Glory Glory Leeds United

Tribute to the most loyal fans in world football

2008-05-13T20:28:00.005+01:00

Whilst last night's first leg play-off semi-final defeat to Carlisle was largely a frustrating time for the supporters, the attitude throughout the 96 minutes was absolutely amazing. The 36,297 fans who packed into Elland Road were a credit to themselves and the club. Throughout the history of Leeds United Football Club, and during the last few years in particular, there have been many many 'ups and downs.'

Leeds supporters have been through the mill so many times that having our backs against the wall has become second nature. The club have been backed by a phenomenal show of support throughout the current campaign - a season remember which began 15 points adrift at the foot of the table - the fan's being being punished for alleged misdemeanours which have always been outside of their control.

It seems that the supporters love for the club is stronger now than at any point in the past, maybe because we came so close to losing our great club. Whatever happens at Carlisle United on Thursday night, the season has been an amazing success both on the pitch and the terraces. The one single thing that makes Leeds United great is its fantastic support, who are truly there through thick and thin, in good times and bad.

When 1-0 down at half-time the players were applauded off the pitch in a show of unity and encouragement. After going 2-0 down there was still no booing, just a rallying call of support. By the time Dougie Freedman had snatched United a vital lifeline, the final whistle could not be heard as the whole stadium sung the team off the pitch. In similar circumstances 95% of grounds would have been half-empty by the time of Freedman's late salvo, but not Elland Road. It's clear that Gary McAllister will have his players doing everything possible to repay that outstanding show of loyalty in the second leg.

Seven reasons why Leeds United will beat Carlisle on Thursday

2008-05-13T19:25:00.005+01:00

At half-time in the League One play-off semi-final the Cumbrians hold a 2-1 advantage, but, whilst not a scoreline Leeds United players or fans would have preferred, there are several good reasons to be optimistic about the Whites emerging victorious at Brunton Park later this week:

Leeds have already proven themselves to be better than their opponents after accumulating 91 points to Carlisle's 80 over 46 league games
Leeds won more than half of their away fixtures during the season, a record matched only by champions Swansea City
Leeds scored 8 goals more than their opponents, and conceded 8 goals fewer, finishing the season with a 16 goal advantage
Leeds are the best supported team in the whole of the Football League, with an average attendance of 25,720. Carlisle managed just 7,835 and were unable to sell their full allocation of tickets for the Elland Road game, bringing only 1,008 supporters
Leeds have won 6 out of the last 8 games, Carlisle have won just 2 in the same period
Leeds managed to score in 87% of their fixtures, the best record in the division
Leeds forward Dougie Freedman has hit 3 goals in 2 games against Carlisle, finding the net on average every 60 minutes against them. Thursday's game could last 120 minutes...do the maths!

Marching on Together...we're gonna see you WIN!

Leeds United special on ITV1 tonight

2008-05-11T20:49:00.004+01:00

The controversial 44 day reign of Brian Clough as Leeds United boss is examined in a one hour South Bank Show special showing on ITV1 at 10.50pm tonight. The programme, hosted by Melvin Bragg, examines the football novel 'The Damned United' by David Peace, which follows charismatic manager Brian Clough as he takes over from Don Revie as manager of the Elland Road club.

Prior to his appointment Clough had very publicly voiced his dislike for Don Revie's side. During his 44 days he barely spoke to the players, took an axe to the former boss's desk, saw his captain sent off for fighting at Wembley, and won only one competitive game.

The book has been acclaimed as one of the best ever written about sport, and is sure to be of interest to United fans young and old.

Carlisle to pay the penalty?

2008-05-11T11:46:00.005+01:00

Leeds and Carlisle fans alike are in for a treat over the next four days if the prediction of Cumbrians boss John Ward proves true. With anticipation reaching fever pitch ahead of the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final at Elland Road tomorrow night Ward is expecting both sides to 'go for it.'

Having himself cast his side as the 'underdogs', claiming they are the David to the Leeds Goliath, the 57 year old former assistant to Graham Taylor stated: 'We need to come back from Leeds still in the tie, I think that is really important.'

