Mighty Leeds Weblog

By Stuart Rayner The managers of Leeds United and Sheffield United took different approaches as their teams lost ground to new Championship leaders Burnley at the weekend. The Blades lost top spot with a 1-0 defeat at Oxford United, whilst Leeds dropped out of the automatic promotion places with a 1-1 draw at Luton Town. With six games left, there is a point between each team. Burnley were the only weekend winners, coming from 1-0 down to win 2-1 at Coventry City thanks to goals from former Leeds winger Jaidon Anthony. But whereas Chris Wilder was critical of how his Blades performed at the Kassam Stadium, Whites counterpart Daniel Farke stressed the importance of a point. A 1-1 at Kenilworth Road, where Luton have belatedly picked up form was not the worst result in isolation. But in the context of one win in the previous five games, it added to the nerves around a club who collapsed late to miss promotion last spring. Farke, though, was determined to keep calm and positiv...

By Stuart Rayner Chief Football Writer IT HAS become a theme of recent Leeds United press conferences that manager Daniel Farke stresses his unwavering confidence in promotion to the Premier League. "One hundred per cent convinced" has joined "flag in the wind", "crunchtime" and "fight with a knife between the teeth" as favourite Farkeisms as he doubles down on his boldness. But you do not have to look far beneath the surface to see doubts. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been jettisoned, dropped for two mistakes too many against Swansea City. Whether Leeds go up or stay in the Championship, it feels like the end. So good as Leeds put themselves into title contention, Manor Solomon has run "a bit dry", according to his manager. His missing a "golden chance" to win it was emblematic of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Luton Town. It would be less of a biggie were it not for Largie. Farke preferred rarely-used defender Issa...

By Graham Smyth The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Luton. Leeds United's Saturday got a little better as it went on thanks to the Sheffield United result, but yet another early kick-off came and went without the win they so badly want. The game at Luton Town was widely expected to be an ugly, physical affair and the Hatters practically promised as much with club captain Tom Lockyer suggesting in his programme notes that they had to make life as difficult as possible for the visitors. They certainly gave it a good go and though Leeds defended a lot of the balls into their box, the nature of the game made it hard for Daniel Farke's players to play their normal football. In the end, a 1-1 draw was just about a fair result - both sides missed a good chance to win it in the second half - but at full-time the point was what neither team really wanted. Here's the YEP take. Good day Karl Darlow He had relatively little to do but the ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds United boss Daniel Farke sent out the people's XI at Luton Town but once again found himself at odds with the people at full-time when it came to the result. Farke's declaration that the 1-1 draw at Luton Town was a good point fell on a lot of deaf ears, though some later pricked up at the news that Sheffield United had lost against Oxford United. Rivals dropping points neither masks nor makes up for the fact that Leeds, at the absolute worst time, are not playing well but the Blades loss did at least make the top of the Championship table look kinder than it might have on Saturday evening. Burnley top with 84, Blades second with 83, Leeds third with 82. For fans who could sing 'we're Leeds United...we're top of the league,' for 16 match days from Boxing Day to March 15, it's natural to ask how did it get to this? Firstly, neither Burnley nor Sheffield United went away for that entire period. Scott Parker's men are unbeaten in...

By Danny Hall Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, rejected any suggestions that his players' attitudes was a factor as they lost 1-0 at Oxford United this afternoon. The Blades kicked off knowing that victory would have opened up a four-point advantage over third-placed Leeds United after they could only draw at Luton Town. But Daniel Farke's men ended up cutting the gap to the Blades to a single point after Siriki Dembele's first-half winner sealed a crucial three points for the U's and punctured United's impressive away record. United had chances, with home goalkeeper Jamie Cunning named man of the match after making saves to repel Harrison Burrows, Sydie Peck and Tyrese Campbell, but didn't deserve anything from the game based on their disjointed performance at the Kassam Stadium. Speaking afterwards, Wilder said: "I didn't see it coming. Listen, it's not an attitude problem, because they can't play 39, 40 games or whatever ...

Scores end level at Kenilworth Road. Leeds United travelled away from home to face Luton Town in the Sky Bet Championship and had to settle for a point, after coming from behind against the hosts. Daniel Farke made four changes to his side ahead facing the Hatters. Coming into the starting XI were Karl Darlow, Willy Gnonto, Junior Firpo and Ao Tanaka. When the teams came out, the travelling Whites supporters, along with the players came together to remember Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight on the 25th anniversary of their tragic passing. We will never forget. After the whistle sounded, the first good opening of the game was created by the visitors. Manor Solomon whipped a low free-kick into the box, which Junior Firpo met at the front post only to see Thomas Kaminksi save well. The ‘keeper was called into action again moments later, this time denying Solomon directly. With the next attack of the game following those chances, Luton would take the lead. Jordan Clark worked ...

