The Scratching Shed 11/4/10
Gradel the difference again as Leeds triumph over Southend
Leeds United recorded their first back-to-back wins of the year with a 2-0 home win over struggling Southend. In a game the Whites dominated, Leeds also recorded their first clean sheet since the 2-0 victory over Oldham back in February.
The game is unlikely to be remembered for another match-winning performance from Gradel and an improved Leeds United side unfortunately, as the headlines will undoubtedly focus on the fans continued criticism of Beckford. After failing to challenge the keeper for the ball, Beckford was booed by the fans and subjected to a chorus of ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ before the Leeds fans sang for Luciano Becchio.
There’s no denying Beckford’s loss of form lately, but the fans reaction was completely out of order. There’s plenty of other players in the squad who have given inadequate performances and escaped being singled out because the fans know this squad is heavily reliant on our top goalscorer. It’s an unfortunate position to be in for Jermaine as any loss of personal form usually leads to a loss of form for the entire team (or vice versa I guess). For me, the fans anger once again reflects the clubs failings in January and the lack of goals provided from elsewhere. Not getting another striker in then was a major failure in my mind and is a big part of why we’re currently occupying third place.
After 58 minutes of frustration, Jermaine Beckford was replaced by the returning Luciano Becchio. It was unquestionably the right move from Simon Grayson as Beckford simply doesn’t look like scoring at the minute. After his antics earlier in the season, it was good to see Beckford had learnt his lesson and left the field in a sporting manner seemingly accepting his performance was below-par.
Just two minutes after that substitution, Leeds United finally took the lead when Max Gradel’s deflected shot beat the Southend keeper to give the youngster a much deserved goal and settle the nerves inside Elland Road. His excellent performance was capped with seven minutes to go when he provided the cross for Luciano Becchio to double the lead and secure the three points for Leeds United.
A game of ups and downs considering the frustrations prior to the goal, but Southend were kept back all day. The stats show Leeds had ten shots on target as opposed to Southend’s one, so this really was pretty straight forward stuff.
What has to be noted is that Leeds United aren’t doing anything different from what they were when Swindon visited, it just seems things are starting to run for us again. Against Swindon, we dominated almost entirely until they scored (rather fortuetously) and then the heads dropped and we were destroyed. Yesterday, we kept pressing and got our just desserts. Confidence is clearly key and hopefully the back-to-back wins signal a corner well and truly turned.
What was also nice to see today was a left footed player on the left-hand side (Johnson). What wasn’t nice to see was the same player getting booked which means he now has to serve a suspension. Collins also gave a solid performance at the back and looks like he may have been a clever signing by Larry. Let’s hope he can deliver the goods in the tougher games.
TSS man of the matchBack to back man of the matches for Max Gradel and no less than he deserves. The lad was tireless in his efforts today and once again proved the difference for Leeds United. Hopefully he’ll be the second consistent goal-scorer we’ve been looking for all season.
Beckford jeered in Leeds win: Match Review
Leeds claimed a vital 2-0 win at home to Southend but their fans turned on below-par Jermaine Beckford and their leading scorer responded with an angry gesture that surely confirms he will move on when his contract expires this summer.
When Beckford failed to challenge Southend goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall in the 38th minute, he was jeered by his own supporters who shouted "You're not fit to wear the shirt" and chanted the name of fellow striker Luciano Becchio.
Beckford, who has failed to score for a month, sportingly accepted being replaced by Becchio in the 58th minute and two minutes later Max Gradel opened the scoring for Leeds with a deflected 15-yard shot off Pat Baldwin after taking a pass from Robert Snodgrass.
Becchio then delighted the home crowd by heading Gradel's chip into the net in the 83rd minute.
Troubled Southend were so short-handed that manager Steve Tilson could name only five substitutes, but with captain Adam Barrett outstanding in defence, Leeds had to graft for the win.
Matt Paterson went closest for the relegation-threatened Shrimpers with a long-distance lob in the 39th minute.
Becchio makes difference for Leeds
Leeds made hard work of beating lowly Southend United at home to maintain their chances of automatic promotion.
