Mighty Leeds Weblog

Leeds Today Blackwell thrilled despite no goals by paul dews LEEDS boss Kevin Blackwell hailed his side's performance as "the best yet" after watching them held to a 0-0 draw last night. Blackwell's men bounced back from Friday's home disappointment at the hands of Sunderland to dominate the clash against fourth-placed Stoke City, and the manager was delighted with the character shown by his troops. "I didn't know how lads would respond after Friday," admitted Blackwell. "But that was one hell of a response and that is our best performance by a mile. We made Stoke look like a pub team at times. "People came up to me afterwards and said it's the best they've seen for 12 months. That's a massive accolade for the players." Blackwell admits he is concerned about the lack of goals from his front men, but said he felt his side could do little more to break down a side who showed no ambition beyond defending. ...

Leeds United Football Club - Matchreport Leeds United vs Stoke City : Leeds 0 Stoke 0 Leeds United were held to a scoreless draw at home to Stoke but how they failed to find the net will be a mystery to Kevin Blackwell who's side had all the possession but couldn't break a resilient Stoke back line down. Leeds started brighter than on Friday against Sunderland and some crisp passing in the midfield, particularly from Gregan, who seemed to be marshalling the troops magnificently, seemed to send out a message of intent to the crowd that they owed them a good performance. And Elland Road replied as the fans were in great voice. Early Leeds pressure told with the first corner of the game after six minutes, it was taken short to Kelly who swung an inviting cross into the box but the ball refused to drop to a white shirt. As the pressure stayed on De Goey's goal Ormerod twisted and turned but just as he pulled the trigger he was tackled. Gregan was certainly having his most...

Sport David Conn: Directors in Leeds' downfall expected to escape DTI action 25 September 2004 The administrators' report into the conduct of Leeds United's directors leading up to the club's £100m collapse earlier this year has been delivered to the Department of Trade and Industry. The DTI is expected to take between two and four months to decide whether the report identifies misconduct serious enough to warrant disqualification proceedings against any of Leeds' directors in the previous three years, including the former chairman Peter Ridsdale and non-executive director Allan Leighton, the Royal Mail Group chairman. Garry Wilson, one of the administrators, would not comment on the contents of the report and told me it was "too early" to speculate on the DTI's decision, but other sources suggested that although Leeds' meltdown was mighty it is unlikely to lead to DTI action against any of the directors. In their Premiership and Ch...

Leeds United Football Club - Matchreport Leeds United vs Sunderland LEEDS 0 V 1 SUNDERLAND Leeds fell to their first home defeat of the season as they lost 1-0 to an impressive Sunderland side. Carl Robinson scored the only goal but debutant Brett Ormerod missed a penalty for Leeds to salvage a point. On an emotional evening at Elland Road a minutes silence was held for Brian Clough who influenced both teams, albeit in different capacities!. Sunderland started the brighter and had two corners in the opening minutes but nothing came of them. It was a cracking atmosphere at Elland Road and both sets of fans were in full voice. The only goal Leeds had conceded at Elland Road this year was an Andy Reid penalty against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland were really testing out the Leeds back line with a sustained spell of pressure, but early on, Leeds held firm. The first real incident of the game came after ten minutes when Brian Deane expertly headed in a Jermaine Wright corner ...

United cure drought of Ricketts United cure drought of Ricketts by Terry Ruane For the second successive season Leeds United played hosts to Swindon Town in the second round of the Carling Cup. United blushes were saved last year when goalkeeper Paul Robinson headed the equaliser with only seconds remaining. Lightning almost struck twice last night as Swindon trailed 1-0 with seconds to go. Goalkeeper Rhys Evans arrived late at the far post, but saw his header sail over the crossbar. Leeds opened brightly with some good work down the right hand side from Gary Kelly, United's only survivor from last year's cup-tie. Jamie McMaster dummied his long ball, Michael Ricketts controlled, and played in a teasing cross that had Evans at full stretch. On nine minutes Leeds took the lead when Kelly played a superb through ball to Ricketts. The big striker took one touch before neatly side-footing the ball past Evans to register his first goal for the club. United manager Kevin...

