From Europe to Yeovil

Hartlepool United struck deep into injury-time to deny Leeds United all three points and the opportunity to profit from their rivals slipping up.

Leeds were again unconvincing but looked to have sealed the points in a scrappy game when Luciano Becchio prodded home his second. Hartlepool never gave up and equalised for a second time just before the final whistle to earn a deserved point.

Late goals always hurt and the manner of the goal, another set-piece, is equally disappointing but you have to take it on the chin and move on. We have scored plenty of late goals this season and it was inconceivable to think we could go the whole season without conceding so late. It is an old cliche but things do even themselves out over the course of a season.

It was our never-say-day attitude which led to those goals and it can be said our application is what has caused this slump we are in. It is easy to see we have been off the pace recently – we lack the bite, the desire to close down and the solidity we had during the earlier part of the season. You can put that down to a lot of things but we need to get back to doing those basics.

I have no doubt we will come through this and gain promotion quite comfortably – I am not as up and down as a lot of Leeds United fans. As fans it is almost as if we have a mild case of Bipolar. When we win we get far too carried away and when we lose we have blown it and we will be lucky to make the play-offs.

Let’s keep things in perspective. Yes we can all see we are not playing well and it is slightly worrying but even the best sides go through a bad patch. We should be getting three points from places like Hartlepool but these guys aren’t robots and are playing at League One level for a reason right now – they are fallible.

I am not making excuses but the weather can have a bearing on a dip in form. Playing on a muddy, bumpy pitch isn’t conducive to passing football and is often a leveller when playing teams of a lesser standard. It is the same in Rugby League too – just look at Leeds Rhinos and St Helens this weekend, they will be dreaming of flat, slick surfaces in the summer.

I am as disappointed as anyone with yesterday’s result but we are still chipping away at our points target and when we re-find our form I have no doubt we will pull away from Charlton and the rest.

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Leeds United return to the real business of promotion today when they take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.

The FA Cup run was romantic and left us all with some great memories but it did start to hinder our promotion bid, now it is over it is time to leave our promotion rivals behind. The Carlisle game aside, we can fully concentrate on the league and with some relatively easy fixtures coming up we won’t get a better chance to pull away.

There is a chance of another FA Cup hangover but we have some good players to come back in and those fresh legs should make the difference. The likes of Max Gradel and Gary McSheffrey are the kind of players who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and we shouldn’t be afraid to go at Hartlepool. We have been tentative on our travels of late and started games well on the back foot, starting with two attacking wingers would signal our intent.

I can understand why it would be difficult for players to get up for a game like this after playing in front of a full house at Elland Road, after all it is the same for the fans, but the Spurs game should motivate the side. They should be determined to play in front of crowds like that every week and they won’t have a better chance to do it than with Leeds United.

Team news

Simon Grayson has a perfect opportunity to freshen things up against Hartlepool. Robert Snodgrass looked out on his feet again the other night and should be replaced by Gradel who needs to be starting games. McSheffrey should come in for Bradley Johnson and Shane Lowry should replace Andy Hughes.

Paddy Kisnorbo looks set to miss out again through injury so Lubo Michalik and Richard Naylor will continue at the back. If Neil Kilkenny is back I would play him alongside Michael Doyle and rest Jonny Howson.

Jermaine Beckford is due a rest but Grayson understandably doesn’t want to leave his main man out, particularly when he doesn’t have a proven goal scorer waiting in the wings. It is a problem, Larry will just have to make sure he chooses the right games to rest him. I don’t think today is one of those games.

Grayson doesn’t have any excuses, he has to shake things up. He doesn’t strike me as a manager to make the same mistake multiple times so I’m looking forward to seeing an energetic performance.

Prediction

Hartlepool are struggling at the wrong end of the table and were hammered 5-0 at home by MK Dons a few weeks ago. They will obviously be up for this game but we should put them firmly on the back foot with some positive intent. This isn’t a game for containment, we should go at them with everything we have got. If we do that I can see a comfortable win.

Hartlepool 1 Leeds United 3

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Leeds United bowed out of the FA Cup but not before they gave Tottenham Hotspur another scare at Elland Road.

Jermain Defoe’s hat-trick sent Spurs through to the fourth round and ended Leeds’ brave cup run. But not even the sight of Defoe rounding Casper Ankergren and ending Leeds’ hopes could silence the home crowd, who were magnificent throughout. You don’t go to many grounds where the away fans are drowned out celebrating a goal by the home crowd.

