Saturday, September 30, 2000

Unchanged v Spurs?

DOL will presumably pick the same starting eleven as Tuesday, when every United player did us proud.

The only slight doubt was the inspirational Lucas. Having got over the concussion suffered during the match against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, he gave us all a heart atack against Besiktas, when he fell into a crumpled heap. Thankfully, though, he looks set to play later today. We'd be lost without him!

The 4-4-2 formation has clearly worked so much more efficiently than the 4-3-3. As a result, we now look a far more balanced side - especially in attack, where Viduka and Smithy seem far more content playing as part of a double act rather than tripping over each other's feet as part of a three.

Friday, September 29, 2000

Viduka "second choice"!

There are some occasions when it is prudent to say nothing: a case in point being an interview yesterday with DOL on www.onefootball.com

In the interview, he admits that he went for second best when he signed Mark Viduka from Celtic for £6 million in the summer, saying that he could not afford to bid for Europe’s "quality" strikers.

Viduka moved to Elland Road to spearhead our Champions’ League and Premiership campaign.

But despite seeing him score his first goal of the season in the 6-0 drubbing of Besiktas on Tuesday, the Boss revealed he could not afford to bid for really top forwards.

He said: "I think if you are going to buy quality it costs you £15 million. I haven’t got that type of money.

"But I saw a player who fits into my way of playing. He links up well with the runners off him and that’s the kind of thing we try to coach."

DOL did not mention the names of any of the players he would ideally liked to have signed. However, what benefit there is in mentioning all this right now is anyone's guess. Apart from anything else, I wouldn't have thought it would do Viduka's confidence a great deal of good!

Tranmere await

It might be frowned upon by some of the so called bigger clubs - but, at the end of the day, the Worthington Cup might yet prove an invaluable route into Europe, via the UEFA Cup.

In the third round, we will travel to Merseyside to play First Division side Tranmere Rovers.

The third round consists of one-legged ties which will be played on either Tuesday October 31st or Wednesday November 1st.

Wednesday, September 27, 2000

As good as it gets...

What a difference a fortnight makes in football! Two weeks ago today, a 4-0 thumping in Barcelona left us rooted firmly to the bottom of Group H of the Champions League. Last night's 6-0 trouncing of Besiktas has put us proudly on top.

Following Besiktas 3-0 win against Barcelona last week, surely no-one could have expected us to win so convincingly against them. However, the damage was done in the first quarter of an hour, with United hitting three goals to effectively kill off the result.

First half goals by Bowyer, Viduka and Matteo were followed by second half goals by Bakke and Huckerby - followed by a last gasp second for Bowyer to finish off the evening in true style.

It would be difficult to pick out a star man on such a brilliant night, when every man in the team played his part. However, Bowyer and Bakke had exceptional games, crowned off by their goals. It was also nice to see Viduka get off the mark, as he played by far his best game for us since his move from Celtic.

With AC Milan beating Barcelona 2-0 at the Nou Camp, we find ourselves at the top of Group H. All three of our remaining games look immensely tough - but at least we've given ourselves a fighting chance of getting through to the next group stages.

Let's hope we can continue this good from into the premiership - starting on Saturday at Elland Road against Spurs!

Monday, September 25, 2000

Duberry op successful but...

Michael Duberry has already had an operation on his ruptured Achilles tendon - and by all accounts, it went as well as could be expected. However, the bad news is that the big defender will be out until at least the start of next season.

Speaking on the club's official site, DOL said: "Michael ruptured his Achilles it was confirmed, so he has had the operation which we hope was a success, but we won't know for sure until preseason training next summer. That is how long he will be out.

"Our physio was with Michael yesterday and said the surgeon did a brilliant job, so we're just hoping he will be ok.

"Obviously it's a big blow for us and for Michael. He had a great game against Milan last week and he's been doing really well this season and it's tough on him and us."

Sunday, September 24, 2000

Duberry out for season?

Is it possible for our injury situation to get any worse? Just when it seemed that some of the key players were starting to return, we suffered another major setback yesterday, when it was revealed that Michael Duberry could be out for the rest of the season.

It was immediately clear that Doobs had picked up a nasty knock when he was caried gingerly off the pitch on a stretcher at Pride Park yesterday. But even the most pessimistic of supporters would surely only have expected him tyo miss a few games at the most: not the rest of the campaign. Unfortunately, though, DOL confirmed after the game, saying:"Michael could be out for the season now, it is a serious injury."

Although most fans would surely question O'Leary's assessment that Duberry "has had a brilliant start to the season" (Worrying proof that just because he was a world class defender himself, it doesn't mean he can spot a good defender, as a manager!) it would be fair to say that he was starting to show a few good touches, amongst all the bad ones.

What is clear is that the pressure to sign another centre half is now immense. If either Radebe or Mills were to pick up an injury over the next few days, we'd be right up the creek! let's just hope, though, that this doesn't mean we end up spending £15 million+ on Rio Ferdinand! A message to Messrs O'Leary and Risdale...Don't do it! he simply isn't worth that amount of dosh! If you're desperate to spend that kind of money on a centre half, get a real world class defender from Italy or Spain!

