Arsenal replay will help Leeds achieve ultimate goal

After winning at Old Trafford last year, many Leeds fans could be excused for being on top of the world. 4 months later, and that world nearly came crashing down, as a woeful run of form saw a seemingly formidable League 1 lead thrown away, with promotion having to be gained on the last day of the season.

12 months on, and the Mighty Whites are at it again in the FA Cup. Only seconds away from another shock victory at one of the 'Big Four', Leeds had to settle for a replay. Robert Snodgrass sent 9,000 travelling fans mad as he put away a 55th minute penalty.

Robert Snodgrass puts Leeds 1-0 up at the Emirates Stadium.

Relentless pressure from Arsenal eventually caught up with Leeds, and saw them concede a dubious penalty just as injury time commenced. Fabregas duly dispatched his spot-kick, and a replay at Elland Road tomorrow beckons.

A 1-1 draw with Wycombe a week after beating the scum 1-0 started a horrible run of just 3 wins in 12 league games, but unlike last year, Leeds managed to put 3 more points on the board after their 3rd round outing. A 4-0 win on Saturday against lowly Scunthorpe kept Leeds well in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot.

Davide Somma slots home Leeds' fourth against Scunthorpe.

Grayson and his backroom staff will have learnt from last year's experience, as well as the players who were part of the promotion-winning squad.

A repeat sequence would be a disaster, given how well the squad has adapted to life in the Championship, but under a more experienced Grayson & co, Leeds United's ultimate aim of promotion to the Premiership can only get stronger.

Arsenal replay will help Leeds achieve ultimate goal

Operation: Survival

Another midweek game, another thumping. To say Leeds were outclassed last night would be a severe understatement. It’s difficult to stomach, and equally difficult not to demand something be done, be it a change of expectations, a change of personnel or a change of manager. Either way, something MUST change.

My first suggestion is a strange one, but I have to question the attitude of the coaching staff, the players and ultimately the manager with regards to half time. Whilst the majority of the crowd may have been occupied by another dreadful attempt to win £50 by a member of  The Revie Stand, I noticed that the Cardiff substitutes were put through a rigorous training session of running and passing with a coach keeping an eye on proceedings. Meanwhile, the Leeds substitutes were in groups of two kicking a ball about, talking and generally just passing the time before they returned to the dugout. A coach was nowhere to be seen. I realise that this is a minor issue and probably has little bearing on our current form but it looked like a Sunday League team against an established, professional outfit. We may not be at our most grandest at the moment but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon all sense of professionalism.

My next suggestion is an obvious one; The players. I could write all day about the shortcomings of our squad but my opinion, although deemed worthy enough to be read by a few hundred people browsing the internet, in the grand scheme of things is going to change very little, so I will get right to the point – More than half the squad are just not good enough. A point highlighted last night when the crowd reacted angrily and ferociously to a few heavy tackles just before half time, the ball fell to Bradley Johnson, who’s response to the heightened atmosphere was to loft the ball to the far corner flag and out for a goal kick, no team-mate was within 30 yards of his pass… I say ‘pass’ in the broadest sense of the word, in actual fact it was a desperate attempt to get rid of the ball for fear of incurring the wrath of the crowd – a trait that has no place at this level. Similarly, when Schmeichel was looking to release the ball early ALL ten outfield players had their back to him, seemingly praying that he wouldn’t choose to pass to them.

He was far from alone though, Robert Snodgrass is rapidly earning the accolade of ‘Most overrated player of a generation’ and the entire back four have struggled all season, regardless of which quartet is chosen. Rule number one of defending is ‘never let the ball bounce’, if you do, disasters similar to that of the opening goal last night happen. It’s easy to blame Schmeichel but he clearly shouted for the ball, only to be dispossessed by Bruce getting in the way… Amateurish.

