The Scratching Shed

Whites bound defender?

The Daily Mail claims Alex Bruce is on his way to Elland Road after Sheffield United and Ipswich Town failed to agree terms on how a £200,000 transfer fee should be paid.

The same paper who this morning claimed Luciano Becchio was on his way out of Elland Road after contract talks broke down, is now claiming that a £300,000 offer has been lodged from Simon Grayson in an attempt to hijack the 25 year olds move to Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield United.

Whilst the Becchio claims were easy to dismiss, this particular rumour could have substance. Following yesterdays 3-1 friendly victory over Norwegian side, SK Brann, Simon Grayson told Leeds United fans they could expect a new arrival by Friday. With the Mail claiming that Bruce is set to undertake a medical tomorrow, the timing all seems to line up well.

Alex Bruce has made 115 league appearances in the last four years for Leicester. Despite being born in England, Alex has also played for the Republic of Ireland, qualifying for the team through his grandfather.

Paul Dickov is currently training with the Leeds United squad after the mutual termination of his contract at Leicester. I heard a rumour the other day that he’d been at Elland Road and was due to sign, but wasn’t too sure whether I believed it or not given his tender age of 37.

Whilst Grayson doesn’t go as far as to say he’ll be signing the striker, he doesn’t rule it out either;

“Paul came in on Monday and he’s going to train with us for a couple of days,”

“I’ve known Paul a long time and he was with me at Blackpool. We’ll see how things go.”

I don’t know why I was as reluctant as I was to believe the rumour when I first heard it as this is typical Leeds United. We’ve seen plenty of journeymen players come through Elland Road over the last few years looking for somewhere to retire gracefully from the sport without too much of a care for the club, but I kind of hoped that had changed under Simon Grayson.

It’s not that I don’t think Dickov could do a job if he does play for Leeds United, it’s just not the kind of inspirational, forward-thinking signing I was hoping for. After a January full of speculation linking the likes of Lee Barnard to the club, we only brought in Max Gradel permanently and the whole transfer window was a bit of a non-starter for Leeds.

Whether it’s a lack of ambition from Bates et al, or just careful money watching from Simon Grayson, saving as much as he can for the challenges of next season I aren’t really sure but the other clubs around us seemed to have made more positive additions during January than we did, which left me a little concerned. Paul Dickov hardly compensates for that.

Only a few days remaining now of the January transfer window and things have started to liven up a little. The early part of these windows is so quiet that they may as well have a transfer day instead and relieve the fans of the panic they endure during the 31 day period.

Unsurprisingly, Jermaine Beckford is in the papers once more. This time it’s the Mirror and they’re linking him with an immediate move to Everton for £2m. It’s claimed that Becks has already signed a pre-contract with Everton, but apparently, they mean very little and with other clubs now sniffing around and trying to capture his signature they may be wanting to close the deal sooner.

On a more positive note, Leeds have finally secured their first signing of the window bringing in Max Gradel permanently from Leicester. Max has signed a two and a half year deal at Elland Road after handing in a transfer request to Leicester on Friday.

No fee is mentioned in the Sky Sports report, so you can safely assume Bates has stuck with the norm of not revealing them and Max is our latest ‘undisclosed fee’. I’d hazard a guess that we haven’t paid much more than £250,000 though so this presents great value for money for Leeds.

Gradel is clearly delighted at securing the move telling Sky Sports that;

“I’m just happy to move on. It’s a very, very big club and has massive fans. I’m very happy,

“I’m happy to be part of this club as they are very ambitious. I’m going to show my proper football now, I’m very happy.”

And we’re more than happy to have you Max. The ‘massive fans’ he refers to must have been the slightly overweight pair who were sitting in front of me at White Hart Lane the other day. They’d clearly been enjoying the Chicken Balti pies at Elland Road.

Max goes on to reveal that Nigel Pearson didn’t want him to leave Leicester, but the youngster knew first team football was the best option for his career and couldn’t stand the thought of returning to the reserves.

Barnard snubs Leeds for Saints

Leeds United did go in for Lee Barnard, but were beaten to his signature by Southampton.  Apparently, the reason he chose Southampton over Elland Road is because he didn’t want to move north, which would make sense. Clearly, this was never about climbing the ladder for Lee, or he’d have definitely chose Leeds. No disrespect at all meant to Southampton, who I fully expect to make the play-offs, but promotion is still a dot on the horizon for them. The play-offs are a bit of a lottery that everyone wants to avoid (especially us).

