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.
"We just need Lady Luck to smile on us" said the United boss.
"We're not lucky in our defending, we created chances, but the ball is just not going for us.
"We played some of the finest football you will see in this division and we want to give the fans more than that.
"I need the fans to keep the players believing in themselves and they did that again. I can't thank them enough for that.
"The players are disappointed with themselves, but they went a long way to resurrecting the belief we are not a million miles away."
Blackwell, however, was critical of referee Lee Mason, who had an Elland Road shocker.
"If I say what I want to say I'll lose my wage packet," fumed Blackwell.
"I don't know what he was doing. It's hard to think we're at Elland Road because we don't seem to get any luck, no decisions go our way and it's unbelievable.
"Deano (Brian Deane) nearly had his eye taken out and there was one cynical challenge on Brett Ormerod where he could have broken his leg."
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.
"We just need Lady Luck to smile on us" said the United boss.
"We're not lucky in our defending, we created chances, but the ball is just not going for us.
"We played some of the finest football you will see in this division and we want to give the fans more than that.
"I need the fans to keep the players believing in themselves and they did that again. I can't thank them enough for that.
"The players are disappointed with themselves, but they went a long way to resurrecting the belief we are not a million miles away."
Blackwell, however, was critical of referee Lee Mason, who had an Elland Road shocker.
"If I say what I want to say I'll lose my wage packet," fumed Blackwell.
"I don't know what he was doing. It's hard to think we're at Elland Road because we don't seem to get any luck, no decisions go our way and it's unbelievable.
"Deano (Brian Deane) nearly had his eye taken out and there was one cynical challenge on Brett Ormerod where he could have broken his leg."