Sunday, December 31, 2000

Team v Boro

Bakke is out tomorrow with Batts set to make a start. With Smithy short of goals, DOL might bring in Keane to partner Viduka...then comes the difficult decision of which central defensive partnership to go for. Surely, the Chief must be recalled + either Woody or Rio!

Doesn't look like a bad team:

Robinson

Kelly Radebe Ferdinand Matteo

Bowyer Batty Dacourt Kewell

Keane Viduka

Subs:

Martyn Harte Woodgate Smith

Chelsea in for Hartey?

Several of the Sunday tabloids are linking Ian Harte with a possible £4 million move to Chelsea. However, despite the fact that he has been out of favour over recent games, there seems little chance that DOL would agree to sell a player who has played a major part in our rise over the last couple of seasons.

Apart from anything else, the price being quoted seems ludicrously low. Danny Mills cost us £4 million and I would have thought, with respect, that Hartey was a better prospect.

Yet again, though, don't rule out the possibility of another daft move by O'Leary...We must be regarded as the easiest touch in the Premiership - in terms of letting our players go at bargain prices!

Friday, December 29, 2000

Everton clash off!

Our match against Everton at Goodison Park has been called off, due to the attrocious weather conditions that have swept the country over recent days...a pity as Everton had half their team out injured and with a flu epidemic. We might even have had a chance of getting a result ;-)

If this sounds desparate, then you're absolutely right. The way things are going at present, we don't mind what it takes to ensure those magical three points, especially for a victory away from home (It would be only our second of the season!)

Huckerby to City: the fee...?

After weeks of speculation that Hucks would be the next United player on his way (Celtic kept cropping up as potential buyers), he today moved across the Pennines to join struggling Manchester City.

Sixteen short months ago, he became our record signing - would you believe - joining us from Coventry City for £5.5 million. So the fees being quoted today, at the very best, represent a loss of £2 million in less than two years: yet again, another blistering piece of business by everyone at Elland Road.

When I first heard the story, early this morning, I thought the fee being mentioned - of £3.6 million - was a fair one, despite the fact that we would be suffering a big loss. Huckerby has hardly been a major player at Elland Road, although to be fair, he's hardly been given much of a chance by DOL.

True to form, though, during the day, the fee seems to have been getting lower and lower. First, Teletext had it down as £2.8 million, then £2.5 million; Teamtalk has it as £2.5 million rising to £3 million depending on appearances whilst the official site is still sticking at £3.6 million!

If it is £2.5 million, then that's a £3 million loss in less than two years for a player who was our record signing, yet wasn't even given a regular run in the team. Does this make sense to you - cos it certainly looks like a phenomonally bad bit of business to me!

Let me know what you think at our Message Board.

Wednesday, December 27, 2000

Happy Christmas?

Welcome back after the festive break. Hope you are all well and are enjoying Christmas (apart from the results on the pitch!)

Why are things so bad at present? Is this a temporary problem or, as some are suggesting on the Leeds United World Message Board, is this the start of a slide into relegation trouble? Surely not!

It is worrying, though, that our expensively assembled troops couldn't beat a Newcastle side missing ten regulars. By all acoounts, we were as dreadful as the scoreline suggests - and DOL's post match comments didn't inspire a great deal of confidence. Did you catch them on MOTD?

Now it's a case of summoning all our famed team spirit to get a result at Goodison Park on Saturday: not one of our happiest hunting grounds against a team that will be equally as desparate for points, having been beaten 2-1 at home on Boxing Day against Coventry City.

Click back to the News Site later in the week for more team news.

Friday, December 22, 2000

Huckerby to Celtic?

Not for the first time, rumours are circulating that Darren Huckerby might be wanted by Celtic.

Certainly, Robbie Keane's arrival at the club means Darren will be even further down the pecking order - and it is difficult to see him getting very much first team action again this season.

The price being mentioned is £4 million, which seems more than fair. Although it would mean us making a slight loss on the player, he hasn't had a great deal of first team football during his time at Elland Road. DOL would probably be more than happy to cut his losses and accept that kind of money for the player. What's more, you can easily imagine Huckerby going on to be a real star north of the border.

Of course, the catch is that neither Celtic nor Leeds are verifying the story.

Keane Press Conference

There will be a Press Conference this afternoon at Elland Road to formally introduce new 'loan' signing Robbie Keane to the Media.

