Leeds United - A new era.

[Travis Comery]

Breaking News!

Today, Andrea Radrizzani has announced that former Barcelona B coach Travis Comery has replaced Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United's head coach. He has been shown an immense amount of trust from the Leeds United board signing a 5 year contract at Elland Road.

Travis, 38 is rather unknown in English football, but has an excellent coaching pedigree having coached from u16's upwards at Barcelona, winning everything possible to him along the way.

Bielsa, who resigned yesterday following crunch talks with the clubs directors, is believed to have been a mentor for Travis during his participation for his continental pro license in 2017. Bielsa is now expected to take charge of Vitesse Kobe in Japan in a crazy few days at Elland Road.

Andrea Radrizzani has told 'the Yorkshire telegraph' that Bielsa's full coaching staff, including Victor Orta have all followed Bielsa out of the door and that Travis will name his backroom staff in the coming days.

Are these exciting times for Leeds? or is the surprising 5 year deal for Comery a step backwards from the world class Bielsa?

We would love to hear your thoughts.

(First post on here guys, i'd love to hear your advice)

 

[Travis Comery]

Backroom staff announced at Leeds United

Leeds United can confirm that Head Coach Travis Comery has announced his backroom staff for the forthcoming season. Leeds United are delighted that Joe Edwards, Rob Green, Des Buckingham and Liam Rosenior have joined the club and wish them the best of luck along with Travis in our exciting new Era.

Joe Edwards, 31, previously of Chelsea u23's has joined Leeds as Assistant Head Coach.
Rob Green, former Leeds United keeper has returned to Elland road as goalkeeper coach.
Des Buckingham, New Zealand u20's manager has joined Travis Comery as Specialist First Team Coach
Liam Rosenior, Brighton coach and Sky Sports pundit, has also joined as Specialist First Team Coach

Leeds are also expected to appoint a Technical Director and a Director of Football in the coming weeks.

 

[Travis Comery]

Pre Season done, squad announced!

Pre Season has now finished, Leeds United had a fairly aggressive pre season, facing a couple of quality sides.

Before I talk you through the results, i would like to introduce my 6 signings to Leeds!! I just want to mention that all of my signings were thoroughly analysed and i feel each player can play a pivotal role for us this season, in a very much transitional season.

First up, a huge coupe for Leeds, we managed to bring in Che Adams on a season long loan. he is a new signing at Southampton, and has been given the green light to go and be a big player in the Sky Bet Championship season again. The 21 year old possesses great physical attributes but can also finish. he is also very determined and works very hard, two KEY attributes for my Leeds side this season.

Our second signing, Marvin Johnson, he has joined us on a 2 year contract for a small fee of £600,000. I think he will be a great addition, he was out of sorts at Middlesborough, but had a promotion season last time out with Sheffield United. I believe he can provide great competition in various roles.

Signing number 3, no doubt a risk, but one I was willing to take, after monitoring his progress for the majority of pre season. Stephen Kingsley, he has joined us for 1.1 million, which can rise to 2.2 million after promotion within 2 seasons. Hull City fan favourite, an excellent left foot, young, determined, could Hull have produced yet another excellent full back?

Next up, arrived very early in pre season, I made it my priority to bring him to Leeds, he fits perfectly to my priority, and with it being a permanent move, i believe its an excellent investment for us.
Mo Besic!! He is excellent in possession, but very aggressive without the ball, leading a high press. He has arrived on a four year deal for £4 million.

Next up, this player was training with us on a trial basis, while still contracted to Chelsea. He is tall, excellent in the air, possess good pace, and reads the game excellently. I am delighted to welcome Michael Hector to Leeds United in a deal for 2 million pounds.

Finally, a signing that took a lot of work, something we have been working all pre season.... Aleix Garcia. The exciting spaniard signs for an upfront fee of £5 million from Manchester City, he has signed a 5 year deal, with an option to extend by 1 year. I am delighted to welcome Aleix, he has all the makings to be a huge player for us this season.

