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Showing posts from June, 2015

Leeds United closing in on Leicester City striker Chris Wood

Yorkshire Post 29/6/15 LEEDS UNITED are understood to be closing in on the signing of Leicester City forward Chris Wood. Leeds saw a seven-figure bid, believed to be over £2m with add-ons, agreed by the Foxes late last week and have been battling it out with Wolves to sign the 23-year-old. After seeing an initial offer rebuffed by Leicester, Wanderers come back in with a second bid, which was accepted by the East Midlands outfit. Wood is considering his options with Leeds understood to be winning the race to sign him. Wood’s days at Leicester are numbered with Foxes keen to recoup a seven-figure fee of £2.5m for his services - having just spent £7m on Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki, who has arrived at the club from Bundesliga side Mainz. The likes of Leonardo Ulloa and Jamie Vardy are also in front of Wood in the queue for a starting spot. Wood scored on the opening day of last season for Leicester in a 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton. But that was his only strike in the

Leeds United: Glover has sown the seeds to bear fruit

Yorkshire Evening Post 29/6/15 HEAD of recruitment Martyn Glover says Leeds United are concentrating their efforts on bringing in a British core of players as they plot their Championship path in 2015-16. United – whose players officially start pre-season training at Thorp Arch today – have already brought in three players, with last week’s arrival of defender Sol Bamba following on from the additions of young striker Lee Erwin and rookie goalkeeper Charlie Horton. Leeds have been linked with a host of other players, including Leicester duo Chris Wood and Liam Moore and Birmingham City forward Clayton Donaldson with Glover working in tandem with head coach Uwe Rosler and owner Massimo Cellino to augment the club’s squad numbers. A plethora of signings arrived from the continent in the 2014 close season with former sporting director Nicola Salerno proving an influential figure in bringing many players to Leeds, particularly from Italy. But Glover, who previously served as recruitme

Leeds United: Juventus star wanted at Elland Road - Yorkshire Evening Post 28/6/15

ITALIAN international Simone Pepe is understood to be a target for Leeds United after being released by Juventus. But the 31-year-old winger will also attract the attention of several top Serie A sides after collecting four league title winners’ medals with the ‘Old Lady.’ Pepe started out at home-town club Roma but never played in the first team. He has shone in Serie A for 10 seasons, mainly for Udinese and Juventus, scoring 29 goals in 219 games despite being hindered by injuries in recent seasons. He has been linked with the Elland Road club since April, after Leeds owner Massimo Cellino said he was interested in bringing a series of Italian-based players to the club. Ahead of his release Pepe, who appeared for Italy at the 2010 World Cup, said: “I have spent five fantastic years in amazing company at Juventus. I have given my heart and soul. Juventus have understood me and will keep an incredible feeling forever.” Pepe joined Udinese midway through the 2005–06 campaign in a c

Former Leeds United director Melvyn Levi dies aged 71 - Yorkshire Evening Post 25/6/15

Former Leeds United director Melvyn Levi has died at the age of 71, his family confirmed today. Mr Levi suffered a massive heart attack while travelling with his wife, Carole, on a ferry from Bilbao to Portsmouth earlier this month. Paying tribute to her husband, Mrs Levi told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It was so sudden and we are just trying to pick up the pieces. He is very much missed.” Businessman Mr Levi was part of the so-called Yorkshire Consortium that spent 10 months running Leeds before selling the club to a Swiss-based group with Ken Bates as its UK representative in 2005. A subsequent falling-out between Mr Levi and Mr Bates led to a number of high-profile court cases. Mr Bates was ordered to pay £50,000 in damages in 2009 after Mr Levi made a successful claim for defamation at the High Court in London. And, as recently as March this year, Mr Bates was told to pay £6,000 in damages to Mrs Levi following allegations that she had been harassed.

Leeds United: Defensive rock Bamba can be Whites’ leader – Rosler

Yorkshire Evening Post 24/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED head coach Uwe Rosler has hailed the permanent arrival of defensive rock Sol Bamba from Palermo – and believes he can be a leader on and off the pitch at Elland Road. The 30-year-old, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at United in the second half of the 2014-15 season, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third year after Leeds agreed a undisclosed fee with Palermo. The fee is understood to be a considerable one, with former sporting director Nicola Salerno – whose official departure from the club was confirmed yesterday – helping to broker the deal. Rosler said: “I am delighted to get such an experienced player to our squad. “Of course, I think he has the experience of the league and British football and he has performed very well. “He brings fantastic qualities with him (in terms of) what we are looking for. He can be a leader by himself for the young team he is working with. “He brings a lot of qualities