£10m bids for Beckford?

This mornings papers are claiming that Leeds may now receive offers in the region of £10,000,000 for Jermaine Beckford! I was willing to help him pack and drive him where ever when people were quoting £3m, but for £10m I’ll carry him to the next club on my shoulders. Whilst I don’t doubt the FA Cup games have turned a few heads, football will have gone to a whole new level of crazy if we get £10m for Jermaine.

Maximum impact

Max Gradel should become our first permanent signing of the January transfer window today as he undertakes the necessary medical at Elland Road. The Ivorian youngster impressed Leeds United fans immediately after arriving on loan three months ago and there’s been calls for Grayson to ‘sign him up’ ever since.

Max has clearly enjoyed his time at Leeds United and spurred on by the overwhelming love he’s received from the clubs supporters, he almost immediately handed in a transfer request on his return to Leicester.

Return of Rose?

According to The People, Leeds are preparing to make a move for former academy starlet Danny Rose, who currently plays for FA Cup opponents, Tottenham Hotspur.

Rose met his former club in Saturday’s clash and gave a pretty impressive performance throughout. However, the appearence was a rare treat for the youngster who has spent most of his time so far out on loan. It’s believed Bolton (who are coincidentally our opponents in round 5, should we beat Tottenham) are also hoping to get Danny in on loan. Rose is believed to prefer a move to another Premier League club so the chances of him returning to Leeds are slim.

Snoddy here to stay

They say always end on a high and today, that particular high is provided by Robert Snodgrass who hit all the right notes after our draw with Tottenham telling The Times that he didn’t want to leave Leeds United;

“If they don’t want to sell me, I don’t want to leave, there’s no point. This team will be there at some point in the next two years.

“Everything is set up to go right back to the top.

“There’s no point being here if you think it stops when we get to the Championship.”

Reading between the lines, that statement could be taken as a bit of a dig at Jermaine Beckford, but in another interview Snoddy defended our “lazy” wantaway striker;

“Becks is just a clinical finisher and he’s rapid. Sometimes people say he doesn’t work too hard but you have to pick and choose.

“What do you want? Do you want the goals or do you want a striker who works hard? I think I prefer the goals, to be fair.”

Goals vs work rate? Where have I heard that argument before…

Three way battle for Barnard

Sky seem to have got something right yesterday which is Leeds United’s interest in signing Lee Barnard from Southend United. However, they seemed to be under the impression it was almost a done deal. Contrary to these claims, the Southend chairman has admitted three clubs are interested, but none of them have had an offer accepted as yet.

Southampton appear to be one of the other teams interested, but shouldn’t pose too much of a threat. Barnard has a much better chance of playing Championship football next year by joining Leeds than he would with the Saints.

Leicester standing firm on Gradel

Leeds United are believed to have upped their offer for Max Gradel as the first was refused by Leciester City. The 22-year old has returned to Leicester after his three month loan spell at Elland Road but is believed to be one of Grayson’s top priorities during the current transfer window.

Heal(y) be back?

David Healy has told how he has a “huge affection” for Leeds United and would love to return to Elland Road in the current transfer window. The Irish striker, who is currently signed to Sunderland is struggling for first team action up north and has admitted he’d be willing to drop down the pyramid in an attempt to rejuvenate his career.

A fans favourite during his time at Elland Road, but the differences between his scoring record for Leeds and Northern Ireland often left us frustrated. I remember once suggesting we should play in green if it’d mean Healy could deliver the goods. A lot of the problem was the style of play under the regime at that time, but maybe Simon Grayson could fit him in better? I’d certainly welcome him back if so.

Gradel to stay?

Simon Grayson has revealed the club are in talks with Leicester City to discuss their options with Max Gradel. Gradel’s loan spell at Leeds United comes to an end after this weekends fixture when he will have passed the maximum time allowed for any short-term loan deal. Any further deal would have to be a loan until the end of the season or a permanent transfer.

Gradel’s introduction in games this season has often changed the game completely. He’s been a valuable asset to the club and it’s important we try to retain him until the end of the season at least.