I'm sure you are all wondering where the money came from, they are all actually net profit. We were forced to see a number of players leave, to give me the opportunity to add players of my own taste. The departures are listed below.

Samu Siaz - Girona £3.8 million.
Potus Jansson - Napoli - £8.5 million (Rises to 10 million based on appearances)
Gaetano Berardi - Cagliari - £1.5 million
Eunan O'Kane - Reading £150,000
Pawel Cibicki - Legia £625,000
Heidi Sacko - Charlton - Loan with mandatory future fee (£750,000)
Lewis Coyle - Nottingham Forest - £500,000
Vernon Anita - Vitesse - £500,000

I am delighted with the transfer activity so far this campaign, and may still add 1/2 players before the deadline.



PRE SEASON RESULTS

Leeds 3 - 2 Coventry - Jack Harrison x3

Anderlecht 0-1 Leeds - Pablo Hernandez

Glenavon 0 - 3 Leeds - Marvin Johnson, Kemar Roofe, Ben White

Leeds 1 - 3 Benfica - ​Kalvin Phillips

Cork City 0 - 3 Leeds - Michael Hector , Marvin Johnson , Kemar Roofe

We have since had a full week of training, and are looking forward to a visit from Blackburn Rovers (H)


Tactics

After spending much of pre season testing new shapes, i have decided to go with the 4 - 3 - 3. I will be playing with attacking full backs, inside forwards, a box to box midfielder surrounded by play makers both deep and advanced.

I will be playing a relentless pressing system out of possession, but focusing on playing good football through the thirds quickly. I want Leeds to be exciting, to have the great support enjoying the performances. I was torn between playing with 3 CB's, this may be a plan B for the future.


Please let me know your thoughts guys, I'd love some feedback!!

My next update will be at the end of August

 

[Travis Comery]

2 Month Update

Results - August

We have just hit the 1st October, and I thought i'd give you guys an update on how our first 2 months have paned out.

Leeds 1 - 2 Blackburn - Mo Besic

Blackburn came out the blocks very fast, they played with a 4 - 4 - 1 - 1 and soaked the pressure very well playing very defensive. They took the lead on 44 minutes, right before the break. We then equalised through Mo Basic on the hour mark with a fantastic goal from 25 yards. After chasing a winner, we were beaten by a set piece on 86 minutes, Charlie Mulgrew rose highest to head in from 6 yards.

I was disappointed with this result, but had to look at the positives, 61% possession, majority of the ball being used in the final third. David Raya was excellent.

Charlton 1 - 2 Leeds - Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke

A nice win. I fielded 6 changes to the starting 11, most notably introducing Jack Clarke into the side. We found ourselves 1-0 up after 3 minutes through Phillips, we then added to our lead through Clarke on 55 minutes, before Charlton scored a consolation deep into injury time, again from a set piece.

Leeds 3 - 1 Tranmere - Clarke, Roofe, White

Carabao Cup first round win, as expected but proved important in gaining momentum.

Leeds 3 - 1 Luton - Ayling, Garcia, Clarke

Much better performance as a whole, lots of chances created, attacking football, 3 great goals. Jack Clarke is on fire.

Fulham 3 - 1 Leeds - Harrison

Difficult game today, we enabled Fulham to control the game following their 30 yard free kick from Seri on 11 minutes. They looked the more likely to score, and an error from Michael Hector gifted them a goal before half time. We came out fighting second half, and Harrison scored a great solo goal, beating 3 men before lofting the keeper. this wasn't enough as Fulham caught us on the counter whilst we were pushing for an equaliser. A real lesson learnt for me.

Bristol City 2 - 2 - Leeds - Kemar Roofe x2

I was happy with this, Bristol City, as always under Lee Johnson, very good with the ball, and use the pace of wingers Weimann and Paterson very well. We trailed within 20 minutes but equalised 2 minutes later, Stephen Kingsley assist, Kemar Roofe header. We then took the lead with 10 minutes to go, another Kingsley cross, and Roofe header. Just as i thought we had a great win in the bag, Marlon Pack scored a fantastic free kick on 90 minutes.