The noise levels at Elland Road brought back memories of Champions League nights entertaining the likes of AC Milan and Barcelona. All three sides of Elland Road which hosted Leeds fans rocked to the sound of “We are the champions, champions of Europe” with scarves twirling above heads halfway through the first half, it really was a sight to behold.

The fans matched the players’ passion on the pitch and it is just a shame we ran out of steam in the second half. There is no reason to be downhearted though, we had a great run and we can now concentrate on the real business of getting out of this godforsaken league. This is a massive blessing in the context of our season.

Enthralling match

The game itself started in the same vein as the first, with Spurs firmly on the front foot. Andy Hughes, who seems to be reverting to the Gary Kelly school of defending, almost gifted Defoe a goal in the first minute. Spurs had plenty of luck in the first half, with every ricochet seeming to fall straight to the England striker through on goal, only to find an inspired Leeds keeper. They mixed that luck with some good passing and played at a high tempo which we couldn’t match during the opening exchanges. It is worrying how we have started games in recent weeks.

When we settled down we played some good stuff ourselves and played a full part in an entertaining game. The players showed their resolve once again with a terrific response to Defoe’s sliced opener. The crowd got right behind the team and the players responded by laying siege on the Spurs box. Luciano Becchio, who was my man of the match, pounced on a rebound to slot home a deserved equaliser. Half-time came at a bad time for us, Spurs were certainly saved by the whistle.

They came out fired up in the second half and we had no answer as we began to tire. Spurs are a good side and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them secure fourth place in the Premiership, if they get everyone back fit.

Marching on together

There were some positives to take out of the game. Casper Ankergren enhanced his reputation as a big game player with another excellent exhibition of shot stopping. Games like this make it all the more frustrating when he makes a clanger against the lesser sides.

We again showed the stomach for a fight and mixed it with some fluid counter attacks. Michael Doyle and Bradley Johnson provided the grit in midfield while Jonny Howson and Robert Snodgrass were at the heart of everything good in the first half. Snodgrass again faded in the second half – he is well overdue for a rest.

If the game proved anything it was that Leeds United are well and truly on their way back. The whole country misses us – the passion, the controversy, everything that comes with the club. We left the top flight a hated club, one loathed by fans up and down the land. We are working our way back with great dignity and it could just be that when we return we will have reshaped the club’s image into one of lovable foes.

One thing is for sure – Leeds United will be back in the big time before long. We have been to hell and back as supporters but this is the beginning of something special. All those miserable memories will make our return all the more special.

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The younger generation of Leeds United fans will get another taste of the good old days when Tottenham Hotspur visit Elland Road tonight.

It will be our fourth game against top Premiership opposition this season and this replay has all the makings of a classic. We haven’t let ourselves down in any of those games and the cup runs have put us firmly back on the map.

I was in Prague earlier in the week for my brother’s birthday. I was talking to a mate about Leeds United in a bar when a Belgian bloke overheard and spoke of his visit to Elland Road with Anderlecht. Before long a Polish guy joined the conversation and then a Turk, they knew all about Leeds’ history and wondered what had happened to us. They said it was great to see us do so well at Old Trafford and the sooner we were back in Europe the better.

It didn’t get much better than a European night at Elland Road. The noise was incredible and some of the performances have gone down in folklore. A night like tonight will be as close as some of these players will get to experiencing something like that and I hope they just go out there and enjoy it. I know some fans want us to get knocked out so we can concentrate on the league but this cup run is doing a lot for the club’s image.

It should be a great night and I just hope we get stuck into Spurs and make it as uncomfortable as possible for them.

Team news

Simon Grayson has three players ineligible for tonight’s game. Gary McSheffrey, Shane Lowry and Max Gradel are the players who weren’t registered before the game at White Hart Lane. Andy Hughes should replace Lowry, while Bradley Johnson will come in for McSheffrey.

Paddy Kisnorbo and Neil Kilkenny face fitness tests. If they don’t make the game I have no problem with the same side as Saturday – minus McSheffrey and Lowry of course. Richard Naylor and Lubo Michalik worked well together, as did Michael Doyle and Jonny Howson.

Prediction

I think some of the Spurs players will be shocked by the atmosphere and it will no doubt be better than most they have experienced this season. I am not sure if they will fancy this, particularly with the snow coming down as I type. I can see another heroic performance from our boys.

Leeds United 2 Spurs 1

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Leeds United returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory against promotion rivals Colchester United.

