tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36786587404228006252023-11-16T16:29:04.958+00:00Syze MattersSyzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-48033739767396269052017-09-17T23:45:00.002+01:002017-09-17T23:45:43.497+01:00Millwall 1-0 Leeds United (Sat 16th September 2017)<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1.4285714285714286em; margin-bottom: 0.35714285714285715em; padding: 0px;">
Just an awful performance. The only worse in recent years have been the complete capitulation games. The only good point was some decent defending and goalkeeping. The biggest concern is that Millwall have now laid a blueprint for teams to follow on how to beat us. Birmingham was a portent for this - we didn’t look like we liked being harried and bullied on Tuesday, and Millwall stepped it up a notch today. How do you think Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich are going to play next Sat?</div>
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This is a crucial point for Christiansen and his team - what have they learned and how do they respond? More importantly, can they respond? There are only two options against teams like Millwall - match them or outplay them. For the latter, you still need a bit of the first, and you need to play with precision and pace and we played with absolutely neither today.</div>
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The team selection was wrong also, and looked it from the outset - Hernandez, Saiz and Alioski were all too lightweight, they were like under 10s trying to play against under 15s. Yeah they have far more technical skill, but the physicality knocked them completely off of their games. Without them, Lassoga was isolated. O’Kane and Phillips rans their socks off, but they looked outmanned and outgunned and, in the end, out on their feet. A lot of players looked in need of a rest.</div>
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Jansson was having his usual good game but completely fluffed it for the goal. Ayling put in possibly his worst performance in a white shirt, and Anita showed that while comfortable on the ball and joining in attacks, when he is faced with a good winger he is a right footed midfielder playing at left back. On the plus side, Shaughnessy continues to look good enough for this level.</div>
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Dallas tried but his delivery let him down, and Roofe offered nothing but running down cul-de-sacs. As much as we need to rotate, I questioned his being benched for the Brum game. He was in the form of his life and his confidence was visably growing. Alioski on the other hand leaves a lot to be desired. He has played well in a Leeds shirt twice. I had my doubts after the first three games, he silenced them at Sunderland and Forest, but he was poor today and was our worst player against Brum. I honestly think today was a day for Sacko. Is he injured? I know how limited he is, but we really could have done with his pace and direct running as an outlet.</div>
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Weidwald made some good saves, but also some blunders. He was lucky the flag went up for Morison’s goal, because that was a colossal cockup. We know about his play with the ball at his feet, but he had to show today, for the first time, other facets of his game. He looked a decent shot stopper with good reflexes, but it also looks clear he could not catch a cold. He conceded more than one corner by parrying a routine catch.</div>
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To be positive - what a start to the season, absolutely brilliant. But chapter one closed today, and chapter two begins with Ipswich on Saturday. Forget Burnley, a lot of players look in a need of a rest, and the likes of Vieira, Klich and Cibicki should be champing at the bit to stake a claim.</div>
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<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 20px;">I hope TC learned today about horses for courses. I love Hernandez and Saiz - look at our performance against Burton, we showed what we can do. And any thoughts of “it was only Burton” have to be tempered by the fact they have had two fine results since. But really good managers look at the opposition and take into account their strengths and weaknesses. We’re not good enough (and I don’t think any team at this level is) to simply feel we can play our way and have it our way all the time. We had to dig in against Birmingham, so we can do it, but today was like a continuation of that performance minus the good parts.</span></div>
Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-29095600554374646782012-06-01T14:05:00.000+01:002012-11-12T18:04:14.072+00:00Leeds United - Top Ten Goals 2011/2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/53340358?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/53340358"></a></div>
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Leeds United Top Ten Goals 2011-12</div>
from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user7087701">Simon Cranston</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">This is my top ten Leeds goals of the 2011/2012 season. The goals are:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10 - Robert Snodgrass <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(2nd Goal VS Burnley (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">9 - Andy Keogh <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Peterborough United (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">8 - Adam Clayton <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS West Ham United (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7 - Jonny Howson <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Nottingham Forest(A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">6 - Robert Snodgrass <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(1st Goal VS Millwall (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5 - Adam Clayton <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Doncaster Rovers (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4 - Luciano Becchio<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Doncaster Rovers (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3 - Ross McCormack <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(1st Goal VS Brighton & Hove Albion (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2 - Ross McCormack<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Doncaster Rovers (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 - Adam Clayton <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(VS Leicester City (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Footage courtesy of LUTV & Sky, made using Apple iMovie '11</i></span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-55218760670035015912012-02-28T21:06:00.000+00:002012-11-12T18:04:03.392+00:00Robbie Fowler - His Leeds Goals<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BwcVLlom77s" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showing all of Robbie Fowler's goals for Leeds United...</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, BBC, Leeds United Season Review 2001-02 VHS tape & Leeds United Season Review 2002-03 DVD; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div>
