The Max Gradel factor

After an impressive cameo appearence as a substitute against Norwich on Monday night, Max Gradel has revealed he’d like to stay at Leeds United on a more permanent basis and help the club achieve it’s goal of promotion to the Championship.

Speaking to the official site, Max admitted he isn’t at full fitness yet but is eager for the challenge ahead at Elland Road and would like to stay on beyond his initial month long loan period.

Although we only saw Max in action briefly, he totally changed the game against Norwich. His vision and skill created two great chances for Jermaine Beckford, which Becks probably should have done better from to give Leeds all three points. As it happened though, Becks missed them both, but got lucky in the closing minutes thanks to a costly mistake from the Norwich keeper.

More to come from Vokes?

In my match review following the victory over Norwich, I said I’d not been overly impressed by Sam Vokes. The main basis for my poor review was his eagerness to shoot when there’s better options ahead – much like Jermaine Beckford at times. However, it was clear the 19 year old had ability and once he finds his feet, I’m sure he’ll be a real threat to our League One opponents.

Talking to the official site, Vokes revealed why he chose Leeds United over the opposition clubs that bid for him.

“I think the place speaks for itself.

“It’s a massive ground, a great set-up, and the club is pushing at the top of the league which is where you want to be.

“There’s a great history behind the club as well and that’s what you want. I’m hoping to play games and this is a great place to do it.”

Sam Vokes is also very familiar with our other new signing, Max Gradel after playing alongside him when the pair were on loan at Bournemouth. Sam also seems to have struck up a friendship with Jermaine Beckford, admitting he’d been ‘great’ since his arrival.

Both Vokes and Gradel are the type of players I was hoping we’d sign in the transfer window. Both very young at 21 and 19, both oozing with potential and both come across as well grounded and ambitious. Although the pair are only on loan at the minute, if their time here is successful, then I hope we’ll be looking to move for them in January.

The Scratching Shed

Just a bit of a thankyou to everyone that’s visited and contributed towards the site in it’s opening few month. The majority of visitors continue to be sent from NewsNow but the site is receiving more and more traffic from elsewhere too now such as search engines, forums and other sites/blogs.

The statistics show tens of thousands of you have visited TSS so far and the small success it’s had hit home on Monday night when I heard two people talking about it in Billy’s Bar. I actually heard them compare TSS to Clarke One Nil, the latter being described as the more “right-wing” option which I’m sure will make GOM chuckle. (I guess that means I’ve been sitting on the fence then?)

Thanks once again. TSS.