West Ham 1 - 1 Leeds (Leeds won on penalties) - Clarke
A strange game. There was nothing in it until 87 minutes when Jack Clarke brilliance put us 1 - 0
up. He looked fantastic all game, and weaved his way through the West Ham backline before smashing it home. We quickly changed mentality, but conceded in the 95th minute when Obiang drilled home from inside the box as a corner was slashed clear from Hector. The game went to a shoot out where Casilla was the hero, a well deserved win.


Player of the month

A very easy decision for me. He came in for the Charlton game after impressing for the u23's. Since then he has taken the first team by storm, scoring 4 goals from 5 starts in August. This was rewarded with a new 3 year deal at Elland Road, a real talent.


September results

Leeds 3 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday - Jack Clarke, Che Adams, Stephen Kingsley

great result for us, fantastic build up for the goals, Steve Bruce was very critical of us before the game, so it was great to give them a nice warm welcoming. Clarke continuing his fantastic form, Che Adams finally scoring, Kingsley proving to be a shrewd signing.

Leeds 2 - 0 Wigan - Adams, Hernandez

Very professional victory, the squad look to be gelling and there is a real good feeling emulating in the squad, Adams was excellent, Pablo Hernandez the wizard was fantastic as always. Ben White making a real name for himself, fans favourite, I've already made enquiries into making his loan permanent at the end of the season.

West Brom 0 - 2 Leeds - Adams x2

Superb, a very strong side, currently placed 3rd in the league. A midweek trip to the Hawthorns is never an easy trip, but we played with no fear, a very fluid attacking performance with Jack Clarke, Che Adams, Pablo Hernandez, Garcia and Basic all rotating making us very difficult to mark. Che Adams starting to show the form i know he is capable of, keeping Roofe rooted to the bench.

Derby County 1 - 1 - Leeds - Kemar Roofe

Another hard away game, Derby are young and like us, an attacking side, especially at home. We got off to a flyer scoring inside the first 15 minutes thanks to Roofe's cool finish when slipped through by Mo Besic. I'm content with the result, especially limiting Derby to only 3 shots at goal compared to our 9 on target. Unlucky not to come away with all 3 points.

Portsmouth 0 - 2 Leeds - Marvin Johnson, Klitch

Resolute and solid. Through to the next one which will be an exciting tie against Arsenal at Elland Road, atmosphere will be electric.

Leeds 3 - 3 Preston - Jack Clarke x3

First hat-rick of his senior career for our outstanding youngster, Clarke was about the only positive in the game in a very disappointing home showing. Defensively we looked slow and Hector's form took another knock back as he brought Harrop down twice in the area, awarding Preston two spot kicks, both put away. I am delighted to see club captain Liam Cooper back in first team training, he is just about ready to get back in the first 11.

Player of the Month - September

This could have very easily been awarded to Clarke for the second month running, but i think it is very important to recognise how good Kingsley has been for me. He has the highest average rating in the team, as well as the joint most assists. He is a real asset to our squad and is keeping Alioski and Douglas at bay for now.


League Table

We currently sit in 6th place in the Sky Bet Championship, having played 10 games. We have won 5, drawn 3, and lost 2.

Performance Review

As i previously mentioned, this is very much a transitional year for us, i am delighted with our current league position, i want to build a side that is capable of being able to continue playing to our own identity in the Premier League instead of having to change to a more defensive mindset. Promotion is not an essential for me this season, but of course, I'd be delighted with any opportunity to grasp it. Summer signing Hector is struggling, he has made no less than 4 key errors leading to opposition goals, something that needs addressing immediately. We have a long road ahead of us, but things are really falling into shape with how I want us to play.

Let me know your thoughts so far. I will be back to give you the October and November results shortly.

 

[FM_TNSSO]

Going well enough mate. I think playoffs in your first season would be a good achievement and thus far you're on target! KIU

 

[Travis Comery]

Going well enough mate. I think playoffs in your first season would be a good achievement and thus far you're on target! KIU

Thanks mate, really needing a new CB, gutted Tomori was loaned to Vitesse, he would have been perfect.