Of course, prior to this, Robbie will have a thorough medical examination that will take up most of the morning. Hopefully, with no previous injury worries, this will be a formality.

The deal needs to be completed by noon if he is to be registered in time to play against Villa tomorrow.

Thursday, December 21, 2000

Keane deal a turning point?

Am I alone in thinking the Robbie Keane deal could prove to be the turning point of our season? The more I think about it, he seems the type of player who was born to play for Leeds United. Not only does he fit the bill in terms of bein a home grown talent and the right age, but he has the type of battling qualities we have always loved - along with not a little skill and abitity to bag a hatful of goals.

What's more, doesn't it make you proud to think that the player chose us ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. Until recently, such an idea would have been laughed at. It's a sign of just how far we've come under DOL's leadership.

Speaking this afternoon, Robbie explained why he'd chosen Elland Road ahead of his other options:

"They asked me which team I would join if I had a choice and I told them it would be Leeds. I have a lot of friends at Elland Road and I have heard from them what a fantastic spirit David O'Leary has created and I am convinced that they will be a major force in the game for the forseeable future.

"I want to have the best possible football career and I know that moving to Leeds will help me achieve this."

Who are these "fringe players"?

Watching Sky Sports tonight, I was gobsmacked to hear Ian Harte described as a "fringe player"...Some mistake, surely! The lad has been a regular for a couple of seasons, until a couple of weeks ago. There is no way we should be contemplating letting him leave.

So who are the players we could realistically do without?

Darren Huckerby - I've always liked him, despite the fact he runs into blind alleys and occasionally even forgets to take the ball with him. A good player to bring on when you're 2 or 3 goals to the good. With Keane's arrival, he'll be even further down the pecking order - and will surely be allowed to leave: hopefully not for less than £3 million!

Danny Mills - Has had a good season this time round - but playing at centre back rather than full back. Unfortunately, with the arrival of Rio, it's unlikely he'll get another chance in the centre of defence, limiting his usefulness. Ideally, would be allowed to stay around as cover. However, if the books have to be balanced, most supporters would rather see him leave than Hartey.

Michael Duberry - Being injured won't exactly enhance his value. However, when back to fitness, would be a prime candidate for an exit, if the books needed to be balanced. Has failed to live up to his transfer fee since moving fromChelsea just over a year ago!

Of course, the one player who is constantly being linked with a move away is Michael Bridges, with Newcastle said to be interested in taking him to Geordieland. However, I would be loathed to see Micael leave after such a productive season last time round. In an ideal world, it would be great to see Smithy, Viduka, Bridges and Keane battling for two available places - in the same way that Cole, Yorke, Sheringham and Solskjaer do at Old Trafford.

If I was a betting man, though, I would expect Bridges to be offloaded during the Summer, to help pay the Keane fee...that is, providing Robbie is the success we expect him to be!

Keane joins on loan

Leeds have beaten off a host of other Premiership clubs to capture the signiture of Robbie Keane from Inter Milan.

He will join us until the end of the season. However, it is hoped that, during the close seaon, if all goes well for both parties, the move will be made permanent: £12 million being the fee quoted.

Speaking on the official Leeds website, Peter Risdale said:

"I see him as an additional ingredient to our squad. We recognise that by looking at the quality sides in this country like Manchester United, who that have been able to sustain success by having strong squads and the ability to bring in quality players as you get stretched with injuries and suspensions, what we have been missing that this season. What this does is give us options."

Wednesday, December 20, 2000

Fowler link dissected!

We continue to be linked with Liverpool's Robbie Fowler, despite the fact that the club is playing down any approach for the player.

It is easy to see why the link has occurred: (a) We desparately need cover for Viduka and Smithy (b) Fowler needs first team football (c) Fowler was left out of the Liverpool team on Sunday, against Manchester United (d) There have been rumours of a rift between Fowler and Owen (e) Liverpool are reportedly on the trailof Robbie keane as a 'replacement' for Fowler (f) Following the signing of Rio Ferdinand, we are now regarded as an easy target for any club wishing to offlad players (g) We have already made a bid for Fowler, over the Summer.

However, with Bridges reportedly making better progress than expected, DOL might be tempted to 'hold fire'. What's more, whilst Leeds would value Fowler at a realistic sounding £10 million, Liverpool would expect £15 million: excessive for a player who has been so injury prone in recent seasons!

Tuesday, December 19, 2000

Let's climb the table!