Luciano Becchio proved to be the difference, involved in the first goal and scoring the second after coming on with just over thirty minutes remaining.
It was their first back-to-back wins in the league since Christmas as goals from Max Gradel and Luciano Becchio earned them the three points.
Simon Grayson stuck with the same side that won at Yeovil on Monday, he also welcomed back Luciano Becchio to the bench after missing the last two games.
Southend who were struggling towards the bottom of the table started brightly but without testing Higgs in the Leeds goal.
It took Leeds a while to settle, Snodgrass was the first to test Mildenhall in the Southend goal when he tipped his shot over the bar.
Snodgrass was next to test the keeper again, this time he shot straight at Mildenhall.
Beckford saw a header just go wide of the post after a good ball by Kilkenny as Leeds turned up the pressure.
Southend had a great chance on the stroke of half time, Vernon broke into the box but failed to find the unmarked O`Keefe.
A disappointing first half as Leeds struggled to break down a battling Southend side.
Leeds came out in the second half hoping to open the scoring, Howson was first to have a chance but his shot was saved by Mildenhall.
With Leeds looking short of ideas Simon Grayson made two changes, Becchio and Johnson replacing Beckford and Hughes.
Within minutes Leeds had the lead, Becchio`s flick dropped to Gradel whose deflected shot found it`s way into the net.
Substitute Becchio scored a second for Leeds after a ball into the middle from Gradel.
Bradley Johnson was booked for a poor challenge, it was his tenth of the season and will now miss the next two matches.
Becchio`s downward header gave Mildenhall no chance in the Southend goal.
Leeds were now in total control, good work again from Gradel found Howson, his shot was saved by Mildenhall.
Neither side looked like scoring in the final two minutes as Leeds wound down the clock.
The win moves Leeds back up to third place, one point behind Millwall who won 4-0 against Gillingham. Swindon who started the day in second place lost 3-0 at Colchester United.
Sydney Morning Herald 10/4/10
Lowy looking at adding Leeds United to portfolio
DANIEL LANE
FOOTBALL Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy is considering buying one-time English giants Leeds United after commissioning a report into the venture.
The Sun-Herald can reveal Lowy engaged a Leeds-based sporting agent to compile a due diligence report on the club in January.
Lowy, whose personal fortune is estimated to be more than $6 billion, is understood to now have a paper that states despite Leeds being in England's third-tier competition - Football League One - they remain a strong brand with a massive supporter base, drawing crowds of 25,000-plus.
While FFA said Lowy was overseas and unavailable for comment yesterday, the reasons for his interest in the club could be to give Australian players a base, to reinforce Australia's World Cup bid or simply an investment opportunity.
The Leeds squad contains two Australians - Patrick Kisnorbo and Neil Kilkenny - and Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Tony Dorigo and Jacob Burns all had stints at Elland Road.
"I don't think United's tradition for signing Australians had anything to do with his [Lowy's] interest," a source told the Herald.
"I do know, however, he is making quite an impression on a lot of people in trying to win Australia the right to host the World Cup.
''He has corporate credibility in England through his business [Westfield] while football-wise he's seen as both passionate and intelligent. The view is any English club would be lucky to have him buy into it."
However, Lowy has been informed of Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool drowning in debt, players commanding inflated wages and concerns about falling broadcast revenues.
"He has a lot to consider," said the source. "I heard about this when Lowy's interest in Leeds was in the embryonic stages almost four months ago.
''His interest has been kept quiet, but that's not unusual as these things [ownership] are normally staged behind closed doors and away from the public glare. They'll involve the 'golden circle' of lawyers, accountants and the like in somewhere like London now."As Lowy's agent compiled the report in January, Sulaiman al-Fahim, who brokered the deal for Sheikh Mansour to buy Manchester City and was a former owner of Portsmouth, ranked Leeds - fourth in League One heading into this weekend - a great investment opportunity in English football.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 9/4/10
Grayson thinks other promotion hopefuls could succumb to fear factor
Leeds manager Simon Grayson believes the fear factor could cripple the club’s promotion rivals.
