Very little unites Leeds United and Bradford City, but David Wetherall spent 18 years between the two clubs making over 500 appearances and winning a league title in the process. You’ll find few fans of either side with a bad word to say about him. 

Leeds United’s defensive frailties are well document and we’ve all reminisced on better days and compiled our greatest defensive combination for when genetic cloning becomes a reality and we can farm Lucas Radebe’s and Terry Cooper’s –  the last player who truly satisfied at left-back some would argue. But whenever I read and hear these dream-team defensive combinations, no one ever includes the legendary David Wetherall!

OK, so we’ve had some good central defenders and it’s understandable that Lucas Radebe, Norman Hunter and Jonathan Woodgate would be top of your list. But to include Rio “Plug” Ferdinand above a man who bled blue, white and yellow is sacrilege.

Rio Ferdinand isn’t fit to lace David Wetherall’s boots. In 202 appearances for Leeds, Wetherall achieved much more than Plug. He won the League title in 1992 and also played in the League Cup final in 1996 (not his greatest moment, I grant you). Rio, to his credit, played a massive part in our Champions League run, but he also played an equally important part in our implosion the following season. By then, the captain of the club, Rio was the man who we hoped would lift morale following the release of that ridiculous David O’Leary book – instead, Leeds United slipped from 1st at the start of the year to finish outside the Champions League places triggering a financial crisis we still haven’t recovered from.

Now I’m not saying we should hold Rio fully responsible for our financial meltdown, but he is a Scummer these days so I think it’s only fair we give him some of the blame…

I’d also argue that Jonathan Woodgate has nothing on Wetherall. Sure, he was good. But you wouldn’t catch the ever-reliable David Wetherall ethnic cleansing the Leeds nightclubs on a Saturday night! You also have to take into account that Woodgate will retire with a Worthless Cup to his name and tales of ‘what might have been’ whilst Wetherall retired having conquered England.

And David Wetherall did much more than help us win the title and take us to the League Cup final. He also scored a sensational goal in September 1997 that gave The Whites a rare win over Manchester United. That alone is enough to make him a legend in my eyes.

But Wetherall didn’t stop there. Even after he’d left Leeds United he was still doing everything in his power to ensure The Whites were successful. Clearly not a fan of travelling (Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and then…) Wetherall moved to Bradford City where he scored the winning goal against Liverpool to give Leeds United a place in the Champions League. Sure, the youngsters did their part in getting us there, but the old head was still on hand to provide assistance.

So next time you’re listing your perfect defensive line-up spare a thought for the man who won us a league title, humiliated the Mancs and sealed us a place in the Champions League. Even if you (quite rightly) decide the best central partnership is Lucas Radebe and Norman Hunter, save a place for the always reliable David Wetherall on your bench – it’s the very least he deserves.

From Sowetto to Soccer Superstar

Still recovering from works Christmas party last night, I’m feeling very seasonal indeed this morning so thought I’d embrace the spirit of Christmas by giving away a copy of ‘Lucas Radebe: From Soweto to Soccer Superstar‘

As a thank you to The Scratching Shed’s 900+ strong army of followers on Twitter, to enter this competition you need to be a member of Twitter and following TSS. (Click here to follow TSS)

Since the competition prize is a copy of the Chief’s autobiography, we thought we’d use the opportunity to start a bit of a mini-trend amongst Leeds United fans, so to enter all you have to do is tag a tweet with #HailtotheChief and send it to @ScratchingShed1. Feel free to get creative with the remainder of those 140 characters.

The competition will run until 5pm tomorrow (the 17th of December) at which point we’ll announce the winner on Twitter. Good luck.

#01 – The Robert Snodgrass job

Back to back TSS man of the match wins for Robert Snodgrass signal a real return to form for the Scottish midfielder as he inspired Leeds United to a great away win at Coventry City and was once again the stand out player v Hull.

#02 – Who the f**king hell are Hull?

This week, we enjoyed teasing our fish-loving neighbours from Hull as they geared up for their biggest game of the season and we laughed off any suggestion that we actually cared. Treating our fellow Yorkshire teams with utter indifference has become a bit of a hobby for Leeds fans which always irritates the opposition. Good times.

#03 – A mystery wrapped in an enigma

“Bradley’s left foot is a mystery wrapped in an enigma” was the rather brilliant reply from one TSS commentator after the midfielder once again frustrated Leeds United with a rollercoaster display v Hull City.

After needlessly giving away the freekick that Hull converted t0 take the lead, Bradley made amends by levelling the scores. With Leeds in front and the opposition down to ten men, the derby was ours to lose… and lose it we did, as Bradley capped off another one of ‘those days’ with a quite spectacular own goal.

