Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have announced a multi-year extension to their partnership with sportswear manufacturer Adidas. The Whites will continue to be sponsored by the sportswear giant following the record-breaking commercial success of this season's yellow away kit. Adidas' brand vice president Christopher Walsh said, via a statement released by Leeds: "We are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with Leeds United. Leeds United is a club with a rich history, and a passionate fan base, and we are proud to be a part of their journey." Leeds have been partnered with the German company since the beginning of 2020/21 with an agreement now reached that the team will continue to wear kits adorning the 'three stripes' brand in future campaigns. Leeds' chief operating officer Morrie Eisenberg added: “We have built such a strong relationship over the last few seasons, and it is great that we can now continue collaborating with the fantastic ...

Slow in the head Written by: Rob Conlon So this is what the best part of a billion quid gets you? In May, Sky TV boasted that they’d agreed to give the Football League ‘guaranteed payments of £895m and £40m in marketing benefits’ for the privilege of broadcasting ‘over 1,000 matches per season!’ Seemingly nobody stopped to ask whether broadcasting over 1,000 matches per season might be a bit, I don’t know, stupid. Judging by Sky’s coverage of Leeds’ draw with Bristol City, their outlay in desperately trying to show 24/7 football hasn’t left much in the budget for production costs. The camera angle at Ashton Gate has never been the most TV friendly, but viewers weren’t helped by an absent-minded director who seemed more interested in what was happening in the stands than showing us what was happening on the pitch. While Sky are happy to market English football on the atmosphere in the ground, they were also happy to mute the crowd noise, giving the game an eerie lockdown feel ahea...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Saturday’s goalless draw at Bristol City. Leeds United were not at their best at Ashton Gate against Bristol City but an unbeaten streak that now stands at seven games never looked in danger. Daniel Farke's men picked up a clean sheet and a point from a 0-0 draw that failed to deliver much in the way of thrills. In truth Leeds should have won and had chances aplenty to do so, but the long-existing issue of wasteful finishing cropped up again. Here's the YEP take on an emotional day. Good day Ao Tanaka Once again the Japan international showed his ability to deal with the ball expertly under pressure. It did take him some time to work his way into the game and work out how to escape Bristol City's marking and pressing, but once he did he was Leeds' best performer on the ball. There were some of those lovely sliding tackles, too, where he neatly gets the ball with the outside of his boot. Long may th...

By Graham Smyth No promotion bids were harmed in the making of Leeds United's 0-0 draw at Bristol City. Sometimes it's fine to just be fine and Leeds were fine at Ashton Gate. Not great, not at their best by any stretch, but fine. Possessional dominance? Check. Defensive solidity? Check. Control? Check. Chance creation? Check. Goals? No. But none at the other end made it seven clean sheets from 12 Championship outings this season. Of the eight goals conceded by Daniel Farke's men so far, three came in that madcap freak of an opening day game. Another was a freak goal like no other, at Sunderland. There was nothing really to suggest they would concede at Bristol City and the longer the game wore on, the more certain it felt that a goal could only come at the right end of the pitch. That it didn't ever arrive is homework for individuals and for Farke. Call it an ongoing assignment because this is not the first time this season or even in Farke's Leeds tenure t...

  Gary Edwards, Andrew Dalton, Rob Endeacott, Rocco Dean and Dave Tomlinson

By Lee Sobot Whites ‘keeper Illan Meslier has provided a mixed verdict on Leeds United’s goalless draw at Bristol City, admitting there were two sides to the story in assessing a point. Leeds approached Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off seeking a third Championship win in succession and knowing that a victory by two clear goals would take them top of the division. United, though, had to settle for a goalless draw which ultimately left Daniel Farke’s side in third place by the close of play, behind second-placed Burnley on goal difference and now five points adrift of thriving leaders Sunderland. Bristol City sit down in 11th place but Meslier declared that Leeds could be happy with a point at a side yet to lose at home but admitted that his side wanted a victory and had the goalscoring opportunities to get it. Speaking post match to LUTV, Meslier was asked if Leeds could be happy with a point at Bristol City and reasoned: “Yeah, of course. It's a tough place to come and to be...