Leeds United confirm Salerno departure

Yorkshire Evening Post 24/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED have confirmed that sporting director Nicola Salerno has officially left the club after both parties agreed to a mutual termination of his contract. Confirming the news, the club tweeted: “Nicola Salerno has departed his role as Sporting Director at #lufc after a mutual termination of his contract was reached. “We would like to thank Nicola for his efforts over the last year and he will always be welcomed back to Elland Road in the future.” Back in April, club owner Massimo Cellino - who was at the time banned - confirmed that Salerno had resigned following speculation about his position in the wake of the suspension of former United assistant head coach Steve Thompson. Thompson had been suspended until the end of the season over an “internal issue” and told that his contract would not be renewed when it expired in the summer. Cellino has claimed he had “been told that Salerno was disrespected by Thompson” after Leeds’ 3

Leeds United: Whites complete Bamba signing

Yorkshire Evening Post 24/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED have completed the signing of centre-half Sol Bamba for an undisclosed fee from Palermo. The defender, 30, who impressed during a loan spell at Elland Road in the second half of last season, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third. Bamba was one year into a three-year contract at Palermo but only made one league appearance since joining from Trabzonspor last August, with his days at the Sicilian outfit being effectively numbered. The 30-year-old becomes United’s third summer signing following the recent arrivals of goalkeeper Charlie Horton from Cardiff City and striker Lee Erwin from Motherwell. The former Leicester City centre-half proved an instrumental figure in United’s upturn in the first three months of the new year and produced several outstanding displays. Bamba made 19 appearances for Leeds in total and despite causing controversy after openly criticising Leeds owner Massimo Cellino towards the en

Cellino may face further League sanctions after fine over car tax

Yorkshire Post 24/6/15 THE Football League will make no comment regarding Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino’s conviction for tax evasion on a Range Rover until they have seen formal documentation from the case. Cellino was fined €40,000 at a court hearing in Cagliari yesterday after failing to pay VAT on a Range Rover which had been imported from the United States, according to reports in Sardinia. He was found guilty of tax evasion, but acquitted of customs offences because estimates of the vehicle’s value fell below the threshold of criminal liability. The league will now wait to study formal court documents from the case before establishing whether this latest conviction was confirmed by the court judge to be a dishonest act – which could result in a further ban for Cellino under their owners’ and directors’ test. The same judge in Cagliari, Dr Sandra Lepore, convicted Cellino of tax evasion in relation to his yacht, Nelie, last year and fined him €600,000. That conviction le

Leeds United: Darby set to be named as new first team coach - Yorkshire Post 23/6/15

JULIAN DARBY is set to be named as the new first-team coach at Leeds United. The Lancastrian’s last coaching appointment was at Nottingham Forest, but he left the City Ground following Billy Davies’ axing in March 2014 alongside fellow back-room staff members David Kelly and Pete Williams. Bolton-born Darby, 47, also served under Davies during their time together at Preston and Derby. Darby’s coaching career began at Deepdale and he became first-team coach under Davies before linking up with the Scot when he left for the Rams in 2006. He followed Davies to the City Ground in January 2009, only to leave following his departure and the appointment of Steve McLaren in June 2011. Following spells with hometown club Bolton as an under-16s academy coach, he assisted former Trotters’ team mate Jimmy Phillips during his brief stint as caretaker manager following Owen Coyle’s sacking in October 2012. He returned for a second spell at Forest as first-team coach to Davies in February 2013 a

Leeds United: Pearson says focus now on experienced recruits

Yorkshire Evening Post 23/6/15 LEEDS UNITED may still have several pieces of transfer business to conclude this summer, but most observers would venture that they have already made one of their key signings of the close-season already in Adam Pearson. The 50-year-old made a surprise move back to United – where he served as a commercial director before leaving in 2001 – six weeks ago on May 11 and he has already been working feverishly behind the scenes, helping to instigate a number of key appointments. Stuart Hayton has come in as the new club secretary at Elland Road, while Martyn Glover has arrived at the club as the head of recruitment. Rob Kelly has been brought in as deputy to new head coach Uwe Rosler, who was named just nine days after Pearson’s arrival at the club, with Richard Hartis also coming in as the club’s new goalkeeping coach. Some further coaching appointments are likely with Pearson also working hard behind the scenes to try and establish several key commercial

Leeds United: Cellino awaits his fate

Yorkshire Evening Post 22/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED owner Massimo Cellino is waiting to learn his fate tomorrow (June 23) with a trial over allegations that he evaded tax owed on an imported Range Rover due to take place in an Italian court. Cellino, who is accused of importing the car from the USA without paying tax, denies any wrongdoing. But if he is found guilty, he could incur a further ban from the Football League – following his disqualification for a similar tax offence late last year. According to Sardinian newspaper La Nuova Sardegna, the Range Rover trial will be ruled upon by Dr Sandra Lepore, the judge who convicted Cellino of evading tax due on a yacht called Nelie last year. The Range Rover charge was originally due to be settled in January but the court ordered a postponement after Cellino failed to attend. A hearing in the Sardinian capital of Cagliari in mid-April then delayed the trial until today. According to reports in Italy, the prosecution in the

Could financial package scupper Leeds United move for Barton?

