Ipswich 2-1 Leeds United - 27th August 2011
A result that I and a few friends didn't see coming. We knew that Ipswich would pick up their game from the twelve goals conceded in the last two games but I didn't expect a loss. In my last blog I predicted that we would win 3-0 I think. There were three goals in it, so I still like to think I'm psychic. Reading many match reports and watching The Football League Show on BBC 1 on Saturday night I can tell that Leeds dominated the first half. We half plenty of chances and maybe we should have been 3-0 up at the break. It wasn't meant to be, only one Ross McCormack flew past the Ipswich Town goalkeeper David Stockdale, on loan from Fulham. It was a well worked goal, Snodgrass again the craftsman. Ross has also been quite prolific in front of goal. He is not the tallest striker and I would have expected the goals he gets to be with his feet however we have seen that he can also use his head. He has scored three headers in all competitions this season and one with his foot. Maybe he gets the headed goals he does because he is so good at losing his marker in the box. A lot of times this season he has been able to pull away from his marker and plant himself near the back post waiting to deliver a powerful header beyond the oppositions keeper.
Despite the promising signs, the fact that we are currently lying 19th in the Championship table cannot be ignored. A measly four points from five games is not good enough for the benchmark we set last season and the standard we able to perform to. We have not lost any key players in the summer apart from Schmeichel who has been replaced by Lonergan who has around the same capabilities and with less girlish temper.
Aidy White is tracking back just after the halftime interval at a terrific speed, chasing down Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. The pace got the better of White and he cascaded towards the ground face first, taking the Town striker with him.A red card looked so harsh. He was one of the last men and might have denied a goal scoring opportunity. White knew what was coming, but even now looking back the trip looks so innocent. The red card was the turning point and for the third time this season Leeds were subjected to playing with just ten men.
The first goal that Ipswich scored on 77' minutes was a cheap and silly goal to concede. There was no closing down the ball, from midfield or defence. Anyone could have knocked the ball from Jason Scotland's feet and prevented him getting his shot away. The shot nestled in the back of the goal with tremendous pace, although it was hit hard I felt that Lonergan was also to blame. Andy didn't get his arms out quick enough and didn't stretch enough to parry the ball away.
The second goal was unfortunate. Very unfortunate. I heard about the goal, and I noted that it was a deflection but nothing could have prepared me for the agony I felt watching the ball softly but viciously twist and turn over Lonergan's head. It was no way to win a match, certainly when you had an extra man and been completely dominated in the first half. Maybe 1-1 would have been a fairer reflection on the game but players, staff and fans alike deserved to feel extremely hard done by, by such a goal. So close to the end of the game too. I would have probably taken a point at Ipswich as I knew there horrific form could not go on.
In the post-match interviews I was glad to hear that Paul Jewell knew his side were lucky to wrap up all of the points. It takes a good, honest manager to know that even though his team came out with the unshared points, he knew his team was still beaten.
Crystal Palace and the International break
The International break comes before the Crystal Palace game on the 10th of September. Maybe the break has come at a good time. The break means we can regroup and sort everything out before meeting with the on-form London club at Elland Road. There are still things to be settled. As I write this the transfer deadline is getting ever closer and it looks as-though some players could leave. The most notable player to look like he is on the move being Ivorian Max Gradel which would be a huge loss. Offers from Leicester and Ligue 1 sides in France look evermore likely.
A handful of players will be off on international duty playing internationals at senior level or younger squads. Players like Gradel and Snodgrass will be leaving for important international duties. Aidy White will also be leaving to play more football in the break.
Two weeks off is a long time so it is important that Grayson keeps the players grounded and reflects on the sector of the season that has gone and also on what is to come in the near future.
Crystal Palace will be a tough game. They have brought some good signings to the club and ex-Leeds player Dougie Freedman managing the Eagles this season has proved to be an improvement on last seasons calamities. The Eagles are flying high with impressive wins. They have also shown great character on a number of occasions to fight their way back into games and snatch points from their stunned opponents.
My prediction for the Crystal Palace game will be:
Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace.
They will give us a tough game, but we can grab another deserved win!
The Carling Cup vs Manchester United... AT ELLAND ROAD!
What a draw, this is not the first time in recent years we have played one of the big teams from the Premier League. In recent years we have played Liverpool in the Carling Cup, along with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United themselves in the F.A Cup.
It will be a marvellous event and I don't expect anything from the game really. I can be sure that with the congestion of games around that time, with the Premier League and Champions League starting next month, that Fergie will play a slightly weakened side that are still capable of beating our Leeds side. I am extremely happy with the tie and can't wait for it to unfold. I'll definitely be going to that one. I do not expect us to do another 'January 3rd' but I don't expect us to get embarrassed, certainly not as bad as Arsenal. I believe we will score one and the players will give a solid performance. The rivalry will spark plenty of anger and tempers between fans and players but it should be a brilliant spectacle.
My prediction for that one will be Leeds United 1-4 Manchester United.
I expect to get beaten. Scum are on their best form in years at the moment. 1-4 is not an embarrassing score, its probably expected. I do expect us to score one. Hopefully something special like Bradley Johnson's wonder strike last season against Arsenal.
Gonna wrap up the blog here and hope you had a good read of my thoughts, Ciao!
