Leedsunited.com 14/1/10
GRAYSON WEIGHS UP GRADEL SITUATION
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is weighing up his options regarding the future of loan man Max Gradel.
The Leicester City winger joined United on loan in October, but the maximum 93-day continuous period expires after the weekend game against Exeter City is up.
The player is due to return to the Coca-Cola Championship club on Sunday, but the Leeds boss is keen to extend his stay at Elland Road.
"Wer'e talking to Leicester," confirmed the manager.
"The weekend is his last game because he has spent the maximum time here.
"Anything after would have to be either a loan until the end of the season or Max joining on a permanent basis.
"As it stands, we're looking at things and weighing things up."
Leedsunited.com 14/1/10
BOSS ON BECKFORD LATEST
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is more than happy to have the final say on the future of Jermaine Beckford - but he insists nothing has moved on despite the persistent speculation.
The striker has been the subject of plenty of media speculation and United chairman Ken Bates has said the final decision will fall to the manager.
"It's a decision the chairman has said we will make as a group, but ultimately it will fall to me," said the boss.
"The finances will be dictated by what we are offered and we will decide if that's right and then from a footballing point of view it will be my decision.
"I think the chairman's fair in giving me the responsibility and I will make the right decision in whether he stays or goes.
"There's loads of different scenarios and things that can evolve from it, but at the moment Jermaine is a Leeds player and nobody has met our valuation and I'm sure he will continue to do his best.
"Nothing has changed over the past few days, people can speculate all they want, but we've had no other bids in, and the situation will take care of itself.
"If he's still here on February 1 we will look forward to the rest of the season with Jermaine Beckford, but things can change pretty sharpish, and we'll see what happens."
Leedsunited.com 13/1/10
TRIO DEPART ELLAND ROAD
A trio of young players have been allowed to leave Leeds United to further their careers elsewhere.
Defender Jonny Webb and midfielder Josh Falkingham have come to the end of their short-term contracts and are now free agents.
Webb made one first team appearance for the club, at Northampton in the FA Cup last season, while Falkingham didn't feature in the first team.
Midfielder Ollie Hotchkiss has also had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Ollie has been on loan at Mansfield and could now sign for the Stags on a permanent basis.
Leedsunited.com 13/1/10
STRIKER DEPARTS ELLAND ROAD
Striker Enoch Showunmi has had his Leeds United contract cancelled by mutual consent.
The termination frees the former Bristol City marksman up to continue his career elsewhere. It is expected that Enoch will join Scottish Premier League side Falkirk.
Showunmi has scored six goals in 28 appearances since joining from Ashton Gate during the summer of 2008.
Twelve of those appearances have come this season, but he has not started a game since he scored the decisive goal in our Carling Cup victory at Darlington back in August.
Enoch missed much of last season after suffering from a blood clot on his lung and he was ruled out of action from December onwards.
The striker returned to action this season and while first team opportunities proved limited he was a prolific scorer in the reserve side.
United manager Simon Grayson said: "Enoch needs to play regular football and hopefully this will enable him to do so.
"He was very unfortunate last season, but opportunities have been limited for him this season, and hopefully now he will get the opportunity to play.
"We wish Enoch all the best for the future."
Daily Mail 9/1/10
Leeds United were marching on together then along came Wycombe to stop them in their tracks...
Michael Walker
Leeds United were the stars of the FA Cup third round when they knocked out Manchester United. Six days later, they stumbled to a 1-1 League One draw against Wycombe.
The fat man buying the ‘Scumbusters 1 Scum 0’ T-shirt outside Elland Road caught the mood by
flattering himself: ‘Got extra large?’ he asked.
Fortunately for him they had all shapes and sizes. ‘Theatre of Screams’ was one, ‘Shrek II’ with Wayne Rooney as a befuddled Shrek was another.
Six days on from Old Trafford, it was clear everyone connected to Leeds United had been busy being happy. The roads were cleared of snow to allow in 24,000 begging a question of other clubs’ weather attitude and the pre-match match being screened on the club’s TVs was, funnily enough, Manchester United 0 Leeds 1.
In the club shop, Elvis was belting out Viva Las Vegas over £5 Leeds egg-cups, while in the match programme chairman Ken Bates referred to ‘our old adversaries Stretford United’.
Bates went on to reveal that former Chelsea star Paul Elliott calls him ‘Honky’ - it was he who made the FA Cup fourth-round draw that takes Leeds to Tottenham - and added of the third round: ‘The important aspect of our defeat of Man United was that it was watched on TV in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
‘Further afield it went to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, North America and Australia. The whole world saw our win and internationally the world knows that Leeds are on their way back...’
Then they were outplayed by Wycombe Wanderers.
It turns out Bates is correct. Leeds are on their way back, but they are not back yet. Superficially Old Trafford and the League One table suggest that Leeds’ future is acquiring a rosy glow.
But the lead over second-placed Norwich is now six points, though Leeds have a game in hand and have yet to go to Carrow Road. Charlton, third, have also to be visited as do Huddersfield, Swindon and Southampton, all enjoying prosperous seasons.
