Tuesday, October 31, 2000

Team v Tranmere

DOL has picked a surprisingly strong side for tonight's game, considering our injury problems and the fact that we have two massive games coming up in the next week.

The team:

Robinson

Kelly Woodgate Hay Harte

Bakke Jones Burns Matteo

Viduka Huckerby

The Boss obviously believes this is a competition we should still take seriously. Let's just hope we don't pick up any more injuries in the process.

Bowyer and Woody back for Italy clash?

According to today's 'Daily Mail', Peter taylor has made it clear to the FA that he feels the ban on Bowyer and Woody should be lifted in time for the forthcoming friendly in Italy.

Both players have been playing out of their skins so far this season and are understandably frustrated at having their international opportunities thwarted.

When asked to comment, the FA's David Davies said, "We've made it quite clear that this is a matter that can be raised by Leeds at any stage. If Leeds do raise the matter it will be given very serious consideration."

However, quite why the responsibility is being shifted back to us is anyone's guess. After all, it wasn't us who banned them, was it?

Walking wounded v Tranmere

Just what kind of starting eleven DOL will go for in tonight's game against Tranmere, in the Worthington Cup, is anyone's guess.

All the usual suspects are out along with two newcomers, Dacourt and Bowyer. Whether Smithy will be risked is debatable too, as DOL faces two of the biggest games of the season in the next seven days, against Liverpool on Saturday and AC Milan next Wednesday.

It's an impossible task for the boss. Some supporters might disregard the Worthington Cup, given our other committments. However, it still offers a pathway to Europe and could provide us with a much needed piece of silverware at the season's end.

Monday, October 30, 2000

Milan to escape expulsion

What a surprise! Was there ever a chance that UEFA would take action against AC Milan, over allegations surrounding the fielding of an illegal player in the Champions League?

Reports came to light in Sunday's 'News of the World' this weekend and have since been proven accurate: that Milan's Brazilian goalkeeper used a forged Portuguese passport when he was registered as a European Union player with the Italian football federation on July 13.

Having played against Besiktas and Leeds, Milan then discovered the initial problem and re-registered him as a non-European.

Of course...UEFA say this is a matter for the Italian FA and they will need to sort it out. Perhaps so...but I wonder what would have been the outcome had Leeds been involved in such a scandal!?

Sunday, October 29, 2000

Team v Bradford City

Thought we might be unchanged against Bradford City today...but too good to be true! Mills hasn't made it - so Hay gets another opportunity at the centre of defence.

Robinson

Kelly Woodgate Hay Harte

Bakke Bowyer Dacourt Matteo

Smith Viduka

Collymore plays for Bradford - and seems to have given them a temporary lift. Let's hope he doesn't do the business against us today (He does have a habit of scoring on his debut for his now numerous teams) before sending the Bantams' season into complete freefall, as he no doubt will, in the long term.

Geoffrey Richmond's "vote of confidence" for Chris Hutchings is the most unconvincing I've ever heard. He can't even guarantee that his manager will be still in place at 5.45pm: he SHOULD be...unless we thump them. Talk about uncertainty!

Saturday, October 28, 2000

Robinson: new deal!

Negotiations have been taking place over the last few days to secure Paul Robinson on an improved five year deal. However, apparently this was due to take place in any case and is not a direct consequence of his blistering form since being called into the first team.

Peter Risdale explains, "Negotiations began prior to Nigel's injury because we have always seen Paul as a natural successor to Nigel. Paul has shown his potential and it is important that our young players are looked after."

In the meantime, as Robbo prepares for tomorrow's game against Bradford, he is sensibly keeping his feet firmly on the ground, despite the fact that some experts are already predicting full England caps for him, in the very near future.

Bradford preview

Following the disappointment of Tuesday's final result, we now need to get our minds back on Premiership matters - with tomorrow's televised battle against the Bantams at the Bradford and Bingley stadium.

Bradford are having a torrid time this season and find themselves placed second from bottom, prior to this weekend's fixtures. Manager Chris Hutchings is under real pressure to keep his job - and a terrible result tomorrow might be just enough to see him walk.

United - amazingly - have no fresh injury problems and will be relying on the lads who performed so heroically in midweek. There is a slight chance that Lucas will be fit to return, following his concussion injury. However, the fact that Mills and Woody are playing so well at present mean it is highly unlikely that DOL will risk the big man against Bradford, especially with so many important fixtures on the horizon.