One passage of play last night underlined the difference in quality between ourselves and Cardiff; Jay Bothroyd picked up a long ball played into the right-hand channel from a central defender, he had barely moved 10 yards across the penalty area, yet the ball was at his feet and he had turned to attack the goal. The pass was weighted just over Neil Collins and between the central defender and full back – A simple pass, yet so effective. We managed to quell that attack and within 30 seconds had punted the ball at Davide Somma’s neck, in the hope of something similar whilst surrounded by 3 Cardiff defenders…

This brings me on nicely to The Manager, I like Simon Grayson and the job he has done at Elland Road is undoubtedly a good one, but should one of the seemingly never ending line of people I know who love poking fun at Leeds United defeats ask me how Leeds set out last night, or indeed against Leicester, I couldn’t answer them. I couldn’t tell them what our game plan was, or what we attempted to do to stifle the unquestionable talent of Craig Bellamy. We appear to just take to the pitch and play off the cuff, whatever happens, happens and we’ll deal with it afterwards…

I hate questioning the manager because it’s his right to test his skills at this level having finally dragged us out of League One but I have to question a few things;

His Signings; For every Kasper Schmeichel and Paddy Kisnorbo there have been several Frede Bessone, Jason Crowe, Gary McShefferey and apparently Ross McCormack – disappeared without trace.

His Tactics; or lack thereof. As I mentioned, what has our game plan been these last few weeks? Now that we don’t have the quick striker we seem to be  devoid of ideas. I thought Grayson had solved that with the acquisition of countless wingers, yet last night we had a left footer on the right and a central midfielder on the left… I don’t know either.

Another thing I noticed last night (yes I was paying close attention) was, from one of our corners a Cardiff player found himself with the ball, facing his own goal roughly around the penalty spot, a precarious position to be in for any player. Yet, without looking he hooked the ball out to the right back position where his right winger collected the ball and proceeded up the pitch. This might be a happy coincidence but I doubt it, it’s obviously a premeditated tactic when clearing in such a situation – he knew his player was there. Can you imagine the current Leeds team having such a plan?? no, thought not. That is ultimately down to the manager.

His Selection Policy: Another defeat last night and the expected departure of George McCartney will mean another list of changes for Saturday. Injuries have been cruel this season but towards the end of McAllister’s reign I remember players complaining that one mistake meant a month on the bench, de ja vu?

Finally the fans, no not change the fans, and not another plea for some realistic expectation. Most fans seem to realise that anything above 15th is a decent season. I’d like to take issue with something that is a problem for our game on a National level, probably why our National team look as likely to win anything as Newcastle; Let me explain:

Last night Jonny Howson picked up the ball in central midfield and after noticing he had a little bit of space proceeded directly at the centre of the Cardiff defence, still going towards the edge of the area he was greeted unanimously with shouts from the crowd of “GET RID OF IT, GET RID OF IT…” Can you imagine that attitude in a football stadium anywhere else in the world?? Spain haven’t nurtured Iniesta, Xavi, Ramos etc on such mercurial teachings and nor was Lionel Messi ever taught to “GET RID OF IT..”

There will be those that point to our decent start and our acceptable league position but all promoted teams set off well with the momentum that promotion brings but after four defeats in five (three at home) we’re in a battle for survival.

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Operation: Survival

Who can fill Beckford's shoes?

As Gary Hooper signed for Celtic this morning, any (very) slim hopes of him becoming a Leeds player were well and truly dashed. A similar story to Billy Sharp a few weeks ago, when he signed for Doncaster Rovers.

It seems to be a recurring theme with Leeds - linked to a striker, reports of a failed bid, and then he signs elsewhere. Most would claim that a lack of ambition and funding for Grayson is to blame, so how else can we fill the boots of the man who scored 85 goals for Leeds?

Those who have faith in the current regime at Leeds would argue there are still 5 weeks of the transfer window left, and this is more than enough time to bring in a replacement. Leroy Lita, Jason Roberts, Adam LeFondre and Charlie Austin are just four names being thrown around as potential suitors for Simon Grayson, but most would come with a hefty price tag - something which almost seems to rule out Leeds United these days.

