January

JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW!


The January transfer window is here at last. Leeds United have been inundated with injuries over the past two months. Centre-backs have been injured, the supposed toughest men on the field! Maybe this is a blessing in disguise, now that O'Brien looks to be on his way and players such as Kisnorbo are injured. We also have had a few players who have sustained damage to their heads and are unable to stay conscious... nice. Hopefully Tom Lees will be back to full fitness for the away tie at the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in a FA Cup 3rd round match where Thierry Henry seems to have made more headlines than our beloved. 


So, enough of injuries... injuries means there could be a way of getting players in at Leeds? Does it not? Now more than previous transfer windows, Bates needs to reach into his never-ending pockets and grab some petty cash for Mr. Grayson. Not that I entirely trust Mr. Grayson to make worthwhile signings that will enhance our promotion push. So far we've signed Danny Pugh full-time which is sort of okay. I don't really mind as long as his £500k price tag didn't feather our chairman's pockets too much. Pugh has played okay, what I expected really although his first three games did make me think he could be somewhat useful. We've also signed a young winger who is no stranger to the Championship in Andros Townsend. From what I've heard and seen this chap could be a decent signing by Simon. He looks pacey and intelligent on the ball. He can use both feet which is something the hospital-bedded Robert Snodgrass fails in so badly. That said I really want Snoddy back. The window is still young and between the London games of the Gooners and the Eagles I expect at least one signing. After the Palace game I hope to see more activity. But where exactly would I strengthen if I were in-charge of the wonga...


Apparently Paul Connolly was dropped from right-back for the Burnley game which both Lees and young Zac Thompson trialed with during that 2-1 win. Thompson looked sharp their and failed to make mistakes. I'd like to see more of him but possibly in the centre of midfield. We need a permanent, solid full-back to take Connolly's place if the rumours are true that Paul has played one of his final games for United. A player like Lichaj should never go amiss. He played well with his time at Elland Road and welcomed a bid for him in the summer from the Whites. Sadly we didn't follow up on his pleads which we have lived to regret especially over this December period. 


Since Howson is out for a while it would also be smart to invest in another midfielder who can play in the centre of the park just behind the strikers. There must be a player out there who is begging to get some game-time. May he be old or young. In the last few months of the 2011-2012 season someone must want game-time. And there's hardly a better club to come to if you want game-time and rotation. 


For now that's the only two positions which need a serious look at, other than the Centre-back position but I think Grayson is already looking to full that role by replacing Paddy who is out for the remainder of the season. Also at this point in time I wouldn't even mind loans, young ones like Andros Townsend who know the Championship better than where they left their boots last. 


I hope to be celebrating some success in the transfer window very shortly and I'll be posting another blog up come the end of the window. Possibly on deadline day, who knows. Over and out.