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Showing posts from January, 2022

Leeds United nostalgia: A week in 1990 that had it all - and the goal that gave the fans everything - Leeds Live 24-4-18

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Jon Howe takes a look back at a week in 1990, as Sgt Wilko's promotion campaign came to the boil In 1990 Leeds United had been out of the top flight for eight years. Today we assess the wreckage of another wasted season with the experience of 14 years away from the top division, but there is context to be applied which outlines the importance of that 1989/90 promotion season and highlights how much pressure was on the squad and management to achieve their goal. The exalted Revie era was a recent living memory for many who still attended Elland Road in the late 1980s and somehow the glorious plunder that Leeds indulged in during that rancorous and unforgiving but thrilling and life-affirming period still felt attainable, despite the rank mediocrity of the interim years. In 2018, Leeds fans sit 26 years away from the last time they were top of the pile and the relatively level playing field of the pre-Sky era is a distant utopia that offers only an increasingly fading hope of

Adam Forshaw on hamstring issue, why he's 'floating' and Andrea Radrizzani Tweet - YEP 31/1/22

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If there’s a lightness about Adam Forshaw it’s because he has come out the other side of a long, dark tunnel. By Graham Smyth Last week the Leeds United midfielder finally told the full story of his injury hell, giving a football world that moved on without him all the painful details of the surgeries, setbacks and sadness that befell him. The 30-year-old missed two years of his career, so jokes that he’s still only 28. It’s easy to joke now, because he’s no longer sitting out, having finally returned to a day job he now appreciates so much more. Although three months have passed since he set foot on a Premier League pitch and began to put his injury misery behind him, he didn’t fully open up about it publicly until last week. “I’ve been planning on doing it for a long time but it was just about the time being right,” he told the YEP. “I wanted to focus on playing and getting into a bit of rhythm and even though I got the hamstring nick, it felt like it was a good time to g

When Paul Merson had a very different role as Leeds United battled next hosts Aston Villa - YEP 24/1/01

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P aul Merson has been presiding over Leeds United’s Premier League return of late. By Lee Sobot The former midfielder is, of course, a mainstay of Jeff Stelling’s Soccer Saturday panel on Sky Sports News. But two decades ago Merson was still battling it out with Leeds, the frame of the goal twice denying the midfielder as United left Aston Villa with a 2-1 success in January 2001. Twenty one years on, Villa will provide United’s next opponents this month for the third fixture between the two sides since their recent top-flight returns. But the two clubs had 12 consecutive seasons of battles between 1993 and 2004, and Merson’s frustration came in one of United’s final triumphs at Villa Park before going down. Leeds had finished the previous season in third place and were on their way to the Champions League semi-finals the following term, the clash at Villa coming one month after a 1-0 triumph at Lazio. But David O’Leary’s side then lost four of their next seven league gam

Leeds United reject interest in stars Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha from Premier League club - YEP 30/1/22

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Leeds United have firmly rejected the idea of selling either Kalvin Phillips or Raphinha in the January transfer window. By Graham Smyth West Ham United were reportedly lining up bids for Whites winger Raphinha and England International Phillips, but the YEP understands no offers were made. The Hammers did however express interest in the pair and were informed that neither would be leaving Elland Road. Raphinha has been in talks for a new contract and Phillips has put on record his desire for a new deal with the Whites, although the pair are yet to put pen to paper. Their current deals are due to expire in 2024 Leeds have been unable to secure their own priority target this month, Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, but have been adamant throughout the window that they had no plans to sell key men. There has been interest shown in winger Crysencio Summerville but unless Leeds can replace him, the youngster will stay part of Marcelo Bielsa's plans

How Leeds United have uncovered a Premier League gem in Pascal Struijk - YEP 29/1/22

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Pascal Struijk’s rise at Leeds United has been nothing short of remarkable. By Tom Morley The former Ajax defender has stepped up over the last few years making him arguably one of the best young defenders in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. But the injury crisis that has plagued Bielsa and Leeds has also seen Struijk miss a chunk of the season. On Saturday, together with partner Diego Llorente, he helped contain Newcastle United, with Leeds controlling the game for large periods despite falling to a Jonjo Shelvey free-kick 15 minutes from time. Struijk coped well with the threat of Chris Wood, marshalling the former Leeds forward and limiting him to half chances. He stepped in when he needed to, and won the ball well in the air, a trait that has been synonymous with his game during his time in West Yorkshire. It does beg the question however, what does the future hold? Leeds have an ageing spine, Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are all 30. That’s whe

Leeds United have made Raphinha transfer stance clear amid ongoing January interest in winger - YEP 29/1/22

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Leeds United's transfer stance regarding star winger Raphinha has been made clear throughout the January window. By Joe Urquhart The Whites wide man has gathered a long list of admirers across Europe thanks to his stunning form since making the £17m switch to Elland Road from Stade Rennes in October 2020. Raphinha has taken the Premier League by storm over the past two seasons, scoring 14 goals and recording 11 assists in his 49 top flight appearances for Leeds to date. Liverpool were credited with interest in the Brazil international last summer while Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich were reported to be monitoring his situation in December. An unlikely destination in West Ham is another club to emerge in recent days, after several reports on Friday and Saturday suggested the Hammers had contacted United over a potential deal before Monday's winter deadline day. Majority owner Andrea Radrizzani has made little secret of the club's acceptance that player sales wil