Bradford, of course, have just signed Stan the Man, who should make his debut tomorrow. The partnership of Colly and Carbone looks exciting but most Bradford supporters must be rather worried, long term, given the pairing's propensity to self destruct, sending their clubs into deep turmoil at the same time.

Having said all that, Collymore does have a habit of doing well on his debuts for his various clubs, so we'll have to be wary tomorrow.

Of the former United players on show tomorrow, Wetherall, Hopkin and Sharpe all look set to start but Halle is not available.

As always, it will be a tough battle - but one which we need to win to keep any kind of pressure on the leaders. A defeat would see us slip into the bottom half of the Premiership table for the first time this season.

Likely team

Robinson

Kelly Woodgate Mills Harte

Bakke Bowyer Dacourt Matteo

Smith Viduka

Bradford City from

Clarke, Nolan, McCall, Wetherall, Lawrence, Ward, Carbone, Beagrie, Windass, Atherton, Petrescu, Saunders, Whalley, Hopkin, Sharpe, Davison, Grant.

Friday, October 27, 2000

Barca to give "incentives" to Milan!

Feeling angry after the four and a half minutes the ref added on - at the end of Tuesday's game against Barcelona? Four and a half minutes that only the Norwegian official could possibly explain!

Well...all you conspiracy theorists are just gonna love this latest story...According to the BBC News site, Barcelona - who, of course, are now counting on the Italians to beat us, so they can progress in the competition - are rumoured to be preparing financial incentives for Milan to win the game.

Unbelievably corrupt? You better believe it! However, such 'semi-legal' inducements are surprisingly not illegal, and Barcelona have benefitted in the past from using their enormous wealth.

According to the BBC News site: "Many Spanish club chairmen see nothing wrong with the practice and feel it should be more formalised. After all, the paying club are only providing an added incentive for a team to do what they should be doing anyway - winning.

Nevertheless, it is only clubs with the biggest resources who can offer the right incentive."

Feeling angry? Me too! Let's hope we can get a result in Milan, regardless of the forces now conspiring against us!

Thursday, October 26, 2000

Reserves win again

United reserves are now firmly perched at the top of the FA Premier Reserve League, following an impressive 2-0 victory against Everton reserves, in Widnes last night.

Goals by Harpel Singh and Tony Hackworth gave Roy Aitken's side the three points, maintaining their 100% winning start to the season.

They have now won their opening four games, scoring 14 and conceding only 1!

Milan: no easy ride!

Predictably, AC Milan have been quick to ease Barcelona's nerves, by promising that Leeds will not be given an easy ride when they travel to the San Siro in a fortnight's time...well, they would say that, wouldn't they?

Milan have already qualified for phase two, following their victory against Besiktas on Tuesday night However, they do need a point to ensure finishing top of the group.

Vice-president Adriano Galliani says, "Finally, we are back amongst the elite. We know a draw will be enough for us to win the group but, as we went into the changing rooms, I told the lads that it's important we play the match.

"We're a great club and it's our moral duty to play the game honourably. Matches can be won, drawn or lost but, whatever the result, we must play the game.

"We will play to win against Leeds.

The one thing that might spur them on to victory would be a sense of revenge, following Lee Bowyer's last gasp goal at a rain sodden Elland Road . However, equally, they would surely prefer to see us in the second round rather than Barcelona: a team who most experts believed, before the competition, had a realistic chance of winning the competition.

Wednesday, October 25, 2000

Bridges now a long term casualty

Whenever a Leeds player gets injured at the moment, you just know it's not going to be a simple knock, with just a few days or weeks needed to recuperate.

With this in mind, it should come as absolutely no surprise that Michael Bridges, last season's top scorer, now finds himself out of action for at least four months.

Bridges injured himself in Turkey, following an innocuous looking challenge. Still, at the time, no-on could have forecast it would have such dire consequences.

He has ankle and calf damage, meaning an operation will be necessary. DOL must now decide whether he needs to strengthen our frontline, should Viduka or Smithy be absent through either injury or suspension.

Leeds heroes just miss out

In an exhilirating game at Elland Road on Tuesday night, we had victory snatched cruelly away from us in the very last seconds of the game - as Leeds and Barcelona drew 1-1.

After Bowyer had given us the lead within five minutes, we had to rely on sterling defensive work for much of the match to keep Barcelona at bay - with Woody and, even moreso, Robinson superb.