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Carling Cup - Doncaster
Carling Cup - 2nd Round / 23rd August 2011
Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Leeds United
The second time I've visited the Keepmoat Stadium in a year and let me just start off by saying that this ground has no atmosphere whatsoever. I'm not a fan of rounded stadiums anyway but this ground is seriously just a bowl of misery. The fans are mute, although they try to make an atmosphere by playing a drum in the south stand. Leeds fans were in good voice, at points we lacked to keep a song going and in those moments the silence of the home supporters was revealed. They rarely sang but when they did, you could recognise those familiar tin-pot chants, such as the 'we love you' chant. No noise was made, even when they were 1-0 up.
Overall I thought the performance from United was acceptable, but only after the second half. The first half performance was atrocious and we went in to the dugout at 1-1 after a sublime slice of magic from Ramon Nunez. The defence looked out of place. O'Dea played well, apart from when we misjudged the flight of the ball and almost helped the ball a long to the Doncaster forward. White was okay, but he had a tough time playing against Giles Barnes on his side. O'Brien was disappointing too, not great. He's had a tough time, not sure why he's playing all over the place. Just glad that big Paddy is back. Paul Connolly also looked out of form. Usually he is a reliable source but in the Donny game he couldn't stop the Rovers winger getting past or cutting inside.
Paul Rachubka also had an okay game. He made some good stops but none of them were clean often bouncing off his palms in unknown directions. He told Yorkshire Evening Post that he would like to challenge for the chance to play in between the sticks every week but I think that Lonergan is the better of the two and Grayson knows this. Rachubka will make around five appearances at most this campaign.
Zak Thompson in the middle of the park played okay. Nothing really stood out about him and he didn't get much time on the ball. He made some good tackles and played the ball smartly out to the wings on several occasions. Howson is starting to be a bit of mystery player. Some games he plays and some games you don't even realise he's on the field. Him and Thompson were doing were doing far too much ball watching and zonal marking for my liking. They were giving the Doncaster midfield far too much room to run into and to pass into. The two wingers Sam and Nunez hard a difficult first half. The ball didn't get played to them much in the first half but the possession count for the two wingers rose and the second half began. Sam looked impressive but he does need to get him crosses in earlier. Nunez obviously got the two goals and they were two marvellous goals. Despite this the Honduran didn't see much of the both between the goals. Nunez seems a bit slow on his decision making too. He often makes runs and then stops, had a judder about and then loses the ball. You know that if he could do something it would be amazing but he's tripping over the ball a lot, especially when he gets right in the defender's face.
Now onto the strikers. I picked up as the game went on that Andrew Keogh looked to be playing as an advanced striker, whereas Ross McCormack played just behind him in more of a 4-4-1-1 formation. Ross has been known to play there before but I would have proffered to see him making the runs upfront because we all know that he can make the very best of runs. Take the goal against Burnley as an example. Keogh didn't play great, he's playing as a poor man's Becchio at the moment really.
All in all there were some good parts of the game and some bad. Charlie Taylor also played in the second half and played well. He is a small lad but he was good at the overlap.
A good game to watch, there were quite a lot of chances and all good ones too. Now the whites travel to Suffolk to play a seriously out of form Ipswich who have conceded twelve goals in two games. I will be hoping for a win looking at the Ipswich form and they also ended the Peterborough game with nine men which suggests they will also have suspensions for our game this weekend.
Prediction for the visit to Ipswich:
Ipswich Town 0-3 Leeds United
I'm such a Leeds fan.
Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Leeds United
The second time I've visited the Keepmoat Stadium in a year and let me just start off by saying that this ground has no atmosphere whatsoever. I'm not a fan of rounded stadiums anyway but this ground is seriously just a bowl of misery. The fans are mute, although they try to make an atmosphere by playing a drum in the south stand. Leeds fans were in good voice, at points we lacked to keep a song going and in those moments the silence of the home supporters was revealed. They rarely sang but when they did, you could recognise those familiar tin-pot chants, such as the 'we love you' chant. No noise was made, even when they were 1-0 up.
Overall I thought the performance from United was acceptable, but only after the second half. The first half performance was atrocious and we went in to the dugout at 1-1 after a sublime slice of magic from Ramon Nunez. The defence looked out of place. O'Dea played well, apart from when we misjudged the flight of the ball and almost helped the ball a long to the Doncaster forward. White was okay, but he had a tough time playing against Giles Barnes on his side. O'Brien was disappointing too, not great. He's had a tough time, not sure why he's playing all over the place. Just glad that big Paddy is back. Paul Connolly also looked out of form. Usually he is a reliable source but in the Donny game he couldn't stop the Rovers winger getting past or cutting inside.
Paul Rachubka also had an okay game. He made some good stops but none of them were clean often bouncing off his palms in unknown directions. He told Yorkshire Evening Post that he would like to challenge for the chance to play in between the sticks every week but I think that Lonergan is the better of the two and Grayson knows this. Rachubka will make around five appearances at most this campaign.
Zak Thompson in the middle of the park played okay. Nothing really stood out about him and he didn't get much time on the ball. He made some good tackles and played the ball smartly out to the wings on several occasions. Howson is starting to be a bit of mystery player. Some games he plays and some games you don't even realise he's on the field. Him and Thompson were doing were doing far too much ball watching and zonal marking for my liking. They were giving the Doncaster midfield far too much room to run into and to pass into. The two wingers Sam and Nunez hard a difficult first half. The ball didn't get played to them much in the first half but the possession count for the two wingers rose and the second half began. Sam looked impressive but he does need to get him crosses in earlier. Nunez obviously got the two goals and they were two marvellous goals. Despite this the Honduran didn't see much of the both between the goals. Nunez seems a bit slow on his decision making too. He often makes runs and then stops, had a judder about and then loses the ball. You know that if he could do something it would be amazing but he's tripping over the ball a lot, especially when he gets right in the defender's face.
