The Scratching Shed

Davenport at West Ham

Simon Grayson is taking a cautious stance with the trial of former West Ham defender, Calum Davenport.

The 27-year-old has been out of the game for a year now after being the victim of  a knife attack that has left him in need of intense rehabilitation and leaves him a long way from full fitness. Davenport was reported to have lost half of his blood after the attack twelve months ago.

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Former Leeds United player and all-time legend, Lucas Radebe has given the biggest indication yet that he is set to return to the club he loves as a coach, revealing that he has already spoke to Leeds’ current chairman, Ken Bates about the possibility of a homecoming that will have the Elland Road fans mouths watering.

The Chief in action

Lucas, who still has a home in Leeds and has attended games since his retirement spoke on the opening day of the World Cup, where he told journalists that;

“After the appreciation that I got from that club, I’ll always be a Leeds United fan,”

“That’s where I think I’ll go in terms of enhancing my knowledge of football and to give something back.”

“They’re willing to give me a position. For me it’d be a learning curve, moving forward in terms of giving back to the game. We’ll see after the World Cup.”

The Chief remains a big fans favourite at Elland Road, and would undoubtedly be welcomed back with opened arms. The Leeds United faithful still chant Radebe’s song to this day, but have been misled by rumours of a return before. This time however, it’s come directly from the man himself, so it seems fair to assume he’ll be making his triumphant return pretty soon.

We look forward to welcoming you home, Lucas!

Africa opens it’s doors

South Africa awakens!

So much anticipation, expectation and hype preceded the World Cup, and the host nation, South Africa were determined to put on a show. Whilst their efforts at the opening ceremony were commendable, the more hardened football fans such as myself were probably a little bored and eagerly awaiting the moment the tournament got under way with South Africa v Mexico.

When the opening game finally kicked off, the stadium was alive with the sounds of thousands of South Africans and their horns. Known to be a country of vibrant colour, with a passion and zest for life not matched by many, the South Africans have been relishing this opportunity and wanted to show the world what it meant to them.

Meanwhile, their team were visibly weighed down by the pressure and struggling. Mexico were the dominant team early doors, but as the nerves calmed and the South African’s lightened up, it was clear they’d be no push-overs for the Mexicans.

It was South Africa that broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half when a spectacular volley from Tshabalala sent the Bafana-Bafana fans into ecstasy. The hosts couldn’t hold on though and some dismal defending gifted an equaliser to Barcelona’s Marquez with just eleven minutes remaining.

Undoubtedly disappointing for the South African’s, but a point they’d have definitely taken before the game kicked off. The team showed what they’re capable of, and with a little more organisation and concentration at the back, they would have run out winners. Game One over though, and job done for the hosts.

Meanwhile, back in Leeds…

Milner 16 in Wortley

Fellow Leeds resident and blogger Deano spotted the new Umbro viral advert passing his local chippy on the way home from work. Although the significance of the red sixteen on a white background originally evaded him, after some Googling, he found that this was Umbro’s clever publicity stunt for the World Cup.

The number sixteen represents James Milner’s number in the England squad. Underneath the number, it reads ‘tailored in Wortley’ – the birth place of our former star. Not quite sure what the significance of the chippy was, but Milner has always looked a little on the chubby side?

There’s another of these viral Umbro ads in Beeston for another Leeds-born England star, and former Leeds United player, Aaron Lennon.

Two Leeds-born, former Leeds United players in the England team. Makes you proud doesn’t it? And a little envious as to what they’ve achieved, whilst Leeds continue to struggle in the lower leagues! Still, I wish them both well. “Leeds made England!”

TSS World Cup prediction league update

Only two points scorers in the first round. NickMetcalfe and MadFerret are joint leaders after both predicting the opening game would end in a draw. MadFerret seemed to apply the same logic as yours truly, by adding ‘the hosts never lose the opening game.’ Unfortunately for yours truly, my 1-0 prediction was cancelled out with just eleven minutes remaining!

Anyone wishing to join TSS’ World Cup prediction league can sign-up at SportGuru.co.uk now. During registration, the form asks for a Pool ID; Here you should enter ‘harmboxy‘ to join TSS’ league.

Five goals, four injuries, three red cards and a brace for Jermaine Beckford made for one very happy Elland Road crowd as the struggling MK Dons cast their thoughts to next season and the end of a disastrous run.

An early goal from the in-form Luciano Becchio set Leeds United on their way, but it was quickly cancelled out by Lewington just six minutes later. With Leeds United legend, Lucas Radebe watching on, the Whites defence once again crumbled from a set-play and gifted Milton Keynes the equaliser. Maybe we can get the Chief in to give Naylor and Collins a few pointers?

