Saturday the 8th of May, 2010. Match day 46 of 46 in Coca-Cola League One for the 2009/2010 season. For Leeds United, judgement day.
In pole position to gain promotion to the Championship on 83 points and sitting in second place before kick-off, it was theirs to lose. And as is often the case with Leeds, it wasn't done the easy way. Only a win on the final day of the season at home to Bristol Rovers would secure a top two finish, otherwise results elsewhere would have to go our way.
Before the game begun Elland Road was filled with a blend of nerves, expectation and excitement amongst the home fans. They knew this could be the day they'd been waiting for for the past three years. Or they may have to endure another play-off campaign. A packed crowd greeted the players with a raucous reception as the entered the field. The game began cagey and tense, it was like we just didn't want to lose it.
News was filtering through of other scores all game, as they had the week before away at Charlton, only this week, things weren't so good for us. Charlton were leading, while Swindon took the lead at Milwall early on, before a swift equaliser from the home side. However, by this point things were hotting up where I was.
A Leeds chance dispatched by talisman Jermaine Beckford, only to be ruled out for offside, halting my exuberant celebrations. But as we recovered from that disappointment, more drama was to unfold. An off-the-ball incident involving Max Gradel and Bristol left back Jones- I can never remember his first name, I despised him so much that day. Jones was on the floor holding his face from what replays later showed to be a mild stamp from Gradel to his foot, completely inexpicable in my view. Gradel was dismissed, but not without first fighting his own teammates and trying to get to the ref before going.
The second half kicked off calm once again, but early on, disaster. Jones, the villain for the day crossed the ball into the Leeds box and after some fairly poor defending, Daryl Duffy converted to put Leeds a goal and a man down. Things were not looking good. Play-offs seemed to be where we were heading. And as always, play-offs and Leeds United most usually ends in defeat.
Leeds boss Grayson decided it was time for change, and so brought on local lad Jonny Howson for Shane Lowry in a bold move which paid off. Big time.
Within 5 minutes of his entrance, the game had been turned on it's head. Bradley Johnson, now at left-back played the ball to the edge of the box, Luciano Becchio laid it off for Howson, who curled a beauty into the corner of the goal. Elland Road went beserk. Mental. Explosive. Electric. The atmosphere was incredible. Suddenly, the belief was back, we could win this, we could go up! Seconds after the restart, straight back on the attack Leeds almost scored again! No-one at that time, or at least no me, seemed bothered that Milwall had taken the lead, and therefore second place from us. We still needed to win. But, cometh the hour...
Another chance for Leeds but the ball collected by the Rovers goalkeeper. As he went to throw it out, with the noise from the crowd still unbelievable, Beckford managed to intercept slightly the throw, the ball fell to Johnson who powered into the box and played it square. At first, it seemed a defender would could it out, but who was on hand to put it away from 8 yards? Who else but Jermaine Beckford! It was euphoric. I was shouting, screaming, hugging people I'd never met before! As the crowd settled a little I even became teary-eyed at the overwhelming atmosphere. It is a goal I have watched back time and time again, and I will continue to. Even just now as I write this, I had to stop for 10 minutes just to see it a few times. Everywhere you look as it goes in is just incredible. Whether it's the Bristol Rovers defender on the edge of the box putting his hands to his head, Bradley Johnson jumping up and down, waiting for the ball to go in, the Kop just willing the ball over the line, or Beckford himself smashing home the promotion-winning goal!
The game from that point seemed over and done with. Bristol Rovers didn't really have any more to offer, Leeds were happy to hold onto their slender lead. And so they did, winning the game, sealing promotion, and finally escaping the third tier of English football.
Possibly the most exciting, thrilling, dramatic, loud, emotional, and most importantly, the best football game I've ever seen.
Monday 12 March 2012
Sunday 11 March 2012
Analysis of Aidy White
20 year-old Aidan White has begun to become a prominent member of the Leeds United first team this season, when the club was under the management of Simon Grayson, and has since continued in the starting lineup under Neil Warnock.
Starting out in the Leeds United youth set-up before graduating into the first team, White was originally a left-back. However, with his lightning pace, he has moved forward to left midfield, and would more than likely be capable in a left wing position. Versatility is key to his game.