Now onto the strikers. I picked up as the game went on that Andrew Keogh looked to be playing as an advanced striker, whereas Ross McCormack played just behind him in more of a 4-4-1-1 formation. Ross has been known to play there before but I would have proffered to see him making the runs upfront because we all know that he can make the very best of runs. Take the goal against Burnley as an example. Keogh didn't play great, he's playing as a poor man's Becchio at the moment really.
All in all there were some good parts of the game and some bad. Charlie Taylor also played in the second half and played well. He is a small lad but he was good at the overlap.
A good game to watch, there were quite a lot of chances and all good ones too. Now the whites travel to Suffolk to play a seriously out of form Ipswich who have conceded twelve goals in two games. I will be hoping for a win looking at the Ipswich form and they also ended the Peterborough game with nine men which suggests they will also have suspensions for our game this weekend.
Prediction for the visit to Ipswich:
Ipswich Town 0-3 Leeds United
I'm such a Leeds fan.
Monday, 22 August 2011
More promising events...
More promising times are hitting Leeds United, especially in the last two games against Hull City and West Ham respectively.
After ditching the loose 4-5-1 formation after Andy Keogh's arrival really, we have gathered into a more compact and rigid 4-4-2 formation. With the 4-4-2 we will be able to show where our real talents lie. After playing the 4-5-1 with just McCormack on his own up front we haven't been able to create any clear-cut chances. However with another striker to link up with he is playing better and so is the whole team. Clayton, Howson and Brown have been linking up play very nicely from the centre-midfield section. They have also been playing the ball to the likes of Gradel and Snodgrass more which gives us more opportunities out on the flanks to press.
As well as all the good going forward now after scoring six in two games, our defence has also gotten better. It still needs work, but it has gotten better. Tom Lees appears to be quite solid in his position at right back. Kisnorbo is doing okay with whoever he plays with at the back. After a shaky start Andy Lonergan is also impressing many fans. Some of his daves have been sublime and kept us in a lot of games.
In conclusion if we can look to keep the ball rolling and many get a good run going of unbeaten games then I think we can make up for our lost points in the first two games.
Tomorrow we travel to the Keepmoat stadium to face Doncaster in the Carling Cup. I can expect Grayson to make plenty of chances from Yesterday. With only one days rest it'll be interesting but also worrying to see what happens. I'm not to bothered about the Carling Cup as it isn't a competition we are likely to make a a difference in. If we beat Doncaster I'll be happy obviously but at the start of the season it isn't great having a tight fixture list, especially with another away day at Ipswich on Saturday. The Ipswich game is important for many reasons. I believe we currently lie 13th in the table. With an away win which will be tough to get against Paul Jewell's side we can push up the table well and progress from there like every team wants to do.
Over and out!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
The Opening Game and The Carling Cup Tie
Southampton
Call myself a Leeds fan, unfortunately I could neither go to the game in the south or get in-front of a television to watch it. Due to personal reasons I could not watch the game, however I'll do my best to rant about it.
Final score : Southampton 3-1 Leeds United
A farce as far as I'm concerned, Southampton are a good side and I respect them a lot but there was no need for us to go down by two goals in the opening third of the game. I looked for the score online on a friends phone about 20 minutes in and was disappointed but optimistic that we would begin a fightback. Shortly afterwards checking around the hour mark I was stunned to see the score at 3-0. I knew there would be no coming back. From people I've spoken to and stats I've looked at it is easy to see that we were completely dominated. Since then I've looked at the goals that we conceded and I am not happy. Lonergan, the defence and the midfield could all have done better. No closing down and too much ball-watching instead of picking out the players that are making the runs behind our back-line. The goal we got shouldn't have even been a penalty. Most of all I feel incredibly sorry for the fans who travelled miles and miles to witness such awful football. We need to pick our game up fast, the only way we can do this is by getting a win in the next home game against Middlesbrough.
Bradford
Leeds United 3-2 Bradford City
A game that was made very hard by some slack defending and in my eyes we were using the wrong formation against a League 2 club. Even though we were playing a 4-3-2-1 again as always nothing seemed to work. We couldn't attack properly because the lone striker (Ross McCormack) couldn't operate and ink up with anyone. Ross makes some of the best runs I've ever seen but no-one seems to pass it to him. We couldhave been winning at the break if there was better ink up pay.
The defence wasn't great either and Lonergan is still looking a little shaky. He is a good keeper and we'll just have to wait for him to find his feet with a new club and a new defence. The applause and cheers when Andy O'Brien was substituted were a little harsh though. Sure he isn't playing the best football of his life and he is to blame for some of the goals we've conceded in the last two games but he didn't deserve to be booed off the field. I do however think it is time to bring in Leigh Bromby who played well last season. Bromby is pretty solid and plays well with Kisnorbo. That said Kisnorbo hasn't had the greatest games either.
Michael Brown has been way too slow on the ball and off it. We have to remember he is 34 years old and can't keep up at times however his distribution of the ball is so slow that it may just cost us. If he were to get his head up and pass it earlier and more direct then I reckon we could have far more attacking play. The centre-mids should be supplying the wingers and lone striker with through balls and passes to latch on to.