Leeds Today RIGHT ON RICKETTS 'I hope some of my touches showed my ability is starting to come out a bit' By PAUL DEWS GOAL-DEN boy Michael Ricketts broke his Elland Road duck last night and declared: "It's nice to get off the mark." Ricketts fired Leeds United into the third round of the Carling Cup with a delightful finish as Kevin Blackwell's men edged their way to a 1-0 victory over Swindon Town. It was Ricketts' first start since August and he repaid Blackwell's faith by scoring his first goal since joining the club from Middlesbrough last summer. Said Ricketts: "It's been a long time coming. I've missed the last three pre-seasons and have struggled with my fitness, but it's been a case of getting fit and hoping my ability would tell. "It took me a while to score at Middlesbrough, but when I was at Bolton I hit the ground running so it's nice to get off the mark here - especially at home as well. "I...

BLACKWELL AIMING FOR STEADY PROGRESS: Sporting Life - Football | Premiership, Championship, Scottish & European News, Scores, Results BLACKWELL AIMING FOR STEADY PROGRESS Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell insists he will go on rebuilding the club in a "slow and proper manner" as they seek an instant return to the Barclays Premiership. The Whites booked their place in the third round of the Carling Cup with a 1-0 win over Swindon as Blackwell tried to give some of his players a break, with Sunderland due to visit Elland Road in the Coca-Cola Championship on Friday. The boss believes his squad is not quite at the level he would like yet but he is acutely aware that money cannot be thrown around to repeat the rapid improvement of the club under former chairman Peter Ridsdale. "I know there's a level we need to compete at and we've still got to get to that level, but we can't rush it, we can't do that any more," Blackwell said. "It's my...

Times Online - Newspaper Edition Crewe 2 Leeds 2: Pugh brace foils Crewe ALAN COMBES AT GRESTY ROAD A RARE scenario at Gresty Road yesterday, in that this was the first league meeting ever between these sides. They met 10 years ago at Elland Road in the FA Cup, when the evergreen Brian Deane was the scorer. Leeds can count themselves lucky to have escaped with a point yesterday, although they blitzed the Crewe goal in search of a winner in stoppage time. An abrasive Crewe midfield, ably led by Kenny Lunt, caused Leeds several embarrassing moments and gave Sean Gregan an uncomfortable debut. With Dean Ashton, Steve Jones and David Vaughan in form, Crewe made Leeds look nervy and uncoordinated at the back in the early stages. When Paul Butler’s misjudged header landed at Jones’s feet, he bamboozled his way past two Leeds defenders before laying on a fine opportunity for Ashton, which the under-21 international fired over. Only a quality reflex save from Neil Sullivan kept out a ...

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Ormerod heads to Leeds Ormerod heads to Leeds Southampton striker Brett Ormerod is joining Championship side Leeds on a month's loan in an attempt to secure some first-team football. Ormerod has been out of favour recently and Saints head coach Steve Wigley confirmed that he was heading for a spell at Elland Road. Wigley said: "We're not looking to sell him. He needs games, though, and hasn't had many here this season. "Hopefully he'll come back with the benefit of five or six under his belt." Leeds are currently 10th in the Coca-Cola Championship and manager Kevin Blackwell has been looking to strengthen his striking options since the start of the season.

Leeds United Football Club - Pugh's The Man - Crewe 2-2 Leeds Pugh's The Man - Crewe 2-2 Leeds A Danny Pugh rocket with a minute left has rescued a point for Leeds after four second half goals at Gresty Road. Leeds had plenty of chances to score, and the home side only had a handful, from which they scored two, but Deane and Joachim worked hard up front and the days of the Leeds strike force bagging the goals cannot be far off. Match report The sun had come out by kick off after a morning of heavy rain, and Leeds started brightly, looking to dominate from the off, but it was Crewe's number nine Jones who got the first shot in, although he was flagged offside in the process. Seven minutes in, and Crewe had a better chance when Vaughan had a shot from 25 yards out, but the low effort skidded across the wet surface and Sullivan watched it go past his post. Both sides showed a willingness to get the ball down and pass, not surprisingly for a Dario Gradi si...