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Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-25601084139991569422012-02-27T19:44:00.001+00:002012-02-28T14:09:08.098+00:00Mark Viduka - A Tribute<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xp36q7" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xp36q7_mark-viduka-tribute_sport" target="_blank">Mark Viduka Tribute</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/LeedsUnitedVideos" target="_blank">LeedsUnitedVideos</a></i><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Mark Viduka's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, BBC, Leeds United Season Review 2001-02 VHS tape & Leeds United Season Review DVDs (2001-02 & 2002-03 seasons, & 2004-05 season bonus disc); made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-66476102089645878012012-02-26T21:09:00.001+00:002012-02-28T14:10:08.544+00:00Ian Harte - A Tribute<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xp2iuc" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xp2iuc_ian-harte-trubute_sport" target="_blank">Ian Harte Trubute</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/LeedsUnitedVideos" target="_blank">LeedsUnitedVideos</a></i><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Ian Harte's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, BBC, Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00 & 2000-01 seasons), Leeds United Season Review DVDs (2001-02 & 2002-03 seasons, & 2004-05 season bonus disc) & Leeds United: 100 Greatest Goals DVD; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-56499741079523311122012-02-22T19:11:00.002+00:002012-02-28T14:09:40.487+00:00Leeds United - The Late Show<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xoygx0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xoygx0_leeds-united-the-late-show_sport" target="_blank">Leeds United - The Late Show</a> <i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/LeedsUnitedVideos" target="_blank">LeedsUnitedVideos</a></i><br />
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<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A video I made compiling some of the goals scored by Leeds United over the years that have snatched a result late on in games.</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"></span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV, Sky, BBC, ITV and various Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes & DVDs; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-28478434557114011292011-12-06T02:13:00.001+00:002012-02-26T21:06:24.343+00:00Robert Snodgrass - A Second Tribute<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xmsd4g" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Another video I made showcasing some of Robert Snodgrass's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-34613591869032968952011-12-04T23:34:00.000+00:002011-12-04T23:37:04.492+00:00Lee Chapman - A Tribute<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="224" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33119094?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="398"></iframe></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Lee Chapman's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div></div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, BBC, Leeds United - The Second Coming - 1989/90 Champions DVD & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1990-91, 1991-92 & 1992-93 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-71445087147987193592011-11-30T22:38:00.000+00:002011-12-01T00:18:42.850+00:00Gary Speed - 1969-2011<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3450II6ccXFn_HuekizyHbAcWXi0ldfxKpeU1aJGNXsci-DQzTrTcQXFC-nrArM2fs7umvN2Mjn75_GBnxgNb8BcE6p1rvdp8PR8GIVOY2xYA_fF1icDp6_L6DkGbMAqPw6W9CKwoK-A/s1600/gary_speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3450II6ccXFn_HuekizyHbAcWXi0ldfxKpeU1aJGNXsci-DQzTrTcQXFC-nrArM2fs7umvN2Mjn75_GBnxgNb8BcE6p1rvdp8PR8GIVOY2xYA_fF1icDp6_L6DkGbMAqPw6W9CKwoK-A/s320/gary_speed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I woke on Sunday morning I reached out, as I always do, to my bedside table to check my phone. I had an e-mail from YouTube - “Comment posted on your video ‘Gary Speed Tribute’”. The comment simply said ‘R.I.P. Gary’. My initial thought was “what the hell does that mean?” The possibility that Speed was dead didn’t even register with me, despite the comment being as blatant as it possibly could be.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I got up and headed to the shower my mind cleared and the gravity of the comment hit me - R.I.P. Gary. Hold on a minute - <i>could</i> Speed be dead? I immediately grabbed my phone again and typed the words “Gary Speed” into a Google search. Ignoring the first result, which was actually a news story about that mornings breaking tragedy, my eyes were instinctively drawn to the second result - Gary Speed’s Wikipedia entry. There, in a preview of the article itself, were the words: <i>Gary Andrew Speed, MBE (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh football player and manager.</i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was stunned. Gary Speed <i>was</i> dead. My immediate instinct was to call my dad, the man who steered me from a young age towards following Leeds United. He hadn’t yet wakened so hadn't heard. I informed him of the news and as I hung up the phone I tried to compose myself. What had happened? My immediate thought was a tragic car accident or something similar. Certainly not anything sinister. Further internet investigation revealed the truth. For the rest of Sunday, and everyday since to be honest; my thoughts haven’t strayed far from Gary Speed.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a child I remember vividly the Christmas of 1993. Squad numbers and names on shirts had become the new thing in football and I was delighted to wake up on Christmas morning to my shiny new white Leeds home shirt. And on the back? Only one choice: Speed 11. In fact on the street I grew up on, in a small Northern Irish town, there were two other kids - brothers - that supported Leeds. They too had ‘Speed 11’ on their shirts. Why Speed? To us he was the superstar of the team, the young, handsome, home-grown winger, capable of scoring spectacular goals and always giving 100%. In that famous midfield quartet of Strachan, McAllister, Batty and Speed, the latter two were the old heads, the responsible players, the players your dad related too. David Batty's role was difficult for a small child to appreciate. His game centred around crunching tackles and he scored few goals. He was unglamorous. Speed was the young maverick. Arguments would inevitably ensue as to who got to “be” Gary Speed when we had a kick about.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s a hobby of mine to compile video tributes to my favourite Leeds players past and present. Just last week I compiled one for Gary Speed. Going back through all that old footage was wonderful - from “go on Gary Speed, get one yourself son” through to his final season at Leeds, reliving those childhood memories is a big reason why I enjoy making those videos so much. From 305 views before the news broke of Speed’s death, the current view count sits at just north of 222,000. That is the measure of people that have been affected by his passing. The heart-felt comments left on the video range from the clubs he played for to their biggest rivals. Leeds and Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool. Why? Because Gary Speed was the kind of player any supporter would have wanted in their team. He wasn't quite world-class, but he could hold his own on any pitch and he always gave his all. He was never in the front pages of the papers. He was never even really a player talked about much. He was simply a constant, something taken for granted. Gary Speed’s name would always be on the team sheet, and he would always give 100%.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Tuesday night in Nottingham the travelling Leeds support gave Gary the send-off he deserved. The chanting of his name sent shivers down my spine as I listened on the radio. The players also responded with a top class performance. The timing of the first goal, just as the 11 minutes of non-stop chanting of his name ended; was like something out of a fairytale. Today I booked flights I can’t really afford so that I can be at Elland Road this Saturday. Win, lose or draw I just have to be there so that I can chant the name of Gary Speed alongside my fellow Leeds supporters. I have never wanted to attend any game as much in my life.