Where there is bad there are also signs of good. Paul Connolly is playing well and he is also very consistant. Tom Lees got his first competitive game and even got an assist. I tweeted before the game that I'd like him and Clayton to play. They both played and were the best performers in my eyes. Tom got down the wing well and also tracked back tremendously. I hope he gets more games. Adam Clayton is one of the best players I've seen in the opening two games. He has a great attitude and races round the pitch in all directions. All his movements and decisions are worthwhile and almost always paid off in the Bradford game. He will be a great asset for us this season. I did beg for him to have a go when he got to the edge of the box, which he got to a few times. It felt at times like we were trying to walk the ball into the back of the net. We need more efforts of goal and I'd like Clayton to be the man to have a go. Same with Howson, who turned out to be anonymous in the West-Yorkshire derby. Ramon also played well, scoring two goals and making a few other chances. He is a good player but he can be better! I'm sure that Ramon can get around 10 goals this Championship season, maybe even be another Gradel, who knows.
Snodgrass also got his first Scotland international start this week and played well, he even got his first international goal. A cool diving header across the Denmark keeper who was beaten from when the ball came in. With all the wingers at Leeds I would like to maybe see Snodgrass play up-front. It hasn't been tested before but he has the pace, the skill and the finish to play there, and with players like Gradel, Nunez and Sam on the wing I think with the lack of strikers it could work out for us.
I'll end it there, what a rant. Marching on together!
Call myself a Leeds fan, unfortunately I could neither go to the game in the south or get in-front of a television to watch it. Due to personal reasons I could not watch the game, however I'll do my best to rant about it.
Final score : Southampton 3-1 Leeds United
A farce as far as I'm concerned, Southampton are a good side and I respect them a lot but there was no need for us to go down by two goals in the opening third of the game. I looked for the score online on a friends phone about 20 minutes in and was disappointed but optimistic that we would begin a fightback. Shortly afterwards checking around the hour mark I was stunned to see the score at 3-0. I knew there would be no coming back. From people I've spoken to and stats I've looked at it is easy to see that we were completely dominated. Since then I've looked at the goals that we conceded and I am not happy. Lonergan, the defence and the midfield could all have done better. No closing down and too much ball-watching instead of picking out the players that are making the runs behind our back-line. The goal we got shouldn't have even been a penalty. Most of all I feel incredibly sorry for the fans who travelled miles and miles to witness such awful football. We need to pick our game up fast, the only way we can do this is by getting a win in the next home game against Middlesbrough.
Bradford
Leeds United 3-2 Bradford City
A game that was made very hard by some slack defending and in my eyes we were using the wrong formation against a League 2 club. Even though we were playing a 4-3-2-1 again as always nothing seemed to work. We couldn't attack properly because the lone striker (Ross McCormack) couldn't operate and ink up with anyone. Ross makes some of the best runs I've ever seen but no-one seems to pass it to him. We couldhave been winning at the break if there was better ink up pay.
The defence wasn't great either and Lonergan is still looking a little shaky. He is a good keeper and we'll just have to wait for him to find his feet with a new club and a new defence. The applause and cheers when Andy O'Brien was substituted were a little harsh though. Sure he isn't playing the best football of his life and he is to blame for some of the goals we've conceded in the last two games but he didn't deserve to be booed off the field. I do however think it is time to bring in Leigh Bromby who played well last season. Bromby is pretty solid and plays well with Kisnorbo. That said Kisnorbo hasn't had the greatest games either.
Michael Brown has been way too slow on the ball and off it. We have to remember he is 34 years old and can't keep up at times however his distribution of the ball is so slow that it may just cost us. If he were to get his head up and pass it earlier and more direct then I reckon we could have far more attacking play. The centre-mids should be supplying the wingers and lone striker with through balls and passes to latch on to.
Where there is bad there are also signs of good. Paul Connolly is playing well and he is also very consistant. Tom Lees got his first competitive game and even got an assist. I tweeted before the game that I'd like him and Clayton to play. They both played and were the best performers in my eyes. Tom got down the wing well and also tracked back tremendously. I hope he gets more games. Adam Clayton is one of the best players I've seen in the opening two games. He has a great attitude and races round the pitch in all directions. All his movements and decisions are worthwhile and almost always paid off in the Bradford game. He will be a great asset for us this season. I did beg for him to have a go when he got to the edge of the box, which he got to a few times. It felt at times like we were trying to walk the ball into the back of the net. We need more efforts of goal and I'd like Clayton to be the man to have a go. Same with Howson, who turned out to be anonymous in the West-Yorkshire derby. Ramon also played well, scoring two goals and making a few other chances. He is a good player but he can be better! I'm sure that Ramon can get around 10 goals this Championship season, maybe even be another Gradel, who knows.
Snodgrass also got his first Scotland international start this week and played well, he even got his first international goal. A cool diving header across the Denmark keeper who was beaten from when the ball came in. With all the wingers at Leeds I would like to maybe see Snodgrass play up-front. It hasn't been tested before but he has the pace, the skill and the finish to play there, and with players like Gradel, Nunez and Sam on the wing I think with the lack of strikers it could work out for us.
I'll end it there, what a rant. Marching on together!
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Verdict on the squad so far...
The Leeds United Squad...explained.
