Mighty Leeds Weblog

Leeds United utility man Aidy White is set to join Sheffield United on loan. The versatile youngster will join the League One strugglers, who are now managed by Nigel Clough, until January. Leeds boss Brian McDermott expects a deal to be completed with the blades at the start of the week. Speaking on Radio Leeds, McDermott said, "We have had discussions with Sheffield United about Aidy White. We have an agreement with them for him to join them until January." Clough has been a long-time admirer of White, having tried to sign the 22-year-old in the summer of 2012 whilst he was Derby boss. White turned down a move to Barnsley on transfer deadline day in August as he wished to fight for a first team place at Elland Road but he has made just three appearances this season.

Leeds United boss Brian McDermott couldn`t hide his disappointment after seeing his side lose 3-2 at Huddersfield Town. Leeds went ahead early but defensive mistakes cost Leeds dear and McDermott says they need to start closing games out on their travels. Speaking on Radio Leeds, McDermott said, "We didn`t defend one-v-one situations well enough. We had an opportunity to go 2-1 up but didn`t take the chance and we had a stonewall penalty not given at the end. "We started really well and then they score from nothing, I am disappointed today because we should have got something. "I thought we would go on and win at 2-2. We have to start managing and controlling game a better away from home." Leeds made the dream start when Matt Smith headed home in the second minute but they were caught out with a sucker punch on ten minutes in Huddersfield`s first attack of the game. Danny Ward was given time and space on the edge of the area from a corner to pick his spot and ...

Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough is hoping to secure his first signing for the club with the arrival of Aidy White from Leeds United. Clough has enquired about the versatile 22-year-old who has made over 100 appearances for Leeds. Speaking on Radio Sheffield, Clough said, "We have made an enquiry for him and we will know a bit more on Monday or Tuesday. "He can play anywhere on the left hand side. He has good quality, his career has stuttered in the last eighteen months and I think he is a good player." The speedy player can play on either wing or in defence and he has represented both England and Republic of Ireland. He represented England at under-19 level before switching to the Ireland under-21side. White has made just three appearances for Leeds this season.

YEP 26/10/13 Huddersfield manager Mark Robins refused to let talk of a training ground bust-up between Adam Clayton and Martin Paterson overshadow his side’s thrilling 3-2 derby win over rivals Leeds. Midfielder Clayton and Northern Ireland international striker Paterson were both left out of Huddersfield’s matchday squad following reports of a fight between the pair during training on Friday. But after Jon Stead’s second-half winner clinched his side’s first win in six league games, Robins played down the incident. “There’s bits and pieces happening in training up and down the country every day,” said Robins. “There’s nothing to report, nothing sinister, nothing serious. Their omission was nothing to do with what may or may not have happened on the training ground. “My decisions are based purely on the good of the team and football club. Every decision I make, I try to do that. “It’s great to be sat here winning the game because those decisions are fully vindicated, so I’ll con...

Independent 26/10/13 On-loan Dexter Blackstock had put United level less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench. Mark Walker Huddersfield striker Jon Stead's first goal in his second spell at his hometown club clinched a thrilling 3-2 derby win over Leeds. Dexter Blackstock, signed on loan from Nottingham Forest this week, headed home a 73rd-minute equaliser with his first touch less than 60 seconds after stepping off the bench to draw the visitors level. But four minutes later Stead rifled home an angled shot into the bottom corner to seal Huddersfield's first win in six league matches. The goal was his first since returning to the Terriers for a second spell after his contract at Bristol City had expired in the summer. Huddersfield winger Danny Ward smashed home a first-half equaliser after Leeds striker Matt Smith had given the visitors an early lead and Blackstock struck with a fine header after Tom Lees' own goal had edged the home side ahead in the 62nd min...