By Stuart Rayner Daniel Farke stressed the importance of a "good point" as Leeds United lost ground in the Championship promotion race. The Whites fell out of the top two with six matches to play as they dropped points for the fifth time in half a dozen games whilst Burnley were winning at Coventry City. Leeds had to be content with a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Luton Town in a game of few chances, although Manor Solomon missed what his manager Farke called a "golden" one in the 83rd minute. Farke spoke before the game about having more than enough calmness for the whole of Yorkshire and he made sure he exuded that in his post-match press conference. "Don't under-estimate the point, it's a good point for us and I'm happy how we handled all the situations today," he said. "It's definitely a point gained. "We knew it would always be a difficult game because let's be honest, Luton played (in the) Premier League ...

By Graham Smyth Leeds saw their automatic promotion destiny fall out of their own hands at Luton. Daniel Farke insists he is not nervous about Leeds United's promotion chances and has held up their 1-1 draw with second-bottom Luton Town as a good point. Leeds have won just one of their last six games and the stalemate at Luton was their third draw in succession. As had been the case in their previous three away fixtures, Leeds conceded the first goal. An attack broke down at the feet of Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka failed to make a challenge on halfway and Luton broke to score, an unmarked Isaiah Jones converting at the back post. The visitors responded before the half hour mark, Daniel James curling in a fine strike after Luton half cleared a corner. There were chances for either side to nick a win, most notably a back post opportunity for Manor Solomon who failed to hit the target, before it ended level. Farke refuted suggestions that the result had slipped away from Lee...

By Stuart Rayner Nerves got the better of Leeds United once again as they dropped points for the fifth time in six matches, drawing 1-1 at relegation-threatened Luton Town. The Whites struggled with their hosts' physicality, never more so than in the build-up to Isaiah Jones' opening goal, but seemed to have more difficulty handling the pressure of a three-horse Championship title race that they are losing ground in. How else could you explain Manor Solomon's miss when the lead was there for the taking after 83 minutes. Earlier in the season, getting the heck out of hostile, cramped Kenilworth Road with a point in the bag against a side who have belatedly found some form in the way relegation-threatened teams often do could have been a job well done. But given the results Leeds took to Bedfordshire, the unrelenting pace of Sheffield United and Burnley, and the memory of past failures, more was needed on a sunny Saturday afternoon just to put everyone at ease. Th...

By Lee Sobot Leeds lined up at Luton with just a goal difference buffer in the automatic promotion places. Leeds United have dropped out of the Championship's automatic promotion places, failure to win at Saturday's lunchtime hosts Luton Town compounded by victory for Burnley at Coventry City. Leeds created a fine chance with just three minutes on the clock as a brilliant cross from Manor Solomon picked out Dan James but the winger could only plant a soft free header into the ground and straight at keeper Thomas Kaminski. Solomon had been sent away after a very alert and quick throw out from keeper Karl Darlow who has taken the place of Illan Meslier between the sticks. As Luton began to apply some pressure, Darlow showed safe hands to gather a couple of dangerous crosses into the area as the Hatters looked to bombard the Whites box. But a superb save at the other end then denied Leeds a 14th-minute opener as Junior Firpo connected to a Solomon free-kick which was f...

By Stuart Rayner "MY COMPOSURE, my calmness and coolness is more than enough for the whole of Yorkshire," claimed Daniel Farke as he addressed the media ahead of Leeds United's Championship trip to Luton Town. A pity, then, he will not be playing at Kenilworth Road. With one win in the last five games, the familiar nerves are starting to creep in at Elland Road. Top spot in the Championship has gone and Burnley are only behind on goal difference – albeit a long way behind. If it was a one-off, it would be easier to brush off but this is the club who crumbled last year and whose history in the play-offs means many will be terrified of them finishing third in the tight three-horse race for the title. But Mr Cool was at pains to point out there is fire in his belly as well as ice in his veins, clicking his fingers animatedly to emphasise his points each time he delivered a "Bam!" Being oblivious or worse indifferent to the maelstrom is no better than pa...

By Graham Smyth Daniel Farke has provided big Leeds United team news ahead of the weekend’s trip to Luton Town. Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has already informed his squad of one major change to his starting XI for the visit to Luton Town. Farke revealed in his pre-match press conference that Karl Darlow will replace Illan Meslier in goal this weekend. Though the manager admits he cannot look too far ahead in case there is illness, injury or suspension that takes the matter out of his hands, he reiterated that he is no fan of making regular changes between the posts and therefore barring any disasters Darlow is likely to keep the shirt for the remainder of the season. Meslier's position in the team has come under scrutiny at various points of Farke's tenure as manager but perhaps the spotlight has never been brighter than it is right now. With seven games to go Leeds sit second in the Championship table, two points behind Sheffield United and level on points with ...