The fact that the away side equalised at the end of four minutes of stoppage time was heartbreaking enough. However, add detail to feel even sicker in the pit of your stomach!

On 93 and a half minutes, the ball is pumped up to Smithy. He does his best to keep hold of it with the Barca defender absolutely all over him. What does the ref do? Free kick to Leeds? Of course not! Wave play on? No way! Instead, give the free kick in the Spaniards favour. The ball gets pumped into the box and, after an unbelievable scramble, when it initially hits the post, finishes in the back of our net - thanks to a certain Mr Rivaldo!

The lads battled like true heroes tonight, in particular the defence: Woody was as good as I've ever seen him and, as for Robinson, what can you say? He must have made five world class saves. It's heartbreaking to think, after all that, he still found himself cheated out of finding himself on the winning side.

We can go through but it'll be difficult now. However, whatever happens in Italy on November 8, we have done ourselves proud in Europe yet again this season!

Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Bakke optimistic

As we prepare to pull off what would be possibly our biggest ever victory in European football, there is at last a glimmer of hope that some of United's stars might be available for selection tonight.

Speaking on his personal web page Eirik Bakke, who missed Saturday's defeat at Old Trafford, says he is very hopeful of a return. He also expects several other players to be available after injuury.

"I expect to be fit by then. Dacourt, Harte and Mills are also likely to be fit, so we look set to be in for an even and tough game at Elland Road on Tuesday evening."

Monday, October 23, 2000

Experience the key against Barca

With our clash with Barcelona now just over 24 hours away, let's hope that DOL was resting the likes of Harte, Mills and Bakke on Saturday, with the hope of giving them a chance of being fit for Tuesday.

Clearly, the game against Barcelona is more important to the club than Saturday's fixture, despite what some supporters might feel. Financially, qualification to the second stage of the Champions League could mean another £10 million in the coffers for next season.

The rumours this morning suggest that Harte, Mills and Bakke have a good chance of returning with Dacourt a possibility. However, suggestions that Lucas might be risked do seem a little wide of the mark, with Radebe only just having returned from a break in his native South Africa.

If we can field a team resembling that which faced Charlton, Spurs and Besiktas (at home), then I genuinely feel we have a fighting chance, despite Barcelona having seemingly turned the corner in terms of form. Remember that Besiktas thumped them 3-0 in this competition, so they're not unbeatable. What's more, on previous visits to Blighty, they have been more than a little vulnerable: getting beaten at Stamford Bridge last season, before turning things round at the Nou Camp.

What's most important is that we get our own game right! We need the injured players to return, all eleven to play on the top of their game and the Elland Road crowd to wake from slumber. At least these factors would give us a chance of pulling off a positive result tomorrow.

Sunday, October 22, 2000

Leisure complex plans shelved

According to www.teamtalk.com , Leeds Sporting have decided not to continue with plans for a leisure complex next to the Elland Road stadium.

Peter Ridsdale said that Leeds Sporting believe that investment should be directed into the football club - which, perhaps, is not such a bad thing.

He said, "We know we're reasonably good at building a football club. We don't know we should build a leisure arena," and added that there were no guarrantees of making a profit from such a venture, "There's not an arena in the country that makes money."

Saturday, October 21, 2000

Understrength United thumped

As I said before the game, a thumping was very much on the cards, as a result of the injury ravaged team DOL was forced to field this morning. And Man United duly obliged, beating us 3-0. Had it not been for the fine form of Robinson in goal, it could have been much worse.

Despite the Scum's overall territorial advantage, the game turned on two highly controversial incidents at either side of half time.

Just before the interval, with the lads doing well to hold the home team to 0-0, the linesman played on when Yorke was clearly in an offside position. The referee said he was 'inactive' (in other words, not interfering with play) yet, without so much as taking a backward step, he raced thropugh to head the ball home. Another terrible refereeing decision!

Then, after the break, Burns and Solskjaer were involved in a tangle just outside the area, as the ball was being played away to safety. It was all very much 'handbags at dawn' as Burns stupidly pushed Solskjaer to the ground but the referee chose to award a free kick for the home team. Up stepped Beckham to see his free kick deflected into the net off the back of Bowyer. Game over!

The final pinch of salt was rubbed into our wounds by a clumsy United third, with Jones prodding the ball into his own net from close range - and that's how the game ended.