Mail 26/10/13 By John Drayton Jon Stead settled a topsy-turvy West Yorkshire derby as Huddersfield came from behind to beat Leeds. Brian McDermott's visitors took an early lead, only for the Terriers to go in front after the break in the pulsating encounter. Dexter Blackstock scored with his first ever touch for Leeds and looked like he had rescued a point, but Stead swept in Adam Hammill's cross for a precious three points. Matt Smith drew first blood for the visitors after just two minutes. The big striker rose highest at the back post from a Alex Mowatt corner to power past Alex Smithies. If that second minute strike shocked Huddersfield they didn't show it. Mark Robins' side fought back almost immediately and equalised eight minutes later. Hammill skipped towards the Leeds penalty area as the ball fell to Danny Ward, whose stunning effort rocketed beyond Paddy Kenny. The winger himself drew the very best out of Kenny midway through the first half when he s...

YEP 26/10/13 by Phil Hay Leeds United have completed the signing of Lithuanian international Marius Zaliukas. The former Hearts captain has joined the club on an initial contract until the end of the season. The central defender has spent the past week training at Thorp Arch, and he made his debut in Tuesday’s 3-3 Professional Development League draw with Sheffield Wednesday. The 29-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having made over 200 appearances in the Scottish Premier League, and he boasts 21 international caps, the most recent of which came last week. United manager Brian McDermott told the club website: “I’m delighted sign Marius. He is a player with a lot of experience, he’s played for his country, and he’s a good age for a centre-half. It’s fantastic to have him on board.”

YEP 26/10/13 Run a toothcomb through Ryan Hall’s Twitter account and you’ll find more than just his take on how estranged footballers should treat their work. His “business head on” monologue led to a two-week suspension from Leeds United on Monday but telling the world that the time had come to sit back and take the money was not as misjudged as his series of retweets over the weekend of October 12. That particular weekend was nothing special. Leeds were in the middle of the international break and Hall, on loan, laid on a goal for Sheffield United. They lost at Coventry City and stuck fast at the bottom of the League One but no matter. An assist is an assist. And so the retweets: “we need you on the wing at Elland Road”; “lufc are desperate for a winger, give him a chance”; and the pièce de résistance, “wake up McDermott”. If you need convincing of how poorly Hall grasps the machinations of professional sport, it’s there in a direct challenge to his manager’s authority. Whether H...

YEP 25/10/13 Brian McDermott hopes Dexter Blackstock will bring a “bit of everything” to Leeds United after signing the striker on a three-month loan. McDermott claimed that widespread interest in Blackstock was proof of the forward’s calibre in the Championship, despite his peripheral role at Nottingham Forest this season. Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers all made approaches for Blackstock and Brighton believed a deal for the forward was imminent at the start of the week. But his switch from Billy Davies’, pictured, Forest to Yorkshire yesterday has strengthened McDermott’s attacking resources and the United manager said: “He’s right for us. “He’s a good age, he’s not been playing a lot this season and he’s hungry. “He seems like a good fit. He can hold the hold the ball up, he’s a strong lad, he’s scored goals over a period of time and he’s got pace – a bit of everything really. “A lot of clubs in the Championship were interested and the fact that it was Leed...

YEP 25/10/13 Leeds United were attempting to finalise a second signing in the space of 24 hours today after offering a contract to trialist defender Marius Zaliukas. The Lithuanian international is weighing up United’s terms and will be in contention to feature in tomorrow’s West Yorkshire derby at Huddersfield Town if he accepts the deal. Zaliukas, who has been out of contract for several months, joined Leeds on trial last week and played in a development-league fixture between United’s Under-21s and Sheffield Wednesday which ended 3-3 at Thorp Arch on Tuesday. The 29-year-old has previously rejected offers from Rangers and Queens Park Rangers but United manager Brian McDermott appears confident of securing his signature having initiated contract negotiations with Zaliukas’ representatives. McDermott made one breakthrough in the transfer market yesterday by securing striker Dexter Blackstock on a three-month loan from Nottingham Forest, and Blackstock will be part of the squad na...