Leeds’ first goal had been created from nothing by the on-loan Arsenal youngster, Sanchez Watt dispossessing one of the Dons defenders. A similar blunder was punished again as Neil Kilkenny won possession, then found Sanchez Watt who set Max Gradel up to put Leeds back in the lead and give the youngster his second assist.

Just before half-time, the referee made an appalling decision by sending-off MK Dons Mathias Doumbe, but levelled his mistakes out shortly afterwards by denying Leeds what looked like a clear-cut penalty. Nevertheless, Leeds United headed in for the break 2-1 up and would return to play a MK Dons side ravaged by injuries, lacking a permanent manager and down to ten men. It really couldn’t be any easier.

The second half was a bit of a precession if truth be told. The Dons never looked capable of getting back into it, and as their injury crisis deepened with two more players added to the list, you had to feel sympathy for a team who looked likely to make the play-offs earlier in the season. Leeds meanwhile were having our own injury problems as Ben Parker was taken off with what looked to be a season ending injury.

Despite being down to ten men, the Dons held out and Leeds struggled to kill the game off. Luckily, we had our most dangerous weapon ready to pounce from the subs bench and his introduction brought with it a new lease of life for the Whites. Jermaine Beckford entered the field to a positive reaction from the crowd in what is likely to be his penultimate appearance at Elland Road.

The pace of Jermaine Beckford instantly caused problems for the makeshift Milton Keynes defence and it took just five minutes for Jermaine to extend the Whites lead. A cross from Bradley Johnson was pounced upon by Beckford and put beyond the Dons keeper to secure the three points for Leeds United.

Sanchez Watt’s man of the match performance was prematurely ended by injury as Leeds headed into the last ten minutes. The Arsenal youngster received a well-deserved standing ovation from the Leeds United faithful as the fans crossed their fingers and prayed it was nothing serious.

With four minutes remaining, Jermaine Beckford doubled his tally after being bundled down in the box and earning Leeds a penalty. Milton Keynes were struggling to cope with Becks’ pace and David McCrackan was sent off under the last man rule. Beckford’s penalty was a weak effort, but still managed to beat the MK Dons keeper, as the Whites put the final nail in their coffin.

All that was left was for the referee to send off his final player of the day which was Peter Levens, meaning Milton Keynes finished the match with eight men and the referee had taken his card tally to five yellow and three red. Personal best perhaps?

Overall, Leeds weren’t as good as the result suggests. Our defensive frailties were once again highlighted as everyone went missing during set-plays and we really should have had the points sealed up earlier than we did. Milton Keynes are a wounded side that never caused us any real problems. Their injury crisis, management problems and the fact they have nothing left to play for means they’re just making the numbers up at the minute and looking forward to drawing a line under a devastating season. That said, Leeds got the three points and that’s all that really matters.

All that leaves Leeds United still in second place, but since Millwall managed a late couple of goals at home to Leyton, they’re still only one point behind us. The good news is that Swindon and Charlton only managed draws leaving them pretty much out of the running now as Leeds head to the Valley next Saturday.

TSS man of the match

Simon Grayson rung the changes for this game and the one that paid off most notably was the starting place for Arsenal’s Sanchez Watt. The youngster was a real breath of fresh air, linking up well with Max Gradel throughout and getting himself two assists for his efforts. Hopefully his injury wasn’t too severe.

Big Brother for me has always been a tedious show that takes over peoples lives and fills far too much airtime. It’s Celebrity spin-off isn’t much better either, with a bunch of largely unheard of “stars” desperate to re-ignite their careers.

For the above reasons, I’ve avoided Big Brother like the Plague since it’s introduction however many years ago. This year however, I’d heard a rumour that Vinnie Jones would be entering the house after the C4 show offered him $1,000,000 to appear in it’s final series, so couldn’t help but tune in for the launch show.

"Who are ya?" Ronnie Wood's ex-missus, apparently!

Over a hour passed and we’d been introduced to the usual eye-candy, with Katya who is famous for sleeping with pensioner rock-star, Ronnie Wood (of the Rolling Stones) and Nicola who is a page three model and missus of former Leeds United player, Simon Walton. Whilst both girls fill the role of CBB babes nicely, they really aren’t celebrities. I’d never heard of neither of them and nor had anyone else from what I could gather.

Of the eleven celebrities that did go, I was familiar with three. The first was Stephen Baldwin who appeared in the film The Usual Suspects. Apparently he’s a born-again Christian type now and is sure to bore the rest of the “celebrities” to death. The second one I’d sort of heard of was Sisqo. I didn’t recognise him at all and have probably never laid eyes on him before in my life, but do remember ‘The Thong Song’ which was a cheese R&B hit a few years back done to death by Radio One.