Yorkshire Post 22/6/15 FORMER England midfielder Joey Barton has again been linked with a possible move to Leeds United - although the YP understands the financial package involved in luring the 32-year-old to Elland Road is likely to scupper any serious hopes of a move. Barton was released by relegated QPR in May, with the Huyton-born player coming to the end of a lucrative contract at Loftus Road, where his weekly wages were in the region of £65,000-68,000 per week. Some discussions did take place about Barton remaining in West London, but the fresh terms that QPR were offering were understood to be way short of what the Liverpudlian was seeking and he was not prepared to take a massive pay cut and stay. The Rs captain is now considering his options, with Leeds having been mentioned as a possible next port of call. But given his wage demands, it is highly unlikely that Leeds would be in a position to follow up any significant interest in Barton - whose next contract is likely to

Leeds United defender Byram eyes promotion bid

Yorkshire Evening Post 22/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED defender Sam Byram is casting aside speculation regarding his future - and is fully focusing his energies on the Whites enjoying a successful 2015-16 campaign. The future of Byram, who has a year remaining on his Elland Road deal, is under the microscope with Sunderland being linked with a move this summer and several other top-flight clubs reportedly keeping tabs on him. Reports in the north-east are suggesting that the Wearsiders will target a move for Byram if they lose out to West Ham in their quest to sign Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson on loan. But despite the rumours over his future, Byram is concentrating on matters in hand with Leeds, with he and his United team-mates returning to pre-season training next Monday when they will be put through their new paces by new head coach Uwe Rosler - and he is eager to impress. Byram said: “I’ve had chance to get away and go on a few holidays – it’s nice to have a breather a

Leeds United: Pearson is building backing for Whites

Yorkshire Evening Post 21/6/15 LEEDS UNITED executive director Adam Pearson is confident that the club will be able to announce more significant commercial deals in the near future following the arrival of Kappa as the club’s kit provider for the next five years. The deal with the Italian sportswear giant was announced last Tuesday afternoon and Pearson is now working hard behind the scenes to secure more key partnerships with businesses wanting to come on board with Leeds United. On the likelihood of further sizeable commercial deals transpiring, Pearson added: “We have a whole host of them. Obviously, Kappa is our key partner and with the club sponsor, they are the new main partners we have to get right for the next five years. “But we are still actively trying to put a partnership programme together and have six to eight key sponsors in different sectors to hang off the two main sponsors. “There are some interesting deals coming to the table, for sure. “We have got a lot to do

Top law firm sues Leeds United for £150,000

Yorkshire Evening Post 18/6/15 LEEDS United are facing up to the prospect of a potentially-costly away fixture in the London courts, it has emerged. Top law firm Mishcon de Reya has started legal proceedings against United, claiming it is owed around £150,000. The firm says Leeds have yet to come up with money for services that were provided during 2014. Details of the case are outlined in a written claim lodged by Mishcon de Reya at the High Court in London. United said they would be making no comment on the matter. A spokeswoman for the law firm told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I can confirm Mishcon de Reya are suing Leeds United for unpaid fees.” The London-based firm mounted Leeds owner Massimo Cellino’s successful appeal last year against an attempt by the Football League to stop him buying the Whites. Its lawyers are also known to have spent time at Elland Road in May last year reviewing United’s finances and setting in motion a redundancy scheme designed to reduce the c

Lewis Walters agrees new Leeds United deal

leedsunited.com 17/6/15 Young forward Lewis Walters has agreed a new one-year deal with the club. Walters, a product of United’s esteemed Academy, will officially put pen to paper in the coming days after accepting the offer presented to him last month. The 20-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut but was on the periphery of the senior squad for the closing months of last season after recovering from a lengthy knee injury picked up in pre-season. The striker, who can play centrally or out wide, was an unused substitute for February’s Elland Road defeat to Watford and often was often part of the travelling squad to away games. Walters also featured 10 times for United’s Under-21s, scoring on three occasions, as he battled his way back to full fitness in a bid to become a regular part of the first-team plans. Walters, who turned professional back in 2013, is highly-regarded at Thorp Arch having first made a name for himself in the Harrogate Sunday Leagues. He will now be lo