Leeds United Football Club - Blackwell Gets His Man : "Blackwell Gets His Man Blackwell Gets His Man Leeds United has won the race to sign West Bromwich Albion's highly-rated and experienced midfielder Sean Gregan. Gregan, 30, joins the club for a fee potentially rising to £1million dependent on the Club's success. He has been appointed on a three-year contract following yesterday's medical (15/09/04) and will be officially unveiled as a Leeds player at a press conference at Thorp Arch today at 2pm. Born in Guisborough, Gregan began his career with Darlington before joining Preston North End for £350,000 in 1996. Having made a name for himself at Deepdale, he went on to join West Brom for £1.75 million in August 2002, and was instrumental in taking them into the Premier League last season. "Sean is a tremendous player and will be a great asset to our squad in terms of leadership, personality and talent; we're delighted he's joined us." said...

Telegraph | Sport | Leeds finding their feet again Leeds finding their feet again By Ross Reid (Filed: 15/09/2004) Plymouth (0) 0 Leeds Utd (1) 1 Plymouth suffered their first home league defeat since last September as Leeds United gained their first away success of the season thanks to an own goal by Marino Keith. The arrival of the Yorkshire side, Champions League semi-finalists just over three years ago, attracted an all-ticket sell-out attendance of 20,555 to Home Park. It was the newly promoted Devon side's highest league gate since a Boxing Day match against Portsmouth in 1986 and the rebuilding of their stadium two years ago. The ground has changed a lot since Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell was on the Plymouth management staff in 1997 and 1998. Blackwell's Leeds side were unchanged from the team who beat Coventry 3-0 on Saturday, while there were three changes to Argyle, beaten 3-2 at Queens Park Rangers. French keeper Romain Larrieu and right back Paul Co...

Leeds United Football Club - The Butler Did It! Plymouth 0 Leeds 1 The Butler Did It! Plymouth 0 Leeds 1 United put in a magnificent performance at Home Park to destroy Plymouth's 18 month unbeaten record and record their first win against Argyle for 41 years. Paul Butler was the man with the header but it was a collective performance that may just signal a turning point in United's season. Plymouth 0 United 1 Goals: Butler 42 Team news: Both United and Argyle are unchanged for this the first trip by Leeds to Home Park in 14 years. It means Matthew Spring is again left to kick his heels on the bench as he awaits his debut for The Whites. Teams Plymouth: Larrieu, Friio, Coughlan, Norris, Evans (Crawford 71), Capaldi (Hodges 24), Wotton, Makel, Keith, Keith, Connolly, Gilbert. Subs: Hodges, Lasley, Milne, Crawford, Adams. United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Carlisle, Crainey, Wright, Pugh, Richardson, Joachim (Ricketts 82), Walton (Spring 66), Deane (McMa...

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World Leeds to capture Gregan by Peter ORourke - Last Updated 14 Sep 2004 Leeds are closing in on the signature of West Brom midfielder Sean Gregan. The Elland Road outfit have been chasing the former Preston man for some time and are hopeful of landing him after having two previous bids rejected. Gregan has been seeking a move away from The Hawthorns after having a transfer request accepted last month. Cardiff and Nottingham Forest were also linked with Gregan, but Leeds are closing in on his signature. Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has been desperate to strengthen his midfield with numbers limited and he sees Gregan as a key addition to his squad. "I'm absolutely delighted because I've been chasing him for ages," said Blackwell. "He can be an inspirational and influential player for us because he has a wealth of experience."

Leeds United Football Club - Walton Signs Three Year Contract Walton Signs First Pro Deal Young United midfielder Simon Walton is celebrating after signing his first professional contract at Elland Road. The Academy graduate signed a three-year deal on his 17th birthday ahead of last weekend's 3-0 win over Coventry, a game which he later played in. The Leeds-lad has made five appearances this season and continues to impress with every performance despite his age. Walton, speaking through his agents on their website at www.stallargroup.co.uk, said: "My goal at the start of the season was to break into the first team, so to do it on the opening day of the season was a huge boost for my confidence. "It was always going to be a bit of wait-and-see this year with the number of different players leaving and joining, and it will take time for us all to learn how the manager wants us to play and how each of our teammates play. But I am happy with my form and just w...