By Graham Smyth Daniel Farke believes that Leeds United’s defensive solidity could be key to glory in the Championship this season. A 0-0 draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate was tinged with disappointment for Farke because his side did create chances that could have given them a third consecutive victory. The Whites were comfortable for the most part, even if Bristol City presented a physical and awkward challenge in the first half. Once Leeds settled they took over in possession and had almost all of the play and territory in the second half, without finding a breakthrough. Willy Gnonto and Daniel James had the game’s best two opportunities but neither found the net. Farke was without Junior Firpo and Largie Ramazani through suspension and injury respectively and replaced them with Sam Byram and Daniel James, though the Welshman spent most of his time on the right flank with Willy Gnonto on the left. Gnonto was a standout performer in the first half but struggled to make the...

Bristol City survived heavy pressure from high-flying Leeds United to earn a goalless draw at Ashton Gate. United had 68 per cent of possession and 17 shots at goal but could not find a way to break down their dogged hosts, who had Liam Manning making an emotional return to coaching duties. Back in charge for the first time since the tragic death of his baby son Theo, the head coach briefly took to the field before kick-off to acknowledge the warm applause in support of him from both sets of fans, which followed a perfectly observed period of silence to mark the annual period of Remembrance. Manning then supervised operations from the dugout as City denied Leeds in front of a 25,000 crowd, which produced a cracking atmosphere throughout. City gave a first start to summer signing Marcus McGuane in place of the suspended Joe Williams in midfield, while winger Yu Hirakawa replaced Anis Mehmeti. Leeds boss Daniel Farke made two changes, bringing in Sam Byram and Dan James for Junio...

By Lee Sobot Leeds travelled to Bristol City for a lunchtime kick-off knowing victory by two goals would send them top. Leeds United squandered a chance to move top and handed a big chance to Sunderland as Saturday lunchtime's Championship clash at Bristol City ended in a goalless draw. Bristol City made the brighter start but a fine challenge from Sam Byram on Yu Hirakawa who burst through the middle of the park helped keep the Robins at bay. Leeds then squandered the first chance of the game in the 15th minute as a cross from Dan James was headed on by Joel Piroe to Joe Rothwell who could only volley wide from the middle of the box. At the other end, another volley, an acrobatic one from Luke McNally, flew just wide from the edge of the area. Moments later, the dangerous Hirakawa got away from Ao Tanaka and saw his shot fly just wide via a deflection off Joe Rodon as pressure from the home side increased. Leeds looked to respond but Joel Piroe was unable to play in Wi...

By Harry Mail Leeds United have snapped up the player on a free transfer this week Recent Leeds United signing Josuha Guilavogui was one of their first choice free agent options, according to YEP reporter Graham Smyth. The Whites looked at a few potential targets including former West Ham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest man Cheikhou Kouyate. Daniel Farke needed to bring in someone new to provide cover for the injured Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. They swooped to sign Guilavogui earlier this week. Smyth has revealed how Leeds’ latest transfer came around and said on the Inside Elland Road Podcast: “It would be really interesting to know all the ins and outs of the situation and who else visited Thorp Arch. I don’t believe there was a succession of trialists. I don’t believe that there were the medical goings on that were being reported here, there and everywhere and I certainly don’t think that was this conveyer belt of free agents coming in a couple of days at a time for a...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hosts his pre-match press conference this afternoon ahead of the Whites' trip to face Bristol City. United are six games unbeaten in the Championship, hoping to extend their winning run to three matches with victory in the south-west this weekend, but are likely to be without winger Largie Ramazani after the summer signing was substituted early on during Leeds' 2-1 win over Watford on Tuesday night. Farke will have to do without in-form full-back Junior Firpo, too, as the Dominican Republic defender serves a one-match suspension for the accrual of five yellow cards. Follow everything the manager has to say in his pre-match press briefing here with text updates from 12:30pm. Farke on managing commonalities from players of different cultures and nationalities I think football can be a role model for our society. Not too complicated to live together peacefully, I don’t believe too much in passports. Good togetherness an...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United's newest signing Josuha Guilavogui hopes to have a positive impact on the club's younger players off the pitch during his short spell at Elland Road. The 34-year-old signed on a free transfer earlier this week and quickly made his candidacy as a dressing room leader known during his first interview with club media. Guilavogui's arrival was unexpected, somewhat, considering Leeds did not foresee a scenario in which they would lose both holding midfielders in such a short space of time, for such a lengthy period. Having played extensively in France and Germany's top flights throughout a milestone-laden career, Guilavogui naturally brings a wealth of experience and knowledge he will be able to impart to younger members of Daniel Farke's first-team group. "When you are now 34, you can bring something else, not only on the pitch," Guilavogui explained. "I'm a football player and I'd love to play until I'...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United Under-21s defender Joe Richards has joined National League North club South Shields. A statement issued by Leeds on Thursday afternoon read: "Leeds United academy full-back Joe Richards has today joined National League North side South Shields, on a short-term loan. "The versatile player, who can be used on either flank both in defence and attack, has made five appearances in Premier League 2 for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s side so far this term. "Last time out, Richards was on the scoresheet as the Whites recorded an impressive 3-1 victory over Stockport County Under-21s in the Premier League Cup." The 19-year-old is not the only Leeds youngster heading out for a first taste of senior football in non-league with Reuben Lopata-White expected to follow. Twenty-year-old forward Luca Thomas has already joined York City on a short-term loan of his own, scoring on his debut against Ebbsfleet United last weekend. This week, Leeds a...