Saturday, September 23, 2000

Two points slip away

Following the heroics of last Tuesday, we really needed a win in the Premiership this afternoon, when we took on Derby County at Pride Park.

We have enjoyed a great series of results against the Rams over recent years. However, this afternoon, despite being a goal to the good at half time, we let two points slip through our fingers: the game finishing 1-1.

Ian Harte opened the scoring in the first half with a spectacular free kick, taken wide out on the touch line. Whether he intended it as a cross or a shot only he knows but the ball ended up screaming into the Derby net.

Shortly afterwards, Carbonari was sent off for a professional foul on Bridges, when the Leeds man was clear through on goal - leaving us to play against ten men for the whole of the second half.

However, we allowed the win to slip away when ex Man City player Kinkladze came off the bench to slot away the winner a quarter of an hour from full time. Another black spot is that Duberry was stretchered off at half time with an ankele injury, which looks like keeping him out of the Besiktas game on Tuesday evening.

Viduka's uphill battle

Mark Viduka faces a uphill battle to win over the United supporters, just a couple of months into his Leeds career.

Not only has he yet to open his goalscoring account for the club but some supporters are questioning his fitness levels and whether he has got the pace and alertness to make a big impact in the Premiership.

On top of this, his reluctance to return to these shores following Australia's embarrassing exit from the Olympics has hardly helped matters. As a result, he missed out on Tuesday's epic win against AC Milan, when both Smithy and Bridges battled their hearts out for us.

 He returned to Leeds on Friday afternoon, presumably too late for DOL to do any work with him prior to this afternoon's match against derby at Pride Park. Quite why it has taken him so long to get back here is something only he knows.

Unchanged at Pride Park?

See the injury situation is improving a little but presumably DOL will stick to the same team and same formation as against Milan. To do otherwise would be baffling. The only possible alteration might be the return of the Chief. However, this is unlikely with the Besiktas match looming. DOL will probably save him until Tuesday.

Likely team:

Martyn

Kelly Mills Duberry Harte

Bakke Bowyer Dacourt Matteo

Smith Bridges

Thursday, September 21, 2000

Injury latest

Stephen McPhail, who aggrivated his achilles injury in last week's defeat against Ipswich, appears to be making a quick recovery and will play for the reserves against Manchester City tonight.

McPhail has never really regained full fitness since picking up an injury in pre-season - and has been extremely disappointing in the games he has turned out for us this season. Against the East Anglians, he was a real passenger in midfield as they completely swamped us, on their way to a 2-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Lucas Radebe is monitoring his own fitness on a day by day basis and is still only 50-50 for Saturday's game against Derby.

DOL looks likely to have a much bigger pool of players available for the Derby County game. It is possible that both the Chief and Woody could return to the centre of defence. However, surely Matteo deserves to be picked ahead of McPhail, even if the latter believes himself to be full of comfidence.

Wednesday, September 20, 2000

Pride restored!

The wonderful thing about being a Leeds supporter is that you just never know what's round the next corner. 24 hours ago, it was all doom and gloom - but that was before Lee Bowyer's 88th minute strike gave us a memorable 1-0 victory against AC Milan on Tuesday night.

On an evening of torrential rain in West Yorkshire, it semed very much as theough the Italians had come for a point: a strange decision considering the fact that we are so weakened at present. Still, they played right into our hands. The rain might also have helped a little but it was the fighting spirit, so lackibng against Ipswich three days previously, that was the real difference between the two sides.

The goal, when it came, had an air of good fortune about it - with Brazillain keeper Dida dropping what looked like a straightforward shot from Bowyer and allowing it to roll over the line. Nothing more than we deserved though. To make matters enven more fascinating, Barcelona - who we had made to appear invincible a fortnight ago, were thumped 3-0 by Besiktas, our next opponents, in Istanbul. All four teams now have three points, making next Tuesday's match between Leeds and Besiktas at Elland Road a match of unbelievable importance.

Tuesday, September 19, 2000

Room for optimism?

Bakke and Matteo are both included in the squad for tonight's game against AC Milan - but whether DOL will risk either for them in the starting eleven is unclear. For Matteo, it would be his debut...Talk about being thrown in at the deep end!

If they are available, it will allow DOL an opportunity to swamp the midfield. Why not go for:

Martyn

Kelly Mills Duberry Harte

Bakke Jones Bowyer Dacourt Matteo

Bridges

Not a bad looking team. However, take Bakke and Matteo out of the equation and the midfield area looks threadbare.

Is there any room for optimism? Well, the Stattos out there amongst you might like to know that AC Milan have failed to win in their last nine visits to these shores and the last goal they scored was at White Hart Lane in the 1971-72 UEFA Cup when they lost 2-1 to Spurs.

Let's pray history isn't broken tonight?

Monday, September 18, 2000

Bakke and Matteo to be risked?

With news today that Bakke and Matteo have resumed training, DOL now faces a major decision in deciding whether to play them against AC Milan tomorrow night.

There is no doubt that, fully fit, they could offer exactly what we need in areas of the team where we are bereft of other options. However, it is unlikely they will be anywhere near fully fit and, in risking them, he might end up giving them another injury setback. Who'd be a manager at times like this, eh?