Kappa: Good deal for both - Adam Pearson and Mark Ward discuss Kappa's announcement

leedsunited.com 16/6/15 Tuesday afternoon saw the club announce a five-year deal with Italian sportswear giants Kappa, and executive director Adam Pearson believes it is a move which will put the club on a "very good commercial footing". The new 2015/16 home kit will be unveiled at an exclusive Elland Road event for Season Ticket holders on Thursday July 9 before its official launch in the club Superstore the following Saturday (July 11). Alongside Kappa UK & Ireland managing director Mark Ward, Pearson fronted a press conference at Elland Road to outline the details of the new partnership and how it will benefit the club. "Kappa are a renowned brand with great history both here and abroad," he said. "They understand the UK market and they’re keen to expand back into this UK market. "I think they’ve chosen a partner who can give them the volume of sales and have the potential to go back into the Premier League and go even further. I think it’s a g

Leeds and Kappa link up in five-year kit deal

leedsunited.com 16/6/15 Leeds United are delighted to announce a five-year deal with Italian sportswear giants Kappa to become the club’s new kit provider from the 2015/16 season onwards. The deal will see Kappa supply kits and training wear for the first-team, development squad and all Academy age groups, as well as introducing large-scale branding within Elland Road stadium. The new 2015/16 Leeds United home kit will be unveiled at an exclusive Elland Road event for Season Ticket holders on Thursday July 9. The following night will see Uwe Rosler’s side wear the new kit for the very first time in their pre-season friendly at Harrogate Town, before it is officially launched in the Elland Road Superstore the next morning (July 11). United chairman Massimo Cellino said: “We are very happy that Kappa will be working with Leeds United for the next five years. “I already appreciate how hard Kappa have worked with us to get things ready for the new season in such a short space of time

Leeds United: Martyn Glover quickly into the groove at Elland Road

Yorkshire Evening Post 15/6/15 Leon Wobschall NEW Leeds United head of recruitment Martyn Glover has revealed his delight at linking up with the club - admitting that the move came ‘out of the blue.’ Glover, former head of recruitment at West Ham, has made an immediate return to football at Elland Road after leaving an identical role at Upton Park, where he successfully worked with ex-Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. Bury-born Glover studied physical education at the former Leeds Carnegie University and worked as a PE teacher for eight years before taking on a full-post academy post with Blackburn Rovers. Glover worked in a variety of roles at Ewood Park for over a decade, holding a number of positions in recruitment and development with the academy and at the club’s senior training centre. Latterly in his time at Rovers, he was promoted to head of player recruitment under Allardyce before linking up with him at West Ham in 2011. On his move to Leeds, Glover told the YEP: “It is nice

New Head of Recruitment Martyn Glover joins from West Ham

leedsunited.com 15/6/15 We would like to welcome Martyn Glover to Leeds United as the club’s new Head of Recruitment. Martyn, who arrives from West Ham United, will work closely with head coach Uwe Rosler and will be responsible for all aspects of the club’s scouting and recruitment. Martyn boasts a wealth of experience and expertise in his role, having spent four years at Upton Park and 13 years with Blackburn Rovers prior to that. He becomes the latest addition behind the scenes at Elland Road, with club secretary Stuart Hayton also in place after arriving from Liverpool last week.

Leeds United: Darikwa on Whites radar

Yorkshire Evening Post 14/6/15 Leon Wobschall LEEDS UNITED are understood to have stepped up their interest in Chesterfield defender Tendayi Darikwa. The highly-rated full-back, 23, who can play at right-back or on the right hand side of midfield has a year left on his Spireites deal and Leeds are understood to have held talks with the Derbyshire club. Nottingham-born Darikwa picked up a number of seasonal awards at Chesterfield last term – including the Player Of The Year award and Players’ Player Of The Season accolade. He was an ever-present in the league in 2014-15, with his consistent performances having caught the eye of a number of higher division clubs, including Leeds who have followed up their initial interest. The addition of 6ft 2in Darikwa would potentially boost Leeds’ options down the right, where they have little cover. The long-term future of right-sided defender Sam Byram is also uncertain, with the 21-year-old linked with several Premier League sides already t

Sheffield United boss Adkins plays down link to Leeds United’s Sharp

Yorkshire Post 11/6/15 New Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins is staying quiet on potential transfer targets until he has a chance to assess the current Blades squad. United return for pre-season training on June 29 and Adkins wants to work with the players on the training ground before making any moves in the transfer market. Talking to the media yesterday at Bramall Lane, where Adkins spoke to The Yorkshire Post, the former Scunthorpe United and Southampton manager said looking at last season’s statistics gave him some ideas on areas the Blades could improve. United only scored 66 goals last term, in 46 games, the lowest in the top six. Champions Bristol City netted 96 goals, while Preston North End bagged 101. The need for a 20-goal-a-season striker has been obvious for some time at Bramall Lane, and former Blades striker Billy Sharp - who has worked with Adkins at three previous clubs in Scunthorpe United, Southampton and Reading - has already been touted with a move back t