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s hard to explain why the death of a footballer has had such a profound affect on me. It’s hard to understand myself. Gary Speed was part of a Leeds team that delivered, a team I was in awe of as a small child. A team that has not been bettered since. The life of a football supporter, especially a Leeds one; can be a heartbreaking and cynical experience. In this day and age players come and go with such frequency an emotional bond is hard to establish between them and the fans. In 1992, with the advent of Sky, football changed forever. The days of the same group of players staying together under one manager over a prolonged period of years is gone. Testimonials are a thing of the past. Gary Speed broke into the Leeds team in 1988 and stayed there until 1996. To think he also served seven years at Newcastle is pretty remarkable.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a child my VHS tape of the 1991/1992 title winning season was almost worn out because I watched it that much. In adulthood it is viewed with less frequency but still at least a couple of times a year. Last night I watched it and the feeling of nostalgic joy I usually get from it was tinged with sadness. I suspect this will now forevermore be the case. On Sunday 27th November 2011 Gary Speed chose to end his own life. The reasons why may never be revealed or understood. All I know is that with him died a very important piece of my childhood. But, tainted as they are with sadness, the memories live on and for me they always will. For that, Gary Speed, I thank you. Rest in peace.</span></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-11413565572393813852011-11-29T18:11:00.000+00:002011-11-29T18:13:42.371+00:00Mel Sterland - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9Wn-Y-TIRHk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Mel Sterland's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of ITV, BBC, Leeds United - The Second Coming - 1989/90 Champions DVD & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1990-91 & 1991-92 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-40412081671929454322011-11-20T21:42:00.000+00:002011-11-28T01:22:27.934+00:00Gary Speed - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dGRkRDE6Cio?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Gary Speed's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">EDIT: 27/11/11 - I made this video one week before Gary's death. I am very saddened but at the same time pleased that I got around to putting this video together before he passed. Who knows, he might even have seen it. It stands now as a tribute to a great player and a man who left us too soon and left us wondering 'Why?' R.I.P. Gary Speed. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: "Arial", "Tahoma", "Helvetica", "FreeSans", sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> </span></span></i><i>Leeds United - The Second Coming - 1989/90 Champions DVD & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95 & 1995-96 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11.</i></span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-80593757757168892162011-11-12T17:56:00.000+00:002011-11-12T18:00:50.729+00:00Gary McAllister - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DWBM0mg-KBU?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Gary McAllister's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, BBC & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95 & 1995-96 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11.</i></span></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-28652142312146273202011-08-19T03:35:00.000+01:002011-08-19T16:22:59.473+01:00Billy Bremner - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uO1m-_UVZkc?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Billy Bremner's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of BBC & ITV; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-30706207709117492462011-08-15T19:30:00.000+01:002011-08-19T03:56:37.961+01:00John Sheridan - A Tribute (Extended Version)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B7yxy7F_l4Q?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A while ago I made a video showcasing some of John Sheridan's best moments in a Leeds shirt. Having recently acquired some new footage I decided to make an extended version.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "; font-size: 130%;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"> <br />
</span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV, Leeds United Season Review 1986-87 VHS Tape & YTV; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></span></i></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-8772651950891749552011-08-06T14:54:00.000+01:002011-12-01T03:44:25.408+00:00Leeds United - Squad Preview 2011/2012<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the 2011/2012 season starting today, here's what I think of the Leeds squad and my thoughts about our prospects for the season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 - Andy Lonergan - A solid if unspectacular 'keeper. Better than Schmeichel? Remains to be seen, but he was certainly a lot cheaper and that's the key factor for this club.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 - Paul Connolly - Again solid is the word, which is really all you can hope for from a full-back at this level. Works hard and gets forward well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 - Patrick Kisnorbo - Could be the key. If he stays fit and gets back to his old form he could be the difference maker that sees us get promotion. However his injury record is pretty terrible and it seems the club are gambling a lot on him staying fit. If he gets injured we're left with the same disastrous defence as last season. We're taking a big gamble here, the failure to invest in a quality centre-back is staggering.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 - Alex Bruce - Decent back up at best and quite versatile. Too inconsistent to be a regular starter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 - Andy O'Brien - An interesting case. We needed him to be a leader last season and he's not a leader. He looked very good in the last couple of games alongside Naylor who was a leader, so there's genuine reason to be optimistic about a potentially very good partnership between him and Kisnorbo, who is also a leader.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7 - Max Gradel - I'm counting the minutes until the transfer window closes. As long as we have Gradel and Snodgrass we have a chance. It would be unbelievable if it wasn't Leeds United that we have let him get down to one year left on his contract. Have we even offered him a new one? Of course not. I'll be stunned if he's still here at the start of September.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8 - Michael Brown - If he's anything like the player he once was he'll be exactly what we were missing in the midfield last season - a nasty player who can tackle and break up opposition attacks. But he's old and hasn't played since Christmas. Time will tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9 - Billy Paynter - Much maligned, some of it justified. Will never be a goalscorer at this level. Becchio's out. Somma's out. Come in number 9 your time is now. As long as he does his basic job - wins headers and holds the ball up - we have the players in Gradel, Snodgrass, McCormack, Nunez, Sam and Howson to score the goals until Becchio is back.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10 - Luciano Becchio - Somebody made a balls up by not getting him the surgery he needed at the end of last season. Now we have to start the season without our top scorer. Great worker and a key player. Here's hoping he's back sooner rather than later. The old chestnut "weeks rather than months" has been trotted out but we've heard that so many times before it's hard not to be cynical. No doubt the same would have been said of Somma if he hadn't tweeted the truth himself. Why does the club do this? Well if the supporters know our key players are going to be out for a long time then we might expect some replacements to be signed. Bates couldn't have that, could he?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11 - Lloyd Sam - Hopefully he can stay fit this time because I really like this lad. Quick, skillful and has an eye for goal. Should be a threat from the bench as well as allowing us to keep Snodgrass and Gradel fresh.