By now, ten people had entered the house which seemed like a round enough number so I assumed the Vinnie Jones rumour wasn’t true and that the show was ending, but then Davina finally brought in the one everyone had been waiting for. Looking stylish with his top-hat thing and being greeted with a chorus of “Vinnie, Vinnie, Vinnie…” he was clearly the big draw for CBB.

Whilst I’m a little disappointed a Hollywood actor and ex-Premier League footballer of Vinnie’s calibre  has joined the CBB house, I think I’m going to have to watch it now out of curiosity. Chatting with other Leeds fans on Twitter during the show we hit upon a few lines he could throw into the mix from his films. If, by any chance, someone didn’t know who he was and decided to ask, he could reply with “I’m the Juggernaut, bitch!” (X-Men) and when he leaves the house, I’m kind of hoping he’ll do it Lockstock style with his final line “…and one last thing, it’s been emotional!”

Davina intoduced Vinnie as a ‘British institution’ and he’s clearly got the support of the public. Already favourite to win with the best odds I can find at 5/2, followed by Basshunter at 4/1. I think he’ll win it and hope he does, but as an outside bet I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Chav lass, Lady Sovereign win it. History shows that it’s usually the biggest freak that wins these things, so don’t be surprised to find your Mother, Girlfriend or whoever phoning up to place their votes on “Sov” in a couple of weeks time.

Here’s a little reminder of why we all love Vinnie, with him singing Marching On Together at Lucas Radebe’s testimonial. 

Lucas Radebe could be set for a spectaculor return to Elland Road as a youth team coach as the former Leeds United defender and all-time great looks to take his coaching badges and make a return to football.

Lucas remains a hero at Elland Road and his name is still chanted both home and away to this day. When he retired back in 2005, many hoped Lucas would stay on in a non-playing role at the club but he decided to return home to his native South Africa where he has used his wealth and status to help various charities.

The rumour says that Lucas, now 40 has held talks with Ken Bates and is eager to return to Elland Road where he spent 11 years, making 200 league appearences for the club. One stumbling block may be the Chief’s children who are currently at school in Johannesburg. It’s thought Lucas is reluctant to move them at the minute so this could delay any return.

Lucas is currently working as an ambassador for the England 2018 World Cup bid after returning to Leeds in 2008. Since his retirement Radebe has lost his wife, Faziwe to cancer and has suffered health problems of his own after collapsing in a gym back in December last year.

Obviously any return is great news for all the fans at Leeds United. Radebe remains my all-time favourite player and it goes without saying that the Leeds fans love him. The mans a God to this club and I’d love to see him return in a coaching role. His experience, influence and love of the game can only be a good thing for developing players. Sign him up Ken!

Pictured above is Lucas Radebe meeting some lesser mortals, namely Nelson Mandela (who once claimed Radebe was his hero) and some American player called David Beckham (who?).

Every football club has it’s celebrity following and Leeds United is no exception. Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics has been eager to use his support of the club to help promote the bands new album, Keep Calm and Carry On, which is released Monday.

Despite growing up in the coal-mining town of Cwmaman, South Wales, Kelly Jones admits that in his household ”You went Welsh for Rugby and supported an English team for Football” and since his two older brothers were already big Leeds United fans, he had little choice in the matter.

Despite admitting he’s not seen Leeds United play in the last couple of seasons (..ahem…fair weather fan…) Kelly still follows Leeds United’s fortunes and is updated with the scores from friends every matchday.

Other notable Leeds United fans include Radio One DJ and everyones favourite loud-mouth, Chris Moyles, who used to “hang out” with Kelly Jones and co. at the Champions League games. These days, Chris is probably our most famous fan with regular mentions to the Whites on his Radio One show. Like most modern celebrities, Chris also has a Twitter page where he often mentions Leeds United too.

Other famous Leeds United fans with musical connections include the artist (ha) formerly known as Scary Spice, or Mel B for those of you with a wider grasp of Spice Girls knowledge. Another talented performer, Gareth Gates (sorry, I’ll stop now) is also a Leeds United fan as are some more credible musicians like Grant Nicholas (Feeder frontman), the Kaiser Chiefs (who are named after the club we bought Lucas Radebe from), Pigeon Detectives, Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), Chris from Kasabian, Tim Booth (James’ frontman), and Danny & Richard McNamara from Embrace - as well as many more I’m sure.

Elsewhere, the golfer Nick Faldo claims to be a Leeds United fan although until I see him at Elland Road with a scarf around his neck, red nose and screaming along to the hundreth repitition of WACCOE, I’ll not be convinced.

Everyones favourite Emmerdale star, Ben Freedman (never watched it, but I’m guessing he must be) is another Leeds United fan and quite interestingly, so are Southend United’s manager, Steve Tilson and Bradford City’s boss, Stuart McCall. A full list of the Leeds United fans we’ve outed so far can be found here. Maybe they can all club together and use their wealth to save us from the clutches of Forward Sports Fund and it’s mysterious benefactors?