Simon Grayson included two debutants in his starting 11 – a much changed side from the one which started against Swindon Town a few days earlier. Gary McSheffrey and Shane Lowry both impressed and gave the side fresh impetus as they put their poor league form behind them. The five changes really freshened things up and the players who came in all made an impact and lifted the lads around them.

January was a long month but now we have a settled squad which should get us out of this league. It was a good transfer window – we kept hold of Jermaine Beckford, got rid of some dead wood and made three quality additions. Grayson has always said he will not bring players in for the sake of it and will only bring guys in if they were better than what we have, he was as good as his word again.

It is not easy attracting high quality players when you are a League One club but Grayson is doing a very good job convincing these players to drop down. He identified his targets at the start of the month and remained patient despite it taking him longer than he would have expected. I am happy with the make up of the squad and we have no excuses now, we have to get promoted.

Welcome clean sheet

It was a much changed defence for the Colchester game and we looked as solid as we have for a long time. Lubo Michalik has been unlucky this season. Whenever he has played he has done well and should have played more than he has. He was excellent on Saturday and will be looking for an extended run in the side.

The midfield got the side ticking again and you have to hope for more consistent performances from the players in there, they have been far too hit and miss of late. Michael Doyle and Jonny Howson looked good in the centre of midfield and McSheffrey brought something different to the side – he looked a class act.

Beckford has really impressed me recently – his attitude has been spot on. He looked like a proper player against Colchester, he didn’t try to overplay and w0rked hard for the team. I think the fact he scored another penalty speaks volumes for where he is at mentally – he looks a different player to the one which stepped up against Millwall in the play-offs and Carlisle earlier this season.

It was a vital win and a good weekend for Leeds. Confidence has been restored and we seem to have come through the other side of the blip.

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Leeds United look set to have two new faces in the squad to take on Colchester United at Elland Road tomorrow.

The rumour mill has been working overtime today with Gary McSheffrey and Shane Lowry heavily linked with loan moves to the club. The club hasn’t officially confirmed the signings yet but Sky Bet is already taking specials on McSheffrey’s debut and Lowry’s wikipedia page has been updated, stating he signed on a season-long loan yesterday.

It is always a bit risky commenting on speculation but I am pretty certain this is true. The club has a track record for keeping things firmly under wraps, think back to Max Gradel and Sam Vokes being confirmed as loan signings just before kick-off against Norwich.

I can understand why Simon Grayson would want to keep the opposition guessing but it can be very frustrating for fans who just want some transparency. Regardless of when it is announced, these two additions will give the fans a big lift after Tuesday and the place should be buzzing tomorrow.

Grayson seems to be hedging his bets again by delving into the loan market but that is no bad thing. It is a policy which has worked for him in the past – Richard Naylor and Max Gradel proved they could cut it at Leeds and on the flipside Liam Dickinson and Lee Trundle couldn’t. I have no problem with his “try before you buy” policy.

Fast start required

Colchester will provide a real test tomorrow and we need to start much better than we have in the last few games. We have been slow out of the blocks and have given away sloppy early goals, something which was unheard of coming into the new year. We need to start pressing high up the field again and some fresh legs will allow us to do that.

Lowry would more than likely go straight in at left-back, with Andy Hughes shifting over to the right. Richard Naylor is fit again so should come into contention to partner Paddy Kisnorbo.

It will be interesting to see where Grayson plays McSheffrey, who can play left side or up front. I would probably put him out on the left providing ammunition for Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio. Max Gradel must surely start on the right which gives good balance to the side. Bradley Johnson and Robert Snodgrass should take a rest. It is anyone’s guess who will play in the middle.

Prediction

I am not quite sure why I am persisting with this but I surely have to get one right sooner or later. I think a lot hinges on whether these signings come through or not. We need to freshen things up and these two loanees would give everyone a big boost. I fear for us if they don’t come through. Colchester will be tough but a side buoyed by two new signings and with Grayson’s post match team-talk still ringing in their ears should prevail (hopefully).

Leeds United 3 Colchester United 1

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Simon Grayson faces the biggest test of his short managerial career after his Leeds side fell to a demoralising 3-0 defeat at Swindon Town.

Leeds were never in the game and the 3-0 scoreline flattered them as they were run ragged by in-form Swindon. This run of results in the league is becoming increasingly worrying now and Grayson has a big job on his hands to pick the players up before Colchester on Saturday.