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12 - Paul Rachubka - Should be decent back-up.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">13 - Mike Grella - Clearly has no future here. Suspect attitude and too many players ahead of him. Has potential but if he hasn't fulfilled by now he probably never will. He can count himself a little unlucky that there have always been good strikers ahead of him since the moment he arrived at the club and thus he never really got a decent run in the team.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">14 - Jonny Howson - Full-time captain now so he's a guaranteed starter. He always has been under Grayson anyway. I'm torn on him. It looks like we'll be going 4-5-1 again which suits him down to the ground as he's made for the role in behind the stiker. In a 4-4-2 he struggles, although alongside a player that can actually tackle, and hopefully that player is Brown; perhaps he can finally flourish in that role also. Our system last season was built around him and looks set to be so again. Is he a player so good that you build a team around him? I'm not so sure...</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">15 - Adam Clayton - Looks set to step up into the first team this season. He and Brown look like the replacements for Johnson and Kilkenny. Both can tackle and if they can add the defensive cover we lacked with their predecessors then we could end up a whole lot better off this season.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">19 - Ben Parker - Seems to be much maligned among Leeds supporters and I don't understand it. He was starting to really progress the last time he had a run in the Leeds team. Unfortunately that was two years ago. If he stays fit in my opinion he's worth a chance at left-back. Obviously I'm disappointed we didn't bring in a left-back but I'd be happy to see Parker or White given a chance.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">20 - Ramon Nunez - Looks like an unearthed gem. He did well on loan at Scunthorpe last season, and hopefully like Beckford and Somma before him, he can come back and make a big impact. He's had a good pre-seaon, he looks skillful and a genuine goal threat, so there's reason to be optimistic.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">21 - Fede Bessone - Has apparantly been injured all summer but its hard to judge whether he'll be given another chance or we just can't offload him. He was shipped out on loan without being given much of a chance last season. Admittedly he was poor but so was George McCartney who was probably just as bad. Personally I'd rather see Parker or White given a chance.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">22 - Tom Lees - Has flourished out on loan for two seasons and this season could be his chance. He seems highly rated, his only drawback being he's maybe a bit small for a centre-back. Looking at our defensive record last season he's never going to get a better chance to stake his claim for a place.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">23 - Robert Snodgrass - Fantastic player. He and Gradel give us the edge and I pray both are still here come September. He's not the fittest though and unfortunately hasn't had much of a pre-season so he'll be playing catch-up. We need to use Sam and Nunez effectively to keep Snodgrass fit as he tends to burn out towards the end of the season.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">26 - Leigh Bromby - Good experienced back-up at this level. He and Bruce are our back-up at centre-half and honestly I'd say one probably has to go. I'd take Bromby over Bruce every time.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">27 - Davide Somma - Pretty much ruled out for the season which is a great shame. He's a natural predator and a prolific goalscorer, especially from the bench when we need a goal most. Will be a big miss.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">28 - Aidan White - Hopefully his loan spell last season has built up his stamina. He's always looked good when he's played either at left-back or left wing but he's never been given a run in the side under Grayson. I suspect Grayson doesn't really rate him.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">30 - Alex Cairns - Young 'keeper, third choice.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">44 - Ross McCormack - Saved his Leeds career in the last two matches of last season by grabbing a couple of goals. Has undoubted quality and can score at this level, but he has again struggled for goals in pre-season (missing two penalties) and one has to wonder about his confidence. With Becchio and Somma injured this could be his big chance and he has to take it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">48 - Darren O'Dea - Don't know much about him except for conflicted views from Ipswich and Celtic fans. Some rate him, others don't. By all accounts he's more of a centre-back than a left-back and I hope he hasn't been brought in to fill the left-back role. Square pegs in round holes is never a good idea, and if the the best left-back we can sign is actually a centre-back, then there is something very wrong with our transfer policy.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think this is our strongest starting eleven:</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Lonergan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Connolly O'Brien Kisnorbo Parker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Snodgrass Howson Gradel</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the exception of Becchio we are able to start that team against Southampton on the opening day. I'd take that team over most in this division. Without doubt it has been a disappointing pre-season on the transfer front. It is painfully obvious Ken Bates has no intention of spending money. We've lost Schmeichel, Naylor, Kilkenny, Higgs, Johnson, Livermore, Watt, Lichaj, Gonzalez, McCartney and Bannan since the end of last season and brought in only Lonergan, Rachubka, Brown and O'Dea. It's sickening that a club that finished 7th last season is showing zero ambition while teams like Leicester and Ipswich are showing bucket loads. There's a few players that can be classed as being "like a new signing" - Kisnorbo, Sam, Parker, Nunez, Clayton, White and even McCormack - but this doesn't disguise the fact that there has been zero investment and ambition by our owner to build on what we achieved last season.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some fans are slating Grayson but I think their frustration is misguided. Does anyone think Grayson doesn't want money to spend? Do you think he feels his squad is complete? He'd be the only manager in history to think that if he did. His hands are tied. Maybe he lacks the bottle to stand up to Bates but if he did he'd surely lose his job. Maybe he believes in his own ability to get us up on the cheap and is willing to stick it out until Bates eventually leaves. Whatever the case there is no doubt Grayson will be axed if the fans start getting restless this season and that will be a huge shame. Who are we going to get that can better what he has done with no money? Changing the manager will never be the answer as long as Bates has a stranglehold on the club.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whilst it's been a frustrating summer there is reason to be optimistic. Our attacking record spoke for itself last year and all we needed to do was address the defence. There's every possibility that Kisnorbo and Brown will be the answer to our problems. If we cut out even a third of the goals we leaked last year we'll be right in contention. As long as we have Gradel and Snodgrass (and I pray they both stay) we will be a threat to anyone. The problem lies in our strength in depth, or rather our lack of it. If Kisnorbo and Brown get injured we're no better off than we were last season. Clayton, Nunez, White, Parker and Lees are unproven at this level.