I found it a little amusing that some fans were referring to the game in Colchester as our first “six-pointer” of the season despite the fact both teams had so far played just four games. Looking at the League One fixtures before the game it was indeed the stand out fixture with Colchester winning three of their opening four and Leeds 100% so far, but to call any fixture a six-pointer this early on seemed a little ludicrous.

Still nursing an hangover from a late night at the hotel bar (much of which I’d spent explaining to a Scum fan why Lucas was better than Rio Ferdinand), we set out to find the first pub of the day with the logic that “what makes you bad, makes you better!” Whether that was the case, or we simply ended up drunk three times faster than usual is debatable, but we quickly found ourselves in the mix of both sets of fans. A few pints, several songs and a League Cup draw later, it was time for game.

The Leeds fans were in good spirits. The 100% start to the season and the 3-0 battering of Tranmere had given us a confidence I’d not felt in a long time. Whether Beckford would stay or go remained a talking point, but a lot were starting to believe we could still win this league without him.

Both teams started brightly but it was Beckford who struck first blood. Twice! Only for the linesman to rule both attempts out for offside. Although I’ve not had time to watch the replays yet. the first one looked a good enough call but Becks looked well onside for the second and the linesmans delay suggested he wasn’t sure himself. There were few appeals from the defence or the home fans either, so this was probably the first of many poor decisions made on the day.

Following Becks’ two disallowed goals, the Colchester defence decided they had to kick lumps out of him to stop him scoring. How Colchester’s centre-back remained on the park is anyone’s guess but the whistle-happy referee continued to let him get away with it.

It was hard to distinguish whether the referee was blowing for half time or just for the fun of it, such had been the quality of his performance so far but when the teams started walking off the pitch I was almost certain it was indeed half time. Colchester had threatened in the first half, but Shane Higgs had few problems. Leeds had looked the better team and will have been disappointed to go in level.

The refereeing decisions in the second half failed to improve. It wasn’t any kind of injustice to either team as the calls he made went for and against us both. 90% of the time it was baffling trying to figure out what he’d blown for and which way he’d given it, but one things for sure, he certainly wanted to be the star of the show.

Not much change in style of play from both teams. Colchester continued to give a good account of themselves, although their defence wasn’t brilliant and they seemed to rush things infront of goal. Whether that’s a credit to Leeds or a lack of ideas in the final third for them is anyones guess. I was too busy trying to figure out what it was the referee was doing to get any in depth read on the game itself.

Leeds deservedly took the lead shortly after the hour mark when Bradley Johnson continued his impressive run of form to send us 1-0 up. The change in him so far this season has been nothing less than remarkable. The goal came from a Robert Snodgrass free-kick (which in itself was another questionable decision from the legend in black) and Johnson rose to head home.

The lead was short lived though as the ref continued to enjoy the attention and awarded Colchester a penalty. Rui Marques got beaten by a player and stumbled him in the chase. The Colchester player jumped to the floor like he’d been shot and the attention seeking ref got another chance to blow his whistle. Well, it had been at least 30 seconds since his last opportunity, Colchester converted and the scores were level again. 1-1.

Colchester had the bit between their teeth now and pushed for a winner. It seemed inevitable that we’d lose after being the better team all day, but Leeds kept their composure and found a winner courtesy of Jermaine Beckford. Some laughable defending by Colchester was punished by the frontman and the scoreline once again reflected the game.

Leeds were worthy winners. A tough game where the woeful referee and linesman looked set to be our downfall, but we kept our composure and were good value for the three points. I lost count of how many yellow cards he handed out over the 90 minutes, but most of the Colchester side must have had one by the time he blew the final whistle. Beckford got himself another too, although I still aren’t sure what for! I know it sounds like I’m rattling on a bit, but I’m really struggling to explain how inept the officials were.

After the match, it was back to the hotel to watch the Manu v Arsenal match (which produced another classic display of refereeing). The lad from the night before was in the bar watching it on the big screen. I couldn’t resist asking him why he wasn’t at the game. He told me that living down south made it inconvenient for him. I suggested that Manu should move their stadium to London in jest, but he failed to see the joke and seemed to be in agreement. By this point he’d discovered we’d drawn Liverpool in the League Cup and told me he wanted us to beat them and he’d be supporting Leeds that day. I think I want us to lose!

TSS man of the match
As impressive as the referee was it has to be Patrick Kisnorbo for me. He was solid at the back throughout and weighed in with some important challenges. He’s brought a lot of strength to the defence and I’m eager to see him paired up with Richard Naylor.