Leaders Norwich look certainties to climb out of League One as they are nine points clear of the pack with six games left.
Fourth-placed United are just two points behind Swindon, who are second, and one adrift of Millwall, while fifth-placed Charlton are level on points with Leeds but with an inferior goal difference.
Grayson’s men have home advantage tomorrow against relegation-threatened Southend, who have won just one of their last 16 matches.
But the Leeds boss has his eye on the teams jostling for a place in the Championship and the psychological effect being in touching distance of promotion could have on them.
He said: “A lot of sport, and football in particular, is played in the head. You have to be mentally strong and determined to make things happen for you but you also need a relaxed attitude to certain things.
“Pressure is a major factor that can do strange things to people. We have had to deal with it all season, so I would like to think the players can deal with it now.
“One or two clubs who are up there will have to deal with a different type of pressure. Nobody expected them to be in the position they are. We were expected to be up there and that comes with playing for Leeds United.”
Grayson’s men ended a four-match losing sequence at Yeovil on Easter Monday and the manager hopes it will prove a significant turning point.
“Although I was hugely disappointed with the run of four defeats before the win at Yeovil, there were encouraging signs in all the games we lost,” he said.
“In our last home game, for instance, Swindon could have been out of it by half-time. Unfortunately they got the break from a mistake by Andy Hughes – but we have moved on from there.
“We still have a great opportunity. Our fans have been outstanding for us all season and we have three home games to send them home with three victories to edge ourselves closer to being promoted.”
United are likely to be unchanged but Luciano Becchio, Gary McSheffrey and Aidan White are all available after injury.
Leading marksman Jermaine Beckford has failed to score in his last four appearances and needs a goal to boost his confidence for the season’s last few hurdles. Defender Jason Crowe is to have ankle surgery today and has been ruled out of the remaining games.
Leedsunited.com 7/4/10
STRIKING SWITCH COULD PAY DIVIDENDS
Simon Grayson is backing Max Gradel's switch to striker as a platform to kick-start the January signing's season.
The former Leicester flyer was handed a rare striking role on Monday at Yeovil - and he responded by turning in his best performance in a starting role since joining the club.
"What you get is enthusiasm, quality, and you saw his work rate and quality," said Grayson.
"Mike Grella was unfortunate because he did okay on Saturday, but we just felt we would go for fresh legs against the teams we are playing against.
"Hopefully that will kick-start him for the remainder of the season and if he maintains that level of performance he has a great chance of doing it."
The 22-year-old has been predominantly used as a winger - his natural position - but Grayson was rewarded with a hard-working display after handing Max the chance to partner Jermaine Beckford in the front line.
"I'll do a job for the club if it helps," said Max.
"We haven't been playing well and the manager has been looking for a solution - you have to be ready to do a job and I'm more than happy with that.
"I thought I did okay, I worked hard for the team, and as long the team are winning I am happy."
Gradel's performance summed up a re-energised United at Yeovil Town on Monday, and the new-found striker believes the character shown at Huish Park can carry Leeds into the Championship.
"We need to back each other and believe in ourselves," he added.
"People were giving us stick and we showed the kind of character that was needed.
"Criticism hurts, but I understand where it comes from. The main thing is you come back stronger.
"As long as we are winning, nothing else matters."
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 6/4/10
Gradel firing again
By John Wray
Simon Grayson is backing Max Gradel to make the grade at Leeds United after all.
Gradel, 22, from the Ivory Coast, made a big impact while on loan from Leicester, especially when coming off the bench, but after he signed a permanent deal his form slumped.
Yet when manager Grayson gave him a role alongside Jermaine Beckford for his first start since mid-February in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Yeovil, Gradel responded with arguably his best game for the club.
Grayson said: “Max has enthusiasm and real quality. We saw his tremendous work-rate and desire to affect the game at Yeovil.
“I left out Mike Grella because I wanted a fresh pair of legs a couple of days after the defeat against Swindon and Max grabbed his opportunity.
“Hopefully that display will kick-start him for the rest of the season. If he can maintain that level of performance he has a great chance.”