Following our battling win against the Mackems on Saturday, which saw the confidence boosting return of Harry and Batts, the feeling in the United camp seems to be that we can put together a winning run that would see us surge up the Premiership table.

Looking at the games coming up over the Christamas and New Year, it really is make or break time - with matches against teams that we should beat, if we are on the top of our game:

23/12/00 - v Aston Villa (h). Gregory has them well organised, making them a difficult team to break down. Have only lost three Premiership games this season - although all three have come on their travels. Proved a bogey team for us last season, but should be beatable on our home patch!

26/12/00 - v Newcastle (a). The Geordies at St James' Park, cheered on by over 50,000 demanding supporters, is never an easy place to visit. However, they have been beaten three times there this season and their strikeforce looks rather depleted. Again, we are more than capable of beating them on our day.

 30/12/00 - v Everton (a). Like St James' Park, Goodison Park is a place where we should feel more scared. After a series of dodgy seasons, it started to look as though Walter Smith might be starting to turn things round. However, iconsistency continues to haunt them: the recent 5-0 thrashing by Man City being a classic example. Have won only three out of a possible nine home Premiership games so should be a winnable game for us!

Following this, we have games in January against Middlesbrough(h), Manchester City(a) - Newcastle United (h) then a rematch with Villa(24/01/00) All are winnable games - and winning is something we need to start doing - in order to climb the Premiership table asap!

Monday, December 18, 2000

Keane and Fowler rumours

It's no secret that, with Bridges out for the rest of the season, DOL will need to bring in a new striker - if we are to challenge for honours this season.

We have been constantly linked with Robbie Keane from Inter Milan - although things seem to have gone very quiet on that front over recent days.

The weekend saw Liverpool making a reported £13 million bid for Keane, topping the £12 million offered by Chelsea. If Houllier really is interested in taking Keane to Anfield, then it must put a huge question mark over Robbie Fowler's Liverpool future. The player, who was left out of yesterday's game against Manchester United, would appear surplus to requirements should Liverpool sign Keane.

Of course, not long ago, Leeds were extremely interested in signing Fowler. However, he is far from the player he was a few short seasons ago - and extremely injury prone. A minimum of £12 million would be required to tempt Liverpool to sell: a gamble for a player who has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, during recent seasons.

Sunday, December 17, 2000

Huckerby and Harte on their way?

With transfer speculation constantly linking us with big money moves for Robbie Keane and Kieron Dyer in particular, DOL has made it clear that he will have to balance the books first - having spent £40 million more than he has received in transfer dealings, since his appointment as United manager.

Darren Huckerby is being constantly linked with a move north of the border, to Scotland. However, the price being quoted - £2.5 million - would seem a little on the low side for a player who cost us £3 million more than that less than two years ago. A fee of £4 million+, though, might be enough to tempt DOL to sell.

Perhaps more surprising, however, are stories circulating that Ian Harte might be offloaded by the club. One of our most consistent players over the last couple of seasons, and voted in last season's Premiership PFA team, his form has slumped dramatically of late - with DOL not even picking him on the bench yesterday for the visit of Sunderland. However, to sell him on would leave us threadbare in the left back department, with very little cover should Matteo pick up an injury.

Perhaps much will depend on the fee we are offered for him. Despite our propensity for giving away players to our rivals at cut price fees, on his day Harte is one of the best left backs in the country - so any figure quoted for him should presumably reflect this.

Newcastle United are reported to be extremely interested with United unlikely to accept less than £7 million for him.

Sunderland win just the tonic!

Saturday's victory was just what was needed, following a couple of dodgy away defeats in the Premiership, against a Sunderland team that looks set to make an impact this season.

It was always going to be a hard fought game - and so it proved - with the game only really decided by a late Mark Viduka goal, his 12th of what is becoming a highly productive season. Lee Bowyer had given us a first half lead - but, with the Mackems making chances of their own, it was always going to be "edge of your seats" stuff.

The tension and anxiety were increased by the performance of novice referee, Mr Stiles, whose inept performance managed to exasperate supporters of both teams in equal measure: a good sign that the official has gad an indifferent game, to say the least. Mind you, I did have to chuckle upon hearing, on 606, that a Sunderland supporter flet the ref had been a "homer"! 35,000 United supporters would tend to disagree! The day that we get a ref who gives us anything at Elland Road, it will be a cold day in hell!

