Mighty Leeds Weblog

New pages uploaded at mightyleeds.co.uk 19 November 2005 - Southampton 3 Leeds United 4 After one of the most incredible comebacks in the club's history, United pull off an astonishing victory – Yorkshire Evening Post: "4.31pm: Saints 3 United 0 - 4.46pm: Saints 3 United 4" Read the full story at http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/matches/20051119.htm

Leedsunited.com 29/8/06 EIRIK BAKKE: CLUB STATEMENT Leeds United today explained the reasons behind the decision to leave Norwegian international midfielder Eirik Bakke out of their first team plans. "It is in the club's best interests for Eirik to move on," Shaun Harvey, United's chief executive officer, said. "At the present time Eirik is back in Norway trying, along with his advisers, to find another club before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month. "He is in the final year of a contract, which in any shape or form, would not be renewed at the end of the season. "While the level of his salary is in no way his fault, it is preventing the club from moving forward as quickly as we would like. Apart from Gary Kelly, Eirik is the last of the players from the Ridsdale era when players were remunerated very, very well. "But time has moved on. We no longer have the parachute payment, we are no longer a Premiership club and we have to face r...

Yorkshire Post 29/8/06 Bakke set to head back home Brann indicate interest after Leeds show him the door Richard Sutcliffe NORWEGIAN league leaders Brann have emerged as a possible destination for Eirik Bakke after the midfielder was told by Leeds United his future lies away from Elland Road. The 28-year-old exclusively revealed in later editions of yesterday's Yorkshire Post that United manager Kevin Blackwell had told him he would not play for the club again.Bakke, who is in his eighth season with Leeds, netted his first goal for two-and-a-half years in the Carling Cup win over Chester City last week, but he was then left out of the squad to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Sunday.The transfer window closes on Thursday night and sources in Norway claim Brann are ready to make a move.Talks over a possible return to his native country broke down this time last year when Bakke opted to move on loan to Aston Villa.Brann, who feature ex-Rangers midfielder Charlie Miller and...

Yorkshire Evening Post 28/8/06 United are forcing me out EXCLUSIVE by Phil Hay Leeds United midfielder Eirik Bakke today insisted he is being forced out of Elland Road after the club warned they can no longer afford to finance his salary. Bakke was missing from United's squad at Sheffield Wednesday yesterday amid assertions that he had lined up a transfer out of Elland Road, but the former Norwegian international claimed today that this was a smokescreen for United's attempt to cut him from their wage bill. Leeds are not thought to have received any official approaches for Bakke, and the club are short of time to find a buyer with the transfer window due to close on Thursday evening. Bakke claimed his agent was contacted last week by United's chief executive officer Shaun Harvey, who warned that the midfielder had played his final game for the Elland Road club. Bakke's salary – thought to stand at £23,000 a week – is a considerable burden on United's finances and a ...

New pages uploaded at mightyleeds.co.uk Jim Storrie – The Laughing Cavalier Originally signed as a foil for John Charles, his goals were the foundation for the rise of Don Revie's 60s side Read the full story at http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/players/storrie.htm

LeedsUtd 28/8/06 Eirik Bakke Leaving Leeds United for Premiership "I won't be Bakke!" 27th Aug, 2006 :: by Autolycus Eirik Bakke is being lined up for a transfer deadline-busting Premiership move. The Norwegian international is fit but was deliberately left out of the Leeds United team to face Sheffield Wednesday this lunchtime. Leeds' manager Kevin Blackwell admitted before the match at Hillsborough that Eirik was not playing because of transfer interest in him and that they couldn't risk him being injured. Bakke has an appalling injury record and has played only a handful of games for the Whites in the last three seasons. He is also on Peter 'Numpty' Ridsdale-inspired wages of £23,000 per week and Leeds are so desperate to off-load him that any Premiership club can have him without a fee. Bakke spent the early part of last season playing under old manager David O'Leary at Aston Villa. Villa are now under new management at the board level and have fu...

Independent 28/8/06 Sheffield Wednesday 0 Leeds United 1: Sturrock condemns referee after Leeds profit By Arindam Rej Published: 28 August 2006 Paul Sturrock called for an end to Premier League referees being used in Championship matches after Steve Bennett produced a series of controversial decisions yesterday. The Sheffield Wednesday manager said that this result would have been different had Bennett not awarded David Healy the decisive penalty and sent off Brad Jones in the same incident after 67 minutes. Sturrock said that he wanted to send a message to the Premier League: "I would like them to keep their referees. They don't seem to be able to handle the step down and the edge that they miss in Premiership games. Leave us alone and let us stick to our own referees.'' He plans to appeal against Jones' red card and claims that other managers support his views on Premiership referees. "I feel strongly about this,'' he said. "I've had convers...