Goalkeepers
Paul Rachubka - Not a lot to say about Paul as he has not played for us yet and didn't really feature for Blackpool last season either. After playing only three games for Blackpool last season it is fair to say that he may feel and appear a bit rusty between the sticks. Nevertheless we must respesct that the 30-year old has had experience at this level. It looks asthough we have signed him as a backup after speculation over other keepers such as Jerzy Dudek and Andrew Lonergan, which look unlikely now. We have also been linked with a loan move for Fulham keeper David Stockdale, who when watching him on Match of the Day last season I was impressed and thought he would be an excellent replacement for Mark Schwarzer. The I am pleased with the signing unlike most Leeds fans who have questioned his arrival.
Andy Lonergan - A new signing in-between the sticks for Leeds United. I went to the Newcastle game and he looked pretty sharp. Thought he could have done better with both of the goals but hey-ho, it's only pre-season. His distribution wasn't the best unlike Kasper. Kasper's distribution was pretty good and his goal-kicks went to the strikers every time. He did pull off one tremendous save however which I look forward to seeing more. We'll see what this season holds for Andy. Was it a good idea to let Kasper go? Who knows, we'll have to wait and see.
Defenders
Paul Connolly
Paul Connolly had a solid first season at Leeds. He is a hard-working full-back who isn't afraid to make the hardest of challenges to troublesome wingers. At first I thought it was a silly signing for Leeds although we didn't have anyone in that position after offloading Jason Crowe I was looking forward to purchasing a great right full-back signing. Signing Connolly from Derby reserves was an odd signing but now I trust Grayson's decision to sign Connolly on a free transfer. To sum up I would like to see him stay as he is a good Championship player.
Federico Bessone
Now then, Federico Bessone is the reason I do not trust Grayson on his signings. Yet another free transfer, however this one did not pan out the way we would have hoped. Bessone had only a handful of appearances over the opening weeks of the Championship season of 2009/2010. These performances were extremely poor. Not forgetting the game away day on a cold Tuesday night, on my birthday no less when we got hammered 5-2. Mr. Bessone could not have played worse if he'd tried. Poor signing and I hope someone, possibly Charlton takes him from us.
Patrick Kisnorbo
''You'll never beat Kisnorbo!'' - they yell from the Elland Road kop. Kisnorbo is without doubt the best defender we've had in a long, long time. A strong Aussie centre-back who lets none pass and challenges for every ball. Patrick was the missing link last season and he desperately needs to be fit for the start of this season. With a few friendlies taken place, we have big big Paddy on the team-sheet few times also. This is great news and gives me hope that our inevitability for leaking goals in will continue no more. The commanding number 3 will certainly but our back-line into shape and lead them to many clean-sheets. Kisnorbo was a great signing 2 years ago and I hope this year he doesn't injure his Achilles again meaning an unrest to the balls flying into the back of our net.
Andy O'Brien
A great singing for last season. O'Brien is also a strong, determined centre-back just like Kisnorbo. I wouldn't say as good but he was a good understudy with bags of experience at Premiership level. Andy is a great defender and I can only hope he stays fit along with Kisnorbo to create the ultimate alliance.
Alex Bruce
Alex Bruce, all we can say about Brucey is sometimes he's a good player and sometimes he plays badly. He can be incredibly inconsistent. Sometimes making the header away and other times just failing to get his head to that crucial cross. Alex Bruce is a good squad player and will probably perform as a backup for Kisnorbo and O'Brien.
Leigh Bromby
Leigh Bromby bought for little last season, good squad player and experienced at Championship level. Like Bruce, he's pretty solid and performs in the big games unlike most of our squad.
Darren O'Dea
I don't know an awful lot about O'Dea. I've been told he's had spells at Reading and Ipswich. The reviews are mixed but a lot say that he isn't he greatest centre-back ever. We'll see if he manages to shove his way into a line-up or two. With all the competition in defence it is going to be hard to sustain consistent and good performances, allowing you to play every week.
Ben Parker
I am unsure about Ben Parker. The man who was injury prone much of the start of last season I would say is more of a backup in his left-back position. We could do better but he is a good player and still very loyal also. Like him but he's a League 1 player really.
Tom Lees
Tom Lees, brought up through the youth system at Leeds who has also been on many loan spells involving clubs from League 2. He has had extremely successful seasons at both Accrington and Bury respectively. Weirdly I happened to be staying in Bury in October of 2010 and went a match involving such teams. Lees was playing for Bury that day and I must say he looked exceptional. I'm no talent scout but this boy really did shape his defence in a convincing 3-0 win for the Shakers. He organised his defence well alongside experienced defender Efe Sodje and made the work at the back look easy. We won all the balls that flew in from crosses and corners. The friends I went with as well to the game were impressed with his performances. I would definitely like to see Tom get some games under his belt for the Leeds United first team. I think he is up for the challenge after mustering almost 90 appearances for both Accrington and Bury. The youngster is a versatile player too, he is able to play in the centre and out of the left of defence. Simon should definitely give this wonderful prospect a go this season.
Aidy White
Although still young and without many appearances for the mighty Leeds, Aidan White is well-known among Leeds fans. Aidan is one of those players who likes to get forward. He is an ambitious player, which has lead him becoming more of an attacking midfielder than his original position at left-back. Aidan is also a prospect I look forward to seeing play this season. He is a good player who needs more experience after making just 15 appearances for Leeds and only a handful more for Oldham Athletic on loan last season.
Michael Brown
A new face at Leeds which I am happy with. An experienced midfielder who is prone to a hard challenge or two. Played for Portsmouth last season and has also has Premiership experience with the likes of Tottenham, Fulham and Wigan. He is ageing and has only signed a small contract. Grayson has stated that he thinks Brown is the missing link. It certainly seemed that way for many parts of last season. We needed that great passer of the ball who could go from attacking to defending in a flash. He is a player I look very much forward to viewing in the coming months for Leeds.