Gradel the difference again as Leeds triumph over Southend
Leeds United recorded their first back-to-back wins of the year with a 2-0 home win over struggling Southend. In a game the Whites dominated, Leeds also recorded their first clean sheet since the 2-0 victory over Oldham back in February.
The game is unlikely to be remembered for another match-winning performance from Gradel and an improved Leeds United side unfortunately, as the headlines will undoubtedly focus on the fans continued criticism of Beckford. After failing to challenge the keeper for the ball, Beckford was booed by the fans and subjected to a chorus of ‘You’re not fit to wear the shirt’ before the Leeds fans sang for Luciano Becchio.
There’s no denying Beckford’s loss of form lately, but the fans reaction was completely out of order. There’s plenty of other players in the squad who have given inadequate performances and escaped being singled out because the fans know this squad is heavily reliant on our top goalscorer. It’s an unfortunate position to be in for Jermaine as any loss of personal form usually leads to a loss of form for the entire team (or vice versa I guess). For me, the fans anger once again reflects the clubs failings in January and the lack of goals provided from elsewhere. Not getting another striker in then was a major failure in my mind and is a big part of why we’re currently occupying third place.
After 58 minutes of frustration, Jermaine Beckford was replaced by the returning Luciano Becchio. It was unquestionably the right move from Simon Grayson as Beckford simply doesn’t look like scoring at the minute. After his antics earlier in the season, it was good to see Beckford had learnt his lesson and left the field in a sporting manner seemingly accepting his performance was below-par.
Just two minutes after that substitution, Leeds United finally took the lead when Max Gradel’s deflected shot beat the Southend keeper to give the youngster a much deserved goal and settle the nerves inside Elland Road. His excellent performance was capped with seven minutes to go when he provided the cross for Luciano Becchio to double the lead and secure the three points for Leeds United.
A game of ups and downs considering the frustrations prior to the goal, but Southend were kept back all day. The stats show Leeds had ten shots on target as opposed to Southend’s one, so this really was pretty straight forward stuff.
What has to be noted is that Leeds United aren’t doing anything different from what they were when Swindon visited, it just seems things are starting to run for us again. Against Swindon, we dominated almost entirely until they scored (rather fortuetously) and then the heads dropped and we were destroyed. Yesterday, we kept pressing and got our just desserts. Confidence is clearly key and hopefully the back-to-back wins signal a corner well and truly turned.
What was also nice to see today was a left footed player on the left-hand side (Johnson). What wasn’t nice to see was the same player getting booked which means he now has to serve a suspension. Collins also gave a solid performance at the back and looks like he may have been a clever signing by Larry. Let’s hope he can deliver the goods in the tougher games.
TSS man of the matchBack to back man of the matches for Max Gradel and no less than he deserves. The lad was tireless in his efforts today and once again proved the difference for Leeds United. Hopefully he’ll be the second consistent goal-scorer we’ve been looking for all season.
Beckford jeered in Leeds win: Match Review
Leeds claimed a vital 2-0 win at home to Southend but their fans turned on below-par Jermaine Beckford and their leading scorer responded with an angry gesture that surely confirms he will move on when his contract expires this summer.
When Beckford failed to challenge Southend goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall in the 38th minute, he was jeered by his own supporters who shouted "You're not fit to wear the shirt" and chanted the name of fellow striker Luciano Becchio.
Beckford, who has failed to score for a month, sportingly accepted being replaced by Becchio in the 58th minute and two minutes later Max Gradel opened the scoring for Leeds with a deflected 15-yard shot off Pat Baldwin after taking a pass from Robert Snodgrass.
Becchio then delighted the home crowd by heading Gradel's chip into the net in the 83rd minute.
Troubled Southend were so short-handed that manager Steve Tilson could name only five substitutes, but with captain Adam Barrett outstanding in defence, Leeds had to graft for the win.
Matt Paterson went closest for the relegation-threatened Shrimpers with a long-distance lob in the 39th minute.
Becchio makes difference for Leeds
Leeds made hard work of beating lowly Southend United at home to maintain their chances of automatic promotion.