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The league looks tougher this year - West Ham and Leicester are already looking nailed on for the top six at least, and I'd throw Nottingham Forest and Ipswich in there too. Hull, Middlesbrough, Cardiff, Derby, Blackpool, Birmingham, Brighton and Southampton will all feel they can have their say too. I'm forever an optimist though and I fancy us to knick 6th place. It's a shame because we really should have been building a squad to compete for automatic promotion but we just haven't invested enough. Our only hope of ever reaching the Premier League under Bates is sneaking in the back door like Blackpool did in 2010. For a club of Leeds stature that is a disgrace, and the day that our club is free of Bates can't come soon enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-44273324897309210172011-06-19T23:58:00.000+01:002011-07-22T19:05:21.255+01:00Leeds United - Top Ten Goals 2010/2011<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/25316462?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/25316462">Leeds United Top Ten Goals 2010-11</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user7087701">Simon Cranston</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my top ten Leeds goals of the 2010/2011 season. The goals are:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10 - Jonny Howson <i><span style="font-size: small;">(3rd Goal VS Scunthorpe United (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9 - Davide Somma <i><span style="font-size: small;">(2nd Goal VS Millwall (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 - Jonny Howson <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Burnley (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7 - Robert Snodgrass <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Coventry City (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 - Max Gradel <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Scunthorpe United (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 - Robert Snodgrass <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Leicester City (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 - Davide Somma<i> <span style="font-size: small;">(VS Norwich City (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 - Luciano Becchio <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Middlesbrough (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 - Robert Snodgrass<i> <span style="font-size: small;">(VS Bristol City (A))</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 - Bradley Johnson <i><span style="font-size: small;">(VS Arsenal (H))</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 20px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></span></i><i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-89280148332030286762011-05-19T20:44:00.000+01:002011-12-01T03:58:59.209+00:00Leeds United - Squad Review 2010/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0OLbTBlmnzdlka4CX1Duw0pOtJuAI72LKS0OzBrn5UHvZOTA2CoPMm0KZUgpJZihbklGGMDcC1D8GM5zKfnceNdsE5ZF4gSxeJGJ48Z45WW15fK87dFW-db5XdC_zwTW7fMjyiAn1E/s1600/0%252C%252C10273%257E8940488%252C00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb0OLbTBlmnzdlka4CX1Duw0pOtJuAI72LKS0OzBrn5UHvZOTA2CoPMm0KZUgpJZihbklGGMDcC1D8GM5zKfnceNdsE5ZF4gSxeJGJ48Z45WW15fK87dFW-db5XdC_zwTW7fMjyiAn1E/s320/0%252C%252C10273%257E8940488%252C00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's how I think the players that have worn the white shirt have done this season and my thoughts on their future prospects at the club.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 - Kasper Schmeichel - A fine shot stopper and a top 'keeper at this level, but he does live off his name somewhat. He's prone to the odd clanger and one has to wonder about his ability to organise a defence given our woeful defensive record this season. He also needs to work on the timing of his kicking. He has great distribution and it could be such a wonderful counterattacking outlet, but too often he rushes his kick and gifts possession to the opposition. He might fetch a decent fee and providing we get a suitable replacement (Kieren Westwood is available on a free) I wouldn't be adverse to seeing him go.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 - Paul Connolly - Surprisely decent signing of the season. Formed a fine partnership on the right side with Snodgrass, gets forward well and is solid enough at the back. Nothing spectacular but a solid performer at this level.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 - Patrick Kisnorbo - Incredibly sorely missed. I'd go as far as to say that if he'd been fit all season we'd have gone up automatically. There's no way half of the terrible capitulations we suffered would have happened with a fully fit Paddy in the heart of the defence. It was heart warming to see him make a cameo against Q.P.R. and it looks like the club want to keep him. If he can get back to his best (and that's a big if), he'll be like a fantastic new signing next season.</span><br />
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</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 - Alex Bruce - Had some great games - Doncaster and Arsenal spring to mind - but on the whole his season was punctuated with horrible mistakes and shakey performances. Lost his place in the last few months and I don't think anyone would be too disappointed to see him go, otherwise he's decent back-up at this level.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 - Neill Collins - Always inadequate. We were warned by Preston supporters how bad he could be and this was highlighted no where more so than in the infamous horror show against his former club when he was bullied and humiliated by Jon Parkin. Sheffield United's plight stands as evidence that Grayson was right to get rid in January. Unfortunately he was wrong to sign him in the first place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6 - Richard Naylor - A strange case. Looked every bit a League One defender out of his depth in the early months of the season - he was personally responsible for the concession of several goals. Suffered (another) long-term injury a couple of months into the season and that looked to be that for his Leeds career. However, desperate times require desperate measures, and when he regained fitness with a few games remaining, and Leeds still leaking goals like we were guaranteed to score ten a game; Naylor was drafted back in. Amazingly he looked more like the Naylor we first signed - strong and a real leader at the back. If only he'd came back a month earlier. It was for this reason I was surprised he wasn't offered an extra year. Hopefully he will be well replaced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7 - Max Gradel - What a player he has become. He has channeled his reckless temper in to winning determination. Had Leeds not gone up last season, he would have been lambasted as public enemy number one amongst the supporters for his stupid sending off against Bristol Rovers on the last day. He owed us and he has repaid us with 18 goals from the wing and numerous man of the match performances. Player of the year for sure, and if we are serious about challenging for promotion then he is the man we must hold onto above all others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8 - Neil Kilkenny - Has been treated harshly I feel. The stats say we win an awful lot more games with Kilkenny in the team than we do without him. He was sorely missed in January and should have been an automatic choice when he came back. For some reason he saw his place in the side taken by inferior loanees. Along with Bradley Johnson he's probably likely to leave for free in the summer and the club should be ashamed, and a lot more concerned than they seemingly are, that two fine Championship players coming into their prime are going to walk away and need replacing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9 - Billy Paynter - Not good enough. He tries hard and he's had his injury problems and not played an awful lot, but he has played enough that he should have scored more than one goal in a team that scores for fun. Bafflingly