 

[Travis Comery]

Breaking News at Elland Road

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani has announced a new member to the team at Elland Road. Since Victor Orta was dismissed back in June, the Leeds United board of directors have been searching for his replacement. Today Leeds have officially announced that Rio Ferdinand has been appointed as Head of Football Operations, a role that will consist of overlooking recruitment and player development.

Rio, who enjoyed a fantastic playing career, joined Leeds in 2000 for then a record British transfer fee of 18 million pounds. He then broke new records when he left Leeds in 2002 for Manchester United for 30 million, he remained at Old Trafford until he retired in 2015.

Since then, Rio has been involved in different areas of football, mainly as a pundit for Sky Sports. But recently left in search of a new challenge.

Rio is reportedly delighted to have rejoined Leeds, and admits he has always had a soft spot for his former club. he signs a 3 year contract and will meet up with Head Coach Travis and his players tomorrow.

Now that I can get the breaking news out of the way, I can let you know how we have been getting on over the last month

October Results

Reading 2 - 5 Leeds - Jack harrison x3, Jack Clarke x2 / Mo Besic and Kalvin Phillips were both dismissed.
Very strange game this one. We had all of the ball first half and found ourself 2 - 0 down. The players were given a bit of a blocking at half time, and the introduction of Jack Clarke proved to be a great call. We grew with confidence and put 5 away in 45 minutes. Mo Besic was dismissed for a 2 footed lunge, this caused a a real needle in the game, and around 5 minutes later, Kalvin Phillips also saw a straight red for an elbow. Leeds were fined £60,000 for being unable to control their players. Bristol city also ended with 10 men. Forgetting the drama, what a turnaround.

Leeds 2 - 0 Brentford - Jack Clarke x2
Super Jack Clarke again, single handedly winning us this game, two goals from outside the box in either half, saw a comfortable victory at Elland Road. Ollie Watkins looked dangerous throughout, definitely one to keep an eye on.

Milwall 1 - 3 Leeds - Jack Clarke, Jack Harrison, OG.

Always a hard place to come, but Milwall are really struggling this season, and i wanted nothing but the 3 points. the lads went out attacking instantly, and we managed to go into the break 3 - 0 up. This game also saw professional debuts to Jamie Shackleton and Ryan Edmundson who came on at the break following stand out performances for the u23's.

Leeds 1 - 0 Stoke - Kemar Roofe
Super sub Roofe made an instant impact when introduced on the hour mark, dispatching a pull back from Jack Clarke at the by line, a great result for our boys, the form continues!!

Nottingham Forest 1 - 3 Leeds - Pablo Hernandez, Jack Clarke x2

So happy for the boys here. By far my favourite victory of the season so far. This really shown what we are about this season. 1 - 0 down up until the 79th minute, Hernandez scores a stunning free kick, usual stuff from that man. Jack Clarke then came on with 5 minutes to go having suffered from a slight knock in training and scored twice to win us the game. First goal on 88 minutes, and the cherry on top came in the 7th minute of injury time. I was later made aware that Forest's Michael Dawson broke his tibia in this game, and has now retired mid season.

Leeds United 1 - 4 Arsenal - Jack Harrison

Footballing lesson today, not helped by Kalvin Phillips' second dismissal of the season so far in the first half. We knew we had a big task on our hands, and in all honestly, it could have been more. Young Bailey Peacock - Farrell started the game, and was excellent throughout.


Player of the Month

Again, a toss up involved with young Jack Clarke, but for me, Harrison is very worthy of this award. 5 goals, 2 assists, 2 MOM awards, not forgetting his first career hat-rick away at Reading. the lad is on fire at the minute, and with him on the right hand side, and Clarke on the left, we look deadly going forward.

October Performance Review

Well, what can i say here? 5 wins from 5 league games, outstanding month, which lead to me winning the Sky Bet Championship manager of the month award. Even more importantly, hearing the Leeds faithful singing the famous 'E I E I, E I O' with my name in the latter. What a month October has been. We are now placed in a very healthy 2nd place in the league, 3 points behind top spot Swansea.