The biggest boost of the match, though, was the full return of Harry to the fold. I expected him to have a quiet game, settling in slowly folowing such a long lay off - but how wrong I was! He was straight into the thick of things - and to his very best form - roasting the Sunderland defenders for fun, before setting up the final goal with an inch perfect cross.

When Batts entered the fray ten minutes from the end, to replace the ever-improving Dacourt, the United supporters had to pinch themselves to prove they weren't dreaming.

This had been a battling performance with not a little skill. It would be difficult to pick out a star man - with Harry, Ollie and Rio all producing the goods and the whole team playing as if their lives depended on it.

We now need to continue where we left off next weekend, when Villa visit Elland Road.

Saturday, December 16, 2000

Team v Sunderland

The Chief misses today's game through suspension - so DOL will stick to the Woody/ Rio partnership in the centre of defence.

Batts cam through 90 minutes of reserve team football in midweek and may have earned himself a place on the bench, alongside Nigel Martyn, who has almost recovered from his groin injury.

However, Harry - who himself has been forced to play cameo roles over recent weeks, whilst recovering from injury - could start his first first team game of the campaign.

Likely team:

Robinson

Kelly Ferdinand Woodgate Matteo

Bowyer Bakke Dacourt

Kewell

Smith Viduka

Roma Viduka link confirmed!

Newspaper stories linking Roma with a £15 million bid for Mark Viduka have been confirmed by the Italian club's chairman.

Franco Sensi is apparently a big Viduka fan - even moreso following his superb display against lazio - with his senior advisor at the club Nils Liedholm explaining: "I told Sensi after that game that we had to buy him. The most important thing now is to buy him before another big club does because this guy could be our new Gabriel Batistuta. That is how highly we rate him because I have not seen a more exciting player in Europe this season."

It is unlikely that we would listen to any offers for the talented Aussie - unless the price being offered reached irresistable proportions!

Friday, December 15, 2000

Huckerby next to move?

As supporters get used to the sale of Matthew Jones to Leicester and the possible incoming transfer of Robbie Keane from Inter Milan, the next player who might be allowed to leave Elland Road is Darren Huckerby.

Hucks scored another two goals for the reserves last night but has struggled to make an impact in the first team for some time now.

At his best, he is a real crowd pleaser - but unfortunately, at the very highest level, he seems to lack consistency. Too often he runs down blind alleys: other times, beating a man but forgetting to take the ball with him!

In many ways, I'd be sorry to see him go - especially if, as reports suggest, we only get a paltry £2.5 million for him. However, if his sale helped to finance a move for Robbie Keane, then most United supporters would quickly forget their loss.

Keane's destiny uncertain!

There was speculation yesterday that, having turned down a £10 million move to West Ham, Robbie Keane might be holding out for a move to Elland Road.

However, the striker's future was clouded further this afternoon - with news that Inter Milan had accepted a £12 million bid from Chelsea for the player.

Is DOL interested in bringing him to Elland Road? If so, he needs to act sooner rather than later. Personally, I would love to see Robbie join us. Smithy and Viduka apart, we are threadbare up front. If either was to get injured, we'd be well and truly up the creek without a paddle. The purchase of Keane could be one of the last pieces in DOL's jigsaw.

Batty ready for Premiership return?

David Batty made a successful return last night, playing the full ninety minutes of the Reserves 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsbrough.

He has been included in the squad for tomorrow's home game against high flying Sunderland - and admits he would love to get a run out in front of a packed house once again, even though he knows he is a long way from being able to play a full ninety minutes in the Premiership.

Lets hope his injury hell is now over. To get him back fully fit would be like signing a new player.

Thursday, December 14, 2000

Batty's return!

One of the highlights of the season so far will be seeing Batts return to action tonight. It may only be against Sheffield Wednesday reserves. However, after the injury nightmare he has suffered over the last eighteen months, just seeing him run around a football pitch will be a massive boost for both the player himself and the club.

There were some suggestions that if he gets through tonight unscathed he would be on the bench for Saturday's game against Sunderland. This might be a little optimistic. However, with DOL claiming that a fully fit Batty would be straight back in the first team, we should see Leeds' favourite son back in first team action very shortly.

Helstad deal fading fast

The chances of us bringing Norwegian striker Thorstein Helstad to Elland Road appear to be fading fast, as his club, Brann, have yet again refused him permission to play in the reserves: this time against Sheffield Wednesday tonight.

With Sunderland and Spurs both said to be showing an interest in the player, quite why DOL is unwilling to take a gamble on the striker is anyone's guess.