Deadwood clearance begins

One of the worst players I have ever seen in a Leeds United shirt has left the club by mutual consent. Enoch Showumni’s time at Elland Road didn’t quite go as well as hoped and there’ll be no lost sleep with his departure. The striker is currently being linked with Scottish side Falkirk. Good riddance.

I think we were all pretty much on the same page in terms of what needed to be done in January and no one was under any illusions about the squad size. We have to get rid of some of the players which have little or no chance of bringing anything to the team and get some quality in to replace them as we look to build for the Championship.

Small manufacturing town in Lancashire

Just when you thought Old Kenneth had mellowed in his old age, he decides to take a swipe at Burnley. The soon to be ex-Premier League club were heavily linked with Simon Grayson when their previous manager departed which had some people in Leeds a little worried. Not Uncle Ken though, who in his usual charming manner said the following;

“Why would Simon want to leave Leeds for Burnley? I mean they are a small manufacturing town in Lancashire. Simon is a Yorkshireman. We have 10 times their population, 50 per cent bigger gates than Burnley and we beat them pre-season anyway.

“They might be in the Premier League now but I think they lost £9million last year and, if they come down, they will go back to where they came from – whereas Leeds are on the up.

“Simon has already asked why would he want to leave Leeds for Burnley? He wants to manage in the Premier League with Leeds United and that is what he is going to do, hopefully sooner rather than later.”

So, let’s brace ourselves for another war of words followed by the inevitable court case. Never a dull moment, is there?

“Erm… aren’t you forgetting someone?”

As for day 14 of Beckford watch, well, there’s simply nothing to watch. Leeds continue to play hard ball and no one else is saying anything. Maybe it wasn’t a forgone conclusion after all?

With the transfer window due to open in just two days Simon Grayson may well be planning for life after Jermaine Beckford. Our number one striker has been the subject of much debate over the last week or so as the Newcastle United manager revealed he is looking into the possibility of signing Becks.

Leeds have maintained all along that Beckford will remain with Leeds until the summer unless a ‘ridiculous offer’ comes in. Whilst I’ve been adamant no club would be stupid enough to pay over the odds for a striker with less than six months remaining on his contract, this is Newcastle and if any club could graduate from the school of Peter Ridsdale financial management with honours, it’d undoubtedly be them.

That said, I guess it’s a case of what Leeds United want for Beckford. If it’s only £2-3m and not the £6m previously quoted, then it could be worth a punt for the Toon. If he can score enough goals to get them back to the Premiership, then he’d be worth every penny, but at the same time, what use is £2-3m to Leeds if we’re going to lose the only player capable of 30 goals a season?

I’ve been pretty convinced that Beckford will remain with Leeds United until the end of the season, but my feelings have changed since Hughton revealed his plans. If he does go, then Grayson will definitely be in the market to replace the goals he contributed and starting with Max Gradel is a good idea.

Simon Grayson has already extended Max Gradel’s loan to the 17th of January, bringing it to the maximum number of days allowed by Football League rules. Leicester have not allowed Max to participate in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United though, which is a bit of a shame as the lads performed well for us and the rest of the team will be talking about nothing else. Hopefully, the extension is simply to give Grayson more time to secure Gradel on a permanent transfer. If Beckford is to leave, then Gradel would be a good start to replacing those valuable goals.

Finally, it seems Grayson is also trying to secure a long term deal with Liverpool keeper, David Martin. Leeds and Liverpool have already agreed to extend his current loan deal until the end of January, but the player could be around for much longer if Grayson gets his wish. Only 23 years old and with plenty of potential, this is a good move from Simon Grayson who is clearly thinking long-term.

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!

Not since the early 1960′s have Leeds United and Brentford competed in a competitive match, so I thought there may be some point to doing a match preview for this one. That day saw Leeds progress to the next round of the League Cup with a 4-1 victory at Elland Road.

The last time these two clubs played in the same division however was 1954, which is more an indication of Leeds United’s recent demise, as opposed to Brentford’s success. Indeed, League One is common ground for Brentford. It’s been more than 50 years since Brentford competed in the top flight of English football and although they made a quick visit to the Championship in the early 90′s, much of their existance has been spent yoyoing between the third and forth tier.