Leeds United: Redfearn confirms return to former academy role

Yorkshire Evening Post 11/6/15 Leon Wobschall NEIL REDFEARN has confirmed that he intends to accept Leeds United’s offer of returning to his old job running the club’s academy – and will start work in his former post on July 1. Back on May 20, the club stated that Redfearn had been offered his position back running United’s youth-team set-up after announcing his departure from the first-team head coaching role at Elland Road by appointing Uwe Rosler. Redfearn had been considering the club’s offer for the past three weeks – and has now decided to revert to his former role. When Redfearn became permanent head coach last November, the deal – which was due to last until June 30 – included a clause guaranteeing him that his previous role as academy boss would be available again if Leeds chose not to keep him in charge of the first team for 2015-16. Redfearn’s contract with the academy is a rolling 12-month agreement, which is understood to only end when one party gives the other a yea

Ex-Leeds MD David Haigh now faces criminal charges in Dubai

Yorkshire Post 10/6/15 Former Leeds United managing director David Haigh will face embezzlement and breach of trust charges in Dubai after a case against him was started in the Middle-Eastern emirate’s criminal courts. Mr Haigh, the former deputy chief executive of Dubai-based bank GFH, has been held in custody without charge since being arrested on May 18, 2014. GFH alleges that Mr Haigh, who protests his innocence and claims he was lured to Dubai under false pretences, defrauded it of £3 million by falsifying invoices and diverted money into accounts controlled by him. Earlier this year, his case suffered a blow when the Dubai courts refused to release funds from his frozen bank account and he was left without representation. In addition to civil proceedings at the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, the prosecutor has now started proceedings in the criminal court for breach of trust and embezzlement. Mr Haigh is understood to be appealing for lawyers to help him on a

Leeds challenge excites Erwin

leedsunited.com 10/6/15 New signing Lee Erwin says he is "excited for the challenge" of joining Leeds United after becoming the club’s second signing of the summer. The 20-year-old striker was unveiled at Elland Road on Wednesday afternoon, signing a three-year deal from Motherwell to end weeks of intense transfer rumours linking him with a switch to England. “I’m over the moon,” he said. “There’s been a lot of speculation in the last couple of weeks but I’m happy to get it over the line today. “I was over the moon that such a big club was interested and I don’t think I could have ever turned that offer down. “This is the first season I’ve seen first-team football. Two years ago I was on loan in the lower leagues in Scotland at Arbroath, which was successful. “I just want to continue progressing as a player and I think this is the best place to progress. “I think it’s a good time to come when I’m young and I can mature as a person and progress as a player as well. “Le

Scottish striker Erwin joins from Motherwell

leedsunited.com 10/6/15 We are pleased to announce the signing of striker Lee Erwin from Motherwell on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old, who arrives as a free transfer, becomes the club’s second new addition of the summer following the arrival of goalkeeper Charlie Horton earlier this week. Erwin was highly sought after in Scotland, with champions Celtic among the clubs reported to have shown an interest, but Leeds have moved quickly to secure his services following the expiry of his Motherwell contract. Erwin played a key role in securing his former club’s Scottish Premiership status and ended the 2014/15 campaign in blistering form, scoring five times in their last nine games including the recent play-offs victory over Rangers. The 6’2” forward, a former Scotland Under-19s international, progressed through the Academy at Fir Park and made his senior Motherwell debut last summer following a productive loan spell with Arbroath. Eight goals in 11 appearances for the Scottish Le

Redfearn staying at Leeds United

Yorkshire Post 10/6/15 Leon Wobschall NEIL REDFEARN has confirmed that he intends to take up Leeds United’s offer of returning to his old job running the club’s academy – and will start work in his old role on July 1. Redfearn was informed that his contract as head coach at the club would not be renewed at the end of last season and had been considering the club’s offer of a return to his former position. Redfearn has now decided to take up his old post and his continued involvement with Leeds would come as a major boost to supporters. He told the YEP: “My contract had said that if I wasn’t offered the (head) coaching job, then I will go back to being the academy manager. “That is what will be happening and I will go back on the first of July, as it stands at the moment. “I have had a bit of interest from other people, but to be honest, I am a fair way into this now with the academy and had spent six and a bit years here.” “I have brought a number of these kids through and it i

Rotherham United pip Doncaster in chase for ex-Leeds United star White

Yorkshire Post 10/6/15 FORMER Leeds United utility man Aidy White has joined Championship rivals Rotherham United on a free transfer. The Otley-born player, 23, who was freed by his boyhood club last month, has joined the Millers on a 12-month deal, after completing of a medical. Several rival Championship clubs had enquired about the services of White, who made 111 appearances during his time at Elland Road, where he worked under seven different managers or head coaches in eight years. A number of League One clubs including Doncaster Rovers had also thrown their hat into the ring to sign White. Meanwhile, Leeds head coach Uwe Rosler has made his first signing of the summer, bringing in USA under-23 international goalkeeper Charlie Horton on a two-year deal. The 20-year-old worked with new United goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis at Cardiff City last term, having spent 2013-14 at Peterborough United after arriving in England from the USA. United are expected to unveil their secon

