Glory Glory Leeds United

Leeds tribute from Norway

2009-12-08T18:22:00.005Z

The following 'Ode to Leeds United' was penned by Borge Ravndal who hails from Aalgaard in Norway. Borge has been a supporter of the Whites since the age of seven, sharing in the ups and downs from the glory years to the present day.

His positive energy sent across the North Sea might just help vanquish non-league Kettering at Elland Road this evening, thus setting up a mouth-watering FA Cup clash against old foes Manchester United at Old Trafford in round three.

I was born in nineteen sixty four

with a decade of pride underway

when Leeds entered the marvellous door

for ten years they were able to stay

On top and opponents were shocked

by their brilliant, magnificent play

and back fours were constantly knocked

by Clarke, Bremner, Giles, Jones and Gray

Don Revie, a genius he was

and in players skills he believed

in return they gave to their boss

the honour of goals they achieved

We’re still longing back to those days

of glory and triumph and pride

we trust that the lads find the ways

although it’s a long way to ride

But this season may be the start

of climbing to something great

for Leeds, the club in my heart

for Premier League patient we wait!

Many Thanks Borge!

Charlton casting envious eyes at 'lucky' Leeds

2009-10-29T13:46:00.002Z

'I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it' - Thomas Jefferson (3rd President of the United States)

Charlton Athletic manager Phil Parkinson caused controversy this week in labelling Leeds United's tremendous start to the season as 'lucky'. Evidently Parkinson has taken to hiding behind the illusion thrown at all successful teams - they're not the most talented, nor the hardest working - just lucky.

'I think it's good for the rest of the division that they lost' he crowed, referring to Leeds first defeat of the campaign at Millwall. His words showing a man harbouring real concerns that there may ultimately be only one automatic promotion place available to the chasing pack. The Addicks manager cannot have failed to recognise that his own side have now won just two of their previous eight league games, after matching United stride for stride for the opening month of the campaign.

Meanwhile Leeds quietly got on with the business of transcending League One, benefitting from another 'lucky' late goal away to promotion rivals Bristol Rovers this week, putting the seal on a stunning 4-0 victory. Long may the seemingly outrageous fortune continue.

Grayson: Liverpool tie a great opportunity

2009-09-20T09:45:00.006+01:00

Leeds boss Simon Grayson saw his side cruise into pole position in League One with a 4-1 demolition of Gillingham on Saturday - a fifteenth consecutive home league victory. A first-half brace from Bradley Johnson (pictured) and strikes from Jonny Howson and Jermaine Beckford put clear water between United and the rest of the pack as Charlton Athletic succumbed to a late equaliser at Norwich City.

Grayson was particularly pleased at the goal threat his side showed from midfield. 'Bradley’s a talented player,’ he confirmed. ‘He’s still young, he’s still learning the game, but he works hard for the team and he’s got good quality. He’s done ever so well this year, playing with a lot of confidence. He’s a big strong lad who can pick a pass and get a goal, and I’m delighted that he’s got two. Jonny Howson typified what we wanted, people breaking from midfield, getting shots off, and finished it really well.’

The manager’s attention now turns to the Carling Cup third round tie against Liverpool on Tuesday. ‘It’s a great opportunity for us to try and be a giant killer, to put on a performance against one of the top teams in Europe. It’s a great tie. It’s a no-lose situation for us really because we’ll be up against a team who everybody expects to win. A full house here on Tuesday night is going to be is going to be a great feeling for the players and everybody connected with the club.’

Grayson delighted with Grella

2009-09-06T09:33:00.005+01:00

Leeds United's 2-0 victory over Stockport County at Elland Road on Saturday was an eighth straight win and 14th consecutive home league triumph - both new club records.

First half goals from Mike Grella (pictured) and Lubomir Michalik helped open up a five point gap over the chasing pack. United, missing the injured Jermaine Beckford, also had the luxury of squandering a second-half penalty when Robert Snodgrass saw his tame effort saved.

Manager Simon Grayson was understandably delighted with the result. 'I'm very proud and privileged to be in charge of a successful team,' said Grayson.