Mostly used at left back so far, and having more than his fair share of time out injured means White is yet to break his scoring duck for Leeds, but during a loan spell at Oldham in the 2010-11 season, he chipped in with 4 goals there. Goalscoring will come to him, as he moves further up the pitch though, it's still the early stages of his career.
All in all, White looks like he's got potential. Already a winner of Leeds United's "Young Player of the Year" award, it seems likely that many more honours will come his way and hopefully be part of a successful team for years to come.
Starting out in the Leeds United youth set-up before graduating into the first team, White was originally a left-back. However, with his lightning pace, he has moved forward to left midfield, and would more than likely be capable in a left wing position. Versatility is key to his game.
Mostly used at left back so far, and having more than his fair share of time out injured means White is yet to break his scoring duck for Leeds, but during a loan spell at Oldham in the 2010-11 season, he chipped in with 4 goals there. Goalscoring will come to him, as he moves further up the pitch though, it's still the early stages of his career.
All in all, White looks like he's got potential. Already a winner of Leeds United's "Young Player of the Year" award, it seems likely that many more honours will come his way and hopefully be part of a successful team for years to come.
Thursday 8 March 2012
My Leeds United memories: Meeting Alan Smith
It was December 2002. As a Leeds United junior member, aged 10, I like any other youngster was looking forward to a White Christmas. However, this year, something I never could have imagined was about to happen. A letter through the post for me from Leeds United containing a Christmas card. This, at first, seemed ordinary but it certainly wasn't!
Inside the card was a message, telling me I'd been picked at random as a lucky junior member who would get the opportunity to meet present Leeds United player and (at the time) fan's favourite, Alan Smith.
I, of course, was overjoyed. Here I was with the chance to meet one of my idols of the time, at Elland Road. On the day of meeting him I had the feeling of exciting mixed with somewhat nerves, as I''m sure many would be at the prospect of meeting a hero. The night is one I'll always remember, I had a photo with Smith, got to ask him a couple of questions, and signed merchandise.
The feeling of getting to meet my hero is a great one, and the memory will always remain, of course many will say that it's not as good now after Smith's move to our rivals in Manchester, but for me, when I was 10, it was brilliant! He may not be an idol or a hero to me any more, but at the time he was, and it was great being able to meet him. Everyone should get to meet their idol.
Inside the card was a message, telling me I'd been picked at random as a lucky junior member who would get the opportunity to meet present Leeds United player and (at the time) fan's favourite, Alan Smith.
I, of course, was overjoyed. Here I was with the chance to meet one of my idols of the time, at Elland Road. On the day of meeting him I had the feeling of exciting mixed with somewhat nerves, as I''m sure many would be at the prospect of meeting a hero. The night is one I'll always remember, I had a photo with Smith, got to ask him a couple of questions, and signed merchandise.
The feeling of getting to meet my hero is a great one, and the memory will always remain, of course many will say that it's not as good now after Smith's move to our rivals in Manchester, but for me, when I was 10, it was brilliant! He may not be an idol or a hero to me any more, but at the time he was, and it was great being able to meet him. Everyone should get to meet their idol.
Monday 5 March 2012
No progress just yet.
So Ken Bates has come out and said that he's pleased with the impact Neil Warnock has had on Leeds United. He placed great emphasis on the fact that in his 3 games in charge, only one goal has been conceded by what under Grayson was often unstable and 'leaky'.
Yes, it is fair to say that's an improvement, but at the other end Leeds are yet to score under Warnock, registering two 0-0 draws, and a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton. While many say Leeds were desperately unlucky to come away from the Saints game with nothing- 22 shots to 7 against the league leaders speaks for itself- the bottom line is, we didn't. 2 points from a possible 9 is not play-off or promotion form, Leeds need to be more clinical if they want to have a chance of going up this season.
If not, we'll just have to let Warnock rebuild in the summer, hopefully promotion isn't too far away.
Yes, it is fair to say that's an improvement, but at the other end Leeds are yet to score under Warnock, registering two 0-0 draws, and a 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton. While many say Leeds were desperately unlucky to come away from the Saints game with nothing- 22 shots to 7 against the league leaders speaks for itself- the bottom line is, we didn't. 2 points from a possible 9 is not play-off or promotion form, Leeds need to be more clinical if they want to have a chance of going up this season.