'I'm not trying to be cautious or careful but there have been nine goals in the two games that we have played against Leeds. An odd goal defeat at Elland Road, a 3-1 win here for us. Two fantastic games, I'm not suggesting that there will be nine goals again, but I think that it will be reasonably open. I can't see two League One teams shutting up shop and being cagey and careful, I think that we'll both have a little go for it.'

'We're not practising penalties yet, can't do that, can't even get the thoughts around it. I've been asked that, it doesn't come into it until the second leg anyway so let's see where we are after Monday and we might consider that.'

Charitable Leeds pay out to benefit everyone but themselves...was it all worth it?

2008-05-07T19:57:00.007+01:00

As the dust settles on the Leeds United v Football League 15 point deduction saga, it has come to light that the club were ordered to pay the legal costs incurred by the league in defending the action. Without knowing the exact figures it is clear that these costs, added to United's own, will run into many thousands of pounds.

The failed action has served to highlight that the present administration rules regarding CVA's are far from satisfactory, and no doubt the Football League will now look to put measures in place so that HMRC and individual clubs come to a more suitable arrangement regarding Inland Revenue debt. Lord Mahwinney himself stated that '...discussions with HMRC will continue.' This will probably ensure that no other club incur the 25 point total penalty that Leeds United's administration cost them.

Luton Town, themselves at risk of a further 15 point deduction, are happy that Leeds United had the financial 'muscle' to challenge the decision and highlight the problem. Stephen Browne, director of LTFC2020, saying: 'If nothing else what it's done for all football clubs is it has gained a commitment from the Football League to clarify and write down rules for what the situation is.' It therefore appears that the Whites have been fighting a crusade which will ultimately only benefit other clubs.

So after all is said and done...was the appeal worth it? Give your opinion in our online poll.

'Et tu, Brute?' - Leeds must learn from fate of Julius Caesar

2008-05-01T22:13:00.003+01:00

And here we were thinking that everyone was against us! Seemingly not... On the day that Leeds United's appeal against their 15 point deduction for breaching Football League insolvency rules was rejected, the 'black sheep' of football was welcomed back into the most disfunctional collective since the days of the Addams Family. Morticia Addams, today played by Football League chairman Lord Mahwinney, attempted to draw a wonky line under the whole sordid affair.

Her, sorry his, statement read: 'On behalf of the Board and the League I welcome the panel's findings in its entirety. It has found that the actions we took were reasonable and appropriate in these unprecedented circumstances and that we had the power to act as we did. Now I believe we should draw a line under the whole process.'

(It is unclear whether the next part of the statement was read with tongue in cheek) 'Leeds United are a valued member of the Football League family. We should all now get back to the business of football and enjoy the climax to what has already been an exciting season.'

So apparently all is well in the world again. Leeds United in the play-offs is sure to be a huge money-spinner for the Football League, and the rest of their 'family'. However, United and their supporters will not be taken in by their new found friends, for, as Julius Caesar found out to his cost, there are backstabbers in every 'family'. As we enter the play-offs it seems the siege-mentality that has served the club so well is our only real ally. Leeds United against the world is the order of the day. So, thank you for patronising comments Sir, but we'll take our chances on our own.

In an ideal world...do we want our points back?

2008-04-28T20:49:00.003+01:00

English football has seen a media frenzy over Leeds United's battle to overturn the 15 point penalty imposed by the Football League for an alleged breach of insolvency regulations. With a huge amount of uncertainty regarding the outcome, and several League One teams potentially affected, what outcome would Leeds United fans prefer as the perfect end to one of the most eventful seasons in our history?

Should the arbitration panel decide in the Whites favour, and return the club's 15 points, United could be celebrating being crowned Champions next Saturday. However, if the Football League's penalty is upheld, Leeds would have to navigate through the play-offs, with a potential promotion-clinching performance at Wembley in May. So which scenario would give greatest satisfaction to United fans? The return of the points and the League title? Or, stuff the fifteen points, we'll go up despite them? Make your feelings known in our exclusive poll.

He who laughs last...time to dispatch Gillingham through the League One trap door

2008-04-28T19:07:00.003+01:00

Leeds United's faultless seven game winning start to the 2007/08 league season came to an abrupt halt in a stormy encounter against Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium last September. Despite having both Jermaine Beckford and fellow striker Tresor Kandol red-carded, the nine men were closing out a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Seb Carole goal, when the Gills salvaged an added-time equaliser.