'There have been a lot of fantastic footballers that have played for this club. Its a club that is steeped in history and tradition. To have created the record that we have today is a fantastic achievement. The players can be really proud of what they have achieved'.

Grayson was also pleased to see Grella open his goalscoring account for the club. 'Full credit to Mike Grella - he's stepped up and got his goal and its what he's needed. His performances have been very good over the past few weeks, he just needed that league goal. He showed what he's about with that goal because he took it very calmly and I'm delighted for the player'.

'The players are thriving' ~ Grayson

2009-08-22T21:16:00.005+01:00

Leeds United's faultless start to the season continued with a thoroughly dominant display against Tranmere Rovers at Elland Road this afternoon. The usual suspects were on the score sheet again for United, with Bradley Johnson following up his midweek strike at Walsall, before Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio helped themselves to another goal apiece, leaving manager Simon Grayson reaching for the superlatives.

'It certainly was an excellent performance. When we got possession of the ball we moved it around really well and played some fantastic stuff. I felt like a fan at times just watching them. Everything came together today. We've got a good work ethic right the way through the team and that hopefully will carry us a long way forward'.

The manager hinted he will be fielding a strong side in Tuesday's Carling Cup second round tie against Championship side Watford: 'The players are thriving at the moment, they're playing with a lot of confidence and we want to keep that momentum going. At this moment in time we're looking forward to playing anybody'.

Grayson: Bradley was outstanding

2009-08-19T19:19:00.004+01:00

Leeds boss Simon Grayson heaped praise on Bradley Johnson after the midfielder capped a great personal display with a diving header the comeback victory at Walsall last night.

The Whites looked like surrendering their 100 percent start to the season after a Sam Parkin penalty put the hosts in front with just 11 minutes remaining. However, Jermaine Beckford stole all three points for Leeds with a superb strike in a frantic finish.

Grayson has kept his faith in Johnson, and felt he was aptly rewarded: 'I thought he was excellent. He started on the left-hand side and put some good quality balls in. He got the goal and it's given him a major lift obviously. I thought his performance tonight was outstanding, as he has been over the course of the season'.

The manager was also impressed with the contribution of star-striker Beckford: 'He had a great opportunity first half but the keeper made an absolutely wonderful save,' said Grayson. 'But he kept on going. It was a great turn in the box and a finish of the highest quality, and that's what Jermaine's about'.

'It's places like Walsall and Wycombe you have to go and get results, and today has shown that we've got that character and that belief that we can win anywhere we go to'.

Becchio secures victory at Wycombe

2009-08-16T18:57:00.005+01:00

Leeds United finished off a perfect first week of the season in recording a 1-0 victory at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. The third straight win, courtesy of a Luciano Becchio strike, moved the Whites level on points with Colchester United and Charlton Athletic at the head of the table.

Manager Simon Grayson was full of praise for his side after dominant second-half display: 'when you win the first 3 games of the season obviously you've got to be delighted with it - and we certainly are’.

Becchio opened his account for the season with a sweetly struck effort from outside of the box, something Grayson has been asking for more of from his forwards. ‘We’ve been stressing to the players we’ve got to shoot more often, rather than trying to walk the ball into the back of the net'.

‘(Jermaine Beckford and Becchio) are bang in form at this moment in time. They were both excellent for me last year. They’re a handful, they would be a handful for teams from a higher division because that’s the calibre of players we’ve got.’

‘We looked a good team and that was pleasing. Overall I’m satisfied with the victory and it’s a well deserved one’.

Clough and Warnock on Kisnorbo

2009-07-25T11:20:00.003+01:00

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson confirmed he has secured his 'number one target' in landing Australian international Patrick Kisnorbo this week. The 28-year-old defender was a target of several Championship clubs keen to secure his services after his contract expired at Leicester City.

Derby County manager Nigel Clough was considered the favourite to snare Kisnorbo after he caught the eye in the Ram's pre-season fixture at Burton Albion last weekend. 'We were very pleased with what we saw from Patrick. He has got Championship experience and although he is not 6ft 3in or 6ft 4in, he competes well and he can play full-back as well,' said Clough.

