Thursday, November 30, 2000

Molenaar on his way out

It's official...Rio Ferdinand is 36 times better than Big Bob!

Okay...so perhaps I'm being a little bit facetious. Still, I - for one - will never understand what goes through the financial minds of football managers and chairmen!

Whatever anyone says, we've paid well over the odds for Rio - and I would argue that we're getting a rum deal on Molenaar. Even two months ago, Wimbledon offered £1 million for him. Now Bradford look set to get him for half that price!

The fact remains that I'm gobsmacked by how little opportunity he has been given by DOL this season. Perhaps being the last of Graham's signings still at the club was something the Gaffer couldn't cope with. Either that, or he forgot to send him a birthaday card ;-)

Either way, let's wish Bob well. He never let us down - and much like Wethers before him, I'll be sorry to see him leave.

Ronaldo on his way to Leeds!

According to the 'Daily Mirror' this morning, Peter Risdale is looking to bring in Ronaldo to Elland Road until the end of the season.

The story goes that, having enquired after Robbie Keane, Inter have offered Ronaldo to us, with a view of getting some rehabilitation for the player, following a lengthy lay off with knee problems.

The idea that Inter might feel the hurly burly of the Premiership would be a perfect place to risk their star player's health and well being is truly comical...I'd love to have a pint of what that particular journo had been drinking that particular lunchtime ;-)

Batty's back!

It's not been a bad old week in terms of squad strengthening at Elland Road. Not only have we smashed the British transfer record to bring in Rio Ferdinand but we've also managed to get four crucial players back into first team contention.

First it was Wilcox, who played a key part in Sunday's win aginst the Gunners, then Harry, who played for the reserves on Tuesday.

Now, today, it's been announced that McPhail might not need surgery after all - and, best of all, that Batts is being pencilled in for a reserve game in just two weeks time: against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsbrough.

Let's hope he makes it. it would be great to see him back in first team action. Good luck, David!

Wednesday, November 29, 2000

Harry back for Leicester?

Harry came through the opening 45 minutes of last night's reserve fixture against Aston Villa, suffering no ill affects, and now looks likely to play some part in Saturday's Premiership fixture at Filbert Street against Leicester City.

If so, it will be a massive boost for the club, especially with the Champions league fixture at Lazio looming. It will be like having a new £30 million signing in the team!

Tuesday, November 28, 2000

Transfer latest

Interesting to see the latest list of potential targets:

Robbie Keane - would apparently cost around £10 million and would be a dream addition to the squad. Trouble is that Milan are adamant that he is going nowhere, especially not back to England. They may be prepared to allow him to go on loan to the end of the season, but only to another Italian club.

Kieron Dyer - Another dream addition: just what we need down the right hand side. He would cost a similar amount to Keane, £3 million more than we could have got him for just over a season ago! Despite Newcastle's protestations of "Keep off!" I can't help but feel that, given the right amount of dosh, the Geordies might be tempted to part with their young England star.

Rory Delap - A new name on the list...and not a bad one at all! Delap would cost a fraction of what the above two would go for: probably around the £4 million mark. Came to prominence last season, playing on the right of midfield for Derby and could help bolster one of our weakest areas. He also has the vesatility to play in other positions too. A handy acquisition!

Did Chelsea want Rio?

Intriguing story doing the rounds today: that Chelsea made a last minute bid to snatch Rio Ferdinand away from us.

Despite the fact that many experts have questioned whether Rio could possibly be worth £18 million, it would appear that Chelsea, armed with the £12 million they received from the sale of Flo to Glasgow Rangers, were willing to pay £20 million.

Of course, the post-script is that Ferdinand would have turned down the Blues anyway, believing that Leeds were the team really going places!

Harry's back!

Despite the fact that, originally, it was thought we would have to wait until after Christmas to see Harry back in action, he will make a surprise comeback against Aston Villa reserves tonight at Bootham Cresent, York.

There had been rumours that he may have been ready to come back last week but a thigh strain picked up in training put an end to those hopes.

If he comes unscathed through tonight's match, then he may play a part against Leicester on Saturday or Lazio in the Champions League in a week's time.

Monday, November 27, 2000

Rio paraded at Elland Road

There was a double cause for celebration on Sunday afternoon...as Rio Ferdinand signed on the dotted line to become the most expensive defender in world football - and we went on to beat Arsenal 1-0 at Elland Road.