Gillingham's outspoken chairman, Paul Scally, had earlier felt the need to confirm his support of the Football League's unprecedented 15 point sanction against United for exiting administration without a CVA in place. 'I don't need to hide behind anonymity or a secret vote,' said Scally. 'I voted with the League's board and I think I was right to do so. I wasn't responsible for deciding whether Leeds should be punished, or what their punishment should be. Neither were any of the clubs. The board took that decision, and we were simply asked to back one party or the other using the evidence in front of us.'

'The League's explanation seemed very convincing to me and, to be honest, I thought Leeds United's case was really poor. I asked a couple of questions and got answers from Leeds which I felt were completely unsatisfactory. There wasn't any real doubt about which way I should vote.'

On Saturday Leeds United 'welcome' Paul Scally and his football club to Elland Road. The Gills currently occupy a relegation place and must win the game to have any chance of surviving the dreaded drop. Back in September Mr Scally must surely have thought that by supporting the 15 point deduction he was ensuring that his club would get another two big pay-days against the Whites next season. Should Leeds get their way, there will be two divisions separating the clubs come the end of May.

'It's been a crazy old season' for Jonny Howson and Leeds United

2008-04-20T16:43:00.003+01:00

Leeds United's hard fought victory over Millwall at the New Den yesterday pushed the club closer to clinching the final all-important play-off place. Goals from David Prutton and Andy Hughes gave the Whites their 25th league win of the season, and showed that the players at least are totally focused with matters on the pitch.

Gary McAllister's side have now collected four wins from their last five matches, a sequence which has seen them play just one of those games at Elland Road. Leeds can confirm their place in the play-offs with a win at Yeovil Town on Friday evening. There would then be a real possibility that one of the clubs strangest ever seasons could end at Wembley.

Leeds born midfielder Jonny Howson, a key part of the new boss's side, believes the players now have the confidence to go all the way. 'It's been a crazy old season and it would be nice for me, but I'm not going to think about it too much until we get there,' he said. 'Our aim is to get out of this division no matter what and the more games we're winning the more you can see the team growing in confidence. When you aren't winning, you don't believe. You might not make a pass like you know you can and play safe instead. When you do get a few wins, you go to play the difficult passes and they come off. It is all about confidence. We had our bad patch just after Christmas and now we're coming into form. We're performing like we know we can.'

Even making the play-offs will be a phenomenal achievement considering that the club began the season 15 points adrift at the foot of the League One table. Should the arbitration decision go against Leeds there would be no sweeter moment than achieving promotion on one of the biggest stages in world football. The Football League gave United a mountain to climb the size of Everest, yet now the summit is very clearly in sight.

Four weeks until Leeds arbitration decision

2008-04-17T19:37:00.002+01:00

The arbitration hearing into Leeds United's 15 point deduction could take up to four weeks to reach a verdict, according to a report on the Yorkshire Evening Post website. The independent tribunal had been expected to finish on Friday, with the verdict to be announced before Saturday's game at Millwall.

However, both parties final submissions are now due to be presented in London on Monday, and any decision could be delayed for another month, way past the end of the regular season. With the divisional play-offs due to take place in early May a quick decision is vital to prevent further chaos, confusion and disruption, in what has already been a long and drawn out process.

Unfortunately Leeds United fans have been all too accustomed to such delays and uncertainty over the past few years, and the coming weeks promise to be no exception! Once again it's all eyes on Leeds.

The most hated club in football? Who cares! Just give us our 15 points back...NOW!

2008-04-16T19:54:00.006+01:00

The arbitration hearing into the validity of the 15 point deduction handed out to Leeds United finally swung into action in London today. The three-man independent tribunal is expected to reach a decision by the weekend, and already shockwaves are being felt throughout the footballing community.

Should the Football League be found to have acted in breach of the law the Whites could have all of their points returned, catapulting them into the automatic promotion places, and pushing many noses out of joint in the process.

