context with the brilliant FA Cup displays they were sandwiched between. Simon Grayson called for an improvement, and a reshuffled Leeds United delivered.

There’s an old saying in football that it’s a game of two halves. This match however, was a tale of two halves of the first half. Leeds started looking a little panicked and shaky across the field, but slowly gained confidence as the scoreline remained level. On-loan signing, McSheffrey found his feet and started playing some excellent link-up play with the other attacking players. His ball holding skills proved valuable throughout and there’s no mistaking how good an addition he was.

The on-loan striker made his first real mark in a white shirt in the build-up to our opening goal. As Leeds found their feet and confidence, the sheer strength of our attacking options started to pay dividends with McSheffrey, Snodgrass, Becchio and Beckford all present to trouble the Colchester defence, forcing them to keep more players behind the ball than they probably would have liked. It was Becchio that was brought down inside the area for another one of those nervous penalty moments, but McSheffrey’s contribution to the build-up shouldn’t be overlooked.

Cue Beckford once more with the penalty. No nonsense from the Leeds United striker, struck firmly into the side of the net to send Leeds infront. Colchester’s keeper did guess the right way, but Beckford got the fundementals right by hitting it with enough pace to leave the U’s keeper with no chance. Before the Spurs game, we’d only scored one of our last seven penalties. Beckford has now buried the last two and our penalty woes may finally be at an end.

Meanwhile, our second new addition was a left-back from Villa called Lawry. Another great signing by Simon Grayson who has successfully identified the weak spot in our team once more. For the first time in as long as I can remember, the Leeds United manager seems to be reading from the same page as the rest of us. His arrival is a welcomed one and the youngster gave a very impressive performance for the 70 or so minutes he played before being forced off with what looked like cramp. That said, the last full-back we got on-loan from Villa got injured in the warm-up to his debut so I wouldn’t be surprised if lightning has struck twice. This is Leeds after all, we’re hardly the luckiest team in the world.

Both the new arrivals were involved with the next major Leeds United move which followed the opening goal and looked destined to make it 2-0. Lowry’s break fed Beckford who selflishly linked with McSheffrey who was massively unlucky not to score on his debut. Only an excellent one-handed save from the impressive Colchester United stopper spoilt the dream debut for McSheffrey who was realing starting to make his mark on the fixture.

The second half started much the same as the first ended with Leeds on top. The teams confidence had clearly built throughout and the vast supply of attacking options Leeds had was keeping Colchester’s defence extremely busy. Elsewhere, there was a massive improvement on recent weeks in Howson and Doyle’s display who ran the show in the centre of the park, battling hard throughout.

By this point, McSheffrey and Beckford were looking like the ultimate combination upfront, linking well and creating chances almost at will. However, the second, and ultimately final goal came ten minutes into the second period via Jonny Howson. Jonny brought the ball down neatly to create an nice shooting opportunity and struck sweetly, only to see his effort come back off the woodwork. Jermaine Beckford was as alert as ever inside the box though and pounced on the rebound to give Leeds a two goal lead and a much needed three points.

From there on in, we continued to create opportunites. Beckford was unlucky not to bag an hattrick when his third goal was ruled out for offside. Not sure on that one, but I’ll give the officials the benefit of the doubt since we won. McSheffrey received a well deserved standing ovation as he was replaced by Max Gradel who himself went on to nearly make it three after Beckford played him in and his shot was saved by the Colchester keeper.

Overall, and despite a shaky opening period, this was more like the Leeds United we’ve got used to this season. The new additions were integral to the performance bringing some much needed life to what had been a fading team. Colchester played well enough and won’t be too dishearted by the result, but Leeds’ attacking options proved the difference.

The tactics used by Grayson in this match showed a real belief in the manager who could have easily tried to iscolate any threats and hope Beckford gets lucky. Instead, he fielded a very attack minded team in what was at times a 4-2-4 formation. Howson looked much more comfortable in the centre of the park with Doyle alongside him doing what he does best in making the challenges and cleaning up the mess.

Aside from the three points we needed desperately, what makes this victory extra sweet is the satisfaction of silencing the anti-IGWT (In Grayson we trust) contingent. Whilst I was cynical of the decision to play the same team in the cups as we have in the league, changes in form will happen over the season and the main thing is that Grayson identified the problem, acted on it and resolved it before it became anything too serious. That’s what makes Simon different from the rest of the managers who have passed through Elland Road over the last decade or so and that’s what will take this football club forward.

And finally…

That just leaves the man of the match, which could easily go to McSheffrey as his contribution was excellent, but for me, it was Jermaine Beckford. Even without the two goals he delivered, he was brilliant. He linked well throughout with everyone, creating plenty of opportunities and seemed to enjoy every second of the game. Nice to see him smiling and enjoying life at Elland Road once more.