No more than could be expected, with the team we were forced to field. However, a bit of good fortune - and more consistent refereeing here and there - might have led to a slightly different outcome.

Harte, Mills and Bakke all out!

Just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any worse...it has!

At the worse, we thought perhaps Dacourt and Harte might be missing today - but even they had a chance. No-one, though, could have prepared us for this...

Harte, Mills, Dacourt and Bakke all out! If we can manage to avoid getting stuffed this morning, it'll be a good result.

Friday, October 20, 2000

Harte and Dacourt only 50-50

It is far from certain that Olivier Dacourt will be fit enough to face Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow morning. This, despite the fact that he seemed likely to be fit to face Charlton last saturday. What the hell's going on? Won't someone please tell us?

Jacob Burns has made a sterling start to his Leeds career but is understandably still a little rough around the edges. If ever we needed Dacourt's experience, it is over the next five days!

Even more worryingly, Ian Harte picked up an injury against Besiktas and is only 50-50 to face the Scum. His absence could easily be accommodated, from a defensive point of view, by switching Matteo to his more favoured left back slot. However, the problem then would be that the midfield would be weakened.

Presumably, McPhail would then step into left midfield, despite the fact that he has failed to impress this season. Clearly, he is being hampered by injury but is still one of DOL's golden boys.

Bridges out for six weeks

Just a couple of days ago, we were all hoping that Bridges could bag us a goal or two in Istanbul - to relaunch his faltering season. Now, after playing only a third of a game, he's keeping all Leeds' other casualties company in the Treatment Room.

It seems he has suffered damage to his ankle and calf and will be out for at least six weeks. Of course, we have to bear in mind that this is "Leeds-speak" and six weeks might well mean six months. Let's hope not. Get well soon, Michael

Thursday, October 19, 2000

DOL satisfied with draw

DOL was understandably pleased with our 0-0 draw in Istanbul. Although some supporters might have naively been hoping for another goal feast - as in the first leg - it was never going to happen in Istanbul, where Besiktas enjoy a good home record.

O'Leary said afterwards, "This is a great point for us. We were without our first choice goalkeeper, centre-backs, a number of midfielders and our top scorer but I am delighted with this draw.

He added, "When you think of all those problems, and the fact that Barcelona were beaten 3-0 here not so long ago then you have to say this result is a very good one."

Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Besiktas stalemate keeps us top

A battling 0-0 draw in istanbul against Besiktas kept us top of Group H, with two games remaining.

Thankfully, there was no trouble either before or during the game, with just over a hundred United supporters making the journey from West Yorkshire.

Probably our best chance came early in the game when a Bowyer free kick was flicked on to bakke, who could only shoot tamely at the keeper. We enjoyed the better of the first half but were forced to defend for long periods of the second half. However, the home team made few clear cut opportunities - with Robinson making a solid European debut in goal.

Unfortunately, the result was marred by yet another injury to a key player - this time to Michael Bridges, who was stretchered off in the first half with what looked like an ankle injury. DOL will be praying that it isn't as serious as it first looked.

In the other Group H match, AC Milan and Barcelona battled out an exciting 3-3 draw, meaning that we now need just one more win to ensure qualification to the second stage. Unfortunately, though, we still have to play the two European giants.

Court case brought forward

It was today announced that the venue for the trial of Woodgate, Bowyer, Duberry and Hackworth has been switched from Sheffield to Hull. What's more, the date has been switched from June 6 to January 29.

The Judge explained: "I have been given certain information which now makes Sheffield an unsuitable venue for the trial."

He also warned that any further reporting, either by way of fact or comment - including speculation as to why the trial date and location has been altered - might be treated as contempt of court.

Bowyer, Woodgate and Hackworth have pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sarfraz Najeib, 19, in Leeds city centre in January. The three also deny affray.

Woodgate has also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice whilst Michael Duberry is charged with conspiracy to pervert justice.

Two other men have also been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, affray and conspiracy to pervert justice.

All the defendants are on unconditional bail.

Team v Besiktas

Looks like DOL will go with the same team as Saturday, apart from Robinson coming in for the injured Martyn and Bridges for the suspended Smithy.

For both players, it is a massive game. After a couple of season's being heralded as one of the country's top young keepers, without actually playing, it's now time for Robinson to deliver. Everyone at the club seems confident he can do the business and, hopefully, make it hard for Nigel when he returns.