Will Butcher In the last decade, there aren’t many bigger icons in Leeds United football than Marcelo Bielsa and Luke Ayling, but Patrick Bamford helped Ayling recall a spat between the two at Thorp Arch. Marcelo Bielsa obviously earned legendary status during the three and a half seasons he was in charge of Leeds. Taking them back to the Premier League after 16 years in the wilderness with his style of play. He turned Championship players into proven Premier League stars in that time. The likes of Ayling, Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Patick Bamford might not have thought they’d have a career in the top tier. But Bielsa got Leeds playing in such a way that it saw those players become Premier League stars, playing a key role in the 2020-21 season which saw The Whites finish as high as ninth in the Premier League table. Bielsa is renowned for taking the Leeds players out to pick up rubbish and making them train two or even three times a day, installing beds at Thorp Arch so t...

This is good, right? Written by: Chris McMenamy “You know what, I’m going to really take it all in this time.” The famous last words of me, an idiot Leeds fan, as Brenden Aaronson postured triumphantly towards us in the Cheese Wedge. He had just scored to make it Leeds 2-0 Watford after only seven minutes. By my calculations, we were going to win 20-0, maybe more. An hour later, I was just wishing for it to be over. Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival at Leeds brought a swift end to the nihilism that had pervaded Leeds United for over a decade. First, his football made us fall back in love with the team, the club, the city and, above all, football. The first half of the 2018/19 season felt like being part of a revolutionary movement, swept up by a wave of beautiful, attacking football. Then reality set in the moment that promotion became a possibility instead of a far-fetched dream. The run-in that year became a fraught affair pretty quickly. The carefree football gave way as players stif...

Leeds United are pleased to confirm the signing of Josuha Guilavogui on a contract until the end of the 2024/25 season, subject to a work permit. The Whites have secured the services of the 34-year-old former French international, who can play in midfield and defence, after he became a free agent following his departure from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, over the summer. Guilavogui began his career with Saint Etienne in France, playing over 100 times for the club after progressing through the youth system. Whilst with Les Verts, he helped the team to win the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012/13. Strong performances for his club impressed the national team bosses too, which saw the midfielder earn a call up for his country in 2013, gaining the first of seven caps for Les Bleus, adding to his 15 appearances for the Under-21s. In the summer of 2013, Atletico Madrid moved to secure Guilavogui’s signature, and he played in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League during his time in Spain, prior to...