YEP 25/10/13 by Phil Hay There is a debate to be had over how prolific a striker Dexter Blackstock truly is but his record against Leeds United is nothing short of deadly: five goals in five games against his new team. The 27-year-old traditionally saves his best for Leeds and has often found United at their worst, scoring once in Nottingham Forest’s 4-2 win on Boxing Day last year and twice in a ludicrous 7-3 rout of the Elland Road club nine months earlier. Blackstock remembers the second result – United’s heaviest-ever home defeat – as an “eventful night” but his habit of producing goals in West Yorkshire is one he intends to foster during three months on loan with Leeds. “I’ve been able to score basically every time against them and it’s been a good fixture for me,” Blackstock said, speaking to the YEP after completing his transfer from Forest. “I dont know why that is but Leeds are one of those clubs where you walk into the stadium as the opposition, you look around and thin...

YEP 25/10/13 by Phil Hay New signing Dexter Blackstock has promised to make a lasting impression on Leeds United, insisting: “I’m not a bit-part player.” Blackstock spoke of his relief at being free of the frustration of a fringe role at Nottingham Forest after agreeing a three-month loan move to Elland Road. The 27-year-old completed his transfer after training with United’s players yesterday morning and he will be part of Brian McDermott’s squad for Saturday’s clash with Huddersfield Town. Blackstock’s emergency loan runs to January 25, allowing him to play in 15 league matches, and Forest sanctioned his move to another Championship club after using him just three times in the first two-and-a-half months of the season. Blackstock has drifted to the fringes of Forest’s plans less than a year after signing a new long-term contract at the City Ground but he refused to concede that his career in Nottingham was over. The striker, however, said: “There’ve been massive changes at For...

BBC 24/10/13 Chester have increased their defensive options by signing Leeds United's Ross Killock on loan for a month. The 19-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for his parent club. Killock, who had a loan spell in the Conference Premier with Alfreton last season, is free to make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Gateshead. Neil Young's Chester side, who won the Conference North title last term, are 22nd in League two, having won just one of their last seven games.

leedsunited.com 24/10/13 United snap up Blackstock in a loan deal... Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock is joining the club on a three-month loan. The 27-year-old arrives in a loan deal that will see him join the club until January 25 to further boost Brian McDermott's striking options. Blackstock, who has scored 83 career goals in 306 appearances, brings a wealth of experience, having also featured heavily for Southampton and QPR, and is a player that the United manager knows well. The boss said: “I’ve known Dexter for a long time, being brought up in Oxford. I’m really pleased we’ve managed to secure his services. "He’s a really good age for a striker and I’m sure he has many good years in front of him. We are all really looking forward to working with him.” The striker is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield Town.

Yorkshire Post 24/10/13 LEEDS United have completed the signing of Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock on a three-month loan. Blackstock, 27, joins Elland Road on loan from the City Ground until January 25. The striker, who has struggled for games under Billy Davies at Forest, was on the verge of joining Brighton last weekend but a late attempt by Leeds to bring him north has paid off. The forward has played only three times for Forest this season and his career in Nottingham has taken a turn for the worse since he signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at the start of 2013. He will now go straight into Whites manager Brian McDermott’s squad to face a Championship derby at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

YEP 24/10/13 by Phil Hay Leeds United have borrowed an undisclosed sum from another company in Dubai – with the loan funded personally by managing director David Haigh. The Elland Road club secured money from Berrydale Seventh Sport Holdings last week, four months after receiving cash from Dubai-based Brendale Holdings. United’s owner, GFH Capital, declined to comment when contacted by the YEP last night but Haigh – one of the three board members at Leeds – is understood to have financed the loan paid on October 15. Haigh controls Berrydale Seventh Sport Holdings and a debenture lodged with Companies House reveals that he was responsible for sanctioning the payment on the firm’s behalf. His decision to invest personal funds comes on the back of a previous loan from Brendale Holdings, another Dubai-based company which lent money to United in June. Haigh is also a director of Brendale Holdings. GFH Capital is almost a year on from its takeover of Leeds and remains the majority sha...