#04 – Everyone wants some Somma loving

We learnt this week that Davide Somma loves Leeds United just as much as we love him, as the South African put pen to paper on a new three year contract, expressing his delight through the official site.

Meanwhile, the South African’s want to get in on the Somma loving too and have selected the striker for their forthcoming international match against the Yanks. We wish him luck (and pray he avoids injury).

#05 – The Chief backing Somma

Another man feeling a bit of Somma-loving is the greatest South African footballer of all time, Lucas Radebe. The Chief saw Somma in action against Sheffield United on his recent trip to Elland Road and was mightily impressed, telling South African soccer site, Kick-Off that;

“I could see that he looked strong, tough and good in the air. I thought that this guy could be a possible solution to the striker problem we always seem to have. I think he will bring something different to the team,

#06 – Ivory Coast Mad for Max

Another Leeds United player to be called up for his country is Mad Max Gradel. The winger received his first international call-up earlier this week and will join the Ivory Coast squad that is set to take on Poland next Wednesday.

#07 – Some not so lovable players

In a Radio Bates interview before the Hull City game our bearded chairman told listeners that some agents were being unrealistic with their wage demands, adding that he thought some would definitely leave the club.

Whilst Bates doesn’t name names, it’s easy to speculate with Bradley Johnson topping the list after turning down a three year deal last week. Luciano Becchio is another first team regular who has yet to sign, so could also be one of the players Bates is hinting towards.

#08 – Black eyes fine so long as the ref is watching

The message the FA are sending out this week is that elbows to the face of a player are perfectly fine, as long as the referee sees it.

The FA failed to punish a Hull City player after viciously assaulting Luciano Becchio, because they claim the referee saw the incident so there was no need for further action – despite the ref not doing anything himself and Becchio being left with a black eye.

#09 – Tom “Sicknote” Elliot

On-loan Leeds striker, Tom Elliot has once again succumbed to injury at Rotherham. Ronnie Moore, who was questioning Elliot’s commitment just a few weeks back, continues to be frustrated by the youngster telling Team Talk that his teammates have now dubbed him “sicknote!”

#10 – Friday’s final thoughts…

I’ll be honest with you, I couldn’t think of anything to pad this out with so instead I thought I’d point you all in the direction of a Bradford City blog which asks ‘What is a derby match if Leeds argue they have no local rivals?’

On and on…

Lucas Radebe testimonial 02-05-05

A player from the Leeds United Ladies is subbed on during Radebe’s testimonial prompting the crowd to respond with a chorus of;

“Ten men… we’ve only got ten me…”

Histon v Leeds United 30-11-08

Whilst Histon were busy causing the biggest FA Cup upset of the round, the fans took time out to comment on ITV’s live coverage. The commentators professionalism (seen here in this YouTube clip) earns it a place on this list.

Leeds United v Manchester United 14-09-2002

David Beckham was as popular as ever with the Leeds United faithful, as was his wafer thin wife;

“Oh… Posh Spice is a slapper,
“She f**king hates Manu
“And when she’s f**king Beckham,
“She thinks of Harry Kewell.”

There were various incarnations of this chant around the Premier League with different players names used and the verses altered to rhyme. The Leeds version also altered with the second line sang as ‘she wears a big fat jewel’ and other Leeds players such as Danny Mills used instead of Kewell.

Other popular Posh Spice songs include “Posh Spice takes it up the ****” – something both herself and David Beckham categorically denied in an interview with current affairs commentator, Ali G.

TSS recording studios (earlier today)

Hardly unique, but cover songs always sell well. This one is in honour of our very own answer to Jonny Wilkinson and to the tune of ‘That’s Amore’;

“When you’re sat in row z, and the ball hits your head… that’s our Bradley!”

Destined for the number one spot, I’m sure you’ll agree?

Leeds United v TV coverage

Thinly disgusted envy aimed at the fans bright enough to stay at home in the warmth, whilst those of us inside the stadium freeze to death watching another fine example of second-class football.

“If you’re watching this on tele, you’re a c*nt”

Leeds United v Peter Schmeichel

When son-of-scum, Kasper Schmeichel joined the Leeds United family it put the Elland Road faithful in an awkward situation. Fans of the Whites are genetically coded to hate anything and anyone associated with Manchester United, so when the son of their greatest goalkeeper arrived it was important to set the record straight;

“Your Dad’s a c*nt, but you’re alright!”

Job done!