Adam Clayton
Played a part in this season and last seasons pre-season friendlies. Although only young he has played many games at professional level. Mainly for clubs such as Carlisle, MK Dons and Peterborough on loan spells. MK Dons manager Karl Robinson said Clayton could be one of the great midfielders of the Football League. Maybe a promising player, it is yet to be seen. For now, we'll let Grayson judge Adam's talents and we'll go from there.
Jonny Howson
The young vice-skipper. Howson epitomises a Leeds lad. He is a strong-willed, hard-working centre -mid who unpredictably has his ups and downs. Howson is a great player for Leeds and a real fan favourite, largely down to the fact he is from Leeds mainly but he is still a great player. Since entering the spotlight around 2006/2007, the season Leeds dropped to the 3rd tier of English football, the number 14 has started making an name for himself... His name being found on the backs of many shirts in the Elland Road crowd. When Leeds vs Arsenal was on the TV back in January there was a small clip of a Howson interview, where ITV talked of Howson's abilities and performances. At the end of the clip the narrator stated, 'For now...Howson is a work in progress...'. These words are very true, I can only hope that one day Howson will evolve into a legendary predecessor such as Billy Bremner.
Lloyd Sam
Not a lot to say about Lloyd Sam really, an all right free signing last season. Pacey winger with a good cross but we already have two other better strikers in Snodgrass and Gradel. Sorry Sam, maybe staying on at Charlton was a better option for you.
Ramon Nunez
Poor Ramon, he looked so, so promising. Hardly got a game last season for Leeds before going on loan to struggling Scunthorpe, where he hugely impressed. Simon doesn't know what he's missing. I think he scored about 4-5 goals for a team who rarely scored as it was. And that was in only a handful of appearances too. It's not like those goals were scrappy either. Some of them were wonder strikes! The goal that he scored against Motherwell too was simply sublime, almost a copy of the one that Snoddy scored away at Bristol City last season. We really need to play this kid, he looks like our way out of the football league and into the promised land. The Leeds United website is always talking about his international duties he is doing as well. He is scoring for fun and playing the best football of his life and yet all the talk and hype is passing Grayson by? The simple solution is to play him!
Max Gradel
He's here, he's there, he's every f***ing where,Max Gradel, Max Gradel. A real fan favourite for this season, and what a season. Max Gradel's first full-season with Leeds has been one to remember. Started in most games and scored 18 goals. It's fair to say we were very reliant on Max last season. He is a top player at Championship level and we are lucky to have him. Max is one of Grayson's better signings for Leeds. How did Leicester not see this vast amount of potential? Max is a nippy winger with plenty in his locker, may it be getting forward or even tracking back to help in the Leeds box.
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a player that is spoken very highly of by other clubs and pundits. Snodgrass is a good player at this level. When he gets the ball that is. I felt in the games we lost last season we could have involved Snodgrass and Gradel more, especially Snodgrass. Snodgrass could easily match Gradel's performances for last season. Snodgrass is very talented. He can use both of his feet and cut inside at any moment. Pass Snoddy the ball and we are very likely to get forward and score. May it be direct from Snodgrass himself of from one of his teasing crosses. We need Snoddy right up there teetering on the edge of the box!
Davide Somma
Injured! Not what we needed. Somma had a great first season at a level he'd never played before. He scored some important goals, such as the ones against Millwall and Middlesbrough. He needs to be played with another striker in a 4-4-2 formation which isn't the sort of formation we play any more. However he can still be a threat. Sadly we're going to have to wait many months for him to be back in action again.
Billy Paynter
I'm glad we signed him on a free. He's only scored in one competitive match, and I'm happy to say I was there to see it. A cracking goal, I just wish he could do it more. Billy is more suited to a 4-4-2 formation. He linked up amazingly with Charlie Austin whilst he was at Swindon. It's a shame he can't get the goals there, here. I do believe his time will come and he will get a few goals. I just feel he is a bit too slow for this league and can't catch up with the oppositions defenders. The aerial ball is much better suited so he can get his head on it. If Gradel and Snoddy could dink in a few balls for him, I'm sure he would try his utmost to get his head on them and direct them goal-wards. He is a strong striker if lacking in speed but he can finish, we just haven't seen it yet...
Ross McCormack
2011/2012 will be Ross' season to prove himself with Becchio and Somma out for long periods, Grayson will have to give Ross and Billy a chance. A chance they will get too. If they don't perform we'll slip into mid-table. If they start well along with the team then we will be right up there. Something needs to be done and they'll have to step up to the mark. Ross has some great movement and can also finish. Getting the killer ball at his feet may the job of Jonny Howson this season who I hope can give Ross plenty of through balls to deal with. If Howson sits behind McCormack it could be a deadly partnership!
Luciano Becchio
The player we didn't want injured. Becchio certainly filled the vacant top scorers position after Beckford left. What a season the Argentine had. Many doubted his abilities however he has duly delivered. It's so unfortunate he is gone. He holds up the ball well and provides different avenues to channel our attacks. He is a tough striker who will do anything in his power to get the ball in the back of the net eventually.
Mike Grella
Transfer-listed.