The second half of the season may not be as straightforward as the first. Then there is Jermaine Beckford.
Marching On Together? Beckford made himself part of Leeds United history eight days ago, but privately he had informed Leeds he had another interpretation of history in mind. Four years and 74 goals after arriving from Wealdstone, Beckford wants out, with Newcastle leading the chase.
There was no backlash on Saturday.
Manager Simon Grayson named Beckford in the team and when his name was read out there was a smattering of boos, but no wailing. There was even a song sung in honour of Beckford’s FA Cup winner.
Part of this reaction stems from Leeds fans’ knowledge of Beckford as a miss-and-hit striker who has started only one Championship game in his career.
If the club can get £2million for the 26-year-old five months before his contract expires and invest it in a forward who will help push them to promotion, then supporters will settle for that.
‘Who the **** are Newcastle?’ chanted the Kop at one stage and the irritation is with their northern rivals as much as the player. Higher up the food chain, Wolves and Bolton are said to be monitoring the situation.
Newcastle are confident that Beckford will be on his way to St James’ Park. Leeds go to Exeter City on Saturday, so one way or another Beckford should be at a park named after St James.
Asked whether it felt like a done deal between Beckford and Newcastle, Grayson replied: ‘There’s no agreement between us and Newcastle, I can tell you that.
'But people do things that they’re not supposed to do. I’d be naive to think representatives of players do not speak to other football clubs, that Jermaine’s agent isn’t speaking to other clubs.
‘But we’ll dictate whether he stays or goes. He can stay at least until the end of the season, he’s under contract until then.
‘You can only walk out on a football club when your contract ends or if you’re given permission by the club. Until someone meets our valuation, then he’ll be our player.’
Beckford did little in this game, but he did not get injured. Leeds, unbeaten at home in the league since this day last year, took a fourth-minute lead when Wycombe goalkeeper Scott Shearer dived under Jonny Howson’s shot.
It felt like the beginning of a thrashing. We would be able to eulogise Leeds as the vanguard of an overdue Yorkshire revival.
But no. Wycombe’s long-under-rated Tom Doherty took over.
Jon Paul Pittman, plucked from non-league like Beckford, hit a post. So did Scott Davies. Leeds keeper Casper Ankergren made a smart save from Stuart Beavon.Eventually, in the 64th minute, Pittman fired in a low equaliser. Second-bottom Wycombe remain second-bottom. Leeds remain top. And pretty content.
GRAYSON WEIGHS UP GRADEL SITUATION
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is weighing up his options regarding the future of loan man Max Gradel.
The Leicester City winger joined United on loan in October, but the maximum 93-day continuous period expires after the weekend game against Exeter City is up.
The player is due to return to the Coca-Cola Championship club on Sunday, but the Leeds boss is keen to extend his stay at Elland Road.
"Wer'e talking to Leicester," confirmed the manager.
"The weekend is his last game because he has spent the maximum time here.
"Anything after would have to be either a loan until the end of the season or Max joining on a permanent basis.
"As it stands, we're looking at things and weighing things up."
Leedsunited.com 14/1/10
BOSS ON BECKFORD LATEST
Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is more than happy to have the final say on the future of Jermaine Beckford - but he insists nothing has moved on despite the persistent speculation.
The striker has been the subject of plenty of media speculation and United chairman Ken Bates has said the final decision will fall to the manager.
"It's a decision the chairman has said we will make as a group, but ultimately it will fall to me," said the boss.
"The finances will be dictated by what we are offered and we will decide if that's right and then from a footballing point of view it will be my decision.
"I think the chairman's fair in giving me the responsibility and I will make the right decision in whether he stays or goes.
"There's loads of different scenarios and things that can evolve from it, but at the moment Jermaine is a Leeds player and nobody has met our valuation and I'm sure he will continue to do his best.
"Nothing has changed over the past few days, people can speculate all they want, but we've had no other bids in, and the situation will take care of itself.
"If he's still here on February 1 we will look forward to the rest of the season with Jermaine Beckford, but things can change pretty sharpish, and we'll see what happens."
Leedsunited.com 13/1/10
TRIO DEPART ELLAND ROAD
A trio of young players have been allowed to leave Leeds United to further their careers elsewhere.
Defender Jonny Webb and midfielder Josh Falkingham have come to the end of their short-term contracts and are now free agents.
Webb made one first team appearance for the club, at Northampton in the FA Cup last season, while Falkingham didn't feature in the first team.
Midfielder Ollie Hotchkiss has also had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Ollie has been on loan at Mansfield and could now sign for the Stags on a permanent basis.
Leedsunited.com 13/1/10
STRIKER DEPARTS ELLAND ROAD
Striker Enoch Showunmi has had his Leeds United contract cancelled by mutual consent.
The termination frees the former Bristol City marksman up to continue his career elsewhere. It is expected that Enoch will join Scottish Premier League side Falkirk.