At a packed press conference, prior to the match, Rio explained his reasons for making the move: "I am very pleased to be joining such an ambitious club. It came as a surprise when West Ham accepted a bid for me. The manager's ideas here at Leeds played a big part in me moving here. I saw the squad here, which also had a big effect." He added: " I appreciate what West Ham have done for me, although this is a new chapter in my career and I'm pleased to be at such an ambitious club. Hopefully my career can now start going again." Ferdinand went on to say he hopes to be a big part in the future of Leeds, explaining that "the fee involved doesn't concern me, I'm here to play football."

Sunday, November 26, 2000

Ferdinand unveiled!

Rio Ferdinand passed his medical yesterday and will today be unveiled before 40,000 supporters at Elland Road, prior to the Premiership match against Arsenal.

Rio arrived in Leeds yesterday morning with his agent Pinhas Zahavi and members of his family. Having passed his medical, he will today put pen to paper, making him the most expensive defender in world football. The deal also smashes the existing British transfer record!

All being well, he will make his Premiership debut away to Leicester next Saturday and, of course, will be eligible to play in our final four Champions League Group D fixtures in February and March.

Saturday, November 25, 2000

Intriguing African link

Amidst the frenzy surrounding the Rio Ferdinand deal, we appear to be linked with just about every player on the market - and some who aren't even available...yet.

One of the most intriguing over the last couple of days is our alleged interest in African star Felix Etienn, who currently plays for Spanish Second Division side Levante.

The story doing the round today is that both Inter Milan and Leeds are interested in the highly rated midfielder: the fee being mentioned varies between £3.5 and £5 million, as does the fact as to whether he is a right or left sided midfielder.

One story even suggests that a deal between Leeds and Levante has already been struck and that, feeling his game is particularly well suited to the Premiership, he will turn down other top European clubs including Milan, to join us in December.

Keane move denied

Leeds have been quick to deny that they are about to swoop for Inter Milan's ex Wolves and Coventry striker Robbie Keane.

Keane has found himself out of favour for most of the Italian campaign so far and his name has been touted as a possible target for both Leeds and Chelsea.

Quite how much more money we still have available is uncertain, having broken the bank for Ferdinand. However, most supporters would agree that the squad still needs strengthening and that we are rather short of cover up front, with Michael Bridges out for the rest of the season.

If there is any truth in the story, it is likely Keane would cost in the region of £10 million.

Rio in Leeds for medical

Rio Ferdinand is in Leeds today for an in depth medical and, if all goes well, he should become a United player by the end of the day.

Some newspapers this morning were reporting that the player was having misgivings about his move to West Yorkshire. However, these mutterings appear to be wide of the mark. The only slight hitch seems to have been the money owed to Rio by West Ham.

Fingers crossed, he should be unveiled to a packed Elland Road tomorrow afternoon.

Friday, November 24, 2000

Rio terms agreed

Leeds have agreed personal terms with Rio Ferdinand and, should the player pass his medical tomorrow, he will be unveiled as a United player before the televised game against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

It is understood that we have not had to break our wage structure to get the most expensive defender in world football.

Ferdy move on course

Talks between Peter Risdale, Rio Ferdinand and his agent were said to be going extremely well, on Thursday night. The group will resume negotiations on Friday, to finalse the deal.

Risdale is confident the player will be unveiled, prior to the Arsenal game on Sunday, as the most expensive defender in world football.

Questions continue to be asked, though, as to whether he is worth that sort of money. Having witnessed our defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday, many supporters bwelieve hat we could do with making additions to different areas of the squad, rather than spending such a big amount of the dosh on a single player.

Wednesday, November 22, 2000

Ferdinand on his way (nearly!)

Well...it may have taken the best part of six months to finally come about - but it's finally happened: Rio Ferdinand is on his way to us for a British transfer record fee of £18 million...At least, that will be the case, should he pass his medical and agree personal terms tomorrow!

There is no doubt that Ferdinand is a class player. Listening to all the experts, he would seem to be seen as the future of English football for the next ten years! Th possibility of him linking with Woody at the centre of our (and England's) defence is a mouthwatering prospect.

However, the size of the fee appears to be what is concerning most supporters this morning. Even given the inflated fees of today, is he worth breaking the transfer reecord for? And is he worth £7 million more than Jaap Stam?