Goalkeepers
Paul Rachubka - Not a lot to say about Paul as he has not played for us yet and didn't really feature for Blackpool last season either. After playing only three games for Blackpool last season it is fair to say that he may feel and appear a bit rusty between the sticks. Nevertheless we must respesct that the 30-year old has had experience at this level. It looks asthough we have signed him as a backup after speculation over other keepers such as Jerzy Dudek and Andrew Lonergan, which look unlikely now. We have also been linked with a loan move for Fulham keeper David Stockdale, who when watching him on Match of the Day last season I was impressed and thought he would be an excellent replacement for Mark Schwarzer. The I am pleased with the signing unlike most Leeds fans who have questioned his arrival.
Andy Lonergan - A new signing in-between the sticks for Leeds United. I went to the Newcastle game and he looked pretty sharp. Thought he could have done better with both of the goals but hey-ho, it's only pre-season. His distribution wasn't the best unlike Kasper. Kasper's distribution was pretty good and his goal-kicks went to the strikers every time. He did pull off one tremendous save however which I look forward to seeing more. We'll see what this season holds for Andy. Was it a good idea to let Kasper go? Who knows, we'll have to wait and see.
Defenders
Paul Connolly
Paul Connolly had a solid first season at Leeds. He is a hard-working full-back who isn't afraid to make the hardest of challenges to troublesome wingers. At first I thought it was a silly signing for Leeds although we didn't have anyone in that position after offloading Jason Crowe I was looking forward to purchasing a great right full-back signing. Signing Connolly from Derby reserves was an odd signing but now I trust Grayson's decision to sign Connolly on a free transfer. To sum up I would like to see him stay as he is a good Championship player.
Federico Bessone
Now then, Federico Bessone is the reason I do not trust Grayson on his signings. Yet another free transfer, however this one did not pan out the way we would have hoped. Bessone had only a handful of appearances over the opening weeks of the Championship season of 2009/2010. These performances were extremely poor. Not forgetting the game away day on a cold Tuesday night, on my birthday no less when we got hammered 5-2. Mr. Bessone could not have played worse if he'd tried. Poor signing and I hope someone, possibly Charlton takes him from us.
Patrick Kisnorbo
''You'll never beat Kisnorbo!'' - they yell from the Elland Road kop. Kisnorbo is without doubt the best defender we've had in a long, long time. A strong Aussie centre-back who lets none pass and challenges for every ball. Patrick was the missing link last season and he desperately needs to be fit for the start of this season. With a few friendlies taken place, we have big big Paddy on the team-sheet few times also. This is great news and gives me hope that our inevitability for leaking goals in will continue no more. The commanding number 3 will certainly but our back-line into shape and lead them to many clean-sheets. Kisnorbo was a great signing 2 years ago and I hope this year he doesn't injure his Achilles again meaning an unrest to the balls flying into the back of our net.
Andy O'Brien
A great singing for last season. O'Brien is also a strong, determined centre-back just like Kisnorbo. I wouldn't say as good but he was a good understudy with bags of experience at Premiership level. Andy is a great defender and I can only hope he stays fit along with Kisnorbo to create the ultimate alliance.
Alex Bruce
Alex Bruce, all we can say about Brucey is sometimes he's a good player and sometimes he plays badly. He can be incredibly inconsistent. Sometimes making the header away and other times just failing to get his head to that crucial cross. Alex Bruce is a good squad player and will probably perform as a backup for Kisnorbo and O'Brien.
Leigh Bromby
Leigh Bromby bought for little last season, good squad player and experienced at Championship level. Like Bruce, he's pretty solid and performs in the big games unlike most of our squad.
Darren O'Dea
I don't know an awful lot about O'Dea. I've been told he's had spells at Reading and Ipswich. The reviews are mixed but a lot say that he isn't he greatest centre-back ever. We'll see if he manages to shove his way into a line-up or two. With all the competition in defence it is going to be hard to sustain consistent and good performances, allowing you to play every week.
Ben Parker
I am unsure about Ben Parker. The man who was injury prone much of the start of last season I would say is more of a backup in his left-back position. We could do better but he is a good player and still very loyal also. Like him but he's a League 1 player really.
Tom Lees
Tom Lees, brought up through the youth system at Leeds who has also been on many loan spells involving clubs from League 2. He has had extremely successful seasons at both Accrington and Bury respectively. Weirdly I happened to be staying in Bury in October of 2010 and went a match involving such teams. Lees was playing for Bury that day and I must say he looked exceptional. I'm no talent scout but this boy really did shape his defence in a convincing 3-0 win for the Shakers. He organised his defence well alongside experienced defender Efe Sodje and made the work at the back look easy. We won all the balls that flew in from crosses and corners. The friends I went with as well to the game were impressed with his performances. I would definitely like to see Tom get some games under his belt for the Leeds United first team. I think he is up for the challenge after mustering almost 90 appearances for both Accrington and Bury. The youngster is a versatile player too, he is able to play in the centre and out of the left of defence. Simon should definitely give this wonderful prospect a go this season.
Aidy White
Although still young and without many appearances for the mighty Leeds, Aidan White is well-known among Leeds fans. Aidan is one of those players who likes to get forward. He is an ambitious player, which has lead him becoming more of an attacking midfielder than his original position at left-back. Aidan is also a prospect I look forward to seeing play this season. He is a good player who needs more experience after making just 15 appearances for Leeds and only a handful more for Oldham Athletic on loan last season.