As DOL pointed out on the official web site earlier today:

"Eirik and Dominic trained for the first time this morning. But that's training, although at least they're out there instead of in the physio's room."

Unfortunately, the Chief will not be available for the match and is doubtful for the weekend trip to Derby.

Duberry: Leeds can bounce back against Milan!

"The results have not gone our way and we haven't played well, so it's been a bad week," said Duberry. According to the official United site at www.lufc.co.uk , Michael Duberry believes we can bounce back against Milan on Tuesady night. Of course, whether we believe him or not is another matter entirely.

On the site, he says:

"Everybody is down and disappointed. We were determined to bounce back after Barcelona but I don't think Europe was a factor in Saturday's defeat. We just played poorly and couldn't lift our game when we wanted to.

"We are all young players and the games are coming thick and fast which is hard. But at the same time all the players are all established, so we can't use the injury situation as an excuse.

"We've got to pick ourselves up and get on with the next one. We have to make sure we put on a much better show than we did in the Nou Camp.

"We can bounce back. If you can't lift yourself for a Champions League game against AC Milan then you shouldn't be in the game.

"We are up against world class opposition, so we have to lift ourselves."

Sunday, September 17, 2000

Walking a tightrope

The reaction of Leeds supporters to our defeat against Ipswich on Saturday is a clear illustration of just what a thin dividing line there is between success and failure, in modern day football.

A fortnight ago, everyone was "over the moon" following our 100% start. Now after a handful of bad results, the knives are well and truly out. Fans are questioning the leadership and tactical awareness of DOL and pointing out his failings in the transfer market.

These inadequacies may well prove true. However, you can bet that if we could pull off a miracle win against AC MIlan on Tuesday, the same supporters would be hailing him as a "genius"!

Viduka joke!

Despite the fact that Saturday's defeat by reigning Olympic champions, Nigeria, leaves the host nation with absolutely no chance of winning any kind of medal, the Aussies are refusing to allow Mark Viduka to return back to England.

They claim that they need him for their next match, in order to put on a good show for the home fans. Perhaps so - but there can be little doubt that it gives them another opportunity to get one over on us, especially after all the battles we've had in the past.

What makes the whole situation all the more galling is the fact that we have such an horrendous injury list and are playing perhaps the most important game of our season on Tuesday, against AC Milan in the Champions League.

Saturday, September 16, 2000

Fingers crossed!

We desparately need a win against Ipswich today, not only to keep within reach of the Premiership leaders but to rebuild confidence for the mammoth task against AC Milan on Tuesday.

A match report will appear over the weekend.

Oh...by the way, if you're reading these words, why not get interactive by commenting on the daily news, right here. Just click left to become a member (It takes a couple of minutes to register: FREE of course!) Then, by clicking 'discuss' under the news items, you can respond.

It would be nice to know you're out there!

Friday, September 15, 2000

Can we bounce back v Ipswich?

How much do we need a victory against Ipswich tomorrow? Defeat against the East Anglians is almost unthinkable, especially with AC Milan in town on Tuesday. However, with our squad genuinely ravaged by injuries, we all know it is going to be far from easy.

Defence is the main worry with Michael Duberry the only available recognised centre half. Surely common sense would tell DOL to go with Mills to partner Doobs but, following the Manager's recent tactical wheezes, anything is possible.

DOL also needs to decide whether to go for 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. I pesonally prefer the former. However, in the case of Saturday's game, all out attack might be the best option. Why not bring in Huckerby to partner Smithy and Bridges - and let's really go for it!

Ipswich have no fresh injury problems to deal with. However, like DOL, manager George Burley needs to decide upon whether to play two or three up front. David Johnson, Marcus Stewart and Jamie Scowcroft will probably be competing for just two places.

Radebe news uncertain

Radebe's immediate future is far from certain, after visiting a Neurologist on Friday morning. He had been suffering headaches after sustaining concussion during our game against Barcelona on Wednesday.

After flying back to Leeds with the rest of the players, it had been felt that the injury was nowhere near as serious as had been first feared and that he might be fit for selection within a few days. However, this now appears not to be the case.

He is certain to miss the Ipswich game tomorrow but, more worryingly, is highly unlikely to start against AC Milan on Tuesday.

Lucas commented, "It wasn't as bad as it must have looked, but I was concussed."

Where it leaves our back line is anyone's guess. With Woody also injured, DOL must find a partner for the rather inconsistent (to say the least) Duberry. He may decide upon Mills, the safest option, or go for the far more untried and untested Danny Hay.

De Boer's conflicting messages

Barcelona star Frank de Boer has sent out two very different messages over the last couple of days. Immediately after Wednesday's game, he appeared very gracious in victory, saying, "it could also have been a different game if Harte had scored early in the second half," and adding that he felt we could still qualify for the next stage despite the severity of the defeat at the Nou Camp.

"When Leeds played Roma they showed they are a good side and just how well they can play, so they've a good chance of beating AC Milan," he said, continuing with, "At home I think they will get some points which will be very important for them and they will have a chance of reaching the next round."