The Leeds United World Message Board has been full of good reports of Helstad over recent months, with some supporters claiming him to be a better player than Solskjaer. If this proves to be the case, or anything like the truth, then he would prove something of a snip at £2 million.

£43 million bid!

The silly season of transfer speculation just got a whole lot sillier - with Leeds making a supposed £43 million bid for Brazilian wonderkid, Ronaldinho. The alleged bid has been revealed by Paris St Germain chairman Laurent Perpère. However, to say it seems a little far fetched would be the understatement of the century.

Wednesday, December 13, 2000

Jones still pondering future

Matthew Jones is still unsure of where is footballing future lies. Not only have Leicester City made an attempt to prise him away from joining Blackburn Rovers - but Sunderland and Derby are both said to be waiting in the wings.

Such interest would suggest that Jones is regarded as something of a bargain, even at the increased fee of £3.25 million. Certainly, most supporters speaking on the Leeds United World Message Board feel that DOL is making a big mistake in letting such a promising youngster leave the club at this stage in his career.

Radebe won't warm the bench

According to today's 'Daily Mail', DOL is going to have to take care not to upset the Chief - who has, understandably, made it clear he does not want to spend his time on the substitutes bench, making way for Rio and Woody.

Lucas did not mind being left out at The Dell on Saturday as he was struggling with an ankle injury. However, he is hoping he will not be left out on a regular basis.

"I want the club to do well because that's good for me and the competition is healthy and keeps all of us on our toes. But you can't be happy sitting on the bench. I've been settled at Leeds. I love playing for the club and have achieved a lot here. It's great to see we're achieving things and moving in the right direction. But I'm a professional. I know I'm not a young man any more and I want to be in the first team. At this stage I can't afford to be on the bench. I've only got so many years left in my career."

The Chief's reasoning is understandable and again begs the question why DOL felt the need to spend so much money to bring Rio to the club. All it seems to have succeeded in doing at present is causing unease - and it hardly helped matters defensively. DOL is a big fan of Radebe but will need to make sure he doesn't end up forcing him out of Elland Road. There would certainly be no shortage of takers should he become available.

Star studded reserves

There should be plenty of interest in our reserve fixture against Sheffield wednesday on Thursday night.

Not only is David Batty likely to play but Nigel Martyn and Thorstein Helstad are also expected to take part. Helstad is hoping to impress David O'Leary enough to tempt him into paying out £2 million+ to bring him to Elland Road. Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday will be watching the situation with interest.

Martyn has recovered from his groin injury quicker than expected and with Paul Robinson struggling with a knee injury, England's number one could return to the first team against Sunderland on Saturday.

Tuesday, December 12, 2000

Shock as Jones moves on

With all the talk of impending incoming transfers, most United supporters will have been shocked today to discover that we are selling Matthew Jones to Blackburn Rovers for £2.75 million.

Jones has made a considerable impact since forcing his way into the first team squad and although his first team opportunities this time round have been limited, he was earmarked by most supporters as very much one for the future.

Mark Hughes, Welsh team manager and of course still a player with Blackburn, is known to be a massive admirer of Jones and no doubt played a part in getting him to Ewood Park.

At £2.75 million, yet again we look to have let a player move on cheaply. Seen as one of the up and coming stars of the Welsh side, it is hard to imagine that we will be able to replace him for anything like as cheaply. Considering his age and ability, compare him to the fees we've paid out for the likes of Duberry and Mills - albeit defenders, but certainly no better in terms of ability than Jones.

Barnsley tie date unchanged

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the FA Cup tie with Barnsley can go ahead on January 6th as originally scheduled.

Chief collects FIFA award

The Chief - Lucas Radebe - collected his Fair Player Award in Rome last night, where Zidane, Pele and Maradonna also received accolades.

Radebe's award was in recognition for his fight against racism and the work he has done in the South African townships.

He said: "I think all professional footballers should take up the fight against racism in fact not just footballers but people in all walks of life. I've been talking to players at the ceremony in Rome to ask for their help in dealing with this problem because racism has no place in football."

Monday, December 11, 2000

Inter in for DOL and Harry?

There has been no reaction today to the story, appearing in The Mail on Sunday, linking Inter Milan with a move for both David O'Leary and Harry Kewell.

Of course, Harry has widely been recognised as our star player over the last couple of seasons, following impressive displays both domestically and in last season's UEFA Cup, whilst DOL's status was raised further by last week's win over Lazio and his continuing excellent record against top Italian sides.