Already rival teams are using the situation as a vehicle by which to vent their hatred of the club. Swansea City, who arrogantly celebrated 'promotion' at the weekend, may well have begun their party too early. Manager Roberto Martinez weighed into the 'Leeds United' debate spouting: 'I think they may get some points back. But it would be unfair from a football point of view if their position in the table suddenly changed and, if I’m honest, I can’t see that happening. Leeds are in a play-off position and I think they should stay in a play-off position. If anything else happens you won’t have heard the last of it because teams like Tranmere, Southend, Nottingham Forest, Doncaster, Carlisle and ourselves will all be affected. Everyone will take their own route and it would be a massive war.'

Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling had also been looking for a fight before his side began waving the white flag in their push for promotion, stating: 'Rest assured that if we finish sixth and lose the final play-off spot to Leeds on a courtroom appeal, we'd be straight back in court and the whole episode would drag on.' Unfortunately the O's are dropping faster than a stone and seemingly now lack the stomach for the battle.

Doncaster Rovers are another club experiencing 'squeaky-bum time' at the thought of Leeds being given back the points which are rightfully theirs, Dons Chief Executive Dave Morris saying: 'If Leeds are given all 15 points back we would have to look at the situation, as all the other clubs who have a chance of promotion will do. We would review our position then and at this stage are not sure what our options will be. Leeds agreed not to appeal against the 15-point deduction, but have gone ahead and done it.'

Should the arbitration hearing go against Leeds, a new and dangerous precedent will have been set. Recently both Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth have failed to exit administration with a CVA in place. Therefore both teams would begin next season, possibly in League 2, on minus 15 points, and in very grave danger of dropping out of the league altogether. Should that be the case few in Leeds will shed a tear. After all, both clubs were part of the Kangaroo Court which tried to strangle the life out of United earlier in the season. I wonder which way the two clubs would vote now?

The Real League One Champions?

2008-04-07T21:20:00.006+01:00

Leeds United's excellent 2-0 away victory at Leyton Orient on Saturday saw Gary McAllister's side gatecrash the League 1 play-off party. Paul Huntington's header gave the Whites the lead before Jermaine Beckford sealed the win with his 20th league goal of the season, the first United marksman to achieve the feat since Mark Viduka in 2003.

Leeds have now gone an impressive six hours without conceding a goal, having accumulated 10 points from a possible 12 during that time. The club's league record this season stands at 23 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats - clearly the second best record in the division. Without the fifteen point deduction the Whites would be locked in a title battle with Swansea City.

The Football League's persecution of the club meant that United were forced to start the current campaign with one foot in League 2. The season has seen the club suffer major upheaval, first after Gus Poyet jumped ship to join Spurs, and then when former boss Dennis Wise followed suit after realising he had no answers to an alarming slump in form. Fortunately chairman Ken Bates swiftly appointed Leeds legend Gary McAllister to breathe new life into a flagging season. Slowly but surely Macca has turned the ship around, and his side are hitting form at exactly the right time.

Although the club have an upcoming arbitration hearing, it is extremely unlikely that our fifteen points will be returned. So instead of going head-to-head for the title, United are jockeying for position in the play-offs. Should Leeds fail to gain promotion back to the Championship this season the fact that the club are in with a shout at promotion at all is truly remarkable, given how events have conspired against them. No side has ever escaped relegation after incurring a mere 10 point penalty - United's punishment was 50% harsher.

Whatever happens in the remaining few weeks Leeds fans can be proud of the efforts of those privileged enough to wear the white shirt this season. If there's any justice the club will be celebrating promotion at Wembley in May. Without the intervention of the Football League they would no doubt have taken the title too.

Doncaster boss in ridiculous Leeds claim

2008-04-03T18:37:00.004+01:00

Leeds United's crucial midweek victory over promotion rivals Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat stadium has certainly left a sour taste in the mouths of the South Yorkshire upstarts.

After seeing his self-proclaimed 'best footballing side in the division' receive what could be a knock-out blow to their automatic promotion hopes, Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll was of the opinion that '...we could have won by a cricket score.' A close look at the statistics for the game show that his side managed just eight attempts on target, hardly an amount for a top three side playing at home to be overjoyed about.

The Whites themselves were on target with six attempts, just two behind their opponents, leaving bemused supporters to wonder how indeed a 'cricket score' could have been achieved. Precisely how many cricket sides have ended an innings without obtaining double figures is unclear, as is the Rovers boss's knowledge of the Summer sport.