However, today his views had changed somewhat. He began by having a go at Smithy for being too agressive:

"Smith was far too aggressive. He was mean and I don't like players who play like that," it says in this morning's 'Daily Mail'. "There was no need for him to do what he was doing.

"Sure, you can play aggressively. But you have to be fair as well - and Smith was not. What he did was unacceptable."

He then concluded that Leeds would not get past AC Milan and would fail to qualify for the second stage.

"Milan will also intimidate them," he warned. "I just wasn't impressed by any of the Leeds players."

Thursday, September 14, 2000

Pick a team for Saturday?

Some teams perpetually use injuries as an excuse for failure. However, only the most hardened Leeds-hater could fail to feel a twinge of sympathy at our plight at the moment, as we lose our most influential players, one by one.

The injury list for the Ipswich game on Saturday now looks like reading: Woodgate, Radebe, Batty, Bakke, Wilcox and Kewell - with Mark Viduka away on Olympic duty. Ipswich must be feeling they won't have a better time to face us!

 The defence looks fragile beyond belief. With a touch of good fortune, it might hold out against our visitors at the weekend but I'm not sure about Tuesday. Presumably, the central defensive pair will have to come from Duberry, Mills, Hay or Molenaar. With Big Bob, for some reason, now completely out of favour and Hay a total rookie, Doobs and Mills should form the starting central defensive pairing.

A possible team?

Martyn

Kelly Mills Duberry Harte

Jones Bowyer Dacourt McPhail

Smith Bridges

Radebe given all clear

After last night's nightmare, there was some good news today. Radebe's injury was not as serious as first feared and, after enduring a series of extensive tests in Barcelona last night, he was allowed to fly home with the rest of the United squad this morning.

Initial fears were that he might have broken his neck, following a clash of heads with fellow defender Michael Duberry.

Whether he will be fit enough to face Ipswich on Saturday or even AC Milan next Tuesday, is anyone's guess. Next week's European match might be a more realistic target to aim for.

Radebe injury fears

Following last night's drubbing at the hands of Barcelona, our biggest concern now is Lucas Radebe, who was carried off the pitch five minutes from time, suffering from what looked like a serious neck injury. Immediately after the match, he was taken to Barcelona hospital for a series of x-rays.

As soon as the Chief collided with Duberry, it was immediately apparent that he had sustained a serious injury as he lay motionless on the ground. Players from both teams stood around him, concerned for his safety.

After having a neck brace fitted, he was then swiftly taken to the local hospital where he underwent a series of x-rays and tests. O'Leary, clearly shaken by the injury as well as the events of the evening, commented, "When you've got a neck injury you've got to take every precaution and hopefully the x-rays will prove there is nothing wrong.

"We cannot afford any more injuries. We are really running out of players, so I'm desperately hoping Lucas will be okay."

Wednesday, September 13, 2000

Nightmare at Nou Camp

O'Leary feared a "drubbing" and that's exactly what he got. No kidology from David this time: just a spot on prediction!

I'll save the long term post mortem till later but, needless to say, we were completely outclassed on the evening. Two first half goals from Rivaldo and De Boer, followed by a brace from Kluivert in the second period.

The scorers names say it all: world class! We were literally and metaphorically men against boys on the night and now have to face AC Milan next week in a make or break fixture.

To cap off a bleak night, Radebe was stretchered off five minutes from time, having clashed heads with Duberry. Who was it said that it never rains but pours? If he is injured long term, we are well and truly up the creek without a paddle. To put the full potential horror in perspective, we finished the game with a central defensive partnership of Duberry and Danny Hay! Nuff said!

Barcelona team news

The United team to face Barcelona tonight:

Martyn

Kelly Duberry Radebe Mills

Dacourt Bowyer McPhail Harte

Smith Bridges

Not a bad looking side, despite all those injury problems, but with O'Leary making something of a surprise selection, pushing Harte into left midfield with Mills at left back. Keep your fingers crossed! It could be a rocky ride ahead!

Keep clicking back to Leeds United World for more news as the night progresses.

Leeds stars losers in Olympic opener

Both Mark Viduka and goalkeeper Danny Milosevic took part in Australia's opening game against Italy earlier today. However, they could not prevent the home side going down to a 1-0 defeat.

In front of a packed house at Melbourne Cricket Ground this morning, Andrea Pirlo grabbed the winning goal nine minutes from time. However, there was a touch of good fortune about his effort. With only Milosevic to beat, he miscued his right-foot shot which hit the right-hand post and seemed to take forever to spin over the goal-line.

Australia could feel a touch unlucky not to hold out for a point. Viduka, true to form this season, failed to hit the net, despite having easily the best chance of the game. With the entire goal to aim at, he failed to control a high cross from the right: the ball bouncing off his knee and over the bar.

Viduka in Olympic action

After leaving us to go to the Olympics, it will be interesting to see how Mark Viduka performs in the prestigious tournament

It would be true to say that he hasn't exactly set the world alight during his short time with us. However, to be fair, his presence in the team does appear to have brought the best out of Smithy. He takes part in Australia's opener today against Italy - in front of 80,000 patriotic supporters. The match gets underway at 10am our time.

Australian coach Raul Blanco said of Viduka "It is great to have him here and he is looking awesome as usual."