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock had also set his sights on the defender after assessing him in training with the Eagles, stating at the time: 'We will have to act quickly if we want him because there are a couple of other clubs who are interested. He is a smashing lad.'

In the end the pulling power of Leeds proved to be the decisive factor. Kisnorbo will make his Elland Road bow later this afternoon as the Whites entertain Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers side.

Delph auction hots up

2009-07-19T12:29:00.003+01:00

Leeds United could be set to cash-in on the three-way Premiership scrap for midfield protege Fabian Delph.

The Sunday People reports that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is preparing to beat the bid tabled by Aston Villa, with Everton also monitoring the situation.

Martin O'Neill's side are reluctant to match Ken Bates' valuation of the England Under 21 international which could open up the door for Spurs as they continue their pursuit of one of English football's rising stars.

Whites head to York

2009-07-12T09:45:00.003+01:00

Leeds United make their short trip up the A64 this afternoon for the annual pre-season opener against York City (1pm). Manager Simon Grayson has confirmed he will field at least 22 players during the game, one of whom is likely to be 21-year-old French defender Mathieu Baudry, currently on trial from Troyes.

'We're looking at playing two teams, 45 minutes each,' confirmed the boss. 'They have done some football work in pre-season, and they've been working hard, so you expect there will be some tired legs. (New signings) Shane Higgs and Jason Crowe will get 45 minutes, along with all of the fit players.'

On Monday the squad head-off to the pre-season training camp in Ireland during which they will face Shelbourne and Glentoran as the countdown to the new season begins.

Warren Feeney to have Leeds medical

2009-06-28T09:21:00.004+01:00

Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney is set to return to Leeds United, the club where his career began as a trainee, after undergoing a medical at Elland Road on Monday, according to sources at Sky Sports News.

The much travelled 28-year-old hails from Belfast and has made 31 international appearances for Northern Ireland, hitting the net on 5 occasions. Feeney bagged the the only goal of the game to hand his country a 1-0 victory over Slovenia in a World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park in April.

Grayson targets Lee Hendrie

2009-06-27T17:39:00.003+01:00

Speculation is growing that Leeds boss Simon Grayson is set to make a move for Sheffield United midfielder Lee Hendrie. The 32-year-old, who picked up an England cap in 1998, previously made over 250 Premiership appearances for Aston Villa.

Grayson signed Hendrie on loan last season whilst still in charge at Blackpool, and is clearly a fan, stating at the time: 'Lee Hendrie is a good player, he is very versatile and can play through the middle or down either side. He is a player I know from my time at Aston Villa.'

Hendrie would add some welcome flair to United's midfield should they be tempted by an offer for the services of Fabian Delph before the start of the new campaign.

Bates to wield axe

2008-12-20T17:20:00.006Z

As Leeds United today succumbed to their fifth straight defeat, having gone from promotion probables to relegation possibles in record time, it is inevitable that Ken Bates will be planning for 2009 with a new manager at the helm.

Gary McAllister is and always will be a Leeds United legend, but along with the greats such as Billy Bremner, Eddie Gray and Allan Clarke, such status will not deprive him of the sack this Christmas.

Despite being in charge for less than a year, during which time he steered the club to the play-off final at Wembley, the current run of form is nothing short of disastrous, with the season fast heading for yet another embarrassing low.

Despite playing some fantastic football at times this season McAllister's job was always about getting the bookies favourites out of League One. This task now seems beyond him. Each week another nail is hammered into the coffin.

To have racked up NINE league defeats in just 21 league games for the biggest and strongest squad in the division is completely unacceptable. The defensive frailties identified many weeks ago have not been addressed, and it seems the January transfer window will arrive to late to spare the Scot the axe.

Ken Bates will be mindful of the fact that the January window will make or break the club's season, and will be wanting to avoid last year's scenario where money was spent on players by a manager whose days were numbered.

Next up for the beleaguered side is a visit from table-topping Leicester City on boxing day, a side currently in a rich vein of form. The Foxes are now 15 points ahead of United, an infamous number for Leeds. This season no blame can be attached to any outside influences, the responsibility lies firmly on the shoulders of Gary McAllister.