After promotion last season from League Two, Brentford will have been early favourites for relegation this term, but they’ve faired quite well against the top teams with home victories over 3rd place Norwich and 4th place Colchester. They also drew away to Huddersfield, but were soundly beaten away to Charlton 3-0. Brentford are also unbeaten in the last four home games so are unlikely to be handing an easy three points to the Whites. The London-based team currently sit 18th in League One.

After former England captain Terry Butcher was fired at the end of 2007, his former assistant, Andy Scott took over as caretaker. After a successful spell in the caretaker role, Scott was appointed on a permanent basis and went on to guide Brentford to the 2008-09 League Two title. An unusual “Wikipedia fact” (I tend to use other sources, but was struggling) states that Brentford are the only team to have won the fourth tier under all three of it’s names, namely, the 4th Division, Division 3 and League Two.

Griffin Park

On Saturday, Leeds fans will be visiting Griffin Park, the home of Brentford for over a century. Plans are afoot to construct a new 20,000 seater stadium to help secure the long-term financial needs of the club, but have ironically been delayed due to the current recession.

Leeds fans will be housed in the Brook Stand which is known as the ‘Wendy House’ by home fans. It’s a double tiered stand made up of both seating and standing areas. The stadium is underneath Heathrow’s flight-path and as such, the roofs of stands are sold as advertising space. The stadium is also used for Chelski’s reserve and youth games.

Although a little early, team news so far for Leeds United is all positive. Both Shane Higgs and Bradley Johnson have resumed full training, although I think it’s unlikely they’ll play any major role, so with Luciano Becchio already back in contention, the injury list finally seems to be shortening (aside for Aidy White of course). However, it’s alledged Leicester may be planning to recall on-loan winger Max Gradel, which would be a major blow for the Whites.

Wrap up warm lads, it’s Oldham. Again!

Once a season is more than enough to visit the freezingly cold home of Oldham Athletic, but since we drew them away in the cup, tonight will be Leeds’ second (and hopefully last) visit of the season.

I’ll follow Leeds United anywhere. From Kettering to Histon, Milan to Istanbul, it makes no odds to me. It’s become a bit of an addiction whereby I need to be at any Leeds United game or it’ll drive me insane. Coincidentally, the last game I actually missed was the first time we went to Oldham this season in the cup. My better half was ill so I had to stay at home or I’d have never heard the end of it. Although I wasn’t there, I didn’t miss a second. I watched every second of the match live on the FA’s website, spent much of the game texting people that were there and was quite simply in my own world throughout.

It’s an uncurable addiction that’s probably slighlty insane, but we all have it to some extent. You know it’s an addiction when you book tickets for a stadium that is so cold, the thought alone sends shivers down my spine. Exposed to the elements thanks to a missing stand and right on the edge of the Pennines, the fans of Oldham often have to endure a swirling, bitterly cold, frosty wind that seemingly never lets up. A night game too, oh joy! It came as no suprise to me at all that the Oldham ground staff had the covers on the pitch last night to prevent frost. Take it as a warning lads and wrap up warm tonight. Hopefully it’ll be our final visit.

Kettering Town replay shown live on ITV4

For those of you that can’t make Elland Road next Tuesday for the FA Cup Second Round replay, ITV4 will be showing it live. The announcement means Leeds United will have had three consecutive FA Cup matches shown live so far this season. Clearly, we’re just more interesting than everyone else!

Mad Max going nowhere, warn Leicester

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has warned Leeds United that “Mad” Max Gradel will be going nowhere and stresses the loan is only to keep the wingers fitness levels up while his chances remain limited in Leicester’s first team.

If he isn’t going to get in the Leicester team then it seems a little harsh for Pearson to stop him moving elsewhere, although i fully understand why he’d want to keep him. I doubt this will be the end of it either way. If Max wants to leave, then there’s little anyone can do to stop him. I’d expect him to remain at Elland Road until the end of the season and his future will be decided then.

Welcome Gledders!

Gledders has been contributing to TSS now for quite some time, but has recently taken up a more regular role and already contributed a few new posts.

I hope you all enjoy Gledders contributions to the site. Although Gledders is under no commitment to contribute, his addition will no doubt bring with it more content for TSS and hopefully help build upon the sites success.