YEP 24/10/13 After the impressive display against Birmingham City, the new 3-5-2 formation looks like becoming a permanent fixture. Phil Hay reports. It was significant on Tuesday afternoon that Leeds United’s Under-21s lined up as their senior counterparts had against Birmingham City on Sunday: three central defenders with wing-backs either side of them and three midfielders behind a front two. Matching formations provide continuity between the academy and United’s first team and Brian McDermott’s lesson in developing a “winning mentality” was also shared with the club’s younger players after they contrived to draw a game with Sheffield Wednesday which was all but won with 15 minutes to play. The result spoke for itself and McDermott did not allow a late collapse to go unchallenged but more relevant on Tuesday was the attempt to introduce fringe players to the 3-5-2 system which bamboozled Birmingham. One comprehensive win at Elland Road is all it has taken to convince United’s ma...

Square Ball 23/10/13 A document from Companies House today revealed that Leeds City Holdings, the parent company of Leeds United, have entered into a loan agreement with Berrydale Seventh Sport Holdings. This will provide the club with funds. Whilst in principle, a loan isn’t an ideal thing for a club to require, the loan is very situational. Firstly, Berrydale Seventh Sport Holdings seems to be a subsidiary of Gulf Finance House, not least because David Haigh is a director of the company. This loan is, therefore, likely a method of investing into the club without incurring unnecessary expenses, as suggested by George Dyer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ole1985/status/392987514837151744 This is also a legacy of the Bates era at Leeds, and relates to the working capital shortfalls the club has experienced since last summer. The risk taken on the East Stand development led to a need to front-load various incomes due to the club (for example, sponsorship money), which means there is ...

YEP 23/10/13 by Phil Hay Marius Zaliukas will return to Thorp Arch for talks with Brian McDermott tomorrow after edging closer to a contract offer from Leeds United. The Lithuanian staked his claim for a deal with an appearance for United’s development squad yesterday and he will speak to McDermott about his future in the next 24 hours. United secured international clearance in time for out-of-contract Zaliukas to play on trial in a 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, and McDermott has not ruled out the possibility of adding the former Heart of Midlothian captain to his senior squad. Zaliukas is available on a free transfer having rejected offers from Scottish club Rangers and Championship side Queens Park Rangers, both of whom took the centre-back on trial after his summer release from Hearts. McDermott admitted last week that he was keen to add an experienced central defender to United’s existing pool of Tom Lees, Jason Pearce and Scott Wootton, and Zaliukas looked largely comfo...

YEP 23/10/13 Dropped for the Birmingham City game, striker Noel Hunt responded with a hat-trick for Leeds’ Under-21 side. Phil Hay reports. Noel Hunt admitted last night that Brian McDermott was right to leave him out of Leeds United’s win over Birmingham City, saying: “I’d have done the same in his position.” The out-of-form striker, who raised his spirits with a hat-trick for Leeds’ Under-21s yesterday, said his omission from McDermott’s squad on Sunday had been a “fair decision” in response to his performances since a free transfer from Reading in July. Hunt was notable by his absence from United’s teamsheet at the weekend, left out along with midfielder Paul Green as McDermott implemented sweeping changes to his formation and line-up in the aftermath of a chronic spell of results. The 30-year-old was one of McDermott’s most high-profile transfers in the summer, brought to Elland Road after Leeds sent Steve Morison on loan to Millwall, but the United manager revealed that Hunt ...