Also, what if the transfer system is abolished over forthcoming months? Are we going to be left with egg on our faces - and a player who could walk away for next to nothing?

Let us know what you think by clicking on discuss or going to our Message Board by clicking here.

Tuesday, November 21, 2000

Rio rumours go on and on...

The rumours surrounding our attempts to prise Rio Ferdinand away from Upton Park just keep going on and on...

Peter Risdale, speaking earlier today, seemed to be putting the ball very much in West Ham's court - by explaining that the £15 million offer already on the table still stood but would not be added to.

However, perhaps slightly ambiguously, he then said we would match any offer the Hammers had received for the player.

As a result, there is now gossip that we might be willing to go as high as £18 million!

Let's hope this is not the case. He had a good game against us on Saturday - but most Leeds supporters don't want him to come to Elland Road for that kind of daft money. At £18 million, not only would we have to smash the existing British transfer record but it would amount to over one and a half times what man U paid for Jaap Stam. Is Rio really that good?

Madrid on their way

Real Madrid are due to arrive in Yorkshire later today, having held their final training session in Madrid on Monday morning.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has named nineteen players in his squad for the game: Casillas, César, Salgado, Geremi, Karanka, Hierro, Helguera, Iván Campo, Roberto Carlos, Solari, McManaman, Guti, Makelele, Flavio, Raúl, Savio, Figo, Morientes, and Munitis.

Having already watched us eliminate Barcelona from the first group stage, Luis Figo understands what a serious challenge the trip to Elland Road offers: "We have to play seriously against the English side. And play well, as it is vital for our future in the competition," he says, adding however, "we have the quality in the team to win this tie."

For an in depth preview of Wednesday's match, click here.

Sunday, November 19, 2000

Where's the season heading?

Our failure against West Ham yesterday, where Nigel Winterburn's goal, on the stroke of half time, proved to be the winner, has left us pondering where our season might be heading.

Last season, we couldn't beat any of the 'top' teams but put away lower teams consistently, especially at Elland Road. This season, things aren't so straightforward. Fortress Elland Road has become a holiday camp for visiting teams of lesser ability, leaving us with a home Premiership record that shows we've lost three out of the seven games we've played so far - against Manchester City, Ipswich and West Ham!

Yes...our European adventure has been breathtaking but, unless we can get thing right in the Premiership, it's all going to be a one season wonder.

When some fans were questioning DOL for taking the Worthington Cup so seriously, suggesting it would be a good thing to lose to Tranmere, I questioned exactly where any silverware might be coming from this season.

The Championship is now clearly a lost cause and, unless we can start to put together one of our ten match unbeaten runs, Champions League qualification for next season looks a forlorn hope. Even a place in next season's UEFA Cup is not guaranteed unless we can start to get our act together.

The Champions League this season offers boundless excitement but not even the most fanatical United supporter would surely see it as a likely passport to European qualification next time round, especially given our placing in the Group of Death 2 for the second stage.

All that would leave us with only the FA Cup as a possibility of actually winning a trophy. However, given our lack of consistency, especially against 'poorer' opposition, progression in that particular competition is hardly a cast iron certainty.

Saturday, November 18, 2000

Harry on recovery trail

As we prepare for this afternoon's match against the Hammers, the best news of the season so far is that Harry is back in training.

Of course, he is nowhere near ready to start a game but it appears a Christmas return is not out of the question.

DOL explains, “Harry’s missed all of pre-season, you come back to get fit in pre-season and that takes six weeks. So if it was a case of just switching on, he’d still be some way off. Harry is way down on fitness, but with the ball this week he has suffered no reaction."

He adds, “There is a possibility that he could be back in action before the New Year, without a doubt."

All United supporters will be licking their lips in anticipation.

Thursday, November 16, 2000

Wilcox set for return

Jason Wilcox played the full ninety minutes of last night's reserve fixture against Bradford City and now looks set for a place on the bench on Saturday, as we take on West Ham at Elland Road.

The reserves went on to win 4-1, with a hat trick for Darren Huckerby. The result keeps them at the top of the FA Premier Reserve League, maintaining their 100% record so far.

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Injury latest

Slowly but surely, the injury situation is improving - with Jason Wilcox the latest bit of good news.

He hopes to make his return to competitive football for the reserves against Bradford tonight, following the Summer operation to his knee and the subsequent break to his anke, sustained in training.