Little Histon aiming for the jugular

2008-11-29T12:56:00.002Z

The romance of the FA Cup sees the footballing world baying for the blood of Leeds United as the Yorkshire giants descend en-mass on a small village in Cambridgeshire tomorrow. Histon, the form team of the Blue Square Premier, who actually play in neighbouring Impington, provide the the David facing up to United's Goliath.

Leeds recent defensive frailties have not gone unnoticed by the non-league minnows who quietly fancy their chances of going down in FA Cup folklore by dumping Gary McAllister's charges out of the competition.

Histon manager Steve Fallon is expecting his side to give a good account of themselves infront of a live ITV audience and a capacity 4,000 crowd, of which 1,800 will be backing the Whites. 'In some ways, it will be like an away game because we expect Leeds to have the majority of possession,' said Fallon. 'We are good on the road, have pace and can counter-attack so that won't be a problem.'

'We have been called a physical team because we prefer a direct approach. That's not true, but let others think that if they want. We just like to play in the final third in our opponents' half.'

Leeds finally turn the corner

2008-11-27T19:11:00.004Z

What a refreshing change it is to see Leeds United announcing an extremely healthy £4.5m accounting profit for the period ending June 30 2008. After seemingly never-ending years saddled with overwhelming debt that threatened the clubs very existence it is hugely positive to see the club operating in profit once again.

Whatever you may think of chairman Ken Bates he is no fool in the business world, and the history books will show that it was he at the helm when the club finally cast-off the crippling debt which had got the better of several now happily forgotten inept regimes. Off the field the club is now an extremely viable proposition to any investor looking to build on the green shoots of growth currently being witnessed.

It was pleasing to hear club CEO Shaun Harvey confirming that the board of directors are fully focussed on the eternally successful Academy, both in terms of investment and also in re-purchasing the Thorp Arch training facility, along with the longer-term objective of acquiring the Elland Road ground.

Supporters will no doubt be hoping that funds will be made available to enable Gary McAllister to reshape his suspect defence and help provide a platform for promotion followed by consolidation in the Championship next season.

Wilson fury as Leeds show class

2008-11-22T18:58:00.005Z

Goal-machine Jermaine Beckford helped himself to another two goals, making his tally five in two games, as Leeds put Hartlepool United to the sword at Elland Road this afternoon.

Joel Porter had cancelled out Beckford's headed opener to send the sides in level at the break. However, the second half was a different story with the White's marauding attack striking three more times without reply. Fabian Delph celebrated his midweek England U21 debut by firing Leeds infront five minutes after the restart.

Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio again showed his worth by firing his 11th goal of an increasingly productive season just past the hour mark. Fittingly Beckford had the final say in added time. It was a performance that left Pool's boss Danny Wilson seething.

'I've said it before and I'll say it again, as long as we're conceding sloppy goals, there is no way we're going to win football matches,' lamented Wilson. 'The penny hasn't dropped yet clearly but it will do because the third and fourth goals today killed us really and they could have been prevented.'

'Don't get me wrong, Leeds are a quality side with a very very strong squad but we made chances against them as we knew we would and it could have been a lot different today.'

Alan Sugar in pathetic anti-Leeds tirade

2008-11-19T19:00:00.002Z

Alan Sugar, the business entrepreneur who fronts 'The Apprentice', has made a stinging attack on Leeds United in the wake of the clubs infamous fall from grace. The 61-year-old, who hails from Hackney, East London, believes the Whites should now be playing non-league football as a result of the mistakes of previous stuttering regimes.

'Clubs should not be going bust and starting again the next day,' ranted Sugar. 'It takes your heart away when you see clubs spending millions and millions and millions and millions and going bust, only to start again the following Saturday. It's unfair. They should be thrown out of the league, down to the fourth and fifth divisions and have to work their way back up, playing on Hackney Marshes.'

The former Spurs chairman would be well advised to check his facts before making such rash outbursts, as the last time Leeds spent 'millions and millions' was prior to Peter Ridsdale jumping ship with debts in excess of £100m in March 2003. The club emerged from a prolonged period of decline, culminating in Administration in July 2007. Hardly 'starting again the following Saturday' by anybody's stretch of the imagination.