I'll be back with all the results from November and December next, and may reveal my intentions in the next transfer window.

 

[Travis Comery]

Ending 2018 on a high?

November results


Hull City 1 - 2 Leeds - Ben White, Jack Clarke
Ben White outstanding today, 100% areal duals won, 100% passing succession too. Topped it by scoring a fantastic header. Shaky performance though against a Hull side that look massively out of sorts.


Swansea 3 - 1 Leeds - Kalvin Phillips

Top of the table clash, against the Swans, who are absolutely flying at the moment. The game was very equal, where if anything, we had more opportunities to go ahead. Straight after the break, in quick succession, The Swans found themselves 2 - 0 up. Kalvin Phillips hit back for us, but Swansea sealed it through Dyer. Gutted to lose this one, would have really sent out a statement, a missed penalty in the first half for us, could have been an instrumental moment in the game.


Leeds 2 - 0 Middlesborough - Roofe, Harrison

Much better from our boys, started very quick, and completely dismantled Boro on a number of occasions. If it wasn't for Randolph, we could have saw 4/5 scored in this game. A goal in each half, and a very resolute defensive effort from our new pair Ben White and captain Liam Cooper, helped by Kingsley and Ayling.


Leeds 0 - 1 Cardiff

Hard to take. 66% possession, 13 attempts on goal, 1 goal disallowed, just wasn't to be today. Cardiff, very well organised under Warnock, sat back and waited for their chance to come to hit us on the counter, it eventually did on 78 minutes when Bobby Reid broke through on goal. Disappointing.


Player of the Month

I really rate this kid, so composed on the ball, and is used to start us playing from the back. He is always finding key passes into attacking midfielders in good areas. He is also excellent defensively, shows a real desire to win his areal battles, quick, great tackler. A move I am desperate to make permanent, despite Brighton placing £10 million on his head.


November Performance Review

Worst month yet, 2 wins, 2 defeats. I think it was a tough month, facing 3 top sides in this division. I am desperate to conclude some business, especially outs, as we appear to have a couple of 'bad eggs' with in the side.


December results


QPR 0 - 1 Leeds - Kemar Roofe

Lucky win this one. Casilla saved a penalty on 85 minutes to keep us in the lead, Kemar Roofe took his goal well in the first half. Not really much more to say on this game. Let off, got to be better.


Huddlesfield 2 - 1 Leeds - Mo Besic
Gutted with this, Yorkshire Derby, sell out, big occasion and we fell short. Personally, i think Huddlesfield were simply too good for us in terms of their game management and organisation. Controlled the game, probably the first team we have played that have had more possession, and despite Besic scoring another screamer to put us 1 - 0 up, Huddlesfield looked like scoring every time they came forward.


Leeds 2 - 3 Birmingham - Alioski, Garcia

We seem to have a real problem with discipline when it comes to a game like this. For the second time this season, we were again reduced to 9 men. Garcia with 2 yellows, shortly followed by Kingsley with a dreadful tackle. Birmingham were also reduced to 10 men after Gary Gardener reacted aggressively to Kingsley's lunge. The lads were all called into training on the Sunday, this is unacceptable and costing us games. I love the Leeds fight and the whole 'Dirty Leeds' label, as long we we conduct ourselves professionally enough to get the points.


Barnsley 1 - 2 Leeds - Harrison, Roofe

Nice victory, better performance, Jack Clarke struggling for form, no real concern to me, dips in form for such a young lad is to be expected. Roofe 80th minute winner against a good Barnsley side, well up for the fight.


Blackburn 2 - 1 Leeds - Besic

Boxing Day. Blackburn do the double over us. 4th placed Blackburn have been the surprise of the season so far, they were fantastic against us and thoroughly deserved their win. They play to their strengths, and thats where we struggle, set pieces. 2 Danny Graham headers gave them a 2 - 0 lead, Mo Besic scoring direct from a corner was nothing more than a consolation goal.