Everyone v Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Even the Leeds fans had to laugh when various teams started to chant about our favourite striker;

“You’re just a fat Eddie Murphy”

Leeds v Brighton

I don’t imagine there’s many teams that don’t pick up on Brighton’s prestigious ‘Gay Capital of the UK’ title;

“We can see you holding hands!”

“Does your boyfriend know you’re here?”

There’s plenty more too, all of which are equally as amusing and five times as crude.

Leeds fans v Poorly supported away teams

“You could have come on a skateboard/in a taxi/in a tractor… etc…”

A couple of contributions from Facebook & Twitter

Dominico on Facebook

“We all dream of a team of Brian Deane’s… a team of Brian Deane’s…”

“There’s only one Carlton Palmer, and he smokes Marujana”

Lee on Facebook

When Graham Le Saux bottles a 50/50 challenge with Alan Smith, the Leeds fans respond with;

“Le Saux just sh*t himself… Le Saux just sh*t himself…”

Football fans v Marriage

Finally, this one has absolutely nothing to do with Leeds United but does stand as the funniest football chant I’ve ever heard. When a man proposes to his wife at half-time, 30,000 fans give him fair warning;

“You don’t know what you’re doing, you don’t know what you’re doing…”

Any more?

As I said at the beginning of the post, it’s difficult to remember all the chants I’ve heard over the years so if you can think of some that I’ve missed please add them below.

Bafana Bafana bound

Following in the footsteps of Lucas Radebe, Leeds United’s latest South African hero, Davide Somma could be set to make his international debut after his impressive run of form set the alarm bells off in Camp Bafana Bafana.

South Africa’s coach, Pitso Mosimane was in Europe recently scouting South African players ahead of The Nelson Mandela Challenge game to be held in Cape Town later this month. Unfortunately for Mosimane, Leeds United didn’t play during his visit but it could be just as well if the manager’s geography is as weak as African Soccer website, Kickoff.com who seem to think Leeds is a suburb of London!

Despite the unfortunate timing of his visit, Mosimane is still giving serious consideration to Davide;

“The main purpose of the trip was to go and watch as many players as possible, including Somma, but I heard that he won’t be playing this past weekend so I ended up not going to England.

“…Having not seen Somma in action does not mean he is out of contention for the friendly in Cape Town, I might bring him down to have a closer look at him, but that is something I am still discussing with my technical team.”

Great news then for Davide, but not so great for Leeds United. The game is due to be played on Wednesday the 17th of November, which is right between the visit of Bristol (13/11) and our trip to Norwich (20/11). Whilst there is a few days either side of the fixture, a return trip to South Africa and three games in a week might be a little too much for Leeds’ liking?

The fans player of the decade poll

After nominations were cast on the TSS forums, Twitter page and on LUFC>Talk, we’ve whittled down the list of players that fans nominated to our final five.

A brief explanation of why each player was included is below, followed by a poll to decide the fans player of the decade;

Jermaine Beckford (2006-2010)

Love him or loathe him, Jermaine Beckford provided some of the most memorable moments of the past few years for Leeds United fans, with his winning goal against Bristol and “that” Old Trafford goal that knocked Scum out of the FA Cup amongst the best of them.

Speculation surrounding his future often overshadowed the contribution he made to Leeds United, but from 2006-10, he scored an impressive 85 goals in 141 appearances for the Whites – a feat that won’t be easily followed.

Gary Kelly (1991-2007)

Joining Leeds United in 1991, Gary Kelly had a slow start to life at Leeds United making just 3 appearances in his first two seasons. In 1993 however, things changed and Gary Kelly went on to become an ever-present figure in the Leeds United team, becoming the first player since the days of Don Revie to pass the 500 appearances mark.

The sheer longevity of Kells’ career and the commitment he showed throughout make him an obvious contender for the title.

Alan Smith (1998-2004)

Every poll has to have it’s controversial option, and Alan Smith is the obvious one here. When he committed the ultimate sin of moving to Manchester United in 2004, Leeds fans were furious and showed their disgust in shirt-burning ceremonies across the land. Since then however, a lot of people have forgiven the Rothwell born striker and choose to remember his never-say-die attitude, fearless approach and relegation tears. In a decade of ups and downs for Leeds United, Alan Smith is undoubtedly the poster boy.

Lucas Radebe (1994-2005)

“He is my hero” said Nelson Madella, in a line that is echoed by tens of thousands of Leeds United fans across the World. From the slums of Soweto to Premier League superstar, Lucas Radebe was, and remains a great ambassador for the club, his country and the sport.