If not, we'll just have to let Warnock rebuild in the summer, hopefully promotion isn't too far away.
Friday 2 March 2012
My All-Time Leeds United XI
I was thinking to myself, what would I see as the best Leeds United team of all time, taking the great players from all generations and creating one 11-man line-up which could, in my opinion, be the best?
The players I came up with didn't necessarily always score the most goals or were part of trophy-winning sides, but to me, they are the best. Some choices may seem questionable to most, but remember this is all about opinion. I've gone for the traditional 4-4-2 formation, so here we go...
GK: Nigel Martyn- Signed by Howard Wilkinson in 1996, he was the keeper who was part of Leeds' 'European adventure' in the 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons, putting in man-of-the-match performances against some of Europe's best, most notably away at A.S. Roma. He served the club for 7 years, making 273 appearances, and was named in 'Leeds United's greatest team'. A worthy nomination.
RB: Gary Kelly- One of my all-time favourite Leeds United players. The Republic of Ireland full-back put everything into every game I ever saw him play for the Whites. A one-club man, now a rarity in the game where so many transfers take place. He reached the milestone of 500 appearances for the club at home to Luton Town in February 2006, shortly after an F.A Cup replay against Wigan, in which he scored a stunning volley; one of only 4 goals in his career.
CB: Jack Charlton- The record-holder for most Leeds United appearances, this being just one of many honours Charlton earned in his time at Leeds. Another who only played for one team, he won a League Championship, an F.A Cup, a League Cup and two Fairs Cups with Leeds, as well as having a World Cup winners' medal to his name. Despite being a centre-back, Charlton was never shy going forward either, scoring an impressive 70 league goals.
CB: Lucas Radebe- 'The Chief'. Signed from Kaiser Chiefs in South Africa in 1994, he soon became a fan's favourite and a club legend. Radebe played over 200 league games for the club, which would have been more had he not been plagued with injury towards the end of his career. Not only was he a great player, but also a top quality ambassador for football. In 2005, as he retired from playing, proceeds from his testimonial, which attracted international stars and a huge crowd at Elland Road, were donated to charity. He also has been known to have a friendship with Nelson Mandela, who once even proclaimed that Radebe was "his hero".
LB: Terry Cooper- Another of the great Revie side of the 60s and 70s. His career didn't start in the most usual circumstances. He simply turned up at Leeds with a pair of football boots and asked for a trial, from then on he impressed enough to earn a place in the team. His honours while at the club include a League Cup, in which he scored the only goal of the final against Arsenal, 2 Fairs Cups, and the F.A Cup in 1972. However, Cooper missed the final following a terrible injury in April of that year, which saw him out of the game for almost 2 years. Once back to fitness, he had lost his place in the team to Trevor Cherry and the emerging Frank Gray. He left the club shortly after, but will always be remembered as a great full-back of the Revie era.
RM: Peter Lorimer- The all-time leading goalscorer for Leeds United with a staggering 238 goals in 703 games. He also set the record for Leeds' youngest ever player, making his debut at just 15. His powerful strikes were enough to worry opposing defenders and earn him nicknames like "Lash" and "Hotshot", with some of his shots at goal reaching 90mph it is said. A legend of the game and the club, has to be in this team.
CM: Billy Bremner- The song Leeds United fans sing about him speaks for itself really; "Little Billy Bremner is the captain of our crew, for the sake of Leeds United he would break himself in two, his hair is red and fuzzy and his body black and blue, as Leeds go marching on." The epitome of Revie's Leeds team, a fan's favourite, voted Leeds United's greatest ever player, a member of both English and Scottish football's halls of fame, in his 772 appearances for Leeds no-one was as great as Billy Bremner. The statue in his memory and honour outside Elland Road is a fitting tribute, and so is a place in this team and any "Leeds United's greatest".
CM: John Sheridan- One of the brighter things to come out of the dark decade of the 80s in Leeds United's history. The Irish international played 272 games for the club, scoring 53 goals along the way. A big favourite with the fans, he helped Leeds reach the semi-finals of the F.A Cup and achieve 4th place in the old Second Division in the 1986/87 season, only missing out on promotion in the play-offs.