Let's hope he can get himself fully fit and raring to go for his return to us in a month's time.

Nou Camp here we come!

No-one is giving us a prayer against Barcelona tonight. Not only are we visiting one of the world's great teams on their own patch but we've also got a crippling injury list to contend with.

Still...stranger things have happened. Just look at the miracles we performed aginst TSV 1860 with even greater team selection problems!

Keep in touch today for all the latest breaking news on tonight's game. It's all here at www.leedsunitedworld.co.uk

Tuesday, September 12, 2000

Leeds: the new Ajax!

According to an interview on Sportinglife.com today, Barca defender Michael Reiziger has watched a video of Leeds - and got a flashback to when he won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995. Praise indeed, especially as the video was presumably of the Coventry game. Just wait till he sees us playing really well ;-)

He said: "We saw a video of Leeds' last Premiership match and I thought they looked good. I know it will be a very difficult match.

"They are a very young team so we must make sure that we don't underestimate them.

 "The current Leeds side remind me of the Ajax team that I won the Champions' League with.

 "Just as we did, they have everything to play for and nothing to lose. There is less expectation and therefore less pressure on them to win."

 However, he still believes Barcelona will win tomorrow night, "Maybe 2-0, maybe 3-0. Whatever the final score you can be sure that it will be an exciting game to watch because both clubs like to play to win."

Let's hope he's right with the Ajax comparison - but not on the scoreline!

Wilcox breaks ankle

As if our injury worries aren't bad enough already, Jason Wilcox somehow managed to break his left ankle in training, this morning.

Jason made only his first appearance of the season against Coventry on Saturday, coming on as a substitute with twenty minutes remaining. Now he faces two months on the sidelines and looks certain to join Harry as an absentee of the whole of the Champions League first group stage.

 Unbelievably, he broke his ankle after falling unchallenged during Monday morning's training session. O'Leary said: "He had no-one around him when he took a shot at goal and in turning away he fell over on his ankle. It's unbelievable the way injuries keep piling up."

Monday, September 11, 2000

Kluivert ready to face us

Barca's Patrick Kluivert looks set to be fit to face us in the Champions League match on Wednesday after recovering from an ankle injury.

Kluivert missed Barcelona's opening league game against Malaga on Saturday but, following intensive treatment, now looks set to play in midweek.

Kluivert said today: "I'm having all kinds of treatments. Foot massage, ice packs, everything. It's very intensive, including a lot of running.

"When you're injured they make you work twice as hard but I'm certain I'll be able to play against Leeds."

Kluivert and Rivaldo up against Duberry? Now that's a thought to make you sleep easy in your beds tonight ;-)

No armed guards

Following reports in yesteday's tabloids, United chairman Peter Ridsdale today dismissed stories that Leeds will be take armed bodyguards with them for their Champions League game in Istanbul against Besiktas.

Ridsdale was puzzled as to where the stories had eminated from: "I know nothing about this. We are not taking any special precautions for the game in Turkey. We've spoken to our police authorities and theirs and we see no need to make any special arrangements."

O'Leary: more pessimism

"Yes, I have to concede that it is very possible that we will get a good drubbing," says O'Leary today.

What was I saying yesterday about kidology? Let's just hope he doesn't mean it - and that he's not sending these signals to the lads!

 I'm getting sick of hearing about the injury 'crisis'. We should still have enough decent players to grind out a result against Barca: at the very least to prevent us getting stuffed.

 Of course, if O'Leary and Risdale had strengthened the squad more over the Summer, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in now, injury wise, would we?

Sunday, September 10, 2000

Barca open with a win

Barcelona began their 2000-2001 campaign this weekend with a comfortable 2-1 win over Malaga at the Nou Camp, thanks to two goals from Brazilian star Rivaldo.

They played some exciting attacking football at times, especially in the first half, and should have scored more goals before the interval. However, in the second half, the home side eased off and Uruguayan striker Dario Silva’s 74th minute goal caused some panic amongst the home supporters, as Barca were forced to hold out over the last quarter of an hour.

Not a bad result, as far as we're concerned. Had they thumped malaga, their confidence would have been sky high for Wednesday's game: had they lost, we might have suffered on the rebound. Let's hope they think we'll be a pushover and that we can play out of our skins on the night - to cause a real upset.

Besiktas supporter stabbed.

In case anyone was feeling complacent ahead of our forthcoming games against Besiktas, reports have come through today of yet another stabbing at a Turkish football match.

Habib Yildirim, 19, received a leg wound before the match between Adanaspor and the visiting Besiktas team. Yildirim, a Besiktas fan, was not badly injured and was apparently able to watch the game after treatment.

Of course, we are set to play Besiktas in Istanbul in just over a month's time, a fixture that is extra sensitive following the events in Istanbul last season.

Peter Risdale and Besiktas officials have agreed that only 500 away supporters will be allowed at each of the fixtures.

Harry back for Christmas?

Speaking to Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, Harry has explained that he hopes to be back before Christmas. Let's hope he's right. He said:

"Fortunately, according to the surgeon, the operation went very well. But I guess only time will tell as I start my rehabilitation program of exercises and physio work."