Meet Charlie Horton: First interview

leedsunited.com 9/6/15 USA Under-23s international Charlie Horton became Uwe Rosler’s first signing of the summer on Wednesday afternoon, penning a two-year deal at Elland Road following his exit from Cardiff City. Just moments after signing his United contract, Charlie sat down with leedsunited.com to give us an insight into his career so far, how he feels about joining the club and what his ambitions for the future are... Welcome to Leeds, Charlie. What can you tell us about your career so far and the journey you’ve been on to get to this point? "I grew up in the States. I was born in London, England, and then my mum moved my sister and I to America. When I was 18, I was going to sign to play at university for a top programme there but I ended up signing a contract at Peterborough. "I spent a season at Peterborough playing reserve games then, halfway through that season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the job at Cardiff and his goalkeeping coach Rich Hartis brought me in t

USA youth international Charlie Horton becomes the first signing of the summer

leedsunited.com 9/6/15 We are pleased to announce the signing of young goalkeeper Charlie Horton from Cardiff City on a two-year deal. The highly-rated shot-stopper, a USA Under-23s international, becomes Uwe Rosler’s first signing of the summer and arrives at Elland Road with a burgeoning reputation in the game. The initial plan for Charlie, who Rosler describes as “a future number one”, is to gain regular playing time for the club’s Under-21s while also providing competition for the first team, who he will train with throughout the week. Horton, 20, was born in London but moved to America at the age of nine and went on to gain a soccer scholarship at North Carolina University, which he turned down in favour of a move to English football. Having been brought across to England on the recommendation of former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, the youngster joined Peterborough United on a three-year deal back in 2013. He spent a year at London Road before moving up a division to s

The lowdown on new Leeds United goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis - Yorkshire Evening Post 9/6/15

Leon Wobschall RICHARD HARTIS has been appointed as the new goalkeeping coach at Leeds United - his second spell at the club. The 47-year-old previously worked as a goalkeeping coach at United’s academy in the late 1990s before leaving the club in 2000. Here’s the lowdown on the career of Hartis, who has worked with a number of clubs at home and abroad during his career. Hartis’ first appointment in the coaching realm in the professional game was with Sheffield United, where he was the youth goalkeeping coach from 1987-1990. After that spell in South Yorkshire, Hartis worked at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania for six years and was the head coach for the men’s and women’s teams from 1994-1997. In three seasons under Hartis, the men’s team made the NCAA Division II Final Four once and the Elite Eight on one occasions. In 1995, he was voted the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Men’s Division II Coach of the Year. Hartis returned to England in 1997 to become goalkee

Goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis to join Uwe Rosler's backroom staff at Elland Road

leedsunited.com 9/6/15 We can confirm that Richard Hartis will become the club's new goalkeeping coach after agreeing to join Uwe Rosler's backroom staff at Elland Road. The move will see Neil Sullivan return to his previous role in the Academy, coaching the Under-21s and U18s. Richard arrives from Cardiff City and, having previously spent 10 years as head of Academy goalkeeping at Manchester United, will bring a wealth of experience to Leeds. From Old Trafford, Richard made the switch to Norway in 2011, spending three years as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff at Molde, before following the former striker across to South Wales in January 2014. He has also worked as a goalkeeping coach for England’s youth teams and is currently in Moscow with the national side's Under-18s squad.

Leeds United: Uruguayan World Cup star linked with Whites

Yorkshire Evening Post 8/6/15 Lee Sobot LEEDS United have been linked with an audacious bid to sign Inter Milan’s World Cup semi-finalist Alvaro Pereira, according to reports in Italy. The 29-year-old won the 2011 Europa League with Porto and joined Inter for €10 million in August 2012 with Chelsea reportedly unsuccessful with a €20 million bid for his services in August 2011. But reports in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport suggest the versatile left-sided player is on the radar of Whites owner Massimo Cellino who was reportedly beaten to his signature in January. The South American instead left Inter to join Estudiantes on loan but the Argentine side have decided against activating their option to buy him outright. And reports in Italy suggest United have already tabled a bid for the South American who joined Inter after three years at Porto where he won the 2011 Europa League before joining Inter. Turkish giants Galatasaray are also thought to be interested in the Urugua