It seems the lengthy suffering endured by the die-hard supporters will never be enough in some people eyes. But I guess we should expect to hear more ignorant rants as we continue our inevitable climb back to football's top table. Enjoy our forthcoming success Sir Alan, your outburst will make our return all the sweeter.

Mac happy with attack

2008-11-18T19:57:00.002Z

Leeds manager Gary McAllister was a happy man after seeing his side end a difficult spell with a one-sided thrashing of Northampton Town in the FA Cup second round at Sixfields last night. United have struggled to hit the target in recent games despite being dominant, so the 5-2 victory that secured the club's first win in the prestigious competition for over five years was gratefully received.

McAllister handed a debut to former England Under 21 striker Malcolm Chrisite, and was pleased with what he witnessed. 'He brings a bit of experience but it also means I now have four mainline strikers at my disposal,' said the Scot. 'It was very comforting with 20 minutes to go to be able to take Malcolm and Jermaine off and replace them with Luciano and Enoch. He bolsters the squad even more.'

'We made a few changes, because Saturday to Monday is a very quick turnover. It does stretch your squad, but we've got a bigger squad than Stuart has at Northampton and I think that was a big factor in the result. The guys I brought in were excellent. We've got a nice week ahead of us now and after such a tough programme of the games the players will have a couple of days off.'

Leeds set for cup cheer

2008-11-17T17:48:00.003Z

Leeds United go searching for their first victory in the FA Cup in over five years this evening when they take on Northampton Town at Sixfields in their televised first round replay. With just over 48 hours having passed since Saturday's 'mugging' by neighbours Huddersfield Town, the clash cannot come quickly enough, allowing the players an immediate chance for redemption.

Although the Whites haven't got the results their performances have deserved over the last three matches the team have, in spells played some excellent football. Boss Gary McAllister hinted at changes to his side after again conceding sloppy goals at the weekend, and will be looking for a faultless defensive display as they search for a clean sheet which could set them up for an away tie at Blue Square Premier's Histon in round two.

The balance of pressure has now switched to the hosts, and the onus will be on the Cobblers to take the initiative and go looking for the victory. However, expect Leeds to put up and improved defensive display and pick off Northampton, finally giving the supporters some much needed FA Cup cheer.

Leeds heading to Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium?

2008-11-09T19:57:00.007Z

Leeds United will face a trip into the unknown should they emerge victorious from their FA Cup first round replay with Northampton Town next week. Today's second round draw set up the prospect of a trip to Histon F.C. of the Blue Square Premier League.

Histon are based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, just 3 miles north of Cambridge. They are currently playing at their highest ever level since the club's formation in 1904 as Histon Institute, hence the nickname 'The Stutes'.

The club play at Bridge Road, also known as the Glassworld Stadium, which has a capacity of just 3,800. However, there have already been discussions with local police to move the game to Cambridge United should the Whites win through. A provisional date of Saturday November 29 is in place for the tie, but this could well be changed to accomodate television broadcasting.

Christie seeking divine intervention

2008-11-09T19:28:00.002Z

Former Middlesbrough and Derby County striker Malcolm Christie could be joining the Whites on a permanent basis according to a report on the Yorkshire Evening Post website. The 29-year-old is currently a free-agent and had been working on his fitness at the club's Thorp Arch training ground, having featured in a reserve fixture and two behind-closed-doors games.

Christie's career has been dogged by a series of injuries which have restricted him to just 178 senior appearances since being plucked from non-league football by Jim Smith in 1998. Despite his frequent lay-off he has maintained a respectable strike rate hitting 45 goals in total.

He has gained recognition at international level, netting three times for England Under 21's in eleven appearances. It seems he has impressed Leeds boss Gary McAllister sufficiently enough for the club to open negotiations with the player and his agent with a view to joining United's League One promotion push.

'It's not a million years ago Middlesbrough were paying a lot of money for him before he got his knock,' said McAllister. 'We're talking to Malcolm and his agent now. We'll see what they looking for.'