He added, "It was a last resort but I wasn't left with much of a choice. My goal now is to be back on the pitch before Christmas. I'm told that is realistic and I'll be giving it my best shot."

It would be great to see him back in Leeds colours before the Christmas festivities, especially if Batts could join him on the road to recovery. Realistically, though, I think we might have to do with the one Christams present this time round....oh...and still bein in the Champions League when Kewell returns, of course :)

O'Leary's blast at Durkin

O'Leary was far from happy at the way referee Paul Durkin refereed yesterday's goalless clash between Leeds and Coventry at Highfield Road.

He said: "I felt there were a lot of dubious decisions today, and we should have had a penalty.

"Huckerby had his legs taken from him by Chippo. It was a naive challenge, but he is not a defender.

"Darren is not a cheat. The referee was right on it - but he walked away."

O'Leary: under ambition or kidology?

Throughout last season, O'Leary's kidology became legendary. His attempt at playing down our chances at absolutely every available opportunity must have made him an impersinator's dream: "We can play a lot better than this," became almost a catchphrase.

But surely, having qualified for the Champions League last year, reached the semis of the UEFA Cup and having a huge bag of dosh at his disposal over the Summer things would be different this year. Not a bit of it!

After yesterday's 0-0 draw against Coventry, the Boss said,"We'll keep trying to play attractive football. I see us as fifth favourites for the title."

Does he mean it? If not, I would say it's time to cut the kidology. What's the point? If he is being genuine, Leeds supporters will be frustrated at his apparent lack of ambition. Having finished third, and with the resources he has at his disposal, surely we need to be trying to climb higher. Looking at the way other teams have started this season, only Man U have an air of invincibility about them (it pains me to say!) Why not aim for the top two and see where we go from there?

Saturday, September 9, 2000

Goalless at Coventry

After the excitement of last year's Highfield Road encounter between the two teams, United beating the Sky Blues 4-3 in an absolute thriller, we had to make do with a 0-0 draw this time round.

Both teams played their part in an entertaining encounter, that despite the scoreline, was never dull. Both keepers had good games with Hedman, in the Coventry goal, having a particularly solid display between the sticks.

The result leaves us in sixth place in the Premiership table, five points behind new leaders Manchester United but with a game in hand. O'Leary and his men will go to the Nou Camp in good spirits, despite only picking up a single point, especially as the game saw the return of Stephen McPhail and Jason Wilcox from injury, the latter coming on as substitute for Darren Huckerby with twenty minutes of the game remaining.

Surprise boost for United

There was a boost ahead of this afternoon's game against Coventry City at Highfield Road - with Stephen McPhail unexpectedly back from injury.

What's more, despite not giving Huckerby a sniff of the action on Tuesday night, when it seemed the obvious thing to bring him on, the ex-Coventry man is given a full start this afternoon.

As a result, the team will presumably look something like this: rather more balanced but nevertheless a very attacking line up.

Martyn

Kelly Radebe Duberry Harte

Bowyer Dacourt McPhail

Bridges Smith Huckerby

Coventry team news

We need to bounce back on Saturday afternoon following Tuesday night's disappointment.

It is difficult to predict what might be the outcome of a trip to Highfield Road. Having spent the whole of last season waiting for an away win, it now appears Coventry find it easier to play away than on their own patch. Bizarre! Wednesday's defeat at the hands of new Premiership leaders Newcastle United was their second successive home defeat. No doubt, though, that will make them doubly determined to get a result against us at the weekend.

Our injury problems are just as bad as ever with Eirik Bakke, Jonathon Woodgate, Dominic Matteo, Stephen McPhail, Jason Wilcox Harry Kewell and David Batty all unavailable for Saturday's match. Also, Mark Viduka is away with Australia on Olympic duty. Coventry welcome back Hadji and Summer signing David Thompson.

O'Leary will surely revert back to a 4-4-2 formation, to accommodate the absence of Viduka. The three man attack looked decidedly dodgy against Man City, in any case, although it may work better away from home, with clubs less likely to pack their midfields against us on their own patch. Should the Boss decide to keep to 4-3-3, ex-Coventry man Huckerby is available. However, he has hardly had a sniff of action so far this season and would appear to be a bit part player in O'Leary's master plan.

Squads: Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Duberry, Radebe, Harte, Dacourt, Bowyer, Jones, Smith, Bridges, Robinson, Mills, Huckerby, Molenaar, Hackworth, G. Evans.

Coventry: Hedman, Kirkland, Breen, Normann, Edworthy, Hall, Shaw, Williams, Telfer, Chippo, Palmer, Eustace, Hadji, Thompson, Bellamy, Aloisi, Roussel.

Friday, September 8, 2000

Injury situation deepens!

It seems there is no light at the end of the tunnel in terms of United's injury situation. Just when it looks as though things are improving a little, the overall situation deteriorates again.

As Harry joins Batts on the long term injury list, we today suffered a further setback ahead of tomorrow's Coventry game. Wilcox's injury has not responded as well as was hoped and will not be fit to play. He also looks likely to miss the Barcelona game on Wednesday.

Even worse, Woody and Eirik Bakke are reportedly likely to be out for at least another two or three weeks: a nightmare scenario for next week's trip to Spain.