Leeds 2 - 1 Fulham - Clarke, Douglas

FINALLY! A result I am delighted with. Fulham are currently in a false position following their 12 points deduction for breaching FFP rules. They have real quality within their squad, so i am delighted to have beaten them. A Barry Douglas free kick with 15 minutes to go was enough to ensure 3 points after initially going a goal behind. Nice to see Jack Clarke back on the score sheet too.


Player of the Month

Kemar has finally started to stamp down that 9 role. He is now on 8 for the season, and starting to produce better results, a slow start to the season for us, but i am pleased with his progress and rate hi very highly.



December Performance Review

Another very inconsistent month, results show some good, some poor. Including first back to back defeats of the season. We have a young squad that are still gelling and I cannot be too harsh on the lads when we have slight dips in form. Discipline is a cause for concern. Reduced to 9 men twice already this season, and reduced to 10 twice also. This is something i need to carefully address. Still in an excellent position in the league. Currently sat 2nd, 7 points behind leaders Swansea, but only 2 points clear of 6th. Tight.


January Transfer Plans

Firstly, I have decided to activate a clause in Che Adams' loan and return him to Southampton. We have been playing 100% of his £25,000 a week wages, and I feel his performances haven't been good enough. He has scored 3 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions. I will be looking to replace Che in January, most likely to be with another loan.

I am also on the look out for a Right Back to provide competition for Luke Ayling, I like Ayling, but i feel we are very short in this department. Again, likely to venture into the loan market, I have, however, made enquiries over the permanent return of Sam Byram, and the loan of Kyle Walkers - Peters.

Departing us this window, will be Mateusz Klitch. the want away midfielder has struggled to stamp down a spot in my midfield 3 with the additions of Mo Besic and Aleix Garcia. He has been constantly leaking to the press his issues regarding game time, so I have taken the decision to accept an offer from Seattle Saunders of around £2 million.

We are also looking into the possibility of bringing in Calvert Lewin / Ademola Lookman on a loan deal until the end of the season. Both are going to be tough, but I have earmarked them as my main targets. I will also be searching for another centre half. - please advise of any pacey CB's for a low fee.

 

[Travis Comery]

Another busy transfer window at Elland Road

As the transfer window has slammed shut, Championship promotion chasers Leeds United appeared to be the busiest in the mid season window. They brought in 4 new faces in January, one of those could become the highest paid fee for Leeds since 2015, dependant on instalments over his 5 year contract. They also saw 6 players leave.

OUTGOINGS

Alioski - Basel - £2.5 million.
- I didn't necessarily want to lose Alioski, he is talented, good on the ball, excellent left foot, but his chances have been limited this season due to the form of Kingsley and Clarke. Marvin Johnson also crept above him in the pecking order on the left hand side.

Klitch - Seattle Sounders - £2 million.
- As mentioned Klitch was desperate for a move, we cashed in on him at the earliest opportunity.

Bamford - Fulham (loan with an option to make the move permanent - £5 million)
- Bamford has simply not been good enough for us. He hadn't scored in 19 appearances this season, clocking only 1 assist. this, for me, is not acceptable for a player in this side, we wanted to move Patrick on to clear up room for somebody slightly more prolific.

Dallas - Swansea (loan with an option to make the move permanent - £1.5 million)
- I like Stuart, he is a great professional and a good player. However, i feel he needs the move. He has only made 5 substitute appearances this season, and i feel like he is some way off a regular starting spot.

Adam Forshaw - Swansea - £3 million (£1 million in extras if Swansea get promoted)
Again, i do rate Forshaw, and he fits well in my philosophy, but he has found himself outside the regular 3 in midfield of Kalvin Phillips, Mo Besic and Aleix Garcia. At this stage, i had identified my top target, and the funds raised for Adam were essential in his purchase.

LOANS

Tyler Roberts - Sheffield Wednesday
Ryan Edmundson - Bradford City

De Bock was released from his contract after he requested for his contract to be terminated.