Luciano Becchio proved to be the difference, involved in the first goal and scoring the second after coming on with just over thirty minutes remaining.
It was their first back-to-back wins in the league since Christmas as goals from Max Gradel and Luciano Becchio earned them the three points.
Simon Grayson stuck with the same side that won at Yeovil on Monday, he also welcomed back Luciano Becchio to the bench after missing the last two games.
Southend who were struggling towards the bottom of the table started brightly but without testing Higgs in the Leeds goal.
It took Leeds a while to settle, Snodgrass was the first to test Mildenhall in the Southend goal when he tipped his shot over the bar.
Snodgrass was next to test the keeper again, this time he shot straight at Mildenhall.
Beckford saw a header just go wide of the post after a good ball by Kilkenny as Leeds turned up the pressure.
Southend had a great chance on the stroke of half time, Vernon broke into the box but failed to find the unmarked O`Keefe.
A disappointing first half as Leeds struggled to break down a battling Southend side.
Leeds came out in the second half hoping to open the scoring, Howson was first to have a chance but his shot was saved by Mildenhall.
With Leeds looking short of ideas Simon Grayson made two changes, Becchio and Johnson replacing Beckford and Hughes.
Within minutes Leeds had the lead, Becchio`s flick dropped to Gradel whose deflected shot found it`s way into the net.
Substitute Becchio scored a second for Leeds after a ball into the middle from Gradel.
Bradley Johnson was booked for a poor challenge, it was his tenth of the season and will now miss the next two matches.
Becchio`s downward header gave Mildenhall no chance in the Southend goal.
Leeds were now in total control, good work again from Gradel found Howson, his shot was saved by Mildenhall.
Neither side looked like scoring in the final two minutes as Leeds wound down the clock.
The win moves Leeds back up to third place, one point behind Millwall who won 4-0 against Gillingham. Swindon who started the day in second place lost 3-0 at Colchester United.
Sydney Morning Herald 10/4/10
Lowy looking at adding Leeds United to portfolio
DANIEL LANE
FOOTBALL Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy is considering buying one-time English giants Leeds United after commissioning a report into the venture.
The Sun-Herald can reveal Lowy engaged a Leeds-based sporting agent to compile a due diligence report on the club in January.
Lowy, whose personal fortune is estimated to be more than $6 billion, is understood to now have a paper that states despite Leeds being in England's third-tier competition - Football League One - they remain a strong brand with a massive supporter base, drawing crowds of 25,000-plus.
While FFA said Lowy was overseas and unavailable for comment yesterday, the reasons for his interest in the club could be to give Australian players a base, to reinforce Australia's World Cup bid or simply an investment opportunity.
The Leeds squad contains two Australians - Patrick Kisnorbo and Neil Kilkenny - and Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Paul Okon, Tony Dorigo and Jacob Burns all had stints at Elland Road.
"I don't think United's tradition for signing Australians had anything to do with his [Lowy's] interest," a source told the Herald.
"I do know, however, he is making quite an impression on a lot of people in trying to win Australia the right to host the World Cup.
''He has corporate credibility in England through his business [Westfield] while football-wise he's seen as both passionate and intelligent. The view is any English club would be lucky to have him buy into it."
However, Lowy has been informed of Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool drowning in debt, players commanding inflated wages and concerns about falling broadcast revenues.
"He has a lot to consider," said the source. "I heard about this when Lowy's interest in Leeds was in the embryonic stages almost four months ago.
''His interest has been kept quiet, but that's not unusual as these things [ownership] are normally staged behind closed doors and away from the public glare. They'll involve the 'golden circle' of lawyers, accountants and the like in somewhere like London now."As Lowy's agent compiled the report in January, Sulaiman al-Fahim, who brokered the deal for Sheikh Mansour to buy Manchester City and was a former owner of Portsmouth, ranked Leeds - fourth in League One heading into this weekend - a great investment opportunity in English football.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 9/4/10
Grayson thinks other promotion hopefuls could succumb to fear factor
Leeds manager Simon Grayson believes the fear factor could cripple the club’s promotion rivals.