I feel pretty deflated this morning – just what is going on? We have held our own against some of the best in the land but we get back to the league and are a shadow of the side. The obvious thing would be to point at the cup distractions. These extra games are affecting us mentally more than anything. The players just can’t seem to motivate themselves when they return to league duty. Swindon were a decent side but we should be able to get something from a game like that.

The physical demand is obviously taking its toll on the players. We are not doing the things we did well earlier in the season – pressing high up the field, closing down wingers and defending as a unit. We often hear about our strong squad but where is it? I can’t think of too many players in the matchday squad who genuinly think they have a chance of starting and it is all looking a bit too bare outside of that squad.

This is a huge week. The end of the transfer window is fast approaching and Uncle Ken needs to show his ambition, now. If we don’t get out of this league this season, I fear we never will. I feel we need three quality players – a striker, a ball-winning midfielder and another winger. This is a pivotal week in the context of our season.

Need for fresh legs

As you probably know by now, I am a big Grayson fan. However, I felt he made a big mistake last night.

I can see why he wanted continuity after playing so well at White Hart Lane but the best thing for the team would have been fresh legs. We had some real pace on the bench but didn’t utilise it until we were 3-0 down. Aidy White and Max Gradel should have started and Luciano Becchio should have partnered Jermaine Beckford. Jason Crowe needs some time out of the side to learn how to defend – we need Ben Parker back so we can shift Andy Hughes over to the right.

Our midfield seems to have fallen apart in the league. Jonny Howson should not play out on the right anymore, he is like a lost child out there. Michael Doyle is far too hit and miss for a holding midfielder, I would rather see Andy Hughes in that role at the moment. Bradley Johnson and Robert Snodgrass just look absolutely knackered right now – we need some fresh legs in there against Colchester.

I would not call it a crisis by any means but we need to get back on track on Saturday. Chelsea went through a bad patch, Man United got beat by three at Fulham and just look at Norwich’s early season form. Every side goes through a lean spell but the good sides show character to come through the other side without too much damage.

I can understand why some Leeds fans are panicking. Being a Leeds fan is like being in a loveless marriage. There are some high spots but ultimately they will just beat you around again. This Leeds side has shown enough to make me think they have the resolve to get through this though. A couple of new signings and a win at the weekend would make the world feel like a much better place again.

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Leeds United will be aiming to put some daylight between themselves and Charlton Athletic with victory over promotion rivals Swindon Town at the County Ground.

Leeds received a big boost without kicking a ball when Charlton unexpectedly lost at home to lowly Leyton Orient. They will have to make the slip up count though and face a tough task against an overachieving Swindon side.

It is a quick turnaround for the players after the energy sapping draw at White Hart Lane, I think the addition of Max Gradel could make a big difference tonight. He signed a permanent deal yesterday and his bubbly personality and enthusiasm will lift the whole squad. He will be itching to get out there and I think it would be a good move from Simon Grayson to play him from the start.

We struggled to lift ourselves for the league games after Old Trafford but Grayson shouldn’t have too many problems motivating the players for this one. The consensus is League One is a three horse race this season and a win against Swindon would add further weight to that theory.

This is a massive game in the context of our season. We need need to return to winning ways as soon as possible to regather our league momentum so we can pull away from the chasing pack once and for all.

Team news

It is difficult to know which way Grayson will go tonight. The tactic of using Robert Snodgrass in a free role worked very well on Saturday but I can’t see Grayson going with that again, although I think maybe he should. Snodgrass revelled in that role and played some of his best football this season. I just think Luciano Becchio might start the game.

As I have said, Gradel should start and I would even consider starting Aidy White too. Real pace on both wings is an exciting way to go and would make life uncomfortable for Swindon who won’t have had many teams come at them on their own ground this season. I am not sure which two would miss out, I will leave that up to Mr Grayson!

I can’t see there being many more changes to the side.

Prediction

Swindon will be tough, particularly with a couple of ex-Leeds players in their side. They have one of the best home records in the league and will fancy their chances against a tired Leeds side. We will have taken a lot of confidence from the Spurs game and the introduction of a couple of enthusiastic youngsters would freshen the side up. After starting off so well this season with my predictions I haven’t got close for a long time! I’m going for a draw.

Swindon Town 1 Leeds United 1

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Leeds United defied their league standing once again with a stunning injury-time equaliser to deny Premier League Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round tie at White Hart Lane.

Leeds spent the best part of the first half on the back foot and had inspired keeper Casper Ankergren to thank for keeping them in the game. After going in behind at half-time, Leeds came out fighting and took the game to Spurs – equalising first through Jermaine Beckford’s swivel and finish and then through his dramatic penalty six minutes into injury-time.