The story in yesterday's newspaper claimed that United would demand a fee of £40 million for Harry, before even talking to prospective buyers, as well as £20 million compensation for O'Leary.

An interesting twist to the story was that, with Inter hoping to swoop next Summer for the pair, they might offer us a 'sweetener' in the shape of Robbie Keane.

The whole story sounds a little manufactured - but watch this space for further details!

The Chief set to stay for good

The Chief may have been left out of the team against Southampton on Saturday, but anyone who feels he will be permanently displaced by Rio Ferdinand need have no further worries - following news over the weekend that we are set to offer him a new improved contract that should keep him at Elland Road for the rest of his career.

Peter Ridsdale, speaking to the News of the World yesterday said, "We want to tie up Lucas for the rest of his career. Everyone else is locked in for five years but Lucas has only half of that to go. We are looking to offer him one or two years on top of that."

His value to the side was re-emphasized by DOL who added: "Lucas is a fantastic man. He has such a great desire to play that he would turn out with a leg hanging off. If all players were like him, managers would have less to worry about."

FA Cup clash to be moved?

With our dodgy Premiership form, an FA Cup run might be our best opportunity of silverware this season. With this in mind, we would have settled for a home draw against Barnsley.

However, the FA cup clash on January 6th may well be moved to another date as both Bradford and Huddersfield are at home on that day.

Sunday, December 10, 2000

Geordies hoping to land Bridges!

Glancing at tonight's edition of the Evening Chronicle, a Newcastle based rag, I was drawn to a story linking Michael Bridges with the Geordies. Nothing new here exactly. Rumours have emerged and disappeared without trace over the last six months, linking Michael with a move back 'home', especially as he is allegedly a massive boyhood Toon fan!

The article, penned by Alan Oliver - a seasoned North East journo - also made the link between our reported interest in Kieron Dyer, claiming that the only way that DOL might be tempted to let Bridges go would be if we could have Dyer in return.

However, what really made me smile to myself were the valuations placed upon the two players by Mr Oliver. He writes:

"At current market prices Dyer has to be rated around the £11 million mark with Bridges at £5 million."

Unbelievable or what? Just over a year ago, Dyer was valued at around a million more that Bridges...the main reason why we missed out on him in the first place - somewhat shortsightedly as it now turns out. However, despite the fact that Michael was our top goalscorer last time round, proving himself not only in the Premiership but in Europe too, it transpires that Dyer is now valued at over twice his amount!

Surely, even with our terrible record of 'giving away' players to other clubs, the only way that DOL would part with Bridges, would be if a straight swap deal could be arranged, with Dyer coming in the opposite direction. Even then, the move would be slightly 'dodgy' - with our present lack of cover up front for Smithy and Viduka.

Disappointment at the Dell

Any hopes that Tuesday's heroics in Rome might at last manage to kickstart our season were firmly dashed at the Dell on Saturday - as James Beattie scored the only goal of a bad tempered game.

The defeat means we find ourselves in 12th place in the Premiership, our lowest position since the opening day of last season. What's more, unless we can quickly rectify the situation, we can forget our already diminishing chances of Champions League football next time round - and start looking anxiously over our shoulders at the teams below us, scrapping for their Premeirship survival :-(

Friday, December 8, 2000

Major Batty boost!

DOL received another major boost yesterday, when David Batty came through a full 90 minutes of action, without any apparent side effects. The game, against Huddersfield Town, was played behind closed doors at the Thorp Arch complex.

Speaking at a book signing in a Leeds city centre bookshop, Peter Risdale expressed his delight at Batty's return, saying:

"I am especially pleased for him because he has endured a difficult time since he came back to us from Newcastle two years ago.

"He is a lovely lad, a Leeds lad and a reminder of our youth policy, despite the fact he is now one of our more experienced players.

"But I cannot wait to see him playing in the first team again."

And neither can the rest of us ;-)

Smithy's in the money!

Following Alan Smith's all important goal against lazio on Tuesday, which has capped an excellent first third of his season, the 20 year old has bagged himself a massive pay rise - to the tune of £500,000 extra a year!

Perhaps surprisingly, he has spent the last two seasons on just £3,000 a week, peanuts compared to some of Leeds' other top players. Following a call up to the full England squad plus nine goals so far this campaign, he deserves a better deal: £10,000 per week.

Smithy and his agent