Smith gets award

Alan Smith has been voted Carling Player of the Month for August, a deserved award following his great start to the new campaign.

Smithy, who struggled last season, has been in electrifying form this time round, scoring five goals in United's first four games. What's more, he was called up into Kevin keegan's squad for France.

Let's hope September is just as good - both for Alan and the team as a whole!

Thursday, September 7, 2000

Kewell out until Christmas

Our worst fears were fulfilled today with the announcement that Harry will be out for at least three months. As expected, the United Physio team have decided that an operation will be best in the long run, despite it being a disaster for the first half of our season.

The operation will take place over the next 48 hours. Some supporters have been asking why it couldn't have happened sooner, to get him back into action quicker. However, the club wanted to give the achilles problem every chance to improve.

To qualify for the next round of the Champions League without him will be a major achievement. We're not a one man team but any outfit would miss a player of Harry's calibre. Without him, we don't quite have the same cutting edge.

Molenaar: what's going on?

It seems that loyalty is a quality not ranked that highly by O'Leary. First, it was Wetherall, then Alfie and now Big Bob: all three players who loved the club and wanted to stay and fight for their place, only to be told they are surplus to requirements.

Robert Molenaar today turned down a move to Wimbledon. However, the worrying thing is that Leeds had accepted a £1 million bid from the Dons.

Molenaar has battled back bravely from career threatening injuries, at last got himself into contention for the first team, only to have it made clear to him that he is not part of O'Leary's plans.

Sentiment aside, it wouldn't be so bad if this was some transfer masterplan by O'Leary. However, unfortunately, good players have been allowed to leave cheaply whilst poor players have been brought in at inflated prices. Duberry isn't half the player Wetherall was but cost over twice the price. The former has let us down ten times as many times in a year than Wetherall did in his time at Leeds. And as for Alfie...well, let's just say that Tuesday's result was poetic justice in that respect!

Wednesday, September 6, 2000

Shock City defeat!

What's it like being a Leeds fan? Just when everything's moving nice and smoothly, the carpet slips from under your feet and you receive a kick in the nuts for good measure: Leeds 1 Man City 2!

Tuesday night was one of those nights. We never really got started against a Manchester City side who battled for all they were worth. Joe Royle also won the battle of the managers hands down: swamping us across midfield and switching Mark kennedy to the right to give him more of a free role.

Howey put the visitors ahead ten minutes before the break, prodding home after the ball had been tipped onto the crossbar. Then Wiekens added a second with a drive from the edge of the area. Both goals were sloppy defensively, eminating from Mark Kennedy corners and non existent marking in the box.

After the break, we piled on the pressure and deservedly pulled one back, a Lee Bowyer header, with over half an hour remaining, but despite having the best of the second period, couldn't break down a steadfast City defence.

Tuesday, September 5, 2000

Manchester City team news

Jon Woodgate has failed in his attempt to be fit for tonight's game, meaning that Michael Duberry should take his place at the centre of defence next to Lucas.

Jason Wilcox seems likely to make his first start of the campaign, following knee surgery over the summer, whilst Matthew Jones will also be hoping to start, despite having to miss Wales game at the weekend.

Mark Viduka plays his last game before jetting away to Australia for a month and will be hoping to sign off with a goal or two.

Eirik Bakke is unavailable through injury, along with Stephen Mcphail and long term injury victim David Batty.

Tonight's game sees a quick return to Elland Road for former cult hero Alfie Haaland, who will be playing his first team as Captain for City. Expect him to get a good response from the Elland Road faithful.

500 Leeds fans to Istanbul

Representatives from Besiktas travelled to Elland Road this afternoon to sort out travelling arrangements and security issues for the forthcoming Champions League games between the two clubs.

After much discussion, it was decided that 500 United supporters will be allowed to travel to Turkey, with the same number of Besiktas supportersd coming to Leeds for the return leg.

Peter Risdale stressed that United fans not travelling with the official party should stay at home:

"In our view anyone who goes to Turkey with the intentions of watching the game without our supervision will not be there for the right reasons. As such we will be asking the authorities to send them straight home."

Monday, September 4, 2000

Former striker in car smash

Former United striker Clyde Wijnhard is tonight in hospital following a serious car accident.

Wijnhard, who left Leeds for Huddersfield Town in the Summer of 1999, having failed to hold down a first team place, underwent a four hour operation last night, after suffering a compound fracture of his arm. However, it could have been much worse for the 26 year old striker.

When his Mercedes jeep left A1 early yesterday and smashed into a ditch, the player and his fellow traveller were forced to escape the wreckage as it burst into flames.

Clearly, he is fortunate to still be alive.

Injury latest

It's a bit of a mixed bag at Thorp Arch, in terms of injuries at present.

Eirik Bakke is back in light training but won't be fit in time for Tuesday's match against Manchester City. He has started jogging lightly on his injured ankle again and is hopeful of regaining full fitness over the next week or so.

For Harry Kewell, it's make or break time as he finds out this week whether or not an operation will be necessary on his achilles injury. Keep your fingers crossed!