I couldn’t be prouder this Monday morning. What an incredible effort from the players, a performance full of pride and belief – we finally have a team to be proud of again. My heart ruled my head and I was delighted to come away with a draw and to take them back to Elland Road.

Thinking about it today and it is a game we could well do without, but I don’t think anyone can honestly say they were willing Beckford to miss. In a lot of ways it was even better than Old Trafford. We came across a very good Spurs team and the atmosphere was as good as it gets. We were heavily under the cosh for the first 20 minutes or so but once we settled down we played some good stuff and gave as good as we got.

We seem to have gone from a team everyone hates to one neutrals are suddenly cheering for in these cup ties. We have won back the respect of a lot of people and I couldn’t thank Simon Grayson enough for what he has brought to the side. It is nice to be in the public eye for the right reasons and long may it continue.

Snoddy in the hole

Grayson surprised a lot of people with his line-up but he got it spot on again. He played Beckford up top on his own with Robert Snodgrass roaming behind him in a free role. Snodgrass hasn’t had the best of seasons but had a great game, he always looked a threat. Like Casper, Snoddy is a big game player. He needs to work on his crossing though. He fails to beat the first man too often for a player of his quality.

The defence looked ragged at the start of the game but slowly got to grips with the different threats provided by Peter Crouch and Jermaine Defoe. Paddy Kisnorbo is a real fighter and a leader and he kept them going all game.

The midfield, which has been dominated in a lot of games this season, was outstanding and got well on top of their Spurs counterparts. Six bookings would suggest we were struggling at times to get to grips with them but I like to think of it as full blooded commitment. Some of our passing was brilliant and we counter-attacked fluidly when we had the chance.

Beckford has once again received most of the plaudits. He did have a very good game and no doubt changed a couple of digits on his transfer fee/new contract. I said to my mates after he missed his third chance that he would grab the next one and sure enough he did. He does miss a lot but the law of averages tell you he will take one sooner or later. His work rate is impressing me at the moment, epitomised by one of his challenges in the second half.

Back to Elland Road then in front of a packed house and it should be another pulsating encounter. Make no bones about it, getting out of this league is our sole priority this season, but this cup run has put us back on the map and earned us some much needed revenue.

Swindon tomorrow is a huge game, I hope there is no cup hangover because we badly need these three points.

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Leeds United face another daunting away trip in the FA Cup as they face up to Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Leeds put themselves well and truly back on the footballing map after the win at Old Trafford but their form has dipped considerably since that victory. The majority of Leeds fans will be glad to see the back of the cup competitions, with winning promotion from the third tier our only priority this season. That said, Simon Grayson and his side will be fully motivated as they look to spring another major shock.

I am on the fence really. I absolutely hate losing and my heart tells me we should win at all costs tomorrow. My head, however, is telling me it is a long hard season and these cup runs have the potential to derail our promotion challenge. We already look jaded so the sooner we can fully concentrate on League One, the better. I think the best scenario would be losing by a single goal after producing a display full of pride and passion and giving another great account of ourselves.

Spurs know this is their only realistic chance of silverware this season so will come at us hard. It is a shame Aaron Lennon will miss the game but I’m sure Andy Hughes will be a very relieved man. As much as Hughes has improved, that would have been hard to watch.

Harry Redknapp has stated he will play a few youngsters, who will no doubt be mixed in with experienced players like Leeds old boy Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko. I am expecting a strong line-up, there is a slight fear we will suffer a demoralising defeat.

Team news

A few of the players are nursing knocks after the Carlisle game, according to Simon Grayson. All the players will want to play in this one though so I am not expecting anyone to miss out because of a slight knock.

We should employ a similar tactic to the one we used at Old Trafford – playing with two strong banks of four and counter attacking with pace and purpose when we get the chance. With the form we have been in this type of game should suit us.

The defence has looked shaky recently but should receive a lot more support from the midfield in this one. We will go with our most solid back four which, if everybody is fit, looks like this: Leigh Bromby, Paddy Kisnorbo, Richard Naylor, Andy Hughes.

The rest of the side should be the same as the one from the previous round, the only change being Robert Snodgrass replacing Jonny Howson.

Prediction

Leeds need to find some inspiration from somewhere to overcome a very strong Tottenham side. We have looked well off the pace in the last few games but I’m sure we will see a totally different Leeds side for this one. It will be a performance full of guts and determination but ultimately we will come up short.

Spurs 3 Leeds United 1

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