Jermaine Beckford’s agent has confirmed on Five Live that the striker has handed a transfer request into the club just days after making himself a hero with his winning goal at Old Trafford.

"Not Leeds United's, that's for sure!"

After a year of speculation surrounding the strikers future, things began to look ominous in January when Newcastle were linked to the striker and their manager confirmed he was interested.

As well as Newcastle, other clubs can’t be ruled out with Aston Villa allegedly interested too and the bookies offering odds of 2/1 with him moving there, although these are likely to change in light of current news.

The striker, who won the Leeds United fans hearts when he dismissed initial transfer speculation a couple of years ago with the famous line ‘What shirt am I wearin’ bruv?’ has had a turbulent time since he refused to sign a contract in the summer, with the fans unhappy with his lack of commitment.

After a tough time leading up to Christmas, Beckford answered his critics in style by hitting five goals in three games, culminating in the famous goal that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup and gave Leeds their first win at Old Trafford for 29 years. 

UPDATE: Leeds United have confirmed Jermaine Beckford’s transfer request and issued a statement saying that although Beckford has handed a transfer request in, he will only be allowed to move if it is in the best interests of the club. Explaining that;

“The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club’s overall aim of securing promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship”

It’s also worth nothing that Beckford’s transfer request was handed in on December the 30th, before our historic FA Cup win at Old Trafford.

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Confrontation makes me nervous, there is the possibility of losing. But the article here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article6974706.ece really stabbed me in the ribs. Its timing and its platform, The Times no less, is no co-incidence. Regulars here will know my first post was in support of the current board assuming at that time the Delph transfer fee was to be used for the future of the club. It didn’t happen and my eyes were opened to the duplicity of charging top prices for seats and merchandise, whilst simultaneously investing nothing in the future of the team.

Surely the Times’ article is the pre-cursor to a sale or else why would it be there? I just hope that the next owners realise that fans are customers, not an irritating collection of differing views.

Of any future owners, I would ask for integrity over money every time. Simon Grayson has already proved to me that brains and judgement are the essentials simply by creating such a good team on such a lowly budget.

Although I doubt my reply would be edited, I post the transcript below for the record.

“One win over Manchester United has suddenly made Leeds United newsworthy. So this is a golden opportunity therefore to ask the board members how they got the purchase of Thorp Arch so incredibly wrong.

Yes, success for a footbal club is measured in results on the field. However, this needs to be backed by the shrewd financial management of a financialy solid business. For proof of this, look no further than the story of Leeds United in the first decade of this century. During the Autumn of last year, the board are quoted loosely as saying they could not raise £5 million to purchase the Thorp Arch training facility because the club was not effectively credit worthy after administration. Let’s bear in mind that this is after selling Fabian Delph to Aston Villa (fee undisclosed as usual) one guesses for about the same money as Thorp Arch.

So, one asks, where is the cash injection mentioned above actually going to come from? If the finance was not available to purchase a capital asset, how can we finance less tangible assets such as players? Moreover, if the finance was available, why did we not purchase Thorp Arch? A strong balance sheet is a positive for any company in the long term and it is good business to ‘collect’ as many as possible during the natural course of trading. At least that’s what my bank managers have always advised me.

I assume that your writer has had an interview or contact with an insider of Leeds United to make what is quite a profound statement, therefore it would be a good opportunity to ask the question of where the first year’s post administration profits and the fee for Delph actually went. The clues could be in the first year accounts. Otherwise, the objectivity of your excellent newspaper could easily be brought into question, arguably making a venerable British institution a public relations vehicle for a wealthy businessman looking to make the best return on what has become a no-cost investment.

The real heroes of Leeds United are currently the mamager and the players. I feel genuinely aggrieved that any board member could hi-jack their success in what outwardly appears to be a public relations stunt designed to attract wealth. Spiritually, every football club belongs to its fans and any person who profits without matching their passion is little more than a parasite.”

Today marks the one year anniversary of Simon Grayson’s reign as Leeds United boss, and what a fantastic year it’s been. Time to take a look back at all those ‘ups and downs!’

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!

It’s been more than five years since the last time Liverpool visited Elland Road and they’ll be welcomed back by a full house for our third round League Cup tie. Few will be unaware of the history between the two clubs. Once upon a time we competed as arguably the two best sides in Europe, but whilst we plummeted to the depths of third division football, Liverpool continued to take the continent by storm picking up their fifth European Cup in 2005 and reaching a seventh final in 2007.

Team news
It’s doubtful Liverpool will risk too many key players for a League Cup clash. The club will be competing on four fronts this season as they look to add to their impressive collection of silverware, so you shouldn’t expect to see the likes of Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres. That doesn’t mean Rafa Benitez isn’t taking the competition seriously. He’s already admitted he would like to reach the final again and right the wrongs of 2005, when a Steven Gerrard own goal cost them their eighth League Cup title.