Lucas spent more than a decade at Elland Road, and to this day, still keeps check on his former club. He was the Mr. Leeds United of his era and remains a firm fans favourite to this day. Few people ever make the kind of impact Lucas did on a football club, and despite his injury plagued career which limited him to just 200 league appearances, the contribution he made to the Whites both on, and off the pitch, will never be forgotten.

Jonny Howson (2006-Present)

It’s a sad reminder of how turbulent the past decade has been for this club, that the only player featured in this poll that still plays for the Whites is Jonny Howson. At just 22 years of age, Jonny already has 162 appearances and 17 goals to his name and could well be the next member of Leeds United’s exclusive 500 club.

Born in Morley, Jonny Howson adds his name to a long list of Leeds-born players that have emerged from the Thorp Arch academy, but unlike James Milner and Aaron Lennon, Jonny stuck with the club he loves and has cemented his place as a firm fans favourite. His spectacular long-range pass to Jermaine Beckford in the third round of the FA Cup, stunning goal against Bristol to help us achieve promotion and two goals in the play-off semi are memories few Leeds fans will ever forget.

The nearly men

In whittling the list of nominees down to five, there are many players that just missed out, such as Mark Viduka, Dominic Matteo, Nigel Martyn and David Batty. The final selection was based on a combination of the most commonly nominated, qualifying appearances for the club (2000-10) and overall impact of their tenure. Whilst I’m sure there are others some fans will feel should be in the poll, the final five nominees are based on the general consensus.

Please vote in the poll below, and feel free to add any comments you may have.

From Sowetto to Soccer Superstar

What is arguably the most eagerly awaited Leeds United book since the biography of Billy Bremner, is set for it’s official Elland Road launch this weekend as Lucas Radebe lifts the lid on one of the most remarkable ‘rags to riches’ story ever seen in football.

A man who touched the hearts of every Leeds United fan across the globe, spent more than a decade at the Whites and served as a true ambassador to the club throughout. Turning down offers from European giants to remain at his beloved Leeds United; Lucas Radebe is considered a hero to Leeds United fans of all ages.

It’s not just Leeds fans with their rose-tinted spectacles that hold The Chief in high regard however. Nelson Madella – himself a hero to billions – also described Lucas Radebe as ‘[his] hero.’ Praise doesn’t come any higher than that!

Undeniably a World-class defender and fearless leader, it isn’t just his incredible footballing ability that makes Lucas such a hero to people around the world. The story of his life, from the slums of Sowetto to the glamour of the Premier League, never forgetting his roots and always keen to give back. In an age of self-obsession and egomania, Lucas never lost sight of the bigger picture, and just as he repaid Leeds United’s faith with a loyal career-spanning stay at Elland Road, he still works hard to give back to his country of origin and the game that helped him escape adversity.

There isn’t a single footballer that couldn’t learn from the example Lucas Radebe has set, and there is no one else alive that I have more respect for than The Chief. I’m proud to say Lucas played for Leeds United, as I’m sure every other Whites fan reading this is too.

Summing up one of football’s greatest ever figures in a few paragraphs is an impossibility. Yorkshire journalist, Richard Coomber had 320 pages, and I doubt even a professional like himself managed to fully describe the importance of this man’s life. Either way, it’s a must-have for Whites fans and is sure to sell in vast quantities.

Lucas: From Sowetto to Soccer Superstar is available to buy now from Amazon and The Chief himself will also be at Elland Road this weekend for the visit of Sheffield United where he’ll be signing copies of the book for Whites fans. Full details of the signing on the Official Site.

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.

Admirably, the club are currently trying to help Davenport back to full fitness as his trial at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training complex continues.

Whilst remaining cautious, Simon Grayson did concede that Davenport is the kind of top quality player Leeds United would benefit from;

“He’s had a long time out of football – 12 months out with a serious injury that’s stopping him from playing at all,

“The deal won’t be concluded in the next week or two because he’s quite a long way from being fit, but we’re trying to get him fit.

“If everything goes well then I think we’ve got a player on our hands who can get back to the level he was at with a top club like West Ham.”

You have to admire the determination of Calum Davenport in trying to get his career back on track. Hard work and determination are important attributes for any player, and few will understand them quite as well as Calum now does.

I think Simon Grayson is right to offer the lad every chance to regain full fitness, and if he does end up playing for Leeds United, the lad will understand how lucky he has been and be eager to repay the club and manager for their generosity.

I sincerely hope his fitness levels improve and he’s offered a contract with the club as he’s exactly the kind of player we need. His injury does remain a concern, but Leeds fans should remember that Lucas Radebe was once shot before he moved to Leeds, and it was our clubs help during that time in protecting his family that made the chief feel so well-loved and at home in this great city.

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!

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.