INCOMINGS


Kyle Walker-Peters - Loan

I am delighted to see Kyle Walker - Peters arrive on loan, Spurs were keen to loan him out, and we were desperate to land him. it was a position i was very keen to fill, and i think he was the best available to me.


Jake Clarke-Salter - £600k

** PERMANENT DEAL ** -
Jake made himself available for transfer this month having turning down an option to extend his Chelsea contract by 1 year. his contract was running out at the end of the season, but with strong interest from other Championship sides, I decided to take the gamble and purchase Jake. He cost £600,000, excellent for his potential, and signs a 3 year deal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Loan

Next up, Che Adams' replacement and in my opinion, a real upgrade to what we have. Dominic is an excellent footballer, highly thought of at Everton. He signs on a loan deal for the duration of the 2018/2019 season. He provides competition for Kemar Roofe in our attacking department.


Eberechi Eze - £6.25 million (Rising to £15 based on promotion, appearances made, and goals scored)

I am absolutely delighted to welcome Eberechi Eze to Elland Road. He signs for an initial £6.25 million. but this can rise to £15 million dependant on appearances, goals, and our success within the next 2 years.

Eze is a quality player, and at the age of 20, shows so much potential. He has already scored 13 goals this season for a struggling QPR side that sit bottom of the Sky Bet Championship.

He has signed a 5 year deal, with an option for us to extend by 2 years upon the expiry. He has signed with no release clause and is delighted to be at Elland Road. I think he will be a major coup for us, and there was minor interest shown in Eze from Tottenham, Wolves, Aston Villa and Leicester City. I acted very quickly and secured the deal finally, within 3 hours of deadline day.

I am really happy with the business made during January, but i am wary that we have added another 4 new faces to the squad. I am keen to fill voids and gaps in the side quickly to secure our long term goal.


January Results

Leeds 1 - 0 Charlton - Roofe
Stoke 1 - 1 Leeds - Hector (FA Cup)
Luton 2 - 1 Leeds - Roofe
Leeds 2 - 1 Stoke - Harrison, Calvert-Lewin (FA Cup replay)
Leeds 1 - 1 Bristol City - Clarke
Manchester City 5 - 2 Leeds - MarvinJohnson, Aleix Garcia
Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 Leeds - Calvert-Lewin


Player of the Month

Mr Consistent. Excellent in possession, skilful, exciting, works hard. Perfect for our midfield, and has been pretty much ever present this season. Deserves the player of the month for January as nobody else even came close to deserving a pat on the back.

January performance Review

Really, really disappointing. We only managed 5 points from a possible 12. I initially targeted 10 points from these games, and we massively under performed. Again, I do take some responsibility, movement in January can never be easy for the players, but I have acted in the best interests of the club to add quality to areas required. the heavy defeat to Man City caused a real dampener amongst the squad, but we were typically destroyed by perhaps the best side in Europe.
Despite the negatives, we have some class players involved now, and we have a real shot for promotion, despite dropping down to 4th position. Onwards and upwards.

 

[Travis Comery]

February, March and April... Things are getting tasty

Apologies for the late update compared to usual. I can now update you of our results from February to April. The business end of the season.

February results

Wigan 4 - 6 Leeds - Besic x2, Clarke x2, Roofe x2

Leeds 0 - 2 West Brom

Leeds 1 - 2 Derby - Eze

Preston 1 - 2 Leeds - Roofe, Clarke

Leeds 2 - 1 Reading - Garcia, Clarke


Player of the Month

What a player. Surprise of the season for me, and the difference for us in most games. He has continued his excellent form this month. He has become a key key player for me, and i'm starting to sweat over his £20 million release clause. 4 goals in 5 games this month, with 88% completed dribbles. Showing real qualities. i knew of Jack's talent, but didn't quite expect his form to be at this level yet.

March Results

Brentford 1 - 1 Leeds - Roofe

Leeds 3 - 2 Milwall - Eze, Roofe, OG

Stoke 1 - 4 Leeds - Roofe

Forest 1 - 2 Leeds - Harrison, Calvert-Lewin

Leeds 2 - 0 Hull - Calvert-Lewin, Phillips


Player of the Month

Scores goals, exciting player, but has rescued us twice this season; Firstly against Brentford, getting a 89th minute equaliser, and then against Milwall, scoring a late winner. We are becoming reliant on individuals and Roofe is one who keeps producing.