Showunmi has scored six goals in 28 appearances since joining from Ashton Gate during the summer of 2008.
Twelve of those appearances have come this season, but he has not started a game since he scored the decisive goal in our Carling Cup victory at Darlington back in August.
Enoch missed much of last season after suffering from a blood clot on his lung and he was ruled out of action from December onwards.
The striker returned to action this season and while first team opportunities proved limited he was a prolific scorer in the reserve side.
United manager Simon Grayson said: "Enoch needs to play regular football and hopefully this will enable him to do so.
"He was very unfortunate last season, but opportunities have been limited for him this season, and hopefully now he will get the opportunity to play.
"We wish Enoch all the best for the future."
Daily Mail 9/1/10
Leeds United were marching on together then along came Wycombe to stop them in their tracks...
Michael Walker
Leeds United were the stars of the FA Cup third round when they knocked out Manchester United. Six days later, they stumbled to a 1-1 League One draw against Wycombe.
The fat man buying the ‘Scumbusters 1 Scum 0’ T-shirt outside Elland Road caught the mood by
flattering himself: ‘Got extra large?’ he asked.Fortunately for him they had all shapes and sizes. ‘Theatre of Screams’ was one, ‘Shrek II’ with Wayne Rooney as a befuddled Shrek was another.
Six days on from Old Trafford, it was clear everyone connected to Leeds United had been busy being happy. The roads were cleared of snow to allow in 24,000 begging a question of other clubs’ weather attitude and the pre-match match being screened on the club’s TVs was, funnily enough, Manchester United 0 Leeds 1.
In the club shop, Elvis was belting out Viva Las Vegas over £5 Leeds egg-cups, while in the match programme chairman Ken Bates referred to ‘our old adversaries Stretford United’.
Bates went on to reveal that former Chelsea star Paul Elliott calls him ‘Honky’ - it was he who made the FA Cup fourth-round draw that takes Leeds to Tottenham - and added of the third round: ‘The important aspect of our defeat of Man United was that it was watched on TV in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
‘Further afield it went to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, North America and Australia. The whole world saw our win and internationally the world knows that Leeds are on their way back...’
Then they were outplayed by Wycombe Wanderers.
It turns out Bates is correct. Leeds are on their way back, but they are not back yet. Superficially Old Trafford and the League One table suggest that Leeds’ future is acquiring a rosy glow.
But the lead over second-placed Norwich is now six points, though Leeds have a game in hand and have yet to go to Carrow Road. Charlton, third, have also to be visited as do Huddersfield, Swindon and Southampton, all enjoying prosperous seasons.
The second half of the season may not be as straightforward as the first. Then there is Jermaine Beckford.
Marching On Together? Beckford made himself part of Leeds United history eight days ago, but privately he had informed Leeds he had another interpretation of history in mind. Four years and 74 goals after arriving from Wealdstone, Beckford wants out, with Newcastle leading the chase.
There was no backlash on Saturday.
Manager Simon Grayson named Beckford in the team and when his name was read out there was a smattering of boos, but no wailing. There was even a song sung in honour of Beckford’s FA Cup winner.
Part of this reaction stems from Leeds fans’ knowledge of Beckford as a miss-and-hit striker who has started only one Championship game in his career.
If the club can get £2million for the 26-year-old five months before his contract expires and invest it in a forward who will help push them to promotion, then supporters will settle for that.
‘Who the **** are Newcastle?’ chanted the Kop at one stage and the irritation is with their northern rivals as much as the player. Higher up the food chain, Wolves and Bolton are said to be monitoring the situation.
Newcastle are confident that Beckford will be on his way to St James’ Park. Leeds go to Exeter City on Saturday, so one way or another Beckford should be at a park named after St James.
Asked whether it felt like a done deal between Beckford and Newcastle, Grayson replied: ‘There’s no agreement between us and Newcastle, I can tell you that.
'But people do things that they’re not supposed to do. I’d be naive to think representatives of players do not speak to other football clubs, that Jermaine’s agent isn’t speaking to other clubs.
‘But we’ll dictate whether he stays or goes. He can stay at least until the end of the season, he’s under contract until then.
‘You can only walk out on a football club when your contract ends or if you’re given permission by the club. Until someone meets our valuation, then he’ll be our player.’
Beckford did little in this game, but he did not get injured. Leeds, unbeaten at home in the league since this day last year, took a fourth-minute lead when Wycombe goalkeeper Scott Shearer dived under Jonny Howson’s shot.
It felt like the beginning of a thrashing. We would be able to eulogise Leeds as the vanguard of an overdue Yorkshire revival.
But no. Wycombe’s long-under-rated Tom Doherty took over.
Jon Paul Pittman, plucked from non-league like Beckford, hit a post. So did Scott Davies. Leeds keeper Casper Ankergren made a smart save from Stuart Beavon.Eventually, in the 64th minute, Pittman fired in a low equaliser. Second-bottom Wycombe remain second-bottom. Leeds remain top. And pretty content.