Five things for Leeds United to address next season

Yorkshire Post 6/6/15 Leon Wobschall SO what of the 2014-15 campaign for Leeds United? Just another run-of-the-mill crazy season in the recent history of the Whites - although let’s be honest, there have certainly been a few of late, haven’t there. The short-lived head coach stints of Dave Hockaday - 70 days - and Darko Milanic - 32 days - have entered Elland Road folklore for all the wrong reasons as did the circus towards the end of the season when six players suddenly declared themselves unfit ahead of the game at Charlton Athletic on April 18. Not to mention the Steve Thompson affair, the clause in Mirco Antenucci’s contract... Or the barring by the Football League of Massimo Cellino for breaching their owners and directors test. The list goes on. There was plenty more besides with Neil Redfearn rightly taking credit for steadying the ship in hugely difficult circumstances when the spectre of relegation looking very real at the end of 2014. For that, Leeds fans will be gratef

Leeds United: Five things to know about Birkir Bjarnason - the Thor of football - Yorkshire Post 5/6/15

Sam Pollock Leeds United are closely monitoring the contract situation of Pescara midfielder Birkir Bjarnason who could be set for a reunion with Uwe Rosler. The Italian outfit have allowed Bjarnason’s deal to run down and the 27-year-old will be available on a free transfer if he opts to move on. He has scored 12 times from midfield for Pescara this season helping them reach the Serie B play-off final. Here’s five things you need to know about Birkir Bjarnason: 1: United head coach Uwe Rosler knows the attacking midfielder very well having worked together at Norwegian outfit Viking between 2006 and 2009. Bjarnason, nicknamed the Thor of football, scored his first goal for Viking against Hamarkameratene (HamKam) and went on to be a key player helping them avoid relegation and then steer them to a third-placed finish in 2007. The 27-year-old made 100 appearances for Viking scoring 16 goals. 2: Bjarnason made his debut for the senior Iceland national side in 2010 and has gone on to

Leeds United: Phillips signs new two-year deal

Yorkshire Post 5/6/15 Leon Wobschall TEENAGE midfielder Kalvin Phillips has agreed a new two-year deal with Leeds United. The 19-year-old Leeds lad was offered fresh terms recently and his signature follows on from contract extensions agreed by Lewis Cook, Tyler Denton, Jake Skelton, Luke Parkin and Alex Purver. Kalvin, an Academy graduate, joined the club at age of 14 and progressed through the ranks at Thorp Arch before signing his first professional deal last summer. The former Wortley junior was a regular for the Under-21s during 2014/15 and scored six times in his 23 appearances and earned many plaudits along the way with Jason Blunt’s development squad. Phillips sampled experience in the senior match-day squad and featured as an unused substitute several times before being handed his full debut in the televised trip on Easter Monday to Wolverhampton Wanderers, when United lost 4-3. Phillips was handed his home bow the following Saturday (April 11) against Cardiff City and

Leeds United: Pescara midfielder interesting Whites - Yorkshire Evening Post 4/6/15

Phil Hay Pescara midfielder Birkir Bjarnason could be set for a reunion with Uwe Rosler after catching the attention of Leeds United. The Icelandic international is being monitored by Leeds with his contract at Pescara due to end after the Serie B play-off final. Pescara are on the verge of reaching the Italian top flight but the Italian club have allowed Bjarnason’s deal to run down and the 27-year-old will be available on a free transfer if he opts to move on. He and United head coach Rosler know each other well having worked together at Norwegian outfit Viking between 2006 and 2009. Bjarnason - an attack-minded midfielder - began his senior career at Viking and remained there until 2011 when he secured a transfer to Standard Liege in Belgium. Pescara took him to Italy two years later but Bjarnason spent the 2013-14 season at Sampdoria after signing for them in a co-ownership deal. He returned to Pescara last summer but is likely to seek another transfer if Pescara fail to win

Former Leicester City boss Rob Kelly named assistant head coach - leedsunited.com 2/6/15

We are pleased to welcome Rob Kelly to the club as assistant to our new head coach Uwe Rosler. Like Uwe, who was unveiled two weeks ago, Rob has penned a two-year deal at Elland Road as the club readies itself for the new campaign. Further key additions are anticipated over the coming weeks. As a player, Kelly represented Leicester City, Tranmere Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burton Albion, before being forced to retire at the age of just 24 due to a back injury which prompted the beginning of his coaching career. The 50-year-old boasts a wealth of experience in English football and spent 15 months as manager of Leicester until April 2007, as well as having caretaker manager spells at Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and West Brom after initially assisting at each club. His most recent role came at West Brom and, after assisting former head coach Alan Irvine at the Hawthorns, Kelly took charge of the Baggies’ 1-1 Premier League draw with West Ham earl

