A regular in our twelve match unbeaten run and with seventeen appearances to his name already, his return is undoubtedly a welcomed one. But will his short term return to the Leeds United team deal another blow to the development of Ben Parker?

A series of injuries and fitness problems have undoubtedly had an affect on Parker’s development, with the youngster spending more time in the treatment room than he does in training. Just when it seems he’s back on track, Parker will have another challenge to face as he goes head-to-head with an experienced Premier League full-back for a place in the starting XI.

Is that necessarily a bad thing though? With an experienced full-back ready and raring to go, Parker won’t be rushed back into the starting XI and that could help him avoid further injury and fitness problems. Parker could also learn a few tricks from an experienced player such as McCartney that will help him become a more consistent and solid player for Leeds United.

Personally, I think McCartney’s return is a good thing – especially for Ben Parker. The youngster will probably be a little disappointed to lose his place in the starting XI, but the challenge he’ll face in replacing McCartney is an excellent motivational tool.

There was no disguising the fact that even with Parker back, we still needed cover at left-back. Hughes, whilst deserving of praise for his efforts was unsuited to the position and with Aidy White expected to go back out out on loan and Bessone less use than a chocolate fire-guard, Larry has undoubtedly made the right choice.

Who will be arriving at Elland Road and who will be departing?

January is fast approaching and the transfer rumour mill is going into overdrive. With Leeds in such a good league position we are being linked with a host of Premier League players while some of our own are being linked with moves to top flight clubs.

So which rumours look feasible and which are nothing more than a massive post-Christmas guff?

In

Alan Smith from Newcastle

Many would like to see the return of the prodigal son, for others there are few worse possibilities.

Having been hard pressed for opportunities at Newcastle recently, suggestions have grown that Smith could be making his return to Leeds. There is little doubt that he would be a good acquisition for most Championship teams and he certainly has the ability and desire to tough it out in this league but is he what Leeds really need?

Whether he joined on loan or permanently he would easily be the biggest earner on the books and that can hardly be fair on the players who have scrapped and fought to get us where we are now. Aside from this, the last thing we need – when in such a good position as we are – is a division amongst the fans. Opinion is still divided on Smith, he is loved and loathed in equal measure. If he were to join, the inevitable disapproval would filter through to the players and would do nothing for the rest of our season.

Verdict – Thanks, but no thanks!

Jonathan Woodgate from Tottenham

Another ex-player. Harry Redknapp has openly called him one of the best defenders in the country and the Spurs boss is keen for Woody to get back to full fitness and for that he needs games and a loan spell is seen as the ideal solution. As ‘Arry states, there’s no doubt that, when fit, Woody is a class act – Real Madrid didn’t sign him for nothing!

With Leeds in dire need of a solid defensive unit, a move to the club he started his career at seems an obvious suggestion for Woodgate. However, it’s a well-known fact that successful defences are based around solid and consistent partnerships and if Woodgate is unable to play every game the required partnership is never going to materialise.

The problem with defenders moving mid-season is the time it takes to integrate into the team and with Woody only available on loan it seems much more likely that he’ll head to an injury ravaged team that has no choice but to bring in temporary players – Wolves, West Ham, Sunderland and Blackpool are all more likely destinations.

Verdict – It would be nice if not at all the best move for either party. Either way, very unlikely.

Could Dunne be appearing in a white shirt soon?

Richard Dunne from Aston Villa

Reportedly having been involved in a training ground bust up with Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister, Dunne has been made available for transfer in January. The 31 year old joined Villa from Man City just over a year ago and despite holding the Premier League record (since football was invented in 1992) for the most own goals and most red cards, he’s certainly a quality defender if possibly slightly past his best.

He probably wouldn’t get into a top Premier League team but there’s also little chance of the Irish international dropping down to the Championship. There are a host of Premier League clubs who would take him on, though if reports are to be believed, Celtic looks the most likely destination for Dunne.

Verdict – No chance!

Michael Johnson from Man City

Possibly the most likely of all the rumours is that of Leeds fan and former mercurial midfield maestro, now injury ravaged beer swiller, Michael Johnson making a loan move to Elland Road. Having stated his desire to play for his childhood team and with next to no chance of him breaking into the Man City team in his recent condition it looks like a low risk, convenient move for all parties.

With Kilkenny off to the Asia cup there could be a place for a central midfielder in the Leeds side.

Verdict – Chances look good.

Matt Tubbs from Crawley Town

Who? A non-league striker you say? We had one of those once. Whatever happened to him?