Leeds United have reported a loss of £60.8m during the 2023-24 season. The amount is an increase on 2022-23, when the Whites posted a loss of £33.7m as they were relegated from the Premier League. The club's revenue has dipped 33% to £128m, with both broadcast and commercial appeal taking a hit after relegation to the Championship. Despite dropping down a tier, matchday income did increase from £29m to £30.5m, while wage spending dropped by 42%. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said that while the loss may seem worrying for a club receiving parachute payments, it was not entirely gloomy. "Leeds made more money from ticket sales last season in the Championship than they did in the two previous seasons in the Premier League," Maguire told BBC Radio Leeds. "It's partly a function of a few more matches but it also reflects that Leeds fans will turn out at Elland Road regardless of the opposition, regardless of the division. "Also if you take ...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United's average weekly wage during the 2023/24 season has been revealed with the release of the club's most recent set of accounts. Leeds' financial results for the year ending June 30, 2024 revealed the club made a pre-tax loss of £60.8 million during their first season back in the Championship. United were relegated to the second tier at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, which resulted in a mass exodus of players, many of whom had relegation release clauses permitting them to go on loan for the duration of 2023/24. As a result of wage reduction clauses in players' contracts, sales and the aforementioned loanee exodus, Leeds trimmed their wage bill by £61.9 million, down to £84 million from £145.9 million the season prior. Despite the cost-saving, Leeds' wage bill remained one of the highest in the Championship last season with many speculating it was the highest. This has been proven not to be the case, however, after eventual cha...

By Joe Donnohue Leeds United journalist Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has explained why Leeds United's £131.2 million loss over the past three seasons should not see the club commit a Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) breach. Leeds United's 2023/24 financial accounts became publicly available this week, revealing a £60.8 million loss for the accounting period ending June 30, 2024. It was forecasted that 2023/24 would be a difficult year for Leeds, financially, after dropping into the Championship 12 months prior, however, the scale of United's loss was unknown until the accounts were published. Leeds' operating loss was significant due to the reduction in broadcast revenue caused by relegation from the Premier League, although this was offset to some extent by £69 million worth of player sales and a player trading profit of £30.9 million. In terms of avoiding potential sanctions, PSR allows Premier League clubs to lose a maximum of £105 million...

By Graham Smyth If you listen to the chants of Leeds United’s gleeful rivals or even the most pessimistic of souls in the Whites fanbase, they are ‘falling apart’ again but a man inside the Elland Road dressing room sees different. This week Ilia Gruev sat down for an interview with the YEP with Leeds United’s season finely poised. Having led the Championship for so long they find themselves in a chasing role now, albeit just two points back from new leaders Sheffield United. In part one of our chat with Gruev he addresses a couple of theories about this Whites team and gives a response from within the dressing room. Firstly, Gruev has rubbished the notion that early kick-offs could be a factor in Leeds United's promotion bid. This season the Whites have struggled to get the performances and results they need from a number of games that kicked off at 12 noon or 12.30pm. From the madcap opening day draw with Portsmouth to the recent 1-0 defeat at the hands of the same opposi...

By Joe Donnohue The imminent release of Leeds United's 2023/24 financial accounts will broadly reveal the club's level of potential spending in this summer transfer window. Leeds' transfer expenditure this summer will hinge heavily upon which division the club find themselves in for 2025/26, however, the most important factor could yet be the financial headroom United have after the release of their 2023/24 accounts. Clubs in England's top two divisions are bound by Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), meaning teams are only allowed to report losses up to a certain figure over a three-year accounting period. In the Premier League, clubs are restricted to a maximum loss threshold of £105 million over three seasons, although, due to Leeds' situation, dropping into the Championship for 2023/24, their threshold is lowered. The loss limit for Championship clubs over a three-year period has recently been increased from £39 million to £41.5 million...

Euuuuuurrrrrrggggghhhhh Written by: Chris McMenamy I’d like to take this opportunity to say sorry to Illan Meslier for calling him a useless so-and-so after gifting Swansea not one but two goals at Elland Road on Saturday. I’m sorry for piling my angst upon you, Illan, for it should have been equally distributed among the eleven players on the pitch, as well as Daniel Farke and whoever is left in the boardroom that hasn’t run off to a team that plays in blue. The suggestion that Leeds United must do things the hard way, the ‘Leedsy’ way, is unbelievably tiresome. It’s exacerbated by watching the most recent fixtures in which Sheffield United and Burnley won difficult away matches while Leeds didn’t. Then Meslier and the boys made a total mess of a home match against Swansea, while the other two promotion chasers did enough to win their respective fixtures. Leeds have shown signs of weakness at the time when we expect them to find their stride and see it through to the end. Leed...

Dropped Written by: Rob Conlon Joe Rothwell and Joel Piroe are covering their mouths. Sam Byram has his head in his hands. Joe Rodon can’t help but look. They are the expressions of footballers who have just witnessed a sickening leg break and are waiting for the medical staff to come help the poor bastard with his shin splintered into a right angle. Except there was no physical torture at Elland Road on Saturday — only pure psychological and emotional anguish. To quote Jack Charlton after Gary Sprake tested his patience one too many times: “What’s that bloody idiot done now?” Illan Meslier is only one item on a long, long list of things that went wrong for Leeds United, but whether it’s fair or not for him to be the focus of blame is irrelevant. That’s the life of a goalkeeper, and as the bloke wearing the gloves, that’s the life Meslier has signed up for. Daniel Farke is not the only Leeds manager to have put his unequivocal faith in Meslier as his number one, but has anyone ...