Leeds United boss Brian McDermott refused to rule out a move for Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock when talking to BBC Radio Leeds today. Leeds have been strongly linked with the out of favour striker, who has made just three appearances for the City Ground side this season. McDermott was talking with Adam Pope from BBC Radio Leeds this afternoon when he was asked about Blackstock and the possibility of him arriving at Elland Road on loan. "Brighton are amongst a number of clubs interested in him. You will just have to watch this space," McDermott told Pope. Leeds were keen on signing the 27-year-old in the January transfer window before he agreed a new four-year deal with Forest. McDermott is desperate to add to his attacking options and he admitted only last week that he had been knocked backed by around six managers when approaching them about the availability of players. United are giving a trial to young defender Luis Morrison-Derbyshire. The 19-year-old...

leedsunited.com 22/10/13 Marius Zaliukas free for Development fixture… The club has received international clearance for former Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas. The Lithuanian international went straight into the side for the Development Squad fixture against Sheffield Wednesday (12noon) at Thorp Arch on Tuesday. Zaliukas has been training with the club since the back end of last week and United manager Brian McDermott is keeping a watchful eye on the defender. The central defender made over 200 appearances for Hearts and was close to joining Queens Park Rangers before heading north.

YEP 22/10/13 Matt Smith was handed a rare start for Leeds and responded with two goals. Now he tells Leon Wobschall he’s wants a regular run. A TWO-GOAL haul on the sweetest of Sunday lunch-times against a team from the city of his birth – Matt Smith would be forgiven for thinking he has finally ‘arrived’ in a Leeds United jersey. United’s cup was brimful to the top with gushing positives following a sumptuous dismantling of Lee Clark’s Birmingham City, with the 4-0 victory their most emphatic since a stellar showing at Nottingham Forest in November 2011, when the Whites’ fittingly honoured the memory of the late Gary Speed with a classy four-goal triumph. The good news for the Whites was headlined by a two-goal showing from summer signing Smith, who kick-started his United career in front of the watching TV audience, the fourth time this calendar year in which the 6ft 6in forward has proved not to be camera shy. Smith’s previous three contributions propelled him to national promi...

Yorkshire Post 22/10/13 by Richard Sutcliffe RYAN HALL’S surprise suspension by Leeds United is believed to have been triggered by his use of a social network medium. The 25-year-old was informed of the punishment yesterday – which means the winger must stay away from Elland Road while an internal investigation takes place – when he returned from a month-long loan spell at Sheffield United. Leeds, who are keen on bringing Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock in on loan, then released the news of Hall’s suspension via an official statement, confirming only that a “disciplinary issue” was the cause. The Yorkshire Post understands that Hall’s use of social media platform Twitter over the past week or so is behind the player being told to stay away. Last weekend, Hall, after being omitted from the Blades’ squad to face Port Vale, made a controversial reference to his footballing situation when he tweeted: “Look on the bright side if your (sic) not getting played take the L out...

Square Ball 21/10/13 Having been linked with the Nottingham Forest striker last January, Leeds United seem to be on the cusp of bringing Dexter Blackstock in on loan. McDermott’s search for a new striker has clearly not been abated with yesterday’s thrashing of Birmingham City. The 4-0 victory was capped with a brace from Matt Smith. McDermott’s bench was not particularly strong, however, and a loan move for Blackstock would likely improve the options available to the Leeds manager significantly. Leon Wobschall from the Yorkshire Post had the following to say: Leeds have struggled for goals so far this season, and McDermott highlighted the need for a new striker several weeks ago. The international break was a frustrating one for the Leeds manager, with as many as six approaches for various loan signings being rejected by their parent clubs. McDermott will have been buoyed, however, by the improved display from his charges, who benefitted from a switch in formation.

YEP 21/10/13 by Leon Wobschall Leeds United are carrying out an investigation into a disciplinary issue after suspending winger Ryan Hall, which is believed to relate to comments he made on his Twitter account at the weekend. Hall, due back at Leeds after a one-month loan period with Sheffield United, made controversial reference on Saturday evening on his Twitter account to his footballing situation, tweeting: “Look on the bright side if your not getting played take the L out and get payed. “Football is such a short career and can end at anytime with an injury so do whatever you can to earn as much money as possible.” Leeds have a code of conduct regarding useage of Twitter and former boss Simon Grayson famously banned his players from using it back in July 2011. That came after striker Davide Somma posted details about his knee injury on his Twitter account - breaking club’s rules on social networking by revealing that he would be out of action for five or six months. Earlier ...