Unfortunately with the eight on-target attempts failing to yield a 'cricket score' O'Driscoll was left to bemoan a failed penalty appeal after Steve Roberts went down in the box. Alas it was not to be, and the only cricket score that materialised for Doncaster Rovers on the evening was a duck.

The Seagull is stranded

2008-03-27T21:16:00.003Z

United midfielder Ian Westlake, currently on loan to League 1 play-off rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, is unable to participate in this weekend's eagerly anticipated clash between the two sides at Elland Road.

Westlake has impressed during the spell, but the terms of the loan agreement rule him out of contention for Saturday. Seagulls chairman Dick Knight has nevertheless confirmed that the club are looking to extend the player's loan period until the end of the current campaign.

'Ian has done very well for us since coming on loan and obviously we are keen to extend his stay,' said Knight. 'We are not under any pressure to conclude negotiations with Leeds ahead of tomorrow's deadline as the player is already on loan here at Brighton. We have up until the Port Vale game to extend Ian's loan spell and I think it's distinctly possible we could achieve that.'

White's boss Gary McAllister currently has an abundance of midfield options available to him, including the returning Jonathan Douglas, and anticipates no further arrivals ahead of the deadline. 'We have an 18/19 man squad that has been tight and I feel that we have enough there,' he said. 'I don't see there being any changes with the loans.'

Dougie Leeds the way

2008-03-22T13:57:00.004Z

New signing Dougie Freedman will be looking to put Walsall to the sword in front of the live Sky TV cameras at Elland Road later this afternoon. The 34-year-old hit a brace of goals in his first full start for the Whites against Port Vale last weekend, and according to Leeds boss Gary McAllister, the loanee from Crystal Palace is making a big impression on his new team-mates.

'Dougie should have been on the winning side at Port Vale last week after scoring twice,' said McAllister. 'I was very pleased with him. He is good to have around.'

'Dougie has been taking the guys away after training and doing striker movements with them. It is nice to have someone here who has seen it and done it. The players are responding to Dougie.'

Minus Fifteen romps to victory

2008-03-11T19:26:00.006Z

Minus Fifteen, the racehorse named after the clubs infamous points penalty, romped to victory in this afternoon's 5.05 at Southwell, beating the rest of the field by a clear five lengths. Tough little battler Katchit landed the spoils to be crowned Champion Hurdler in today's showpiece race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Leeds boss Gary McAllister has named an unchanged starting eleven for the third game in a row for the visit of Cheltenham Town to Elland Road this evening, with striker Tresor Kandol winning his battle to be fit.

The football rumour mill is again in full swing with reports that Sunderland manager Roy Keane is poised to make a 2 million pound summer move for United's central defensive lynchpin Rui Marques.

Neil Kilkenny - Leeds new Australian dynamo

2008-03-09T16:39:00.003Z

When Neil Kilkenny starred on-loan for Oldham Athletic in their impressive New Years Day victory over Leeds at Elland Road, he clearly caught the eye of then United boss Dennis Wise, who immediately moved to secure the attacking-midfielder's services on a permanent basis.

A product of Arsenal's Youth Academy, Kilkenny arrived at United via his parent club Birmingham City, with whom he had made an unforgettable Premiership debut in 1995 against Liverpool. The youngster was sent-off for a deliberate handball, conceding a late penalty which would see the Reds scramble a late 2-2 draw.

The Enfield-born midfielder had moved with his family to Brisbane as a child, and subsequently opted to represent Australia, making his debut as a substitute in a 3-1 win against Liechtenstein in a World Cup warm-up game in June 2005. During 2007 he played a vital role in the Australian Olyroos Beijing Olympics qualifying campaign.

Speaking shortly after his transfer to Leeds, Kilkenny admitted it would have been 'impossible' for him to turn the club down. 'When I was playing for Oldham, I thought I'd love to play here every week in front of these fans. I'm very happy to be here now,' he explained. 'This is a massive club and it turns your head when you hear they're interested in you - it certainly turned mine. I had a number of clubs after me, but Leeds - with this stadium, these fans and this manager - were impossible to turn down.'