Three for the price of one this evening!! New pages uploaded at mightyleeds.co.uk Review of 2005/06 - Bouncing back United mount a promotion challenge with a miraculous comeback at Southampton - then it's Squeaky Bum Time as the season brings the wobbles for first the Blades and then the Whites Read the full story at http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/seasons/200506part1.htm Kits, sponsors and badges A glorious story of all the various kits worn by Leeds City and United over the years, together with details on sponsorship and badges - specially for all the anoraks out there! Read the full story at http://www.mightyleeds.co.uk/misc/kits.htm Online photo albums A colourful pictorial history of the club via a series of themed photo albums - Kits, sponsors & badges, Managers and Programmes Read the full story at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/davetomuk/my_photos

Yorkshire Evening Post 26/8/06 United aim to net loan ranger by Phil HayLeeds United boss Kevin Blackwell is poised to return to the loan market after confirming midfielder Steve Stone will be out of action for six weeks.Stone received a minor reprieve yesterday when the results of hospital scans displayed a torn abductor muscle rather than a damaged groin, halving his predicted recovery period, but his injury has significantly weakened a small Elland Road squad.Stone, who limped off against Cardiff last weekend, is one of three long-term absentees, along with Richard Cresswell and Kevin Nicholls, and Blackwell's squad may be trimmed further if the club decide to return goalkeeper Tony Warner to Fulham after his month-long loan.Warner's deal will end after United's clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough tomorrow, and Leeds were expected to rule on his future today. Initial indications, however, suggest Warner will rejoin his parent club next week.Blackwell has ident...

Leedsunited.com 23/8/06 HARD WORK WAS KEY Match-winner Eirik Bakke cited hard work as the key as United edged past League Two outfit Chester City in the first round of the Carling Cup. The Norwegian's 57th minute goal proved enough to book Leeds a place in the second round, but Kevin Blackwell's men were made to fight until the end to secure their progress. "The manager wasn't happy at half-time," revealed Eirik. "We didn't play well in the first half and we needed to move up a level. "You have to work hard against sides like that because if you don't, you get dragged down to their level. "We had to perform better in the second half otherwise it would have been a long night." The winning goal had an element of good fortune about it. Chester defender Paul Linwood contrived to shoot against his own post before Eirik's follow-up shot crept over the line after grazing the same upright. "We've not had any luck this season, but i...

Sporting Life 20/8/06 RIDSDALE: I'M BANNED FROM LEEDS Former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has claimed he has been banned from Elland Road indefinitely after allegedly being thrown out of the boardroom following Cardiff's 1-0 victory. The Bluebirds' deputy executive chairman was, it is claimed, asked to leave the boardroom by Leeds chairman Ken Bates. Ridsdale had earlier celebrated Willo Flood's late winner. When Bates returned to the boardroom with the other directors and their guests at the end of the game, allegedly informed Ridsdale he was no longer welcome at his former club. Ridsdale told Wales on Sunday: "I was told that I was no longer welcome at Elland Road today or any time in the future. I asked what I had done and Ken (Bates) said he didn't like my behaviour during the game." Before the match, Bates made comments which suggested he clearly blames Ridsdale's reign at Elland Road for Leeds' on-going financial problems."We'll hav...

Independent 20/8/06 Leeds Utd 0 Cardiff City 1: Leeds washed away by Flood Elland Road a sea of depression as Bluebirds cruise serenely onwards By Martin Howie at Elland Road Published: 20 August 2006 A youngster by the name of Willo Flood certainly left his mark on rain-soaked Elland Road yesterday. The 21-year-old Irish midfielder came on as a second-half substitute for the high-flying Bluebirds and squeezed home a superbly engineered winner seven minutes from time. So, while the Cardiff manager, Dave Jones, and his revamped squad find themselves among the early season pace-setters, with 10 points, a languid Leeds are struggling at the wrong end of the table with just one win from four games. The day was not short on irony either as Jones left the post-match press conference with a slightly bizarre throw-away line. Leeds' former chairman, Peter Ridsdale, is now vice-chairman of Cardiff. And Jones said: "It's been a great day. I enjoyed the win and I even enjoyed our vice...