Leaders Norwich look certainties to climb out of League One as they are nine points clear of the pack with six games left.
Fourth-placed United are just two points behind Swindon, who are second, and one adrift of Millwall, while fifth-placed Charlton are level on points with Leeds but with an inferior goal difference.
Grayson’s men have home advantage tomorrow against relegation-threatened Southend, who have won just one of their last 16 matches.
But the Leeds boss has his eye on the teams jostling for a place in the Championship and the psychological effect being in touching distance of promotion could have on them.
He said: “A lot of sport, and football in particular, is played in the head. You have to be mentally strong and determined to make things happen for you but you also need a relaxed attitude to certain things.
“Pressure is a major factor that can do strange things to people. We have had to deal with it all season, so I would like to think the players can deal with it now.
“One or two clubs who are up there will have to deal with a different type of pressure. Nobody expected them to be in the position they are. We were expected to be up there and that comes with playing for Leeds United.”
Grayson’s men ended a four-match losing sequence at Yeovil on Easter Monday and the manager hopes it will prove a significant turning point.
“Although I was hugely disappointed with the run of four defeats before the win at Yeovil, there were encouraging signs in all the games we lost,” he said.
“In our last home game, for instance, Swindon could have been out of it by half-time. Unfortunately they got the break from a mistake by Andy Hughes – but we have moved on from there.
“We still have a great opportunity. Our fans have been outstanding for us all season and we have three home games to send them home with three victories to edge ourselves closer to being promoted.”
United are likely to be unchanged but Luciano Becchio, Gary McSheffrey and Aidan White are all available after injury.
Leading marksman Jermaine Beckford has failed to score in his last four appearances and needs a goal to boost his confidence for the season’s last few hurdles. Defender Jason Crowe is to have ankle surgery today and has been ruled out of the remaining games.
Leedsunited.com 7/4/10
STRIKING SWITCH COULD PAY DIVIDENDS
Simon Grayson is backing Max Gradel's switch to striker as a platform to kick-start the January signing's season.
The former Leicester flyer was handed a rare striking role on Monday at Yeovil - and he responded by turning in his best performance in a starting role since joining the club.
"What you get is enthusiasm, quality, and you saw his work rate and quality," said Grayson.
"Mike Grella was unfortunate because he did okay on Saturday, but we just felt we would go for fresh legs against the teams we are playing against.
"Hopefully that will kick-start him for the remainder of the season and if he maintains that level of performance he has a great chance of doing it."
The 22-year-old has been predominantly used as a winger - his natural position - but Grayson was rewarded with a hard-working display after handing Max the chance to partner Jermaine Beckford in the front line.
"I'll do a job for the club if it helps," said Max.
"We haven't been playing well and the manager has been looking for a solution - you have to be ready to do a job and I'm more than happy with that.
"I thought I did okay, I worked hard for the team, and as long the team are winning I am happy."
Gradel's performance summed up a re-energised United at Yeovil Town on Monday, and the new-found striker believes the character shown at Huish Park can carry Leeds into the Championship.
"We need to back each other and believe in ourselves," he added.
"People were giving us stick and we showed the kind of character that was needed.
"Criticism hurts, but I understand where it comes from. The main thing is you come back stronger.
"As long as we are winning, nothing else matters."
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 6/4/10
Gradel firing again
By John Wray
Simon Grayson is backing Max Gradel to make the grade at Leeds United after all.
Gradel, 22, from the Ivory Coast, made a big impact while on loan from Leicester, especially when coming off the bench, but after he signed a permanent deal his form slumped.
Yet when manager Grayson gave him a role alongside Jermaine Beckford for his first start since mid-February in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Yeovil, Gradel responded with arguably his best game for the club.
Grayson said: “Max has enthusiasm and real quality. We saw his tremendous work-rate and desire to affect the game at Yeovil.
“I left out Mike Grella because I wanted a fresh pair of legs a couple of days after the defeat against Swindon and Max grabbed his opportunity.
“Hopefully that display will kick-start him for the rest of the season. If he can maintain that level of performance he has a great chance.”