he seems to be our second choice striker but few would be disappointed to see him moved on this summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10 - Luciano Becchio - Incredible season. Had Beckford stayed we'd have hoped for 20 goals from him and he was a 30+ a season goalscorer in League One. For Becchio to better his tally from each of the previous two seasons, and do it at a higher level, is a fantastic achievement. He's a selfless, hardworking player, and although he signed a new three year contract during the season, he's one we'll be sweating about keeping in the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">11 - Lloyd Sam - The incredible disappearing man. Started the season fantastically well but since September has hardly been seen. Injured? Out of favour? Snodgrass and Gradel came in and made the wing places their own but surely Sam could have still contributed, especially when Snodgrass became knackered as is now tradition in the last quarter of the season. I know he did pick up a couple of injuries but I never heard word of anything really serious so it definitely is a strange case. Like Kisnorbo, will be like a new signing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12 - Shane Higgs - Predominanty sub and as good a back-up 'keeper as you're really likely to get at this level so it's a little strange that he hasn't been offered a new one year contract. I guess maybe he wants to drop down a level and play every week and who could blame him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">13 - Mike Grella - Doesn't look like he's going to make it here. There's talent there, that much is obvious, and by all accounts he did okay in loan spells at Carlisle and Swindon (before his questionable attitude brought the latter to an abrupt end), but he's not ruthless enough to be a regular goalscorer and he has too many players ahead of him at Leeds. I'd expect to see him go this summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">14 - Jonny Howson - How do you solve a problem like Howson? No doubt Jonny is a talented boy but he only flourishes in an attacking role behind a lone striker in 4-5-1 formation. In a 4-4-2 he is anonymous. With the likes of Somma and McCormack being underutilized, I'd love to see Leeds go 4-4-2 next season, but if we do that then Jonny must be left out or else we will be carrying a passenger. Undoubtedly the "crown jewels" these days are Howson, Becchio, Gradel and Snodgrass, and as much as I hope we keep all of them, if one must go; Howson is at the top of the list for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">15 - Adam Clayton - Brought in as one for the future but I think we could have done worse than play him instead of bringing in loanees and sending him out. He's flourished at League One level by all accounts and it will be interesting to see how he's used next season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">16 - Bradley Johnson - The great opinion divider. Many think he's poor, and he does have more than his fair share of dodgy moments. However, I think he's generally pretty solid, can play several positions, and chips in with his fair share of goals. His contract is up and it looks like he'll be off, no doubt to the Premier League. I don't know how much he wants, maybe he's being greedy, but the fact we lost as valuable an asset as Jermaine Beckford for nothing, Kilkenny is in the same situation and Gradel has been allowed to get down to one remaining year on his contract, suggests poor management and forethought by the club. Why is it always crap like Andy Robinson that we get lumbered with on long-term contracts? Two very good, young Championship midfielders look set to walk away from Elland Road on a free and that is a disgrace...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">17 - Amdy Faye - Did a job as a stop-gap, but we went all season without the defensive midfielder we've been crying out for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">17 - Jake Livermore - Started brightly against Forest but then proved to be a major disappointment. Reckless challenges and silly mistakes littered his game as the likes of Kilkenny must have thought they couldn't get away from Elland Road quick enough. An unnecessary signing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">18 - Sanchez Watt - Potentially great but too often injured. His early season performance against Millwall was a joy to behold, but coupled with his constant niggling injuries and the form of Snodgrass and Gradel keeping him out of the side, this must go down as a disappointing season for the Arsenal youngster. It's hard to see him making the break through at the Emirates, and at the right price would be a decent acquisition provided he stays fit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">19 - Ben Parker - Must have run over Grayson's cat. Returned from long-term injury against Arsenal, and after doing okay for a couple of games, found himself dropped for the returning George McCartney. No matter how badly McCartney played (and often he was woeful) Parker never got a sniff, and one has to wonder about his future at Elland Road under Grayson...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">20 - Eric Lihaj - Seemed an unnecessary signing with Connolly doing pretty well but turned out to be a really good signing. Solid at the back but his real talent is getting forward and even at left-back he was better than McCartney. If he's available snap him up, but if money is at a premium (and let's face it we're talking about Ken Bates here) then other areas require addressing more urgently.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">21 - Fede Bessone - Poor from the get go, but was he any worse than McCartney? No, not really, and his wages were a lot less. Expect to see him moved on in the summer if we can get rid of him. Our good young players leave on frees, it's dross like this that we tie into long deals and can't get rid of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">22 - Andy Hughes - I was a bit surprised when he left. He could fill several positions adequately and always gave 100%, so it seemed a strange one to let him go. Well liked but no great loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">23 - Robert Snodgrass - Looked set to be the player of the season before he burned out in the final few weeks. An absolute cut above at this level, I would say he's the best player Leeds have had since our Premier League days. In him and Gradel we have the best set of wingers in the league and it is imperative we hold onto both. If we do, then we will have a real chance of going up, provided we address our weaknesses in the close season. The only question mark is his fitness which seems to become an issue towards the end of every season. Whether this is his fault or Grayson needs to rest him more often I'm not sure. Certainly giving him regular breaks couldn't hurt, and in Lloyd Sam we have a player capable enough to step in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">25 - Barry Bannan - Seemed a good signing at the time but ultimately proved pointless. A similar player to Kilkenny but less effective. When we were crying out for a hard man in the midfield we brought in the kind of player we already had - a powder puff who needs a hard man beside him to flourish.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">26 - Leigh Bromby - Frozen out for most of the season, he eventually came back in and did well initially before becoming part of the much of a muchness which seemed to be our defence this season - terrible no matter the personnel. Certainly as good as Bruce and a decent squad player at this level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">27 - Davide Somma - A man who can feel hard done by. Made the step up from League Two like no one could have predicted, looking like he was going to end up with more goals than appearances to his name. He seemed to be far more effective from the bench, however when he started it was usually in the Becchio lone-striker role and he's not cut out to be a target man. A man of his goal scoring ability needs to be utilized more and frankly the idea of 4-4-2 with a proper midfield and two of Somma, McCormack and Becchio up front excites me greatly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">29 - George McCartney - On paper looked like a good signing. On grass was pretty much awful. Given that the club made such a fuss about how the Arsenal games had given us the money to get him in until the end of season, one has to feel the money could have been much better spent. There is no way Parker could have done worse. In fact we'd probably have been no worse off sticking with Bessone, or even Hughes. Did this guy really command a £6 million fee a couple of years ago? Staggering.