There’s a lot to be said for low risk gambles but do we really need another striker? We have plenty of strikers, two of which could be “the next Jermaine Beckford” – going by the names of Davide Somma and Mike Grella.

Tubbs, 26, has scored 15 league goals this season – heading into his prime as a non-league player.

I thought we were aiming for the Barclays Premier League not the Blue Square Bet Premier League!

Verdict – Not happening.

Could Beckford really be back at Leeds so soon?

Jermaine Beckford from Everton

Has he not hit the 20 goal mark yet? Who would have guessed?

Rumours surfaced that David Moyes was willing to send Beckford back to Leeds on loan to boost his confidence and get the striker firing on all cylinders.

Verdict – A-grade rumour mill nonsense.

Andy O’Brien from Bolton

He came in on loan and immediately proved a calming influence on the back line. He’s the type of experienced player that could be vital should Leeds find themselves in a serious promotion push as the season progresses.

He has spoken out about his limited chances at Bolton and seems to be angling for a permanent move to Elland Road. It’s not yet clear whether his newly discovered ability to pouch goals at vital times (for the wrong side) is going to affect his prospects.

Verdict – An extended loan would be brilliant but as he’s available for free in the summer Bolton could be looking to cash in.

Jason Morrison from Strømsgodset IF

The Jamaican international midfielder has been on trial at Leeds and played in a couple of behind closed door reserve friendlies. He is rumoured to have returned to Jamaica.

Verdict – Maybe not, unless on a short term contract.

Steve Morison from Millwall

He looked excellent at the beginning of the season and is obviously a talent Millwall would be reluctant to lose. However, I’m not sure if this rumour has any serious grounding and a 27 year old striker is probably the last thing we need.

Verdict – Unlikely.

Out

Max Gradel to Wigan/West Brom

The Ivorian has been on top form recently and his performances have reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League clubs Wigan and West Brom.

He’d need a solid season of quality performances before a Premier League club made a move for him. With Gradel being under contract until 2012 hopefully his next taste of top flight football will be with Leeds United.

Verdict – Unless we receive a ludicrous offer I can’t see him leaving.

Would Bradley Johnson be missed?

Bradley Johnson to Stoke/Bolton/Wigan/Rangers/Burnley

Having stalled on a new deal, claiming all he wanted was equality; rumours of Johnson’s exit have been met with indifference by Leeds fans. And though he has responded better than most would have expected with some impressive performances, there are many fans that wouldn’t be too sad to see the back of him.

It’s surprising that so many Premier League clubs are being linked with him with most fans believing his level to be somewhere around League One or Championship.

Verdict – It’s bye-bye Bradley if a decent offer comes in.

Ramon Nunez to be released

The Honduran was signed on a short term deal that expires in January and, despite brief glimmers against Cardiff, he hasn’t made the impact many had hoped.

Verdict –It seems unlikely that he’ll be given a new contract.

Amdy Faye to be released

Like Ramon Nunez, his short term deal is set to expire and he hasn’t made much of an impact.

Verdict – Probably won’t be around for much longer.

Lubo Michalik to Carlisle

He has openly played down his future at Elland Road and is certainly not in Simon Grayson’s plans so would probably be open to a permanent move or possibly an extended loan deal to Carlisle.

Verdict – If Carlisle want to stump up the cash or extend his loan he’ll leave.

I’m sure even more players will be linked with a move to Leeds but hopefully Simon Grayson has some targets in mind to keep our season on the right track.

Northern Ireland international George McCartney

Sunderland full back George McCartney is set to join Leeds on a one month loan deal on Thursday.

The 29 year old Northern Ireland international has fallen out of favour at Sunderland after suffering a knee-ligament injury. The move is seen by Sunderland as a means for McCartney to regain match fitness though Leeds will see him as cover for the problematic left back position after the unconvincing performances of recent signing Fede Bessone.

McCartney is currently in his second spell with Sunderland after starting his career with the club.

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.

“Us and how many others have been linked with Beckford? Do you think his agent might be working overtime?”

Indeed we do Mick! Infact, many of us believe that his agent has been whispering in Jermaine’s ear for quite some time in a bid to engineer a move away from Leeds. After all, he’s got to make some money out of his number one client while he can. Not many people fall on their feet quite as well as this particular chancer and manage to blag there way through life on a wing and prayer.

So, day 12 in the Beckford Watch saga.