March Performance Review

I think we are extremely lucky to still be sat in 2nd place. it seems nobody is wanting to take the chance we keep gifting. We had some poor results this month, Stoke was very disappointing, Brentford likewise. We need a massive push now.

FINAL RUN IN

We now have 7 games remaining in our quest for promotion, we are sat in 2nd place, joint points with both Huddlesfield and Middlesborough, Cardiff just 1 point behind. our playoff spot is secured, but with us being so close, we are going to throw everything at that second automatic promotion spot, and follow runaway leaders Swansea to the Premier League.

My next update will be at the end of the 46 games, and I will be discussing either promotion, or play offs ahead! Stay tuned.

 

[Travis Comery]

AUTOMATIC PROMOTION SECURED

I am delighted to announce that my Leeds United have secured promotion to the Premier League during my first season as manager. Myself, helped with Rio Ferdinand (DOF) Joe Edwards, Des Buckingham, Rob Green and Liam Rosenior, are absolutely delighted with the promotion and to see Leeds back in the big time. They have a wonderful fanbase, and with the right plans and recruitment, i believe we can remain a Premier league club.

A brace for Jack Clarke against Huddlesfield gave us the vital win to secure promotion in front of a packed Elland Road. Jubilant fans flooded the pitch on the final whistle to celebrate with the players.


Player Awards


Fans player of the year 2018/2019

Receiving 67% of the fans votes this season, young Jack was destined for this award. He hissingly handedly won us games this season with his excited play. he has managed to score 22 Championship goals this season, in 35 games, 27 starts. An amazing debut season for the youngster. He is just 18 years of age. I am looking to offer jack a bumper contract for his achievements, and hopefully wipe out the £20 million release clause.


Players Player of the Season

The players player of the year goes to loanee Jack Harrison. He is fantastic footballer, and topped the charts for the most assists this season (17) he also contributed with 10 goals. His contract expires in June, and I desperate to make the move permanent. I do however expect Jack to sign a new deal with Manchester City as they will look to protect the players value.

Young Player of The Season

This young man again. Quite a clear winner for this award. Close second was Jamie Shackleton, who broke into the first team squad in April, and looked excellent in the middle of midfield.


Signing of the season

Mo. What a player. he has been fantastic for us, he can battle, he can pass, he can score, what can he not do? A real ****** at 4 million. he has been vital for helping us secure promotion. Runner up for this award was Aleix Garcia.


Golden Boot Award

A hat-rick of awards for our young star. Jack was our top goal scorer last season after hitting 22 league goals. Second place was Kemar Roofe with 16, followed by Jack Harrison on 10. this just shows how effective our front 3 really were last season.


Leeds United Finances

The board have set their initial budgets for the 2019/2020 season. They are willing to inject a transfer budget of £30 million and freed have up an extra 200k on the weekly budget, which is currently at the £450,000pw mark.

Our financial CEO Angus Kinnear has also announced new sponsorship deals ahead of our Premier League campaign. A stadium sponsorship worth £5 million (previous was worth £500,000), a new deal with our shirt sponsor 32Red, worth £2 million pounds, and an announcement that Leeds have signed a 5 year contract with Puma, for all of their kits, training wear and merchandise.

Season Review

What a season. It was very inconsistent at times, but to remain in the top 2 for the majority of the season, really is a huge achievement. As they say, it is hard at the top. But we continued to perform and please the supports with our attacking, no fear, style of play.

I have set myself targets of firstly making the moves for Jack Harrison and Ben White permanent. This will be tough, but i have gone public to let know of our intentions on 2 very key players for me.

I'm buzzing with the first season gaining promotion and would love to hear of some advice from you guys on players to sign and ways to play in the Premier League. My next update will be when the fixtures are released, and an update on our transfer activity. (Thanks for reading guys)