Leeds with nothing to lose as Derby crash at Reading

2008-11-08T20:13:00.002Z

Leeds manager Gary McAllister was in upbeat mood despite seeing 10-man Northampton Town force a replay in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Friday night. An Andy Robinson penalty was all the Whites had to show from a dominant performance, equalising a shock opener from Scott McGleish.

'At times I thought our passing was excellent and some of our play was sublime,' said McAllister. 'We created numerous opportunities to get a good ball in the box. There were times when the final ball wasn't good enough, and I'll keep harping on about that, but on another night I feel we could have scored four or five.'

The manager will already have his players focused on Tuesday night's Carling Cup clash with Derby County at Pride Park. The Rams themselves were today thrashed 3-0 at Reading, and have now won just one of their last five league games.

As the Championship side the pressure will be on Paul Jewell's side to eliminate their lower league opponents, and being the 'underdog' will be a unique position for United this season, allowing them the freedom to get at County from the off in what promises to be an interesting cup-tie.

Becchio the head boy

2008-11-02T08:54:00.003Z

Luciano Becchio further underlined his increasing value to Leeds United's promotion quest, heading the only goal of the game to ensure the spoils against Cheltenham Town in a lively encounter at Whaddon Road yesterday.

The 'blond bombshell' handed United the lead after just six minutes, converting a cross from skipper Frazer Richardson. Becchio has now scored in five of the last six league games, bringing his tally to seven for the season, having made a swift transition into English football following his summer move from Merida in Spain.

The win moved the Whites back into an automatic promotion spot, just one point behind leaders Scunthorpe United, and halted the recent slide in away form which had resulted in three consecutive away defeats in League One. The Argentinian's partnership with Jermaine Beckford has now yielded 16 league goals with barely a third of the season completed.

Fabian Delph - Leeds new teen sensation

2008-10-26T08:09:00.004Z

Leeds United surged into an automatic promotion place after dismantling Walsall at Elland Road and granting Gary McAllister's wish of six points from two home games this week. Once again the star of the show was teenager Fabian Delph (pictured) who followed up Luciano Becchio's opener with two excellent strikes from distance before receiving a standing ovation from the ecstatic home support.

Another superb graduate of the Whites famed Academy, Delph has already been the subject of enquiries from several Premiership clubs since breaking into the first team on United's pre-season tour of Ireland. Here's what those who know him best are saying about about him:

'Fab's got a lot of quality and he's probably been our best player this season.' - Jonny Howson.

'I don't think you can say enough about just how good he's going to be because he's going to be excellent. Andy Hughes said to me after the Swindon game that he's the best young player he's ever played with.' - David Lucas.

'Fabian is rangy like the young Stevie Gerrard and has a similar passing range, short and long.' - Andy Robinson.

'There have been some big clubs asking about his availability...he is a fantastic product of the Academy.' - Gary McAllister.

Delph recently pledged his future to the club by signing a new four-year contract, stating: 'I owe everything to this club. This is the club I want to play for and want to be at so it wasn't a hard decision in the slightest.'

Leeds outfought by Lions admits McAllister

2008-10-19T10:03:00.004+01:00

Leeds boss Gary McAllister was far from happy after seeing his side slump to their third defeat in four matches at the hands of a resurgent Millwall side at The Den yesterday. Things had been looking good for United after striker Luciano Becchio fired home from distance just after the half hour mark.

However, the Lions were soon back on terms after David Martin finished well following good work from Neil Harris. Harris then helped himself to a brace in the second half to seize all three points and power Millwall above Leeds into third place in the table.

'I am not going to kid anyone - they deserved the win. There's a lot of hard work to be done - certainly when we don't have the ball,' lamented McAllister. 'The disappointments for me were the ugly parts of the game. It was very competitive across the middle of the park and Millwall were the definite winners of that area. It was difficult to get the ball down and play.'

Lions boss Kenny Jacket justified his selection as League One's manager of the month for September was understandably delighted. 'I hope there are big days ahead for us. The players have got plenty of potential,' he enthused.

'We passed the ball very well and scored some great goals and deserved the win. I thought Neil Harris was excellent. He got the key second goal to get our noses in front and it wasn't just his goals that were impressive. Our performance level was very consistent and it's really good to do it when the focus was on us against the biggest team in the league.'