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">30 - Jason Brown - Decent 'keeper. Did a job when we needed him.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">32 - Aidan White - Had a good season out on loan at Oldham and hopefully it will have helped sort out his problem of suffering cramp late on in games. He can possibly feel a bit aggrieved for not getting more of a run in the Leeds team at left-back given that he did well against Doncaster and he couldn't have done worse than McCartney. Here's hoping he really makes the breakthrough into Grayson's plans next season.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">33 - Ramon Nunez - I think Grayson has done the right thing with him. He shone in the reserves but it's a hard standard to base a real opinion on. He went to Scunthorpe and proved he can flourish at this level, so like Beckford and Somma before him, here's hoping he comes back from his loan spell and becomes a key player next season.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">40 - Andy O'Brien - Improved our defence at first but since Christmas he has been inconsistent at best. A decent reader of the game, he's not a leader at the back, but he improved when Naylor came back into the side and I think alongside a strong leader he would be a decent centre-back at this level. I think he could form a decent partnership with Kisnorbo but in truth I'd like us to sign a better centre-back.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">44 - Ross McCormack - Criminally underused. Got injured straight away and then failed to force his way into the team, mostly because we were performing better in a 4-5-1 formation. It almost seemed like he was being punished for that terrible miss against Middlesbrough, because from the turn of the year he was pretty much the forgotten man, usually not even making the bench. It was all the more baffling considering he's a proven goalscorer at this level, is a good age, and was Grayson's only real money signing in the summer. However, with promotion all but out the window, and little left to play for, Grayson finally went 4-4-2 and started McCormack in the final two games of the season. Impressive performances were capped with the winning goals in both games and it looks like he's rescued his Leeds career. If we go 4-4-2 next season, McCormack, Becchio and Somma are three of the best strikers in the league to have vying for the front spots. Playing a lone striker means one, if not two, are going to be wasted.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's hard to know how to feel about this season. I think in the summer, and certainly during the period of 2-5 to Barnsley, 4-6 to Preston and 0-4 to Cardiff, we'd have taken seventh place and snapped your hand off for it. But considering how long we spent in the top six, gunning for second, it's impossible not to be disappointed. I'm loathe to be too critical of Grayson - on the face of it he's done a fine job - but questions need to be asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the second season in a row we have capitulated post-Christmas, and while we managed to scrape promotion last season by the skin of our teeth, in truth we should have won the league comfortably. It was thanks to our form pre-Christmas that we went up. This season, our 4-1 win over Nottingham Forest should have pushed them back as the team the chasing pack were shooting for, but in typical Leeds fashion we became the team to be shot at and ultimately Forest pipped us to sixth place. Looking at what Norwich achieved also makes seventh place a bitter pill to swallow.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grayson's dealings in the transfer market have also been questionable. In fact, this season they have been nothing short of appalling. Collins and Bessone were both so bad they were moved on in the next transfer window. His inexplicable treatment of McCormack is contrasted by his favouring of Paynter who is clearly not good enough for this level. Of course, no one knows how much money he has to spend but clearly it isn't very much so he should be spending it on players he has specific plans for in his first team. He seems to lose faith in players so quickly, even (if not especially) the ones he has signed, and when he has a decent sized squad available he needs to learn how to rotate. I don't mean wholesale changes on a regular basis, but some players (Snodgrass being the prime example) would have benefitted greatly from a rest here and there.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We went into January very much in the automatic promotion mix but instead of strengthening the squad we weakened it. The players we let go were no great loss but the failure to get the tough tackling midfielder we were craving ultimately cost us promotion in my opinion. I'm loathe to say it but Alan Smith would have been ideal. Other teams, like Norwich, took the gamble and strengthened in January and it paid off. If Ken Bates really thinks he can get into the Premier League on the cheap he's living in a fantasy world. It took us three years to get out of League One. By no means does he need to break the bank but real quality costs money and it takes real quality to make the difference in this league where so many teams are of a similar standard. There will be more than a dozen teams fancying there chances of at least bagging a play-off spot next season.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grayson's use of the loan system was poor this year. The club made a big fuss about the Arsenal games funding McCartney's loan until the end of the season but in truth he was the worst of the lot. Bannan and Livermore were needless signings - midfielders the likes of which we already had. In truth Lichaj was the only successful loan signing (and I say that because Watt was injured so often), but really even he wasn't a necessary signing because Connolly was doing pretty well.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also have to wonder about Grayson's use of young players. In the time he has been here he hasn't given a debut to one single youth team player. Obviously it's very possible, likely even; that none have been good enough but if that is the case then it's a disgrace. Over the last 15-20 years Leeds has been amongst the best clubs in the country at bringing through Premier League quality players. In fact, players that didn't make it usually ended up being released to clubs at the level we've been playing at for the last few seasons. The last player to make the break through at Leeds was Aidan White in 2008. Hopefully White will be given more of a chance next season; and Tom Lees seems to have done very well at League Two level in the last couple of seasons so it will be interesting to see what happens with him.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I honestly believe we're not too far away from having a squad good enough to go up automatically. If Kilkenny and Johnson leave then we have virtually no central mdifield and this is obviously the area we need to strengthen most. Some would say it's the defence, but I honestly feel that with the right midfield in front of them we have the personnel to assemble a decent defence. I've heard mutterings about Lee Bowyer but I think that's a pipe dream. Shaun Derry would also be a great player to bring back if he's deemed surplus to requirements at Loftus Road. Attacking wise we don't need anything else, we just need to hold onto the players we have.