Pre Season Update
Pre Season Preview
Before I start I have realised that when you go up to the Premier League you have a choice to make with 2 options. The first option is to go down solvent spending as little money as possible. The second option is to spend big to stay up. I feel that I will do a mixture between the two looking towards younger talent to give the club a sound financial footing in the future. Anyway, to the matches, we had organised three friendlies against lower league teams and an Asda League competition where we would play West Brom, Sunderland and the main competition Tottenham in a time period of just three days. We also had another decision to make which was whether we would stick to the ghost tactic or not. There would be some experimentation over pre-season.
Leeds 4-1 Tottenham
Becchio (9), Collins (18), Huddlestone (66), Howson (81), Griffiths (90+5)
Injuries: Corluka (35), Bale (80)
MOM: Griffiths 8.0
Match Comments: Thought we would get trashed by Spurs but we really pulled together and dominated them. Their injuries really affected them but we were stronger throughout and deserved our win.
Leeds 2-0 West Brom
Griffiths (68, 88)
Injuries: Kisnorbo (25), Collins (35), McCormack (41), Bromby (46)
Can anyone beat four injuries in one match?
MOM: Griffiths 8.7
Match Comments: Even with a tired, injured squad we still beat West Brom I have been impressed with our pre-season so far and if we lose by 2 goals or less we will be crowned champions of the Asda League.
Leeds 0-3 Sunderland
Barker (20), Campbell (28), Gyan (31)
Red Cards: Crowe (45)
MOM: Henderson 8.5
Match Comments: A depleted and tired squad were outplayed by a much fitter Sunderland side. This meant we came second in the Asda League and saw Sunderland crowned winners.
Peterborough 0-2 Leeds
Nunez (59), Howson (76)
MOM: Howson 8.2
Match Comments: A solid win against poor opposition
Miskell signs Jones
Today Miskell announced the signing of Phil Jones from recently relegated Blackburn Rovers. The fee is believed to have cost around the £3M and signals Miskell first foray in the transfer market. Manager Miskell had this to say “I am delighted the opportunity to sign Phil has come about, he provides us with a stepping stone to build for the future and is a fine example of good English talent.”
Guiseley 1-3 Leeds
Collins (18), Jones (OG 52), Griffiths (55, 73)
MOM: Collins 9.0
Match Comments: I am furious at conceding a goal and only scoring three. We should be keeping clean sheets against Guiseley
Leeds in Sanogo Switch
French U21 forward Yaya Sanogo today completed a move to West Yorkshire club Leeds United. The striker is believed to have cost around £9M and is said to be pleased to play in the Premier League. Sanogo spent most of last season in the physio room and is said to be delighted to be getting first team Premier League football saying “I am delighted to come to England to play at the highest level and am particularly pleased to be able to learn my trade under the guidance of Tom Miskell.”
Leeds 6-0 Leyton
Sanogo (22, 57, 90+4), Collins (37, 47), Snodgrass (50)
MOM: Sanogo 9.6
Match Comments: A good solid win and Sanogo played really well on debut I think he has justified his £9M price tag. He looks like he will be a key signing for us this season.
Leeds swoop for Alfred the Great
Alfred N’Diaye has today completed a £4.5M move to Leeds. The 21 year old is said to be an integral part of Miskell’s plans this season and in building a spine for the future. Alfred signed from AS Nancy had this to say “I am delighted to sign for a club with the history of Leeds United and to play in the Premier League. I have been very impressed with the plans and infrastructure in place and am really excited about the ambition being shown at Leeds.”
Pre Season Review
Goals Scored: 17
Goals Conceded: 5
Player of Pre Season: Jonny ‘Billy’ Howson
Best Result: Leeds 4-1 Spurs
Pre Season Rating: 8/10