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A Fitting Tribute

37, 896 fans turned out at Elland Road on Bank Holiday Monday to honour Lucas Radebe during his testimonial match. The afternoon, enjoyed by all, was a fitting tribute to a man whose career at Leeds has lasted 10 years. A number of Leeds United greats were on show at the event, Vinnie Jones, Gordon Strachan, Nigel Martyn and the not so slim but still adored, Tony Yeboah were all there to show their respect and acknowledgement for ‘The Chief’. A squad made up of players past and present pulled on the Leeds shirt against a World XI, including the likes of Bruce Grobelaar, John Carew, the brilliant Okocha and former United player Olivier Dacourt. The World XI ran out winners by 7 goals to 3 but not to the disappointment of Radebe, who notched up 2 goals, for the World XI after switching sides at half time. Vinnie Jones showed his great character by standing in front of The Kop and singing Marching On Together, to the delight of the Leeds fans. At the end of the 90 minutes, Radebe spoke out to the Leeds Fans and thanked everyone for helping with the day out and raising over £300,000 for Radebe’s chosen charities. It was hinted that his swansong would be against Rotherham on Sunday, where he is expected to be on the bench. Radebe will always be remembered at Elland Road, as much for what he did on the field as what he did of it. Large amounts of community and charity work saw Radebe become one of the most respected and liked men in football. The Chief has stuck with Leeds through thick and thin and Yorkshire will always be his second home. A role model, a real gentleman and a true legend. That is Lucas Radebe.

Next Season?

Having talked to many Leeds fans in the past few days I just can't grasp where all the blind optimism is coming from for next season. Kevin Blackwell is saying that he's going to bring in nine more players, but has he forgotten it will take them time to blend in. Then what are the chances these are going to be good players, probably 50% of all the signings he has made so far have been a waste of money, Ricketts, Joachim and Cadamarteri to name a few.

 We've got a good team now, that on paper looks very good, but that's it, albeit that we look good on paper, we are nothing but a mid-table team in reality, but why?

 The tactics not right? Players playing out of position? Players not performing to there highest quality? ... Exactly. We don't have the ability to win games, our recent run has seen to many draws, yes it will give us a "good on paper" unbeaten streak, but over the period of the season we have had to many mediocre performances, and if the same decisions are made next season, both in team selection and tactically, then I feel we will have another poor season.

 And I'm afraid, I can't see nothing better than a mid-table finish next season, unless changes are made, and they are the right changes.
 

Leeds 1 - 1 Ipswich - Review

A warm St George's day at Elland Road saw Leeds United take on automatic promotion chasers Ipswich Town. It was a close encounter between the two sides earlier in the season at Portman Road with Ipswich just edging it 1-0 with a scrappy goal from their top scorer Darren Bent.

There were a few changes made to the Leeds side that drew 1-1 at QPR one week before. Bates and Co had taken the decision that Seth Johnson would not be allowed to play any more 1st team games for Leeds this season, as Derby County would be owed another £250,000 installment from his ridiculous transfer fee. Also, arguably Leeds' best player over the last month, Shaun Derry, was sidelined through suspension after being controversially sent off at Loftus Road. Ian Moore and, amazingly, Matthew Spring were brought in to replace Johnson and Derry. Matthew Killgallon returned to partner Clarke Carlisle in the heart of the defence which allowed Sean Gregan to move forward to his more familiar role of central midfield. Aaron Lennon was left out of the starting 11 which gave Frazer Richardson a chance to reclaim the right midfield spot.

The start of the match was lively and energetic, with United just edging it with both Gregan and Hulse using their strength to make it difficult for the visitors. Ipswich took the lead against the run of play with a deflected goal in front of the Kop on 11 minutes from former Wednesdayite Sefki Kuqi. By now the Tractor Boys, who had filled the South Stand, were in full voice. But they were silenced 60 seconds later by a goal from Matthew Spring, who nodded home his first for the club after superb work down the right from Frazer Richardson, his inch perfect left-footed cross found the head of Spring who glanced into the far corner to make it 1-1 on 12 minutes. The remainder of the first have was a non-event. Both sides failed to create anything and the 1-1 score line at half time was a fair reflection of the first half.