After opening his goalscoring account for the Whites during yesterday's 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, Kilkenny will be looking to make a significant contribution as the race for promotion to the Championship enters the final crucial phase.

Johnson & Kilkenny pop Cherries

2008-03-08T21:51:00.003Z

Leeds boss Gary McAllister was left to savour a first home success after his side wrapped up a 2-0 victory over relegation threatened AFC Bournemouth at Elland Road. New signings Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny both notched their first goals for the club, stretching the unbeaten run to five matches, and re-igniting the Whites promotion push.

Johnson capitalised on a mistake by Cherries debutant keeper David Forde, tapping the ball into an unguarded net to give United the lead on 11 minutes. However, Bournemouth squandered several opportunities to equalise before Kilkenny made the points safe on 63 minutes with a low drive from 18 yards. The second successive victory lifted Leeds upto seventh place in the table, just one point adrift of a coveted play-off spot.

The rise and fall of Albert Johanneson

2008-02-29T19:50:00.010Z

Albert Johanneson had the distinction of becoming the first black player to appear in the FA Cup Final when he stepped out at Wembley for Leeds United against Liverpool in the 1965 showpiece event. Although the game would ultimately end in defeat, the occasion was to provide the highlight of a career in which the South African faced a huge challenges, both on and off the pitch.

The cultured left-winger joined Leeds in 1961 after impressing on trial. Over the next decade he would go on to make 200 appearances for the Whites, scoring an impressive 68 goals, including two hat-tricks in European ties. Albert would no doubt have achieved even more had it not been for the fact he spent much of his career competing against the legendary Eddie Gray for a place in the side.

Affectionately dubbed the 'Black Flash', he had the ability to turn opposing defences inside out, possessing lightening quick pace and an abundance of skill. However, Johanneson was often the target of racist abuse from both fans and opponents alike. Irish star George Best paid tribute to his immense courage, saying: 'Albert was quite a brave man to actually go on the pitch in the first place, wasn't he? And he went out and did it. He had a lot of skill. A nice man as well…which is, I suppose, the more important thing, isn't it? More important than anything.'

The pressures of the abuse he had to contend with as a black footballer took their toll on Johanneson. He turned to drink to cope with his demons, undergoing treatment for alcoholism on a number of occasions. In the end it proved too big a barrier for him to overcome, ultimately costing him his life. Tragically Albert was found dead in a rundown flat in Leeds in September 1995, aged just 53.

The day Lucas Radebe was shot

2008-02-18T20:08:00.003Z

Lucas Radebe's 'rags to riches' story was very nearly ended almost as soon as it had begun. The Leeds United legend, nicknamed 'The Chief' grew up in the slums of Soweto, near Johannesburg, during one of the most violent times in South Africa under apartheid.

One of eleven children, he learnt his trade playing barefoot with a ball made of rolled-up socks. His breakthrough came during 1989, when talent scouts spotted him and signed him up to play for one of Africa's most glamorous clubs, Kaizer Chiefs.

But within two years the youngster's career would come under serious threat. Radebe had been out on the streets of Soweto with his brothers, one of his sisters and her baby. As they walked and shopped they heard gunfire, but didn't pay it much attention because, said Radebe: 'In Soweto you heard shots all the time'. Unfortunately, this time the gunfire was directed in the young footballer's direction and a bullet hit him in the small of the back and exited through his thigh.

As he was rushed to hospital, Radebe claims that the main concern running through his mind was not whether he would live or die, but whether he would be able to play football again. Fortunately, the wound was not too severe and Lucas's career was soon back on track. Neither the gunman nor the motive for attacking Radebe was ever discovered, although Lucas does harbour suspicions that his assailant was hired to prevent him from leaving the Kaizer Chiefs.

He says the shooting was both a 'defining moment' and a 'blessing in disguise.' His brush with death made him determined to make the most of his life and his talent, and in 1994 Howard Wilkinson, then manager of Leeds United, brought Radebe and his team mate Philemon Masinga to the Premiership. From that moment onwards for 'The Chief', the only way was up.