By Pascal Lemesre Leeds United have suspended Ryan Hall from the club because of a "disciplinary issue". The club's statement relating to the matter was very brief and revealed no further details on the matter, but rumours suggest that it is do with the 25-year-old's social media conduct. The statement read: "Leeds United can confirm that Ryan Hall has been suspended from the club pending an investigation into a disciplinary issue. "No further comment will be made at this stage." The suspension could relate to tweets that Hall sent about earning as much money as you can from football even if you're not getting picked to play. Hall recently spent a month on loan at struggling League One side Sheffield United.

leedsunited.com 21/10/13 Brian McDermott gives his reaction to Sunday's win against Birmingham… United manager Brian McDermott was full of praise for his side after the Sunday afternoon victory over Birmingham City. Ross McCormack, Rudy Austin and a Matt Smith double put the Midlands side to the sword with United turning in the best Elland Road performance of the season. The squad spent the international break working on a new-look system - the experiment was put into practice during a behind closed doors game against Rotherham at Thorp Arch last midweek - and the reward was a four-goal victory and a strong team performance. “I was really pleased when the break came because we are trying to find a system that suits the players that we have got,” he said. “We are also trying to find a way of getting some width into the team and we did that on Sunday. “I thought we were excellent on Sunday. I thought that we started the game on the front foot. It wasn’t just about the system, ...

leedsunited.com 21/10/13 Rudy Austin gives his verdict on Sunday's win... United skipper Rudy Austin was quick to share the plaudits after Sunday's win against Birmingham City by paying tribute to the performance of his team-mates. The Jamaican returned from international duty to score his first Leeds goal of the season as United swept aside Birmingham by four clear goals. Austin, who played in an advanced role in a new-look midfield, was named man of the match by both Sky Sports and the club’s sponsors, but he was keen to share the plaudits. “It was a very good display and we are very thankful for the win,” he said. “We needed the win and the three points, and the boys were hungry for it. We did well. “It’s an honour to be captain and represent this club, but this was a very good team performance.”

YEP 21/10/13 by Phil Hay Leeds United banished the blues with a barnstorming defeat of Birmingham City, prompting a delighted Brian McDermott to demand more of the same from his rejuvenated team. United brought a smile back to the face of their manager as a deadly first-half performance destroyed a woeful Birmingham side and set up a 4-0 victory at Elland Road. Ross McCormack, Rodolph Austin and Matt Smith took advantage of City before half-time and Smith sealed an impressive result with a header on 74 minutes. The display was an emphatic response to a severe loss of form before the international break, a spell which saw Leeds take six points from a possible 21, and McDermott was pleased to see United reassert themselves after coming under attack during their poor run. “That’s the way it is in football,” McDermott said. “Especially in 2013. “You can make a disaster out of anything and unfortunately that’s how it seems to be but I try and live on an even keel and at Leeds United ...

Square Ball 21/10/13 Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) Three at the back The move to playing three at the back is an interesting switch to make. In a league where having to deal with two strikers is more common, the third centre back gives you the spare man that is considered ideal in defensive terms. It becomes interesting, however, when the defence has to square off with a single striker and wingers, as we did on Sunday. Marking becomes more difficult immediately: if the centre backs mark and defend against the three, they no longer have the spare man; if they only mark the single striker, there’s two spare defenders, and, more likely than not, the opposition will be given far too much space in front of the defence. Our defending on Sunday was very astute, therefore, and shows the extent to which this defence have been taught over the international break. The three picked up Birmingham’s front three. Importantly though, one of the two wing backs dropped back when necessary to provi...