In the second half both teams seemed to be going for the win. Ipswich desperately needed all 3 points to delay Sunderland's promotion to the Premiership and to put pressure on Wigan in 2nd place. Ipswich looked the better footballing side, nearly catching Leeds on the break several times with the pace of Darren Bent. United's lone frontman Rob Hulse attempted a few long-range shots, but to no avail. The referee's assistant did Leeds no favours when he flagged for offside just before Hulse latched onto a through ball and stroked the ball into the net. Einarsson was replaced by Walton, who was then remarkably subbed 1 minute later after suffering a hamstring injury while challenging for the ball. He was replaced by Jermaine Wright who got a poor reception from both sets of fans as he entered the field. As the 2nd half drew on Leeds began to tire and Ipswich took charge. Some great defending from Killgallon on his return to the side saw off Ipswich's attack. The visitors created a glorious opportunity to win it in the dying minutes, but it was put wide by the unmarked Currie from just 6 yards out, the Tractor Boys behind the goal, head in hands, were getting used to the idea of another season in the play-offs. A good performance from the Leeds side with a few first-team absentees saw them gain a well deserved point from the top scorers in the Championship.
 

Player Of The Year Review

Last Night saw the annual Player of the Year Awards, where United's Number One Neil Sullivan walked away with the major honours. Sully was voted both Fans Player of the Year, and Players' Player of the Year. The 'keeper has been in magnificent form all season, often keeping United in games,  and has saved numerous penalties and a remarkable season. Having arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea at the end of last season, Sully made himself an instant fans favourite, making remarkable saves in his first game, and he hasn't put a foot wrong since. The 35 year old told the official website, "I wasn't having the best of times and I wasn't going to get another game for Chelsea so if you are going to go down a division you go to the biggest and Leeds was no doubt the biggest. When I first came here Martin Hodge (goalkeeping coach) got hold of me and ironed out a few bad habits I had developed and he's been great because he made it easy for me. When you come to work and enjoy yourself you know you're doing ok. We will keep working hard, I am sure there are a few things we can still work on and hopefully we'll be able to get ourselves up next season." Having received an award from his fellow colleagues as well, captain Paul Butler stated "It's a team game but Neil has been outstanding all season.  Time after time he has rescued us and his saves at vital times in games have undoubtedly spurred the lads on. As a defender you need to have confidence in the man behind you and we have plenty of it in Neil. It is a richly deserved award."

 

Elsewhere the hotly contested Young Player of the Year went to Aaron Lennon, who beat of competition from Simon Walton, Matthew Killgallon and Danny Pugh. The Goal of the Season Award went to striker/winger David Healy for his precise chip at home to Plymouth on December 28th, and Lucas Radebe was deservedly awarded special awards for Best Contribution to the Community award and the Lifetime Achievement award.

 Blackwell Hoping Early Pre-Season Will Boost Promotion Hopes

 Early Team News For Saturday

Leeds looking to strengthen the back line?

Change Of Name For United's 'Ultras'

Leeds Linked With Everton Duo

Blackwell Hoping To Keep Gray

Kevin Blackwell today stated that he would like to sign left back Michael Gray on a permanent basis. Gray, 30,  who is on loan from Blackburn Rovers till the end of the season has played a key role in United's recent form after been out with Injury, and has impressed Kevin Blackwell since returning to the side, despite only playing seven games since signing. However the defenders wages could prove to be a stumbling block, with Blackwell stating that "It is in his and Blackburn's hands. We cannot and will not pay the wages that Mickey is on at Blackburn". Blackwell who has already stated he would like to keep fellow loanee Robbie Hulse on a permanent deal went on to say; "The club is being run much more prudently now. If there is a chance we can bring him here it will have to be within a wage structure we can handle."