Michael Brown
A new face at Leeds which I am happy with. An experienced midfielder who is prone to a hard challenge or two. Played for Portsmouth last season and has also has Premiership experience with the likes of Tottenham, Fulham and Wigan. He is ageing and has only signed a small contract. Grayson has stated that he thinks Brown is the missing link. It certainly seemed that way for many parts of last season. We needed that great passer of the ball who could go from attacking to defending in a flash. He is a player I look very much forward to viewing in the coming months for Leeds.
Adam Clayton
Played a part in this season and last seasons pre-season friendlies. Although only young he has played many games at professional level. Mainly for clubs such as Carlisle, MK Dons and Peterborough on loan spells. MK Dons manager Karl Robinson said Clayton could be one of the great midfielders of the Football League. Maybe a promising player, it is yet to be seen. For now, we'll let Grayson judge Adam's talents and we'll go from there.
Jonny Howson
The young vice-skipper. Howson epitomises a Leeds lad. He is a strong-willed, hard-working centre -mid who unpredictably has his ups and downs. Howson is a great player for Leeds and a real fan favourite, largely down to the fact he is from Leeds mainly but he is still a great player. Since entering the spotlight around 2006/2007, the season Leeds dropped to the 3rd tier of English football, the number 14 has started making an name for himself... His name being found on the backs of many shirts in the Elland Road crowd. When Leeds vs Arsenal was on the TV back in January there was a small clip of a Howson interview, where ITV talked of Howson's abilities and performances. At the end of the clip the narrator stated, 'For now...Howson is a work in progress...'. These words are very true, I can only hope that one day Howson will evolve into a legendary predecessor such as Billy Bremner.
Lloyd Sam
Not a lot to say about Lloyd Sam really, an all right free signing last season. Pacey winger with a good cross but we already have two other better strikers in Snodgrass and Gradel. Sorry Sam, maybe staying on at Charlton was a better option for you.
Ramon Nunez
Poor Ramon, he looked so, so promising. Hardly got a game last season for Leeds before going on loan to struggling Scunthorpe, where he hugely impressed. Simon doesn't know what he's missing. I think he scored about 4-5 goals for a team who rarely scored as it was. And that was in only a handful of appearances too. It's not like those goals were scrappy either. Some of them were wonder strikes! The goal that he scored against Motherwell too was simply sublime, almost a copy of the one that Snoddy scored away at Bristol City last season. We really need to play this kid, he looks like our way out of the football league and into the promised land. The Leeds United website is always talking about his international duties he is doing as well. He is scoring for fun and playing the best football of his life and yet all the talk and hype is passing Grayson by? The simple solution is to play him!
Max Gradel
He's here, he's there, he's every f***ing where,Max Gradel, Max Gradel. A real fan favourite for this season, and what a season. Max Gradel's first full-season with Leeds has been one to remember. Started in most games and scored 18 goals. It's fair to say we were very reliant on Max last season. He is a top player at Championship level and we are lucky to have him. Max is one of Grayson's better signings for Leeds. How did Leicester not see this vast amount of potential? Max is a nippy winger with plenty in his locker, may it be getting forward or even tracking back to help in the Leeds box.
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a player that is spoken very highly of by other clubs and pundits. Snodgrass is a good player at this level. When he gets the ball that is. I felt in the games we lost last season we could have involved Snodgrass and Gradel more, especially Snodgrass. Snodgrass could easily match Gradel's performances for last season. Snodgrass is very talented. He can use both of his feet and cut inside at any moment. Pass Snoddy the ball and we are very likely to get forward and score. May it be direct from Snodgrass himself of from one of his teasing crosses. We need Snoddy right up there teetering on the edge of the box!
Davide Somma
Injured! Not what we needed. Somma had a great first season at a level he'd never played before. He scored some important goals, such as the ones against Millwall and Middlesbrough. He needs to be played with another striker in a 4-4-2 formation which isn't the sort of formation we play any more. However he can still be a threat. Sadly we're going to have to wait many months for him to be back in action again.
Billy Paynter
I'm glad we signed him on a free. He's only scored in one competitive match, and I'm happy to say I was there to see it. A cracking goal, I just wish he could do it more. Billy is more suited to a 4-4-2 formation. He linked up amazingly with Charlie Austin whilst he was at Swindon. It's a shame he can't get the goals there, here. I do believe his time will come and he will get a few goals. I just feel he is a bit too slow for this league and can't catch up with the oppositions defenders. The aerial ball is much better suited so he can get his head on it. If Gradel and Snoddy could dink in a few balls for him, I'm sure he would try his utmost to get his head on them and direct them goal-wards. He is a strong striker if lacking in speed but he can finish, we just haven't seen it yet...
Ross McCormack
2011/2012 will be Ross' season to prove himself with Becchio and Somma out for long periods, Grayson will have to give Ross and Billy a chance. A chance they will get too. If they don't perform we'll slip into mid-table. If they start well along with the team then we will be right up there. Something needs to be done and they'll have to step up to the mark. Ross has some great movement and can also finish. Getting the killer ball at his feet may the job of Jonny Howson this season who I hope can give Ross plenty of through balls to deal with. If Howson sits behind McCormack it could be a deadly partnership!
Luciano Becchio
The player we didn't want injured. Becchio certainly filled the vacant top scorers position after Beckford left. What a season the Argentine had. Many doubted his abilities however he has duly delivered. It's so unfortunate he is gone. He holds up the ball well and provides different avenues to channel our attacks. He is a tough striker who will do anything in his power to get the ball in the back of the net eventually.
Mike Grella
Transfer-listed.
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