West Ham’s offers for Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha turned down by Leeds - Guardian 29/1/22

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Hammers could make further bid for Phillips in summer Moyes desperate to strengthen attack in winter window Jacob Steinberg West Ham’s determination to strengthen their squad this month has seen them make offers for Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. David Moyes wants to add more depth to his squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday night and has funds available as he tries to boost his side’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. West Ham’s search for a forward has seen them have a bid rejected for Raphinha and Moyes has also identified Phillips as a key target. It is believed that West Ham are willing to make Phillips their record signing and have had a £50m bid for the England midfielder turned down. However Moyes is ready to wait until the summer for Phillips if the transfer does not happen this month. The 25-year-old is out until March with a hamstring injury, but he has proven himself at international level and has formed a solid partnership

Kalvin Phillips 'feeling good' amid injury battle as Leeds United midfielder eyes return date - YEP 27/1/22

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Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips is 'feeling good' and targeting a March return from his hamstring injury. By Joe Urquhart The Whites midfielder has been missing from Premier League action since December 5, when he limped off against Brentford at Elland Road. Phillips has undergone an operation to fix the issue while also completing recuperation on a shoulder problem whilst unable to play. The latter almost saw the England international ruled out of last summer's delayed Euros though he instead helped Gareth Southgate's team to the final of the competition. Phillips is among a number of Marcelo Bielsa's senior squad currently sidelined in the Thorp Arch treatment room. No less than nine first team options missed the club's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the top flight last weekend. Bielsa's men are in 15th place amid the current break from on-pitch action - sitting seven points above the drop zone after 21 games - and will be hoping to hav

Liverpool reject initial transfer offers from Monaco and Leeds for Takumi Minamino - Independent 27/1/22

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The Japan international has made 18 appearances this season for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Carl Markham Liverpool have rejected initial approaches from Monaco and Leeds for forward Takumi Minamino The Japan international has made 18 appearances this season but only six of those have been starts and four of those came in the Carabao Cup. However, in spite of the expression of interest from the Ligue 1 club and fellow Premier League side the PA news agency understands Liverpool have turned down both. While Minamino is well behind Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order Jurgen Klopp’s side are still in four competitions – they have a League Cup final against Chelsea in a month’s time – is it believed there is no real desire to offload the 27-year-old. It would take a considerable offer for them to be persuaded to consider allowing the player, signed from RB Salzburg in January 2020 for £7.25million, to leave. Atalanta are also understood to b

Ex ref blasts 'garbage' VAR explanation as Leeds United supporting rugby league star speaks out - YEP 28/1/22

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Zak Hardaker prefers the use of video technology in the sport he plays professionally, to the one used when he watches his beloved Leeds United. By Graham Smyth The Wigan Warriors centre, formerly of Leeds Rhinos, made his views on VAR quite clear earlier this month after watching in horror as Manuel Lanzini’s goal against the Whites was allowed to stand despite Jarrod Bowen’s clear attempt to play the ball in front of Illan Meslier, from an offside position. Like thousands of other Leeds fans, Hardaker felt compelled to pick up his phone and rant, on Twitter. “Put VAR in the bin!!” was his offering to the debate. A decision that took almost three minutes to reach left former Premier League referee Mark Halsey ‘shocked’ and yet again dismayed at the operation of video technology. “When I first saw the replay on the TV my opinion was that it was offside,” Halsey told the YEP. “Once Jarrod Bowen makes that movement towards the ball, in doing so challenging an opponent from

Raphinha: West Ham one of several clubs interested in Leeds winger - Sky Sports 27/1/22

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The Brazilian's contract talks with Leeds are said to be positive, with his current deal running until 2024; West Ham are interested in Raphinha, who has scored eight goals in 19 appearances for Leeds this season A number of clubs, including West Ham, are interested in Leeds winger Raphinha. The Brazilian's contract talks with Leeds are said to be positive, with his current deal running until 2024. But West Ham are keeping an eye on his situation while those negotiations are ongoing. Raphinha has been a revelation since his arrival at Leeds from Rennes in 2020 and has scored eight goals this term as well as making two assists. The 25-year-old is represented by former Barcelona and Chelsea star Deco, who said last year that Raphinha is ambitious to play at a higher level. Raphinha played for Brazil in their eventful 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Ecuador. West Ham interested in Ekitike Hugo Ekitike is wanted by West Ham having previously been linked with Newc

Jean-Kevin Augustin: £18m hanging on the forward who became nobody’s player - The Athletic 28/1/22