Yorkshire Post 21/10/13 by Richard Sutcliffe
at Elland Road BRIAN McDERMOTT insists 
no one at Leeds United will be getting carried away despite the club yesterday claiming their biggest league win in almost two years. A 4-0 victory over Birmingham City helped lift United into the top half of the Championship table. It also helped sweep away many of the storm clouds that had been building over Elland Road following a chastening run of five defeats in seven games. Matt Smith’s double plus strikes by Ross McCormack and Rodolph Austin capped what was comfortably United’s most impressive performance of the season. However, despite the convincing manner of yesterday’s triumph, McDermott is adamant that the demolition of Birmingham should be merely a stepping stone to where he wants to be. He said: “I will always say that things are never as bad as you think they are and never as good. That is the way in football and especially in 2013 – you can make a disaster out of anything. “Unfo...

Yorkshire Post 21/10/13 by Richard Sutcliffe
at Elland Road A FOUR-WEEK period that surely offers Leeds United a golden opportunity to get their season back on track began in encouraging fashion yesterday as Brian 
McDermott’s side rediscovered their scoring touch. A comprehensive victory over Birmingham City – achieved courtesy of Matt Smith’s double plus predatory strikes by Ross McCormack and Rodolph Austin – brought the smiles back to Elland Road after a chastening period. Five defeats in the previous seven games had left McDermott pleading in Saturday’s Yorkshire Post for more time to get things right. However, any negativity that had been building amid the poor run of results that preceded the recent international break was swept away in style by the rampant hosts. Birmingham were, admittedly, wretched in the first half, but the clinical manner in which McDermott’s side preyed on the visitors’ defensive shortcomings was sufficiently impressive to send the United fans in the...

YEP 21/10/13 by Phil Hay Rodolph Austin and Matt Smith acknowledged a fine team performance after their goals against Birmingham City helped to lift a veil of negativity from Elland Road. A brilliant header from Austin and two clinical finishes from Smith rounded off a 4-0 win over Birmingham City as an under-pressure Leeds United side returned to form in compelling style yesterday. United shook off criticism stemming from a run of five league defeats from seven previous matches to dismantle Birmingham with their biggest Championship victory since November 2011 and climb up to ninth in the table. Manager Brian McDermott made key changes to his side by adopting a 3-5-2 formation and giving Smith a full league debut up front as he tried again to resolve the shortage of width and goals which contributed to his side’s mediocre results. Austin followed up Ross McCormack’s early finish with the decisive touch at the end of a fine attacking move, and Smith struck late in either half to ...

Mail 20/10/13 By John Edwards Leeds manager Brian McDermott admitted he may finally have hit on a winning formula after his side raced to their biggest league win in two years at Elland Road on Sunday. McDermott used Sam Byram and Stephen Warnock as wing backs in a five-man midfield which completely outplayed Birmingham. ‘It has been a case of trying to find the right way of getting the best out of these players and I think we may have found it,’ said McDermott. ‘I wanted some width, because my teams always have that. If you haven’t got wingers, you need to come up with another way and that’s what we did.’ In contrast, Birmingham manager Lee Clark blasted his players after a first-half defensive shambles cost his side three goals. Clark withdrew centre back Dan Burn and striker Lee Novak at half-time. But it could not prevent Matt Smith putting the gloss on an emphatic Leeds performance with a 74th-minute header. ‘I don’t do excuses, I do reality, and the fact is that wasn’t goo...

Fear and Loathing in LS11 20/10/13 Ken DeMange In the realms of physics, the Doppler Effect explains the change in frequency of a wave for an observer, relative to its position; most commonly the phenomenon is cited in regard to sound waves, illustrating why the received pitch from an approaching siren is higher than the emitted frequency during the approach of the vehicle, identical at the moment of passing and lower as it moves away. This universal law is also one that is typically applicable to the mood on Leeds United match days; come the morning, the mood is good, anticipation is high, a communal sense of fever pitch builds in the pubs of the surrounding hinterlands, then as the ref’s whistle signals kick-off, a sense of perspective, a look at the relative strengths of the team and a degree realism corrects expectations; then as the game passes, so the vibe flattens, slowly dissipating until it is no longer detectable… But not today, for Leeds United decided to cast aside the ...