Sporting Life 19/8/06 BOARDROOM DRAMA AT ELLAND ROAD Cardiff manager Dave Jones claimed former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was thrown out of the boardroom after the Bluebirds' 1-0 win at Elland Road. Ridsdale was making only his second return to the Yorkshire club where his spell as chairman ended in financial meltdown. He saw his current club triumph thanks to Willo Flood's goal but was allegedly asked to leave just minutes after the final whistle for apparently cheering a replay of the winning goal. "It's been a great afternoon," said Jones. "I enjoyed the win and enjoyed our vice-chairman being thrown out of the boardroom." But Leeds chairman Ken Bates hit back. He said: "It's a pack of lies but I'm sure he (Ridsdale) needs the attention." Flood had snatched the points for Cardiff to silence a half-empty Elland Road as Leeds were booed off the field at full-time. And a jubilant Jones was left predicting a bright future for the Wels...

Yorkshire Evening Post 19/8/06 Nicholls bullish about his return by Phil Hay Kevin Nicholls today promised to add punch to Leeds United's line-up on his return from injury, insisting: "I'll come back like a raging bull." The 27-year-old midfielder is three weeks into a three-month programme of rehabilitation after suffering knee ligament damage during his first training session with Kevin Blackwell's squad, but he is already planning his first steps towards repaying the £700,000 fee invested in him last month.Nicholls was Blackwell's most expensive summer signing, arriving on a four-year deal from Luton, but he is unlikely to play any part in United's season until the end of October.His knee was injured during an accidental clash with Leeds captain Paul Butler, and Nicholls said: "It still hurts me massively because I want to be helping the club. It was a freak accident but these things happen and hopefully this is my injury out of the way."Every...

Leedsunited.com 16/8/06 HEALY HONOURED United striker David Healy will be handed the captain's armband for Northern Ireland when he makes his 50th appearance in Finland on Wednesday night. The former Preston marksman, the country's record goalscorer with 19, will take over from Aaron Hughes in leading out the team for the friendly clash in Helsinki. United manager Kevin Blackwell says he is delighted to see his pint-sized striker reach the half-century and was quick to hail his achievement. "It's a phenomenal achievement," said the Leeds boss. "It's quite right that Lawrie Sanchez is giving him the armband tonight. "He has worked hard for Northern Ireland and to reach 50 appearances for any country is a real honour. David can be proud of himself." David isn't the only one who should be proud of himself either says the United manager. The striker has impressed his boss at Leeds with three hard-working displays this term. "I'm really ...

Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds BBC Clinton Morrison struck in injury time as Crystal Palace maintained the only 100% record in the Championship with a win over 10-man Leeds at Selhurst Park. The Republic of Ireland international struck from close range to win it, only seconds after keeper Tony Warner had spectacularly denied Dougie Freedman. It was harsh on Leeds, who held their own after Geoff Horsfield's red card, and who saw Eddie Lewis hit the post. Loanee Horsfield was sent off after 15 minutes when he shoved Mark Hudson. However, it wasn't until the 91st minute that Palace broke the visitors' resistance, substitute Morrison stabbing home on the half-volley from 12 yards after Danny Granville's long throw had caused havoc in the Leeds box. It put the gloss on what had been a frustrating afternoon for Palace in front of goal. Leon Cort twice headed wide when it looked easier to score from Mark Kennedy set-pieces, while Freedman, Kennedy and James Scowcroft all had long-ra...

BBC 8/8/06 Leeds lining-up Celtic's Camara Celtic left-back Mo Camara is poised to join English Championship outfit Leeds United on a season-long loan deal. A Leeds spokesman told BBC Sport that the deal had not yet been concluded but was hopeful that the former Burnley player would be moving to Elland Road. The 31-year-old joined Celtic last summer after two seasons at Turf Moor but failed to convince despite 24 outings for the Scottish champions. He will vie for a place at Leeds' with ex-Celtic left-back Stephen Crainey. Guinea-born Camara, who began his career at Beauvais before moving to Le Havre then Wolverhampton Wanderers, was impressive in Celtic's opening-day 4-1 defeat of Kilmarnock. But natural right-back Mark Wilson was again preferred for the weekend defeat by Hearts following the return of Paul Telfer from injury. Celtic have told another left-back, Charlie Mulgrew, that he can find a new club despite an impressive loan spell with Dundee United last season. An...