If he comes through tonight's fixture with few side effect then he will join Nigel Martyn as one of the "almost ready to return" brigade.

Of the longer term injured, Harry should be back in time for the New Year and Batts for February. McPhail's immediately future looks in doubt, though, whilst Dubes and Bridges look set to miss the rest of the campaign.

Viduka out, Matteo in!

Mark Viduka will not turn out for Australia against Scotland tonight, news that will no doubt please DOL as well as United supporters everywhere.

Mark damaged his ankle during Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge and was substituted during the second half. He stressed he would love to play, despite the fact that DOL ruled him out immediately after the Chelsea game.

Inevitably, the whole affair has yet again reoperned the fift between club and country, especially as Aussie coach Frank Farina was reported to have said, earlier in the day, that if Viduka said he wanted to play, regardless of injury problems, that would be good enough for him: "if he tells me he is fit to play then that's good enough for me".

Meanwhile, Dominic Matteo has recovered from a knock to his knee and will make his long awaited debut for the Scots. There were some calls on Saturday night's 606 programme, asking why England - having a dearth of decent left sided players - hadn't made a last minute attempt to keep Matteo on their books.

Sunday, November 12, 2000

Batty return date

According to a story appearing on www.sportal.co.uk today, David Batty might be closer to a return to fitness than we had previously thought. It appears he is realistically aiming for a February/ March return. The full story reads:

"Leeds United midfielder David Batty has given manager David O’Leary a boost by indicating he is closing in on a return to action after long-term injury problems.

Surgery on Achilles and calf injuries has meant Batty has not played since December 1999. The 31-year-old now hopes he can be available in time for the last few games in United’s second phase Champions League group.

“I’m now jogging every day and have even started playing with the injured players again,” revealed Batty.

Meanwhile, the 42-times capped England international feels his days with the national side are probably behind him, particularly in light of Peter Taylor’s youthful selection for next week’s match with Italy.

"I don't expect to play for England again,” said Batty. “There are some very good youngsters about and I have to be realistic."

Viduka strikes to earn valuable point

In yet another battling display by United, Mark Viduka added to his ever increasing goal tally to earn us a point at Stamford Bridge.

We never gave the Blues a chance to settle, with the midfield quartet of Matteo, Dacourt, Bakke and Bowyer particularly impressive and the Chief doing an outstanding job in shackling Jimmy.

When our goal came, in the 61st minute, it was no more than we deserved. The big Aussie rose above a static Chelsea defence to head home a Bowyer corner.

At this point, there looked to be only one winner. However, with the home side struggling to put us under any kind of pressure, a triple substitution a quarter of an hour from time, seemed to do the trick.

After a scramble at the edge of our penalty area, two effforts by Jimmy were bravely blocked by defenders before the ball came back across the United goalmouth to be headed in by Poyet from close range.

We would have settled for a point before the match, especially after the week we've just enjoyed. However, looking back DOL was probably right to say he felt we should have won the game.

Paris mystery trip

According to comments made by Martin Tyler prior to this afternoon's Chelea v Leeds game, DOL had just returned from Paris, where he took in a game before flying back to join his squad in London.

Which game was he at? The Paris St Germain-Olympique Lyon game, which ended 1-1.

Was he just checking up on a couple of Leeds' potential quarter-final opponents in the Champions League (the two sides are France's only remaining represenatives) or on a scouting mission?

Lyon's highly rated Brazilian centre-half Edmilson has been mentioned as a possible target. However, as he would obviously be cup tied for Leeds' future Champions League fixtures, it is surely unlikely that O'Leary is about to swoop here.

Saturday, November 11, 2000

Breaking new ground in Europe

Whilst United have played over 130 games in European competition, our progress into the next stage of the Champions League will, in some ways, be a step into the unknown.

Why? Because of the three other teams in our group, we have only ever played Anderlecht before in competitive matches. That was in 1975, as we progressed to the final of the European Cup (Lets hope that's a lucky omen!)

In 1975, we beat the Belgians in both matches: 3-0 away from home, followed up by a single goal victory at Elland Road. I'm sure DOL and the lads would be more than happy with a repeat of these scorelines this time round, especially given Anderlecht's impressive home record this season.