The same goes for Bridges, with DOL apparently now favouring the Viduka/ Smithy combination up front. With both playing our of their skins recently, Bridges needs to play a blinder tonight.

The only other possible change might be Jones in for Burns. However, the latter made a respectable debut on Saturday and might just have done enough to hold onto his place for tonight.

Tuesday, October 17, 2000

Bridges hoping to hit goal trail

Wouldn't it be great to see Bridges get off the mark against Besiktas tomorrow evening!

Our top scorer last season, Michael has yet to score this time round - and his confidence has begun to suffer as a result. What's more, he has had to sit on the bench and watch Viduka and Smithy start banging in the goals, forming what is starting to look like DOL's first choice attacking partnership.

Still...it's amazing what difference a goal can make. Viduka was in the same position just a few week's ago but has now bagged five in three games!

If Bridges can get back to anything like his form of last season, and Viduka can continue to sparkle, there would seem novalid reason why Bridges shouldn't open his account tomorrow...and get the season moving. Let's hope so!

Monday, October 16, 2000

TV mystery

Any football fan who happened to catch ITV's 'trailer' for this week's games might be forgiven for believing that we weren't even in the tournament, never mind heading our bloody group!

Tomorrow night, it's highlights of the Arsenal and Rangers games whilst on Wednesday - surprise! surprise! - a certain team from the other side of the Pennines. We didn't even get a mention...the same scenario as the Besiktas home 'leg'.

Admittedly, this week's Besiktas game is being shown in the YTV region - but this isn't exactly much use if you live outside God's County. Looks like it'll be another night curled up alongside Radio 5 Live!

Besiktas here we come!

We head to Turkey tomorrow with hopes high, after our recent string of improved results.

With tough looking Champions League games still to come, against barcelona and AC Milan, we could really do with another win against the Turks.

No-one is under any illusions that things will be as easy as they were at Elland Road, where - of course - we won 6-0. However, with Besiktas losing yet again at the weekend - this time 2-0 away from home at Trabzonspor - it might not be a bad time to play them.

They have now lost three in a row, conceding twelve goals in the process, which has seen them slip to fourth place in the Turkish league. However, let's not forget that in their last home Champions League game, they beat Barcelona...so they cannot be taken for granted.

Sunday, October 15, 2000

DOL's FA attack!

According to today's 'Mail on Sunday', DOL has launched a scathing attack on the FA - for their failure to include Bowyer and Woodgate in the present England set up.

Of course, the pair are waiting to stand trial for their alleged participation in an attack on an Asian student in Leeds City centre. As a result, the FA have stated that they will be unavailable for selection for any of the International squads until the matter has been fully cleared up.

The problem, however, lies in the fact that the trial will not now take place until June 2001. As a result, the lads - who may very well go on to be proved innocent of any crime - will have missed 18 months of promising England careers.

It hardly seems fair, as DOL has now pointed out in public for the first time. The only consolation, from our point of view, is that the two players can keep themselves fresh for club duty whilst ridding themselves of any attachment to the present England shambles. Perhaps not a bad thing.

More injury woe

Our win against Charlton yesterday afternoon was impressive enough. But what a pity it had to come at the expense of a serious injury to Nigel Martyn.

As seems to be the case these days, there appears to be no such thing as a trivial injury. As soon as one of our players goes down, you can say goodbye to the next month or so - and so has proved the case with Nigel.

His groin injury will mean him missing the forthcoming games against Besiktas and Barcelona as well as next week's crucial Premiership clash against Manchester United at Old trafford.

Let's hope understudy Paul Robinson can prove his value now that he's finally been given an opportunity. I well remember a certain John Lukic taking over as a temporary measure from established keeper David Harvey, in the 80s - with the latter never able to get his place back. I'm not suggesting this will happen this time round but it would be nice to see Robinson give it his best shot.

Saturday, October 14, 2000

Team news v Charlton

Having lost at home to two of the three newly promoted sides, DOL and the boys will be praying they can turn over arguably the best of the bunch, Charlton Athletic, at Elland Road this afternoon.

The bad news, of course, is that the Chief is out for at least four weeks - so yet again there will be another central defensive partnership on show. The good news is the availability of Woody at last. This should see him pairing up with Danny Mills in the centre of defence.

The manager is waiting on the availability of Dominic Matteo and Gary Kelly, who both missed international matches during the week, and Olivier Dacourt but all three are expected to play.