LM: Robert Snodgrass- The only current Leeds player to make it into the team. He may not have the experience or the honours of other possible contenders, but there's no denying he's a great footballing talent. Since joining from Livingston in 2008 he has made 176 appearances, scoring 39 goals, with many more assists to his name. As Leeds gained promotion, 'Snoddy' was named in the League One Team of the Year, and under new manager Neil Warnock has been named as club captain. Hopefully one for the future, to accompany what he has already achieved.
ST: Allan Clarke- The scorer of the winning goal which saw Leeds United lift the F.A Cup for the only time in their history in 1972. Allan 'Sniffer' Clarke was a poacher in front of goal, scoring 151 goals in 351 games for the Whites. Most notable of those was him Wembley goal against Arsenal, a classic Clarke goal, stooping to head the ball into the corner. His partnership with Mick Jones was one of the most renowned features of the Leeds United team under Don Revie, being half of that duo has to earn Clarke a place in my team.
ST: John Charles- Known as "the Gentle Giant", Charles was never booked or sent off in his 327 appearances for Leeds United, where he played both centre forward and centre back. His best attribute was probably his goal-scoring, with a total of 157, including one season in which he managed a ratio of more than a goal every game. He left a great legacy from his time at the club, with the West Stand of Elland Road being named after him, and a bust of him can be found in the entrance lobby to the Banqueting Suite. There is also the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, named after the Welshman.
So there you have it. My personal Leeds United all-time XI. Feel free to comment with any changes you'd make, remember it's all about personal opinion.
The players I came up with didn't necessarily always score the most goals or were part of trophy-winning sides, but to me, they are the best. Some choices may seem questionable to most, but remember this is all about opinion. I've gone for the traditional 4-4-2 formation, so here we go...
GK: Nigel Martyn- Signed by Howard Wilkinson in 1996, he was the keeper who was part of Leeds' 'European adventure' in the 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons, putting in man-of-the-match performances against some of Europe's best, most notably away at A.S. Roma. He served the club for 7 years, making 273 appearances, and was named in 'Leeds United's greatest team'. A worthy nomination.
RB: Gary Kelly- One of my all-time favourite Leeds United players. The Republic of Ireland full-back put everything into every game I ever saw him play for the Whites. A one-club man, now a rarity in the game where so many transfers take place. He reached the milestone of 500 appearances for the club at home to Luton Town in February 2006, shortly after an F.A Cup replay against Wigan, in which he scored a stunning volley; one of only 4 goals in his career.
CB: Jack Charlton- The record-holder for most Leeds United appearances, this being just one of many honours Charlton earned in his time at Leeds. Another who only played for one team, he won a League Championship, an F.A Cup, a League Cup and two Fairs Cups with Leeds, as well as having a World Cup winners' medal to his name. Despite being a centre-back, Charlton was never shy going forward either, scoring an impressive 70 league goals.
CB: Lucas Radebe- 'The Chief'. Signed from Kaiser Chiefs in South Africa in 1994, he soon became a fan's favourite and a club legend. Radebe played over 200 league games for the club, which would have been more had he not been plagued with injury towards the end of his career. Not only was he a great player, but also a top quality ambassador for football. In 2005, as he retired from playing, proceeds from his testimonial, which attracted international stars and a huge crowd at Elland Road, were donated to charity. He also has been known to have a friendship with Nelson Mandela, who once even proclaimed that Radebe was "his hero".
LB: Terry Cooper- Another of the great Revie side of the 60s and 70s. His career didn't start in the most usual circumstances. He simply turned up at Leeds with a pair of football boots and asked for a trial, from then on he impressed enough to earn a place in the team. His honours while at the club include a League Cup, in which he scored the only goal of the final against Arsenal, 2 Fairs Cups, and the F.A Cup in 1972. However, Cooper missed the final following a terrible injury in April of that year, which saw him out of the game for almost 2 years. Once back to fitness, he had lost his place in the team to Trevor Cherry and the emerging Frank Gray. He left the club shortly after, but will always be remembered as a great full-back of the Revie era.
RM: Peter Lorimer- The all-time leading goalscorer for Leeds United with a staggering 238 goals in 703 games. He also set the record for Leeds' youngest ever player, making his debut at just 15. His powerful strikes were enough to worry opposing defenders and earn him nicknames like "Lash" and "Hotshot", with some of his shots at goal reaching 90mph it is said. A legend of the game and the club, has to be in this team.