Massimo Cellino on his ambitions, increasing the wage bill and Uwe Rosler

leedsunited.com 2/6/15 Massimo Cellino has outlined his ambitions for the club and says that he intends to increase the wage bill in order to bring players to Elland Road this summer. The United chairman, who rejoined the board a month ago following Football League approval, has also spoke for the first time since the appointment of head coach Uwe Rosler. “People told me Leeds was a sleeping giant, but when I came here, the giant was dead,” he said in an interview with the Daily Mirror. “So why did I choose Leeds? I bought Leeds because I know they are better than many Premier League clubs. “I could have bought Premier League clubs for less money than I am spending at Leeds - I want the fans to understand that. “When we go into the Premier League, we will go into the Premier League to get to the Champions League. We will not go into the Premier League to pay our debts. We will not go into the Premier League to be relegated.” On the club’s financial situation, he added: “When I f

Parkin agrees new one-year deal with Leeds United

leedsunited.com 2/6/15 Young striker Luke Parkin has agreed a new one-year deal with the club. The 19-year-old, who joined the Academy aged seven, will officially sign his new contract upon returning to pre-season training this summer. Parkin turned professional back in March 2013 and has been a regular goalscorer in United’s youth teams throughout his time at the club. The forward featured 27 times for the Under-21s last season and found the net on nine occasions, including a number of match-winning strikes. Parkin is yet to make his senior debut for the club but has trained with the first team and was with the matchday squad for December’s meeting with Fulham, where he just missed out on a place among the substitutes. He joins team-mate Alex Purver in agreeing a new deal at the club, as well as second year scholars Frank Mulhern, Tom Lyman and Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who have all accepted professional contracts.

Youngster Alex Purver signs one-year contract at Elland Road

leedsunited.com 2/6/15 Young midfielder Alex Purver has agreed a new one-year deal at Elland Road. The 19-year-old will officially sign his new contract when the players return for pre-season training later this summer. Purver, who signed professional terms last July, progressed through the ranks at Thorp Arch and captained the Under-21s for large parts of 2014/15. The central midfielder featured 21 times for the United youngsters last season and regularly found himself on the periphery of the first-team. Purver still awaits his senior United debut but he was part of the travelling squad for last September’s Championship visit to Birmingham City. He becomes the latest Academy product to agree a new deal at the club after second year scholars Frank Mulhern, Tom Lyman and Bailey Peacock-Farrell all accepted their first professional contract offers.

Leeds United: Whites line up alternatives in case Bamba deal falls through

Yorkshire Post 2/6/15 Phil Hay Leeds United are widening their search for a new centre-back as they wait to see if Sol Bamba will take up the offer of a return to Elland Road. United have begun assessing alternatives to Bamba amid on-going discussions about a deal which brings the Ivory Coast international back to Elland Road this summer. Leeds have an agreement in place with Bamba’s existing club, Palermo, and their interest in him has not been affected by his cutting assessment of Massimo Cellino’s management of the club last month. Speaking after the final game of the 2015-16 season, Bamba made clear his desire to take up a permanent contract at Elland Road but he criticised the treatment of former head coach Neil Redfearn and assistant Steve Thompson and described the running of Leeds as “ridiculous”. Cellino, nonetheless, has been in touch with Bamba’s agent since returning from his Football League disqualification and Bamba is the club’s preferred choice in an area which the

Where did it all go wrong for Zac Thompson at Leeds United?

Here is the City 2/6/15 Vincent Ralph Taking a closer look at a player who left Elland Road this summer after just 13 senior appearances. When Leeds United announced their full list of released players earlier this year, the likes of Rudy Austin and Aidy White generated the most headlines. But there was another player whose departure from Leeds deserves a little more investigation in the form of Zac Thompson. Given how rarely the 22-year-old has featured in recent times it was no surprise to see him move on, but there is still a question to be asked as to where it all went wrong. After all, the former Everton youth player impressed enough at Elland Road to earn a professional contract back in 2011 and he featured 11 times for Leeds’ senior side when he was just 18. Considering the amount of times he appeared and the versatility in his play – at various times he featured as a right-back, centre-back, central midfielder and left winger – it seemed Leeds had found a fine young tale

Young trio accept professional terms with Leeds United

leedsunited.com 2/6/15 We are pleased to announce that second year scholars Frank Mulhern, Tom Lyman and Bailey Peacock-Farrell have all accepted their first professional contracts with the club. The trio were offered professional terms last month when the club announced its summer retained list for 2015 and they will officially put pen to paper when the squad returns for pre-season training. Mulhern, an Irish centre-forward, joined the club aged 12 and finished last season as the Under-18s’ top goalscorer after finding the net 13 times in 19 appearances. The 18-year-old also featured for the U21s nine times, scoring four. Lyman, an attacking midfielder, also featured for both age groups last season and, alongside Jack Vann, made the joint-highest number of appearances for the U18s with 25, scoring six along the way. Peacock-Farrell, meanwhile, is a highly-rated goalkeeper who joined the club from Middlesbrough in 2013. The 18-year-old’s 2014/15 season was hampered by injury, but