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By Phil Hay Jan 28, 2022 96 The deal was so secretive that when Jean-Kevin Augustin landed at Leeds-Bradford Airport, a car was ready to collect him directly from the private jet. He was driven to the DoubleTree Hilton hotel in the city centre, holing up in two adjoining rooms. His medical took place there and then, away from prying eyes. Leeds United had their hands on him but even as they began completing the formalities, they were paranoid about a counter-bid from Manchester United and worried that Augustin might yet slip through their fingers. A concerted effort was made to disguise the fact that a loan deal with RB Leipzig of Germany was as good as done. This was in January 2020, during the final week of that winter’s transfer window, and the last time anyone treated Augustin like royalty; the last time anyone looked at him like clubs look at a valuable commodity. Augustin has played just 95 minutes of senior football in the two years since and, to all intents and purposes

It is not a case of Bamford or bust at Leeds but there is no injured player they need more - The Athletic 26/1/22

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By Phil Hay The No 9 jersey, metaphorically speaking, passed from Dan James to Tyler Roberts and then, in a matter of nine minutes, from Roberts to Joe Gelhardt. As the cogs shifted to accommodate Gelhardt for what was left of Saturday’s defeat by Newcastle United, it was natural to long for the day when that position picked itself. Leeds United needed a finisher against Newcastle, a centre-forward with the capacity to make Eddie Howe’s defence feel as porous as it was for the length of the first half, and so the talk turned to Patrick Bamford afterwards. When a team doesn’t score, Marcelo Bielsa reflected, the easiest reaction is to talk hypothetically about a striker who wasn’t on the pitch. Human nature assumes that Bamford would have found a way because no one at Leeds is more likely to than him. That debate is one of poaching, anticipation and a feel for the role. Since the sale of Kemar Roofe to Anderlecht in 2019, Bamford has been the forward who best suits the team Bielsa

Lewis Bate lifts lid on first Premier League steps with Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa - YEP 27/1/22

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Lewis Bate has hailed the role of Leeds United's senior stars after taking his first steps in the Premier League. By Joe Urquhart Lewis Bate has hailed the role of Leeds United's senior stars after taking his first steps in the Premier League. The 19-year-old made his top flight bow in tricky circumstances earlier this month at West Ham - a week on from his senior debut against the Hammers in FA Cup action. Bate was a first half substitute as Marcelo Bielsa's side were dealt a double injury blow at the London Stadium. He completed 43 minutes before later being replaced himself in the stunning 3-2 victory for Leeds in the capital, a game that will live long in his memory. "Playing in the Premier League is every player's dream from across the world, everyone knows it's the best league in the world," Bate told LUTV of his first Premier League experience. "Especially representing Leeds in the Premier League, it's a special feeling. Even

Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United squad are good enough but no signings would still be a gamble - YEP 27/1/22

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If the clock strikes 11pm on Monday night and Leeds United have not added to their squad, they’re taking a gamble. By Graham Smyth The gamble is not on Marcelo Bielsa being good enough - the Whites have bet big on the Argentine and his methods and been rewarded handsomely in the past with promotion success, at the second attempt, and a top-10 Premier League finish. Armed with a fully fit, or even mostly fit squad, Bielsa’s ability to keep the club in the top flight this season would not be in question - the performance and victory at West Ham United was a reminder of exactly what he can do even in the face of stiff adversity. The gamble is not even on the squad as it stands being good enough. There are areas where strengthening needs to take place if Leeds are to march on towards the brave European ambition laid out by Andrea Radrizzani and, latterly, the 49ers but, if Bielsa has all his key players fit, then the Whites should have enough to accrue sufficient points to stay up.

Tempting offers made late tempt fate - The Square Ball 26/1/22

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GROUNDHOG JANUARY Written by: Steven York The Dan James transfer saga played out like a Greek tragedy on Amazon Prime. A teary Victor Orta is seen hugging the diminutive winger tight to his chest. The young lad was already photographed holding the shirt, a transfer fee was agreed and medical completed. Then, in a digital world where information and communication is instant, the phones at the Swansea end rang unanswered. Leeds called and called to no avail. Picture Huw Jenkins, the Swansea chair, seeing the caller ID on his phone, ignoring it with a smirk, resolute in his desire not to weaken the Swans. He would be the archetypal villain in the future retelling of this story. The hands on the clock crept closer to the transfer deadline as a pervasive sense of helplessness crept into everyone involved. “I threw my phone,” James later told ex-teammate Kenji Gorre, on his podcast, about the moment he learned the move had fallen through. A four-year contract on the table. A medical

Leeds United and Premier League rivals agree to Covid postponement rule change after rows - YEP 26/1/22

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Leeds United and their fellow Premier League clubs must now have a minimum of four Covid-19 cases within their squad to request a postponement, under new guidance agreed today. By Graham Smyth The Premier League has revealed the change after arguments broke out across the division with regards to the rules around postponements and Covid-19 cases. Leeds themselves had to request the postponement of two games over the festive period, with their fixtures against Liverpool and Aston Villa yet to be rescheduled. The North London derby fell victim to the previous rule with Arsenal being granted a postponement despite having only one positive case within their squad. Tottenham released a statement expressing their surprise that the request was approved and claiming the league was now seeing 'unintended consequences' of the rule. Saturday February 5 will see the new guidance come into effect, when Burnley, the side hit hardest by postponements, are due to face Watford. A stat