Of the other two teams, Real Madrid and SS Lazio, we have - perhaps somewhat surprisingly - played neither before in European competition. However, it is no secret that, when Don Revie was trying to build a successful Leeds team in the early 60's, he regarded the legendary Real Madrid team of the 50's and 60's as an ideal model...hence the fact that he changed our playing colours to all white. I wonder how proud the great man will be feeling right now, if he's looking down from the pearly gates? Lets hope we can make him even prouder on November 22nd!

Dream Euro draw

Everyone is still talking about yesterday's stunning Euro draw, which has seen us paired with three of Europe's footballing giants.

Having seen off Barcelona and taken four points off eventual Group H winners, AC Milan, DOL and his boys must have thought they couldn't get a more difficult draw second time round...but, surprise, surprise...they have: being paired with Real Madrid, Lazio and Anderlecht.

The matches take place on the following dates:

22 November: Real Madrid (home)

5 December: SS Lazio (away)

13 February: RSC Anderlecht (home)

21 February: RSC Anderlecht (away)

6 March: Real Madrid (away)

14 March: SS Lazio (home)

Thursday, November 9, 2000

Smithy and Robbo for England

Congrats to Alan Smith and Paul Robinson! Both have been called up by Peter for the friendly with Italy in Turin on November 15.

The cartaker boss has certainly gone for youth rather than experience, with no players over the age of 30 in the squad.

Smithy, of course, was picked in Keegan's squad for the September friendly with France in Paris - and has continued to impress since then, forming a dangerous looking pairing with Mark Viduka. Of Robinson, Taylor explained: "He's been brought in as the third choice 'keeper....and hopefully the experience will do him the world of good."

Glory night at San Siro!

Nights just don't get any better than this - a s a 1-1 draw at AC Milan was enough to send us through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Having survived a penalty scare in the first half, when Shevchenko missed an opportunity to put Milan into the lead, Dominic Matteo struck on the stroke of half time, to give us an unexpected lead.

Although Serghino equalised for the home side midway through the second half, a point was enough to send us through. Ironically, Barcelona - who were only still in with a chance of progressing due to that controversial Elland Road equaliser a fortnight ago - thumped Besiktas 5-0 tonight. However, it was all in vain - and the Catalans will now have to make do with the consolation of a place in the UEFA Cup.

Congratulations to DOL and the boys on another stunning Euro night. You have made us all very proud!

Tuesday, November 7, 2000

Euro mind games abound

It seems that Barcelona are pulling out all the stops ahead of our game against Milan tomorrow night. Amidst reports of various alleged dirty tricks, one thing is absolutely certain: there are some serious mind games going on!

Newspapers have been full of stories over the last couple of days that Barcelona have offered AC Milan players £60,000 each to win. If true, most English fans would regard this as corruption of the highest order. Amazingly, though, in Spain it is not uncommon and viewed as perfectly legal.

Unbelievably, new rumours have emerged tonight that the Spaniards have offered Milan the pick of their players at the end of the season if they eliminate us from the competition. Gerard has been mentioned as a possible target.

It has also been reported that the Nou Camp outfit are interested in signing Paul Robinson (presumably on the evidence of the one game they have seen him in action in!) and that they want Mark Viduka at the end of the season for £12 million!

However, if all these stories are designed to unsettle the Leeds camp, it would appear that their plans have badly misfired. All it seems to have done is make United even more determined to win through tomorrow night!

Refereeing worries

The ironies of Football never cease to amaze! On May 16th 1973, we took on AC Milan in the final of the European Cup Winners Cup: to be beaten 1-0, thanks to a corrupt refereeing display from a certain Christos Michas. The Greek was later found to have been bribed by Milan and was banned by UEFA.

It would be nice to say times have changed but, amidst a sea of alleged dirty tricks and mind games this week, it would appear that the sport is just as corrupt as it ever was, if not moreso!

As if we don't have enough worries, the referee for tomorrow night's game is a certain Kim Nielsen, a Dane who is not exactly a stranger to controversy. Never heard of him? Then cast your mind back to France 98 and a certain dismissal of David Beckham in England's match against Argentina.

He was also castigated by West Ham when they went out of a youth tournament after a controversial penalty incident and Arsene Wenger was far from happy when he sent off Thierry Henry back in March. Even more worryingly, Danish club Haderslev have lodged a complaint that he taunted one of their players about diving whilst turning down a penalty appeal in a recent match.

Just the sort of Ref you want for such a controversial tie, especially after what happened in our recent match with Barcelona, when four and a half minutes of injury time were conveniently added on to the ninety, allowing the visitors to grab a last second point.