Leeds meanwhile are unlikely to change too many faces from the side that beat Gillingham 4-1 on Saturday. If there are any changes, they’ll likely be in defence where Richard Naylor could make a welcomed return. Liverpool fan, Andy Robinson has told how he’d love to get on the pitch for the tie, but is unlikely to get anything more than a place on the subs bench.

Head to head
The last time Liverpool played at Elland Road was in our relegation season of 2003-04. The scoring was opened by Harry Kewell, who had now moved to Anfield. Eirik Bakke equalised a few minutes later though, before Mark Viduka fired us infront. Baros equalised for Liverpool just before halftime and the match finished 2-2.

In a season where we were struggling and the squad was being sold off to the highest bidder, the reverse fixture saw us slump to a 3-1 defeat. Infact, you have to go back all the way to the 2000/01 season to find the last time we beat Liverpool. That season, we beat them both home and away as Mark Viduka fired four past them at Elland Road, in what remains one of my favourite matches, and Rio Ferdinand and Lee Bowyer scored to give us a 2-1 victory at Anfield.

Overall, our record against Liverpool isn’t great. Of the 113 fixtures between the two sides, Leeds have won 27, drawing 30 and losing 56.

The League Cup
Liverpool have won the League Cup seven times, which is more than any other team. The last time they won it was at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, when they beat Manchester United 2-0 with goals from Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen.

Leeds have won the competition just once in 1968. Terry Cooper’s goal was enough to see Arsenal off and give Don Revie his first major trophy. Howard Wilkinson guided us to the final once more in 1996, but Leeds were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa.

The managers
Simon Grayson banned the team from talking about the fixture right until the final whistle went at Gillingham. He admits that gaining promotion from League One is the priority, but has now turned his attention to Liverpool looking for a Premiership scalp to add to his impressive record at Elland Road. Speaking after the Saturday’s win he said;

“Being top of the league gives us a boost going into Tuesday’s game and a platform for the rest of the season. We will be judged on where we finish,

“They had to focus on beating Gillingham because the league is their bread and butter and they showed the right attitude.

“We are playing one of the best teams in the world on Tuesday but we will approach the game with a lot of confidence and belief.”

Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez told Sky Sports that he’s been watching DVD’s of Leeds and knows the fans will be right behind us.

“I believe the game will be a sell-out, and it is a surprise to me that Leeds find themselves in League One these days,

“Leeds will be difficult, we know they are a big club and we respect their history.

“I have been watching DVDs of their games and it is clear that their supporters are very important to them. They back their team all the time and make it tough for their opponents.

“Those fans are amazing, such loyalty and support, and that has been very apparent to me in watching tapes from last season.”

Rafa also added that ”We know it will be tough. It is a massive club despite the division they are in.

 ”I have no doubts that this will be a very difficult match. They have quality and they are a big club with great traditions.

“They will want to win this one because of the situation they find themselves in.”

Nice to know we haven’t been forgotten!

Can we win?
Whilst the realist in me isn’t convinced, the Leeds fan says ‘of course we can.’ Elland Road is a tough place to play for any team because of the crowd. Even with 7,000 Scousers cheering Liverpool on, they’ll still have to contend with 33,000 Leeds fans, which isn’t going to be easy for an inexperienced side (assuming that’s what they play). I guess the other thing in our favour is that we have nothing to lose. Win, lose or draw, the game will be a good money spinner for us and none of us expect to win the League Cup so being knocked out of it isn’t the end of the world.

Whatever happens, it should be a good night with an electric atmosphere. On and on…

The English transfer window has now closed bringing an end to the summer long speculation surrounding Jermaine Beckford’s future.

Becks has been linked with an host of clubs throughout the summer, most of whom play in the Championship, but it was the latest rumour involving Bolton Wanderers that had Leeds United fans worried as we headed into the final few days. The rumour was that Gary Megson was preparing a last minute £3m swoop for Becks should he fail to sign another of his targets.

Beckford’s been an integral part of Leeds United’s early season success. So far we remain 100% in League One with Beckford scoring five in the first five games.

The news will bring some much welcomed harmony to Elland Road – at least until the next transfer window opens in January. Although there would be no point whatsoever selling Beckford in January as no right-minded club would pay anything for him, he would be able to sign a pre-contract with any club he chooses. He will undoubtedly remain at Elland Road until the end of the season though and that’s the main thing.

On the final day Leeds brought in 24-year old South-African striker Davide Somma who has been on-trial with us but only played behind closed doors so far. We’ve also loaned out Alan Sheehan to League One rivals Oldham Athletic, initially on a one month loan.

Full list of summers ins and outs.

*Estimate fee