'One of the greatest names in English football'

2008-02-12T19:51:00.000Z

Pop icon Madonna famously stated that 'Italians do it better,' and it would seem that Leeds United chairman Ken Bates agrees, after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal that is reputedly one of the most lucrative outside of the Premiership. The four season agreement will see the Italian sportswear brand supplying kits and training wear for the first team, reserves and Academy.

Macron's Chief Executive Officer, Gianluca Pavanello, said the company was 'privileged' to link up with the Whites. 'Macron are delighted to announce its new partnership with Leeds United, one of the greatest names in English football' he said. 'We feel privileged that Macron will be associated with a club that has such a huge history and greatness.'

'We feel we are joining Leeds United at a time when the club is marching back to where it belongs, in the Premiership. Leeds United will be the flagship of our activity in Europe and we will put all our resources into making sure we supply the club and its fans with the best products available.'

Leeds United Amazing Memories - Video

2008-02-09T16:03:00.000Z

Will Leeds United be promoted this season?

2008-02-03T16:58:00.000Z

Leeds United's rollercoaster of a season continues to resemble a modern day soap opera with twists and turns on an almost daily basis. For the supporters of the fallen giant each result is met with either euphoria or dismay, with the team seemingly being perceived as world-beaters one week and Sunday football pub team fodder the next.

It is said that football is a game of two halves, and two halves which are never the same. It seems that United's season is following a similar pattern. The first 23 games yielded a phenomenal haul of 52 points, at an average of 2.26 points per game. However, the seven league games of 2008 have seen the Whites scrape together just seven points, already incurring four defeats, beating the three suffered throughout the first half of the season.

The loss of former assistant manager Gus Poyet to Spurs now seems a major turning point in the season, and just last week Dennis Wise also jumped ship to take up an office job assisting Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United. New boss Gary McAllister will now be under no illusions about the size of the task facing him as the business end of the season looms into view.

A drastic confidence boost is required as soon as possible to ensure that the side does not undo all the great work put in earlier in the season. So what do you think, will Leeds gain promotion back to the Championship this season? Vote now!

McAllister beaten on Leeds return

2008-02-02T15:11:00.000Z

New boss Gary McAllister made his mark on the team with five changes to the starting line-up, handing debuts to Anthony Elding and Alan Sheehan, with Lubo Michalik starting his second spell with the club, and Bradley Johnson and Matt Heath earning recalls.

McAllister received a tremendous reception from the huge home support, but it was Tranmere Rovers who threatened first with a free-kick from Paul McLaren which thudded against the crossbar. Leeds began to play their way into the game with Elding and Jonny Howson both forcing Rovers keeper Danny Coyne into action, before David Prutton hit the bar with a fine free-kick in first half added time.

Jermaine Beckford saw a header saved early in the second half before Seb Carole was brought on to replace Darren Kenton. On 57 minutes Tore Andre Flo also joined the action, replacing Elding, but it was Rovers who went in front on the hour mark with a terrific goal from Jennision Myrie-Williams, curling the ball beyond the reach of David Lucas.

Nine minutes later Ian Moore headed home to double the advantage on his Tranmere debut. The ex-Leeds striker had signed for his father Ronnie on transfer deadline day from rivals Hartlepool United. With seventeen minutes remaining McAllister was forced into his final change when an injury to Alan Sheehan saw the introduction of Paul Huntington. Leeds fought hard to save the game but to no avail, as the new boss's reign began with a damaging home defeat.

McAllister to grab Stockport hitman Elding

2008-01-31T10:20:00.000Z

Stockport County striker Anthony Elding looks set to become Gary McAllister's first signing as Leeds United manager on the final day of the January transfer window.

County's website confirms that a fee has been agreed between the two clubs for the 25 year old forward who has scored 15 goals so far in all competitions this season. Elding is expected in Leeds for talks with a view to the transfer being completed later today.

The 6ft 2in striker joined Stockport in January 2007 and he became an instant fans favourite hitting 11 goals in 20 games to top the clubs goalscoring charts. Manager Jim Gannon had hoped to hold on to his star player with the window about to close, but it seems his hopes may now have been dashed.

Gannon, responding to transfer speculation earlier in the week stated: 'It wouldn't surprise me if we got continued interest, but Anthony Elding is an important part of our team and I hope it remains a quiet month. I'm looking forward to the window shutting.'