Wolves – As above, McCarthy hasn’t really confirmed his interest but does admit he’s looking for more options upfront. Any move here however sounds like it could leave Beckford warming the bench with McCarthy saying that he would suffer if any of his two main strikers were injured, which suggests Beckford would get a bit part at best.

Newcastle United – It’s almost like Chris Hughton is trying to play brag with Ken Bates and if there’s once person you don’t want to play such games with, it’s our Kenneth. Basically, the story is currently along the lines of, Leeds keep knocking bids back and are alledgedly wanting £2m, Hughton insists Newcastle aren’t the sort of club to pay over the odds for unproven players (ha), Leeds stand firm, Newcastle try to bluff by claiming they’ll go elsewhere and not wait around forever, Leeds ignore them and sit patiently waiting for bid number four…

Hull City – The fishing town of Hull have pretty much been ruled out after reports suggest they won’t be joining the race. Quite happy about that one, would hate to think we’d become a feeder club for this bunch of bandwagoners.

Sunderland – Seems to have been a non-starter as there’s nothing really linking him to them today. Wouldn’t surprise me if this was a rumour made up just to annoy the Toon fans, but much like every other team that’s been half-linked, you never know. Grayson and Bates like to do business quietly, which means someone could end up signing him with no one having a clue until the last second.

Although it’s hard not to be a little sceptical of these rumours, it’s hard to ignore them when so many teams are being linked. Over the summer there was plenty of teams linked too, but with everything quiet in Newcastle, this would seem an obvious explanation as to why. Ken Bates may have started a bidding war.

The major difference between now and six months ago would be price. In the summer, Leeds had Jermaine tied down for another twelve months so could afford to wait for a good offer. With Jermaine requesting a transfer and Leeds pressed for time, a cut price deal could now be struck by one of these clubs.

You have to also consider the teams current positions. Six months ago, Bolton, Hull and Wolves didn’t know they’d be fighting for survival with a lack of strength upfront. Sunderland meanwhile are probably just in it to annoy Newcastle, but if Jermaine could produce the goods at the highest level, it could make the difference between a top half or bottom half finish for them.

I’m a bit overwhelmed by the amount of links this morning has spawned so I really don’t know what to make of any of them. I remain unconvinced as to whether Jermaine could cut it at the highest level, but if the scouts think so then you have to trust their better judgement.

January is a crazy time when clubs have just 31 days to strengthen their squad for the final push each season. With that in mind, I honestly think anythings possible. Some of these clubs could have only just noticed Beckford from his goal at Old Trafford and figure he could produce that week in, week out in the Prem.

I still think the lads hearts set on Newcastle. Over the last few days it’s seemed like both he and his agent have been trying to engineer the move, so it would seem inevitable. If Bates thinks he could get more money by Jermaine going elsewhere though, he could be in for a battle.

The easiest rumour to dismiss is that of Wolves. It’s claimed that a deal involving Sam Vokes plus cash has already been rejected by Leeds. For me, that’s an easy link and lazy journalism at it’s best. Seems like this is going to run and run either way.

With the January transfer window approaching, Jermaine Beckford is once again fuelling the proverbial rumour mill. The latest link is with Newcastle United (again), as well as various other clubs whose followers have nothing better to dream up.

For me, the rumours are absolute nonsense. Jermaine’s contract expires at the end of the season, so any club willing to pay the reported £3,000,000 price tag Leeds have put on him would be totally insane. Newcastle never have been the cleverest of clubs when it comes to finance – much like the past regimes at Elland Road – but surely even they can see this is insanity. If they are willing to cough up, he can go. He seems to have no intention of signing his contract anyway.

Millwall face further FA charges

Seems the lovely supporters down at Millwall have managed to land their team in trouble once more. This time, the FA are investigating the sickening chants aimed at our supporters in reference to the incident in Turkey a few years back and the objects being thrown from both sets of fans.

It would be hypocritical of me to critisise the idiots at Millwall, when we house so many of them ourselves. Chants like ‘Always look on the runway for ice’  aren’t exactly uncommon at Elland Road. The objects being thrown were coming from both sets of fans too in what was a pretty hairy afternoon.

Idiot in Galatasaray shirt (and equally idiotic friend)

The wind-ups coming from both sets of fans are hardly suprising, it’s part of the game I guess, but the Turkish ones are below the belt - as are some of the ones we use ourselves. I think there’s a line that many clubs cross far too often in the one-up-manship battles that go on across the country every weekend and it needs to end. The line had totally disappeared from view for the idiot who came in a Galatasaray shirt and those waving Turkish flags.