Please, Mr Nielsen, give us a fair chance tomorrow night. That's all we ask!

Chief fit for Milan clash

We received an enormous boost tonight, ahead of tomorrow's crunch Champions League match against MIlan: Radebe has declared himself fit and should return to the fold.

Add to this the suggestion that either or both of Woody and Mills might also play - and all of a sudden, our injury situation doesn't seem too bad ;-)

Sunday, November 5, 2000

Two strikers linked

I see in today's papers we've been linked with a couple of strikers: Liverpool's Titi Camara and FC Copenhagen's David Nielsen.

Camara, said to be worth around £3 million would be a more than useful addition to the squad, especially with Bridges out of action for most of this season.

However, he is reported to be unhappy at being out of the first team picture at Anfield. Would he be any happier at Elland Road, where he would presumably be at least third choice behind Viduka and Smithy?

Nielsen is an even more interesting link. Currently on loan at First Division Grimsby Town, he has impressed greatly, scoring twice and being a major player in the Fishy People's push up the table.

Nielsen, who is also said to be interesting Leicester amongst others, said: "I will wait and see what happens. I haven't signed anything yet, even though Grimsby are keen on getting my signature."

Saturday, November 4, 2000

Phillips bid on the cards?

Today's 'Daily Mail' reports that we have lined up a £20 million deal to tempt Kevin Phillips away from the Stadium of Light.

The paper says, " Leeds chairman Peter Risdale has been persuaded by manager David O'Leary that Phillips must be signed, whatever the cost" and adds that a £12 million bid will be tabled along with a five year contact worth £2 million a week.

It's not the first time the story has seen the light of day. An identical report appeared over the Summer. However, considering the uncertainty of the present transfer system, it would seem highly unlikely that it will prove to be true.

Viduka's four star wonder show

In one of the most amazing games ever seen at Elland Road, Leeds turned round a two goal defecit to beat Liverpool 4-3 - with all four goals coming from Mark Viduka.

Considering the fact that Liverpool started the game in third place in the Premiership, that they are one of our notorious 'bogey' teams and that we gave them a two goal start with terrible defending, it was a hell of a result.

Viduka has now scored ten goals in all competitions (nine in the Premiership) and all of these in just over a month, since he returned from Olympic duty in Australia.

Today will go down as the day he won over the United faithful as his name echoed round Elland Road at the final whistle.

Team news v Liverpool

Mixed team news ahead of our meeting with the scousers later this morning.

A real blow that the Chief is missing. A Radebe/ Woody pairing in the centre would have given us a great chance against Liverpool and Milan. However, the former has apparently been complaining of headaches yet again, since coming on at half time in the Tranmere game.

The good news is that Bowyer and Dacourt look set to start, despite injury worries. Let's just hope they don't pick up any knocks before the Milan game.

Mills and Huckerby, as expected are out - so the team should look something like this.

Robinson

Kelly Hay Woodgate Harte

Bowyer Bakke Dacourt Matteo

Smith Viduka

The scousers are in good form at present but they too were forced into extra time in the Worthless Cup in midweek, when the beat Chelsea 1-0 on Wednesday.

Should be a cracking match. Any sort of victory would do very nicely!

Friday, November 3, 2000

Pavlovic interest denied

According to Elland Road sources this morning, United are not interested in signing Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Zoran Pavlovic.

Reports had suggested that the Slovenian international's agent was in England during the week to meet with David O'Leary - but Risdale said, "I don't know anything about the guy."

Of course, this does not necessarily mean a great deal. Risdale disclaimed any interest in Dominic Matteo 24 hours before we signed him!

Watch this space!

Thursday, November 2, 2000

Injury latest

On Tuesday, his two goals weren't enough to keep us in the Worthington Cup - and now it looks like Darren Huckerby will be added to our never ending injury list, having aggrivated an ankle injury during the game.

He will be checked out nearer to Saturday's game against Liverpool, along with Dacourt, Bowyer and Mills: none of whom are certainties to play.

Mills looks very unlikely to be ready in time - but at least Woody and the Chief are now back in action. Bowyer and Dacourt would be major misses against the Scousers, especially the former who covers every blade of grass for us, as well as scoring his fair share of goals.

Wednesday, November 1, 2000

O'Leary furious!

DOL clearly wanted to win last night's game against Tranmere and was furious at the way the team collapsed during the sec