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ideally this is the team I'd like to see next season:</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Schmeichel/Westwood</span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lichaj/Connolly Kisnorbo O'Brien/New Centre-Back Parker/White</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Snodgrass/Sam Kilkenny/Johnson/Nunez Bowyer/Derry Gradel</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">McCormack/Somma Becchio</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we fail to strengthen or lose our best players, or worse - a combination of both; we will be in real trouble next year. There is a clutch of clubs that finished behind us that will fancy their chances next season - Burnley, Hull, Leicester, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Millwall, Middlesbrough - allied to the play-off losers, those coming down and even Brighton and Southampton. We paid the price for standing still in January, it's imperative we don't make the same mistake in this transfer window. We went into last season not really knowing what to expect, next season there can be no question - promotion back to the Premier League. Anything else must be considered failure.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-67712713691144828892011-05-15T02:22:00.000+01:002011-07-22T18:06:52.357+01:00Gordon Strachan - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PpMsn1CshYI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Gordon Strachan's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV, Leeds United - The Second Coming - 1989/90 Champions DVD & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93 & 1993-94 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11</i>.</span>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-65374508708415609892011-05-15T02:18:00.000+01:002011-07-22T17:36:59.924+01:00Rod Wallace - A Tribute<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23736762?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Rod Wallace's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Footage courtesy of Sky, ITV & Leeds United Season Review VHS tapes (1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97 & 1997-98 seasons); made using Apple iMovie '11.</i></span><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/23736762">Rod Wallace Tribute</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user7087701">Simon Cranston</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-13139911995743128032011-05-05T00:38:00.000+01:002011-11-20T23:12:41.687+00:00Bradley Johnson - A Tribute<div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="224" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32415286?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="398"></iframe></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A video I made showcasing some of Bradley Johnson's best moments in a Leeds shirt..</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Arial", "Helvetica", sans-serif;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;">Footage courtesy of LUTV; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></span></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-6541895675190825762011-02-19T00:16:00.000+00:002011-07-22T17:41:02.857+01:00Leeds United - League One Unsung Heroes<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ihcRzXSoScE?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A video I made in tribute to some of the players that gave their all in the white shirt during Leeds United's League One Days. Players featured are:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">David Prutton</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Casper Ankergren</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Andy Hughes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Seb Carole</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Jason Crowe</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Jonathan Douglas</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Ian Westlake</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Dougie Freedman</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Rui Marques</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Richard Naylor</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Leigh Bromby</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Tresor Kandol</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Matt Heath</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Fabian Delph</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Alan Thompson</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Neil Kilkenny</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Frazer Richardson</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV, Sky & Leeds United Season Review DVD 2005-06; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-68043809979217721682011-02-16T12:46:00.000+00:002011-08-19T03:57:15.468+01:00John Sheridan - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XhM2KElhO8A?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A video I made showcasing some of John Sheridan's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif;"></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Verdana", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV & Leeds United Season Review 1986-87 VHS tape; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-21831278175354612962011-02-15T18:14:00.000+00:002011-07-22T17:51:58.543+01:00Jermaine Beckford - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QVkw-2d-GEI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font: 13px arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A video I made showcasing some of Jermaine Beckford's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV, Sky, ITV & BBC; made using Apple iMovie '11.</span></i></div></div><div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font: 13px arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;"></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-10841268397819266382011-02-14T22:24:00.000+00:002011-07-22T17:52:09.894+01:00Max Gradel - A Tribute<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7bhpdO8jlwk?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffbf; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; direction: ltr; font: 13px arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto; z-index: 99995;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A video I made showcasing some of Max Gradel's best moments in a Leeds shirt...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Footage courtesy of LUTV; made using Apple iMovie '09.</span></i></div></div>Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3678658740422800625.post-8659585001960394372011-01-13T20:01:00.002+00:002012-12-11T15:43:33.542+00:00Syze Matters - Mixtape Released, Free Download<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyP56hnb07Nn_YozTssLgQImUjBLSyAzL8zuft19xcCTueNx_XmSx6VrEyd66ciU7d8OQq1SJBjUBdgoRs_ebEV95DOwX00YmiEz4FbxkcCcBZdKUM6NGnpF6XATavxFomtQQ3lMCetWA/s1600/Cover.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561763551158900898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyP56hnb07Nn_YozTssLgQImUjBLSyAzL8zuft19xcCTueNx_XmSx6VrEyd66ciU7d8OQq1SJBjUBdgoRs_ebEV95DOwX00YmiEz4FbxkcCcBZdKUM6NGnpF6XATavxFomtQQ3lMCetWA/s320/Cover.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561763541742989266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZTl-kl19Rj2mhHY-mcUVr2J__dbbcCzDbWE7C0Du9BcbuK8nzWtuwEYMtz8JVxt3QFZd4fBd8QVQNqXEWz_wxbup7G5vqdX9w34v-tuFLeoKdHZa7iCcvPcGTv2RarIh2UIVKj3Qb44/s320/Insert.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /><br />
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Download for free <a href="http://syze.bandcamp.com/album/syze-matters">HERE</a></div>
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If you want to purchase a CD for £3, e-mail me: <a href="mailto:simoncranston@gmail.com">simoncranston@gmail.com</a></div>
Syzehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03263509863407971491noreply@blogger.com0