Charlton are no mugs, having almost put one over Arsenal at Highbury. What's more, their last away match saw them take all three points from St James' Park against the Geordies.

Likely team

Martyn

Kelly Mills Woodgate Harte

Bakke Bowyer Dacourt Matteo

Smith Viduka

Thursday, October 12, 2000

Lucas set for Euro return?

Rumours were circulating today that the Chief might be fit to play Barcelona at Elland Road on October 24th. Fingers crossed!

A pity he couldn't get back a few days earlier still - for Old Trafford on the preceding Saturday. Still...any early return would be a welcome boost, especially if he can help us qualify for the next stages of the Champions League.

Wednesday, October 11, 2000

Woody gamble

DOL looks set to take a massive gamble on Saturday - by throwing Woody back in at the deep end against Charlton.

The player, who has had no reserve team football since recovering from injury, should partner Danny Mills in the centre of the United defence. All being well, the two of them will be there for the next three weeks, until the Chief returns to take his rightful place at the heart of our defence. However, should either Woodgate or Mills pick up an injury, then we would be well and truly up the creek without a paddle.

Presumably, at this point, DOL would have to swallow his pride and give Big Bob a chance. However, in reality it would probably be Danny Hay to the rescue...AAARGGHHH!

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

Lucas out? Woody in?

As our horrific injury problems show very little sign of abating, is there any crumb of comfort to cheer us through the next few weeks? Any silver lining amongst those dark clouds?

The most worrying omission over forthcoming games is obviously that of the Chief. Without Lucas, we suffer badly. The fact that the games he is likely to miss include those against Besiktas, Barcelona and Man United is daunting, to say the least.

Top that with the news that Matteo was forced to miss both of this week's Scotland games - and you begin to wonder where DOL is going to get his defence from for Saturday, especially with Big Bob so seemingly out of favour.

The only hope is that Woody may very well be ready for the visit of Charlton. He has been training this week, with no adverse reaction, so keep those fingers crossed!

Smithy off for U21s

The demons inside Smithy re-emerged tonight as he was sent off whilst turning out for England U21s against Finland U21s.

Much has been made of DOL's attempts this season to get rid of the "thuggish" elements in our star striker's game. He appeared to have been succeeding. However, tonight, his old habits certainly came back to haunt him.

His dismissal came in his side's 2-2 draw against Finland in Valkeakoski. Smithy had put England into a 2-1 lead in the second half but was later sent off for retaliation: lashing out at his opponent after he himself had been fouled. Worse was to follow as just a minute later, the home team equalised.

He is sure to face disciplinary action and must learn to curb his violent temper if he is to succeed at the very highest level of the game.

Technical problems

Apologies for the fact that the news page hasn't been updated over the last few days. A few gremlins in the works. However, they've been sorted now, so hopefully normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Watch this space!

Wednesday, October 4, 2000

Big Bob an owl?

Regular visitors to this site will have heard me bemoan (on several occasions!) the treatment Robert Molenaar has received recently: in relation to the way he appears to have become the forgotten man at Elland Road, despite having fought back bravely from a career threatening injury.

Well...his suffering might soon be over, with Sheffield Wednesday the latest party said to be showing possible intererst.

Despite the fact that I think he could do a good 'covering' job for us, he may as well be allowed to leave, if the alternative is that he simply rots away in the reserves.

Like Wetherall, Haaland and Hopkin before him, he is a valuable squad member who has rarely let us down. Then again, who am I to question the decision making potential of our great leader?

DOL's Five Year Plan: far sighted or folly?

In relation to potential incoming transfers, I see DOL is quoted as saying, on the official Leeds site today,"It would be nice to get them sooner rather than later, but I'm looking at a five year plan and I'm sticking to it."

A very noble thought - but am I alone in thinking I'd like a little success just a little sooner? Even in the good old days of the 60s, 70s and 80s, five years was a long time in football: now it's an absolute eternity!

He appears obsessed with the idea of bringing in bright young things to the club, with the hope that they will peak in the distant future, but what guarantee is there that any of our young stars will be around in five years time. Surely, the ONLY way of keeping players like Harry is to start winning some silverware and that means investing money NOW!

With the transfer system set to be shaken to its roots, our youngsters may soon be able to leave at the drop of a hat, especially if our fortunes were to change for the worst.

How likely is it it we