Leeds United Football Club - Board Refutes Takeover Rumours The board of Leeds United have responded to media reports that the club may be subject to another takeover. A report in The Sunday Times claimed that Iraqi businessman Nadhmi Auchi was preparing a bid to buy out the current administration with plans to move the club from Elland Road into a purpose-built stadium. The Sunday Times (12/09/04) carried an article stating that Mr Nadhmi Auchi has been involved in negotiations to purchase Leeds United Football Club. The Club can confirm that no such negotiations to buy the Club have taken place with Mr Auchi. "The board of directors at Leeds United are frustrated that another takeover-based story has appeared in the media without foundation, which only creates uncertainty at a time when they are working to establish a solid foundation for future success at the club. "As has been previously stated, the club is committed to staying at Elland Road and will cont...

Times Online - Newspaper Edition Iraqi billionaire bids to take Leeds back to football big time David Leppard and Robert Winnett A CONTROVERSIAL Iraqi billionaire is preparing to buy the ailing Leeds United football club in an attempt to restore it to its former glory. Nadhmi Auchi, a British-based businessman with a fortune claimed to be worth £1.3 billion, is drawing up detailed plans to take control of the debt-ridden club. He hopes to move it to a purpose-built stadium, redeveloping the current Elland Road ground to pump millions into the Coca-Cola Championship side. Yesterday, sources close to Auchi confirmed he was interested in buying the club. One said: “This is one of the most important clubs in the country and Auchi believes he can help the supporters and the local community but still make a profit. Everything now depends on the price.” A former Ba’ath party member whose brothers were killed by Saddam Hussein’s regime, Auchi left Iraq in the late 1970s to se...

Leeds Today United striker heads north By Paul Dews LEEDS UNITED boss Kevin Blackwell today packed striker Simon Johnson off to Sunderland on loan and declared: "Everyone is a winner with the deal." The young marksman has joined the Black Cats on a month's loan and Blackwell will be following his progress closely. Johnson was in the squad for Sunderland's clash with Gillingham today and he will be monitored by Leeds scouts during his stay on Wearside. Said Blackwell: "This is a great opportunity for Simon and for us. The lad hasn't been involved here and he needs some exposure. This could be a great move for the kid. "Sunderland will pick up his learning curve which is good for us because we already have quite a lot of young lads learning their trade in our first team and that eases the pressure on us a bit. "It's also a chance for him to play first division football. Sunderland are getting a good player and it's a move that s...

Leeds United Football Club - Match Report - Leeds United v Coventry City Leeds United 3 Coventry City 0 Leeds spoilt former boss Peter Reid's return to Elland Road as Clarke Carlisle and Julian Joachim both scored their first goals for the Whites and top scorer Danny Pugh added a third late on to complete a convincing win. Goals: Carlisle 40, Joachim 71, Pugh 90 Teams: United: Sullivan, Kelly, Crainey, Carlisle, Butler, Wright, Joachim (Ricketts 90), Pugh, Richardson, Walton, Deane (McMaster 85). Subs not used: Carson, Spring, Duberry. Coventry: Shearer, Staunton (Barrett 78), Hughes, Morrell, Sherwood, Johnson (Suffo 45), Doyle, Wood (Whing 78), Carey, Shaw, Leacock. Subs not used: Steele, Gudjonsson, Pre-match United boss Kevin Blackwell made two changes to the starting line-up from the side that lost at Sheffield United a fortnight ago. Stephen Crainey made a quicker than expected recovery from a hamstring injury to keep his place at left-ba...

Leeds United Football Club - Blackwell Awaits Transfer Developments Blackwell Awaits Transfer Developments United boss Kevin Blackwell is still waiting to hear if he can add to the squad ahead of Saturday's home tie with Coventry City. Blackwell has been pursuing West Bromwich Albion midfielder Sean Gregan and has also turned his attention to Birmingham City striker Stern John, and remains optimistic that deals can be completed to bring both players to the club. The boss has also hinted that they might not be the end of his rebuilding process at the club this season, with more targets lined up and the board working hard to make more funds available for his work in the transfer market. Blackwell explained his interest in both players: "Stern John and Sean Gregan are both players we are interested in and they are clearly linked with Leeds United for the right reasons. "Gregan is keen to come to Leeds and he's the type of player I believe will be a...