Something in the water Written by: Rob Conlon I’m used to watching teams sabotage themselves at Elland Road, but it’s usually the one in white. If Watford wanted to beat Leeds on Tuesday night, they had a funny way of going about it. While goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has been nursing a back injury in recent weeks, their medical staff might be better off sending him for an exorcism. Bachmann was spooked by the sprinklers before the game and became possessed by the spirit of Paul Rachubka, gifting Largie Ramazani and Brenden Aaronson goals in the opening ten minutes. Clearly, there’s just something in the water at Elland Road. In between those goals, a break from Aaronson led to Wilf Gnonto shooting narrowly wide of the far post. Leeds seemed in the mood to score ten, and Watford seemed willing to let them. Like Jaap Stam’s Reading knocking the ball around their defence while losing to Leeds under Garry Monk, or Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough sleepwalking around Elland Road again...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Josuha Guilavogui as defensive midfield cover on a free transfer after former France international spent the past few days in Yorkshire. The 34-year-old posed for photographs with fans as Leeds defeated Watford 2-1 at Elland Road, days after a 2-0 victory against Sheffield United at the same venue. Leeds are known to have had a small number of free agents at Thorp Arch since news broke of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu's lengthy injury lay-offs, in order to mitigate for the first-choice pair's prolonged absence. Both players are expected to be out until New Year with Gruev undergoing surgery on his meniscus, while club captain Ampadu was pictured wearing a knee brace last Friday as United hosted the Blades. A move for ex-West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate appeared close to fruition but the likelihood of the former Senegal international signing on the dotted line at T...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United's midfield has given Daniel Farke two consecutive Man of the Match displays rather than the headache he must have feared. In Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka Leeds have a pair of players who have excelled in the last two games. Rothwell was the clear standout performer against Sheffield United while Tanaka, who had a very good game against the Blades, was the undisputed star man in the win over Watford. Here's the YEP take on that 2-1 victory. Good day - Ao Tanaka. There is a danger of getting carried away and hanging single performances around a player's neck like a millstone, but this was special. Tanaka had the look of a man playing a level below the standard of which he's capable, so easy did he make it look. The way he dealt with the ball, regardless of who was around him, the misdirection in his body movements, his desire and ability to win the ball back and his passing were all exceptional. It was a joy to behold. Good day - Danie...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United are closing in on a confirmed deal for experienced free agent midfielder Josuha Guilavogui. The 34-year-old has spent time at Thorp Arch in the past week while a deal was being explored and was twice pictured with supporters ahead of Elland Road games. Guilavogui ticks important boxes for manager Daniel Farke, who wanted to add an experienced operator who could cover not only defensive midfield but centre-back due to the current injury situation. Guilavogui has racked up 274 senior appearances in a deep-lying role, 59 as a number 8 and a further 42 as a central defender in spells with Wolfsburg, Saint-Etienne, Mainz, Bordeaux and Atletico Madrid. Last season he played 11 times in the Bungesliga for Mainz and brings with him the experience of winning three domestic cup titles in Germany and France. Leeds were sent into the free agent market by the loss to knee injuries of both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. The defensive midfielders broke down with t...

It's not even his fault and he always gets it in the neck By Beren Cross Leeds United beat Watford 2-1 at Elland Road on Tuesday night and here are some of the moments you may have missed. Man United roots are never forgotten. Tom Ince has visited Elland Road nine times as a senior pro with the visiting team and every time he has been harangued by the crowd. In the main, it’s never been his fault either. Ince’s greatest crime, by Leeds United standards, is having Huddersfield Town on his CV, arguably, but the vitriol comes courtesy of his dad. Paul was a key player for Manchester United in the 1990s and his son will be tarred with the same brush every time. Last night, his dad was called something, and so was Tom. Goalkeepers’ union As the two teams arrived at Elland Road last night, there wasn’t a whole lot of mingling between the squads. Goalkeepers Daniel Bachmann and Illan Meslier did happen to join the main thoroughfare to the pitch at the same time, though. Ther...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United had set themselves up perfectly in the build-up to the game against Watford, but for what? Coming off the back of a hugely comfortable win against a promotion rival, playing a side who travel terribly and boasting two birthday boys in the starting line-up. What, Leeds United, could possibly go wrong here then? Leeds have been here before. Not in these exact circumstances perhaps but ones that felt very similar. Situations where expectation levels had been given a shot in the arm. Momentum had been gathered. Good feelings had been stoked. Leeds have been here before and bad things have happened. Even if most were expecting a Leeds win, no one would have been surprised by something different. Daniel Farke himself said on Friday that Watford could surprise anyone in this league. Against a Watford side showing six changes, Farke did not tinker like he hinted he might in his pre-game press conference. Anyone who witnessed that battering of the Blades kne...