So, can we look closer to home? Nobody can argue with bringing in a 29-goal striker on a free transfer, but Billy Paynter is not seen as a direct replacement for Beckford, and looks more suited to the role that Becchio already plays in the team.

Davide Somma impressed Lincoln City fans with 9 goals on loan last season, and looks to be in Grayson's first team plans this season. But the step up from League 2 to the Championship will not be easy, and our hopes shouldn't rest on him, despite looking promising in pre-season.

Mike Grella will also be looking to make an impact this season, despite being behind the mighty Paul Dickov and Tresor Kandol in the pecking order last season. Clearly a player with talent, but doesn't look to have any sort of natural finishing ability à la Beckford.

Whatever happens, there is no way that Leeds United will be able to cope without somebody shadowing Beckford's achievements over the last 3 seasons.

As it stands, Bates' blunder in not offering Beckford a new contract earlier in proceedings can only be rectified (partially) in one way - getting his chequebook out and replacing him adequately.

Who can fill Beckford's shoes?

We've done it!

After 9 months of ups, downs, ups and then downs, Leeds United are promoted!

The match against Bristol Rovers was Leeds' season summed up in 90 minutes. A strong start, full of enthusiasm and endeavour, with plenty of promise. The middle, which saw Leeds reduced to 10 men and go 1-0 down, was akin to the 4-month blip after beating the Salford Yanks in the FA Cup. But in the end, Leeds United triumphed and took one step back on their road to becoming one of the biggest clubs in England.

It's been said at times that some of the Leeds players don't have enough bottle or passion for the club. Nobody can fault the effort, passion or bottle yesterday. Too many times have the players crumbled after going a goal down, but with no room for error whatsoever, the Mighty Whites rose to the occasion.

For the final 25 minutes, 38,000 bums were squeaking, not least when high balls were thrown towards the United penalty area, but the tumultuous roar which erupted as the referee blew his final whistle was one of relief, pride and pure unadulterated joy.

Thousands of fans flocked onto the pitch to embrace their heroes, to celebrate with one another after a season which has seen many Leeds fans age beyond comprehension. Tears were shed, screams were screamed, and dances were danced on the hallowed Elland Road turf. We had done it. We had climbed out of the God-awful pit that is League 1, and made our way back into the 2nd tier of English football.

Simon Grayson, Andy Hughes, Patrick Kisnorbo, Johnny Howson, Jermaine Beckford, Luciano Becchio, and many others, have done what Leeds fans have been praying for, for 3 years. They've taken Leeds United up. And to do it in such a way made it all the more sweeter. Knowing that Millwall had won, and would have been celebrating when Rovers went 1-0 up, as we were at Charlton when news filtered through of Andy Robinson putting Tranmere 2-0 up, brought smiles to the faces of many.

Quite what to expect with Leeds next season is another matter, and no doubt many of the fans will be hoping the board show enough ambition to make it 2 promotions in 2 years, but for now the memories of the day we escaped the clutches of League 1 football will make the summer a very enjoyable one.

We've done it!

Leeds United: The Ultimate Selfish Lover!

A love affair that blossomed in it, and your infancy. It seemed magical and passionate in its innocence. Each rendezvous provided happy memories and fuelled the desire to make this relationship... a lasting one. All seemed well yet there were times when you thought that you weren't getting an adequate return for your efforts but put any such concerns to the back of your mind, just happy to be part of something special. Several years on and those concerns are now tearing you apart, your lover offers you nothing in return for the time, effort, money and love you adorn them with whilst taking every opportunity to break your spirit. There have been times over the years when you thought you were getting somewhere, thought that your devotion was to finally be rewarded only for it to be snatched away at the last second without a moments consideration for your feelings... alas you carry on regardless in support of your loved one in the feint hope that the relationship and adoration will one day become mutual...