CM: Billy Bremner- The song Leeds United fans sing about him speaks for itself really; "Little Billy Bremner is the captain of our crew, for the sake of Leeds United he would break himself in two, his hair is red and fuzzy and his body black and blue, as Leeds go marching on." The epitome of Revie's Leeds team, a fan's favourite, voted Leeds United's greatest ever player, a member of both English and Scottish football's halls of fame, in his 772 appearances for Leeds no-one was as great as Billy Bremner. The statue in his memory and honour outside Elland Road is a fitting tribute, and so is a place in this team and any "Leeds United's greatest".
CM: John Sheridan- One of the brighter things to come out of the dark decade of the 80s in Leeds United's history. The Irish international played 272 games for the club, scoring 53 goals along the way. A big favourite with the fans, he helped Leeds reach the semi-finals of the F.A Cup and achieve 4th place in the old Second Division in the 1986/87 season, only missing out on promotion in the play-offs.
LM: Robert Snodgrass- The only current Leeds player to make it into the team. He may not have the experience or the honours of other possible contenders, but there's no denying he's a great footballing talent. Since joining from Livingston in 2008 he has made 176 appearances, scoring 39 goals, with many more assists to his name. As Leeds gained promotion, 'Snoddy' was named in the League One Team of the Year, and under new manager Neil Warnock has been named as club captain. Hopefully one for the future, to accompany what he has already achieved.
ST: Allan Clarke- The scorer of the winning goal which saw Leeds United lift the F.A Cup for the only time in their history in 1972. Allan 'Sniffer' Clarke was a poacher in front of goal, scoring 151 goals in 351 games for the Whites. Most notable of those was him Wembley goal against Arsenal, a classic Clarke goal, stooping to head the ball into the corner. His partnership with Mick Jones was one of the most renowned features of the Leeds United team under Don Revie, being half of that duo has to earn Clarke a place in my team.
ST: John Charles- Known as "the Gentle Giant", Charles was never booked or sent off in his 327 appearances for Leeds United, where he played both centre forward and centre back. His best attribute was probably his goal-scoring, with a total of 157, including one season in which he managed a ratio of more than a goal every game. He left a great legacy from his time at the club, with the West Stand of Elland Road being named after him, and a bust of him can be found in the entrance lobby to the Banqueting Suite. There is also the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, named after the Welshman.
So there you have it. My personal Leeds United all-time XI. Feel free to comment with any changes you'd make, remember it's all about personal opinion.
Monday 27 February 2012
The unreliability of loanees
So firstly, Fabian Delph has had his short-term return to Leeds cut short by injury. Then Andros Townsend decided he wanted to return to his parent club, Tottenham. And now Adam Smith has followed suit and been recalled too.
The problem faced by clubs such as us who choose to utilise the loan market is when stuff like this happens. In the space of a few days we've lost three players who could have featured in the first team.
Manager Neil Warnock actually told the Leeds United website that Townsend had said he didn't like it At Elland Road and wanted to leave. It has since become apparent that Birmingham were also interested in him and he has since moved there for a loan spell. Whether that was a factor in him leaving Leeds remains to be seen.
But as I said before, Leeds United are now three players down on the squad that already needs drastic improvement and bolstering. No wonder there doesn't seem much hope of promotion this season.
Loan players are often not up for the fight as it were, because they're usually not at the club they want to be playing for, most often out looking to gain experience. Maybe Bates and Leeds United should consider making some long-term, permanent signings in the near future, instead of constant relying on the unreliable that are loan players.
The problem faced by clubs such as us who choose to utilise the loan market is when stuff like this happens. In the space of a few days we've lost three players who could have featured in the first team.
Manager Neil Warnock actually told the Leeds United website that Townsend had said he didn't like it At Elland Road and wanted to leave. It has since become apparent that Birmingham were also interested in him and he has since moved there for a loan spell. Whether that was a factor in him leaving Leeds remains to be seen.
But as I said before, Leeds United are now three players down on the squad that already needs drastic improvement and bolstering. No wonder there doesn't seem much hope of promotion this season.
Loan players are often not up for the fight as it were, because they're usually not at the club they want to be playing for, most often out looking to gain experience. Maybe Bates and Leeds United should consider making some long-term, permanent signings in the near future, instead of constant relying on the unreliable that are loan players.
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