Sunday Times 6/8/06 Leeds 1 Norwich 0: Healy gives Leeds stuttering start Rob Hughes at Elland Road UNDER grey Yorkshire clouds, Leeds United began their campaign to overcome the bitter disappointment of having to spend at least another season out of the top level. They eked out a victory through a David Healy penalty, scarcely deserved, just before half-time. They won a match of high work rate, total organisation, keen intensity . . . maybe you have the picture already. Perhaps you can spot the missing words such as “entertainment”, “skill levels” and “adventure”. Make no mistake, there is a gulf so painful now between the Premiership and the rest of English football that even here, among teams such as Leeds and Norwich who so short a time ago belonged to the elite, there is an enforced economy that once was reminiscent of clubs far lower in the professional pyramid. The difference between Premiership football and the Championship is personified in Robbie Earnshaw, a little bundle of ...

UNITED BEGIN WITH A WIN leedsunited.com Leeds Utd 1 (Healy pen 40), Norwich City 0 A goal from birthday boy David Healy earned United an opening-day-of-the-season victory in a hard-fought battle against Norwich City at Elland Road. The Northen Ireland international stroked home a 40th minute penalty to celebrate his 27th birthday and send Kevin Blackwell's men to victory. After a busy build-up to the opening game - three players only arrived at the club on Friday - manager Kevin Blackwell handed debuts to loan men Geoff Horsfield and Tony Warner with fellow new recruit Ian Westlake named among the subs. United started brightly and carved out the game's first real chance when David Healy fired wide, following a Gary Kelly cross. but it was Norwich who should have got their noses in front inside the first 10 minutes. Former Leeds favourite Darren Huckerby intercepted a Shaun Derry pass to create a great chance for Rob Earnshaw, but United keeper Warner reacted quickly to block th...

I'M STILL STANDING EXCLUSIVE Leeds boss Blackwell in blast at fans who back him for sack Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP Elland Road manager determined to return club to Premiership' David Anderson KEVIN BLACKWELL has come out fighting after the bookies made the Leeds boss favourite to be the first Championship manager sacked. According to the Elland Road rumour-mongers, chairman Ken Bates will replace Blackwell with his former Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle if Leeds are not among the early frontrunners this season. Blackwell's heard it all before. Last season he was said to be keeping the manager's chair warm for Dennis Wise before he silenced that talk by taking Leeds to the play-off final and winning a new two-year contract. He accepts that Leeds should be promotion contenders this season - but just wishes the critics would consider the bigger picture at Elland Road before cranking up the expectation levels. Blackwell, 47, claims it will be another 12 months before Leeds fully rec...

BBC 4/8/06 Keeper Warner joins Leeds on loan Leeds have signed goalkeeper Tony Warner on a one-month loan from Fulham. First-choice keeper Neil Sullivan is doubtful for Saturday's Championship opener against Norwich with a dead leg. So 32-year-old Warner has been taken on as a standby goalkeeper and could even go straight into the team for the game at Elland Road. Warner began his career at Liverpool and also played for Millwall and Cardiff before joining Fulham, initially on loan, in 2005. BBC 4/8/06 Westlake completes move to Leeds Leeds United have signed Ian Westlake from Ipswich Town, with Dan Harding moving in the other direction. Town say that in addition to Harding they have also received a fee of £400,000, possibly rising to £500,000. Westlake, 23, and England Under-21 international Harding, 22, have signed three-year deals with their new clubs. Harding started his career at Brighton before joining Leeds in July 2005 for £850,000, while Westlake came through the ranks at I...

Bbc 1/8/06 Leeds appoint technical director Leeds have appointed Gwyn Williams as technical director. Williams will oversee the club's scouting network and the development of young players. The Welshman left Chelsea in June after 27 years at the club, during which he oversaw the emergence of John Terry, Robert Huth and Carlton Cole. "I'm looking forward to working at Leeds," he told the Leeds website. "I'm here to help in terms of scouting, and to strengthen the team and the club." More trialists at Leeds Four more players have joined Leeds on a trial basis, hoping to secure permanent contracts with the club.Goalkeeper Darren Ward was called upon during the win at Nottingham Forest after Neil Sullivan went off injured. The 32-year-old was at Norwich last season but wasn't offered a contract at the end of the campaign. Following Ian Bennett`s departure to Sheffield United, Blackwell has been left short in that department.Leeds have extended the trial ...