Its often said that love is blind and many would argue that more than a handful of Leeds United fans have been blind to the current state of affairs at Elland Road for a while, unwavering support for the club in the hope that promotion would make their hardship worthwhile. However, I'm confident that after last night's debacle; the latest in a series of soul crushing 'performances' few are in any doubt that our club is in disarray. For 'supposedly' the biggest club in the league and undoubtedly the biggest wage bill we lined up for our most crucial game of the season with no recognised full back, a central midfielder at left wing and a 37 year old striker in place of our leading goalscorer (who, rumour has it stormed out of the ground last night after learning that he wasn't in the team). All this for a club those earnings from a lengthened flurry in the F.A. Cup this season dwarf the annual turnover of fellow members in our current lowly rank.

Many suggestions and theories have been put forward for what has set Leeds United on a run of form that has seen just 4 victories since the turn of the year but I think by far the most credible is that Simon Grayson has lost the dressing room! How can the likes of Neil Kilkenny, Andy Robinson or Aidan White have any respect for a manager that clearly has his favourites; How Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson or Lee Bromby are named in the squad, never-mind the starting 11 is anybody's guess. What do these lads have to do to get an opportunity in a team that is on its ass?? Rui Marques commented a few weeks ago in an interview that we're conceding goals and not performing but the manager seems to have forgotten I'm here... now I'm not suggesting that Rui has the ability to stem the tide but at least use a viable alternative to the system that clearly isn't working. If Beckford did leave last night after learning of his omission whilst the 'golden boys' remained in the squad, can anybody blame him?? Granted its not professional but enough is enough!

Unfortunately its all come too late, we can't strengthen, a managerial change would be ridiculous, the team is in disarray and we're all hurtling head-long into a car crash! Should Leeds United miss out on promotion in May, its time for fans to get used to the fact that we're a lower league club with huge potential and a decent fan base...

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Leeds United: The Ultimate Selfish Lover!

We don't deserve this!

So as Leeds United players trudged off after being tamed by the Lions last night, the boos echoed around Elland Road. Chants of "What the f**k is going on?" were audible for all to hear, even those who (perhaps wisely) opted to watch the game on Sky. With just a three-point lead over 3rd placed Millwall, along with playoff humiliation in both of United's previous League 1 campaigns, Leeds supporters have been left dreading the thought that similar heartache will fall upon them this season. But the question which is being asked is - were our fans right to boo the players?

Managers, coaching staff and players have come and gone through the years, but one thing has remained constant - the passion, desire, and love shown towards the club by the Leeds United fans. At least 20,000 pay to watch our beloved club at Elland Road each week for the third season in the third tier, coupled with the fans who sell-out allocations at away grounds time after time, but what reward have we seen?

What exactly have we got in return in the past 8 years from Leeds United and its owners? 2 relegations, 25 points deducted, administration, the loss of ownership of our stadium and Thorpe Arch, and 3 playoff disappointments, to name but a few.

On the pitch, the players in white did not have the bottle for the fight last night, and did not do their jobs. If we, as regular employees, performed our jobs to such a sub-standard level week after week, we would be sacked. Ken Bates famously said that to watch Premiership football, we'd have to pay Premiership prices. Well we certainly are paying Premiership prices, but the football aspect is somewhat lacking.

It is hard to put a finger on just what has gone wrong since we entered 2010, but it would seem nothing is working for Leeds at the moment. Even bringing in the gritty Paul Dickov, at the spritely age of 37, has failed to inject some desire into a lifeless United squad, who look a completely different outfit since those wonderful FA Cup performances in Manchester and North London. Quite why the team wasn't strengthened in January opens up a completely different can of worms, but time is rapidly running out for Simon Grayson to put things right.

If, somehow, Leeds to manage to hold on to the second automatic spot, then the long-overdue promotion party will be based more on relief than success. Leeds fans deserve medals for their long-standing support of the club, despite everything we've been through, and promotion this season from this league is the very least we deserve.

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Note from the editor: Welcome to our new author DIPDEES, hopefully the first of many excellent articles.

We don't deserve this!