Millwall have promised a no-tolerance approach to the incident and will be taking action. The FA will no doubt issuee the club with a fine too, not that it’ll make any difference. The FA needs to be much tougher than they previously have been. Bans are good, but all too often impossible to enforce. Why not deduct the team points – I have no doubts it’d be considered if it was us in the wrong!

The Collymore footballing utopia

Pretty amusing post from Stan Collymore in the Mirror who thinks relegation and promotion should be abolished and the only teams in the Premier League should be those that have contributed the most to it over the past century.

In Collymore’s idealistic football heaven, the Wigan’s, Hull’s and Reading’s of this world would be left to battle it out with every other team deemed too small for the Premier League, whilst Leeds and Newcastle would be restored to the top flight and in no danger of relegation.

The system he’s suggesting is similar to what Rugby League is bringing in, which mimics that of the NFL in America. Although it sounds totally deranged – and perhaps is – I can see some logic to his argument. Having spent time in America and attended an NFL game, the sport is massive. There’s big, big matches every week that thousands upon thousands turn out to see.

Whilst the Premier League has it’s big matches every so often - when the top four meet or there’s a big derby - very few Arsenal fans could care less about facing Hull or Stoke. The idea is that the only teams in the EPL would be the biggest in the country and battles like Manchester United v Leeds, and Newcastle v Sunderland would be a weekly event.

It’d be absolutely impossible to bring in and is never going to happen, but probably would leave a more interesting league. However, where do the fairytale stories like Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest fit into all this?

The list shows the top three cited rivals for each club, and whilst Bradford City place us first, we don’t count them in our top three at all despite the obvious geographical factor (the cities are almost inter-twined these days). Leeds fans still cite Premier League teams as our major rivals, which is consistent with my general feelings. In the five years we’ve been out of the Premier League, I’ve never disliked one team more than the next. I just want Leeds to beat them all.

I think there is a rivalry with Bradford City, but they have a much bigger dislike for us than we do them. It’s much like Notts County and Nottingham Forest. Whilst County list Forest as their biggest rival, Forest would tell you that there’s is Derby County. Infact, much like the Leeds and Bradford rivalry, Forest don’t list County in their top three at all despite the teams being seperated by about 5 metres.

It’s all down to success on the pitch. Although both Leeds and Forest are in the lower tiers at the minute, both have had highly successful periods in their history which the neighbours have had to watch enviously from afar.

Hull City follow suit with Bradford by citing us as their main rival, whilst both Sheffield teams but us second (behind each other). Barnsley, Huddersfield, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Derby also place Leeds United within their top three.

Leeds United fans meanwhile put Manchester United as their biggest rival. Although Manchester United don’t include Leeds in their top three (Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal) this is probably down to our current league status.

The rivalry between these two clubs needs no introduction and a close friend of mine who holds a season ticket at Old Trafford (I’ve tried to make her see the error of her ways) tells me they still sing anti-Leeds songs to this day. The same is repeated at Elland Road where you’ll often hear how much Leeds “hate Manu, hate Manu”.

The rivalry between Leeds and Manchester is so well known, someone actually decided to add a Wikipedia page in its honour, citing the reasons why the two teams hate each other so passionately (War of the Roses, Hooliganism, Industrial revolution, Revie-Busby). It doesn’t suprise me to see us not feature in Manchester United’s top three. Why would we, when we’re currently two divisions below them? While we still hate them and the success they continue to have, they have no reason to be jealous of our misfortunes. It’s the equivalent of Bradford and Hull hating us.

Second on Leeds’ list is of course, Chelsea. Once upon a time, Chelsea would probably have been number one. The infamous grudge matches between the two sides whilst Revie was at the helm remain a talking point to this day and the hooliganism factor thereafter kept the two sides in the news for all the wrong reasons. 

Finally, in third place is Liverpool. This one suprised me a little, but that’s probably because I’ve never really minded them. For me, the mutual hatred of Manchester United makes us kindred spirits – albeit the kind of kindred spirits where they’ll steal your mobile phone whilst your not looking.

So, nine different teams citing us as rivals, none of which we care about too much and three teams we’ve cited that have totally forgotten we exist (“…we’re not famous anymore!”) I guess it’s hard to forget Leeds United however far we sink. First we’re voted the most hated club in the country, then we come third in a list of rivalries. Oh well, there’s no such thing as bad press I suppose.