Jason Wilcox looks set to be fit for the City game, his first start of the season, but Jonathon Woodgate is only 50-50 with another ankle injury. Matthew Jones came home early from meeting up with the Wales party but is hoping to be fit.

Harry not for sale!

Despite the shock waves that are rebounding around the world of soccer this weekend, as clubs come to terms with the possibility that, sooner rather than later, the tranfer system might be scrapped, Peter Risdale has made it clear that this will not influence the club, in terms of selling our best players.

To take just one example: now Harry might be worth £30 million. However,under the proposed new system he would be worth zilch. The only money clubs would get for their star assets would be in terms of compensation.

However, Risdale reassures us, "We certainly will not be looking to cash in on Harry Kewell because of what is being said and proposed by FIFA. Harry cost us nothing when he came over here from Australia. He is in our books for zero. We don't have to sell him, whatever happens. You cannot win things and become a successful club by selling your best assets."

Sunday, September 3, 2000

Quiet on International front

It was all quiet on the internatinal front last night, with Ian Harte the only player who actually made the starting eleven for his country. He will have been delighted with the Republic's creditable 2-2 draw in Holland although disappointed that they allowed the Dutch back into the game. Uncle Gary, surprisingly, was left on the bench.

Elsewhere, Smithy will have been delighted to make the subs bench for England, moreso than Martyn, who must wonder what he's got to do to oust pony-tailed seaman from the England team.

Matthew Jones, Jason Wilcox, David Batty, Stephen McPhail and Eirik Bakke - who all might have been involved in games yesterday - are, of course, all injured.

Viduka compromise reached

Unbelievably, Leeds and Soccer Australia appear to have reached a compromise over Mark Viduka.

Basil Scarsella, Soccer Australia chairman, explained that Viduka would be free to play for Leeds against Manchester City on Tuesday night, after all, before flying out to Sydney to prepare for the Olympics. As a result, he will iss the 'warm up' game against Kuwait.

"I think it's a sensible compromise, it satisfies both parties," Scarsella said.

Thankfully, he will not be risked for Thursday's friendly match against South Africa. Having played on Tuesday and made the long journey down under, the last thing we need is for him to pick up an injury.

Both parties seem to be in agreement over this :)

Saturday, September 2, 2000

Rio bid is financial madness

With this week's revelations that the European Commission are set to ban the transfer system as we know it, it is difficult to fathom the latest news that Leeds reportedly went back to West Ham before yesterday's Champions League deadline, with a fresh £15 million bid. The news is baffling on two counts:

1. Why would Leeds waste £15 million on a player who isn't worth a half of that amount even now, when his value will be zero come the new guidelines?

2. Knowing that their club will suffer more than most when the new regulations are introduced, why didn't Harry Redknapp bite off Peter Risdale's hand?

Redknapp, speaking in the Racing Post, admitted, "The news that transfers could soon be scrapped made it a massive temptation to sell," but added, "I had a long talk with the chairman and we decided to resist again, even though in a year Rio could just walk out."

Football certainly is a funny old game. Thankfully, for us, Redknapp was stupid enough to keep hold of his 'prize asset' :)

Haaland gets captaincy

Looking forward to the visit of Manchester City to Elland Road on Tuesday night, I see blues' manager Joe Royle has relieved Richard Edghill of the Maine Road captaincy and given it to Alfie Haaland.

The manager has also taken the drastic action of dropping Edghill from the squad for the Leeds game to give the player a break, after he came under fire from his own supporters during last Saturday’s home defeat to Coventry City.

It will be interesting to see what reaction Alfie gets from the Elland Road faithful. Although not a regular during his time with us, he had become something of a cult figure, especially after his heroic performances in Europe last season. He clearly did not want to leave the club but, having been forced out, I imagine he will get a good reception on Tuesday.

Friday, September 1, 2000

Viduka a big problem

Why oh why did we bother signing Mark Viduka when we knew full well, even before he came close to putting pen to paper, that given a straight choice between representing his club or his country, he would always choose the latter?

The latest controversy is that he might not even be allowed to play for us against Manchester City on Tuesday. Soccer Australia want him to fly over immediately to take part in a Mickey Mouse warm up game against Kuwait. Yet again, this has led to aggrivation between them and us with United secretary Ian Silvester arguing that the Kuwait match is not an A-class international fixture.

He points out, "Our understanding is that the game is a training match. Spectators are allowed to wander in for free, so in our view it is not a full international. We have contacted the FA who have spoken to FIFA and we expect to get an answer later today."

If Viduka does fly out over the weekend, it means he might end up missing eight first team games. Let's just hope that we Bridges and Smithy set the world alight without him and that he can't get back in the team, upon his return!

Harry decision expected soon

A decision is expected over the next few days as to whether Harry will need an operation to sort out his troublesome achilles problem. If he does, then he will be out until at least Christmas: the only bonus being that at least then he will hopefully have the problem sorted out once and for all.

New United Physio David Hancock, who recently joined us from Blackburn Rovers, explains what will happen over the weekend.

"We will step up Harry's training and then we will know if he is going to need an operation or not.If he does need an op it will put him out until after Christmas."

Of course, another scenario might be that the club decides against the operation and Harry recovers over the ne