billymacca
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Big update here - but I'm having so much fun writing these articles. Hope you guys are enjoying it, thanks heaps for the comments - it's keeping me going! Please let me know of any improvements I can make 
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Allan King
ELLAND ROAD
[FONT="]Leeds, England
MAN OF THE MATCH: Max Tonetto – 7.8 (Leeds)
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Bristol City and Leeds United played out a relatively uneventful nil-all draw at Ashton Gate today. Bristol looked the brighter of the two sides, but they were unable to convert a number of gilt-edged chances that came their way.
[/FONT] [FONT="]For the first half, Bristol had much to thank former England goalkeeper David James for. Now in the twilight of his career, James showed why he spent much of it between the sticks for Liverpool and his home country, pulling off a number of age-defying saves, despite his ridiculous hairdo. Leeds striker Ross McCormack did make it relatively easy for James, scuffing a number of chances, and sending a couple straight at him.
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[FONT="]After the break, the Bristol attacking trio of Federico Macheda, Sam Vokes and Danny Rose sought to pry a way through the Leeds defence, but they held firm. Max Tonetto had a cracking game defensively on the left flank, but Steve Finnan more than held his own on the opposite side. Had Tonetto and Finnan matched their defensive displays with some attacking prowess, the deadlock may well have been broken.
[/FONT] [FONT="]Marco Verratti came on for a particularly lacklustre Ramon Nunez for Leeds, but neither that nor the introduction of Gavin Williams for Bristol could alter the outcome. A fair one, albeit – however both sides will need to improve to pick up points from here on in.
[/FONT]
[FONT="] Stephen Waller
ELLAND ROAD
SCORERS: Leeds – Grella (48’, 58’), Nunez (84’)
[/FONT] MAN OF THE MATCH: Kasper Schmeichel – 8.8 (Leeds)
Kasper Schmeichel led a thoroughly professional performance by Leeds United against Reading this afternoon. The young Dane held firm between the sticks, making save after glorious save to keep the Reading attack at bay.
Reading were relentless in the first half, having numerous shots on goal. Shane Long used his prodigious pace to threated a shaky Leeds centre-half pairing, but super-stopper Schmeichel was more than up to the task, producing a string of top-drawer saves. Reading boss Brian McDermott had every reason to be stroppy with his team at half time; the Royals just couldn’t take a trick against a determined Leeds defence.
The second half opened brightly for the hosts. Mike Grella was on hand to latch on to a lovely Ramon Nunez through ball to open the scoring just after the break. This goal spelled a turning of the tide of the match, with Leeds running away with it from that point on.
Grella popped up for a lovely poached goal from close range on the hour, before Nunez wrapped up the points from just inside the 18-yard box with a clever finish. In the end though, the match will be remembered not for Grella’s brace, but for excellent rearguard action topped off by a simply brilliant performance from Schmeichel. His father would certainly approve.
“Wonderful work from the lads today, especially in defence,” Viduka mused in the post-match press conference. “We really got going in attack in the first half, and although I’m a little disappointed that the burst didn’t come earlier, you can’t take anything away from us today. Kasper was superb, Mikey was great too.”
[FONT="]Leeds can maintain their winning home form with a victory over Doncaster on Saturday.
[/FONT]
Jeremy Collymore
In Leeds for BBC Worldwide
MARK VIDUKA AND Leeds United have pulled off yet another coup for the West Yorkshire club, signing Chelsea’s young French midfielder Gael Kakuta on loan for the rest of the season in a deal reported to be close to £250,000.
The young Frenchman is reportedly looking forward to first team action, which he has only tasted once since his signing for Chelsea from RC Lens in 2007. The signing could not come at a better time for Leeds, with first choice left winger Robert Snodgrass still injured, and youngster Aidan White still developing into a league player under the tutelage of Max Tonetto.
“I think Gael is a great signing, and represents a fantastic statement from the club,” manager Mark Viduka noted at the press conference. “Gael is a fine player and can slot into the midfield at virtually any position. He’s a prodigious young talent and I believe we can give him the football he needs. I think he’ll love the Leeds lifestyle, so don’t blame me if he falls in love with the place, Carlo!”
Chelsea manager Ancelotti was also among the first to give his blessing to the new Leeds signing, adding that the experience Kakuta would get would be “invaluable.” Ancelotti added that he fully expected Kakuta to return to Chelsea a stronger player as a result.
The signing of Kakuta comes at a wonderful time for Leeds. Lacklustre displays down the left midfield flank from Aidan White and Brad Johnson have been highlighted by pundits, and no doubt by Viduka and the Leeds coacing staff. With this hole seemingly plugged, United can continue their quest for promotion, which is appearing to gather momentum by the day.
Leeds legend Lucas Radebe took the opportunity to both hail the signing of Kakuta to sing the praises of manager Viduka. “Mark’s doing wonders for the club, and he’s got the whole playing ground onside. I really hope Kakuta stays on past the promotion push and becomes a part, hopefully, of our Premier League revival.” Radebe was spotted at Elland Road at the Reading match, fuelling speculation he is to be offered a role as coach or scout for the club.
Murray Albrighton
LEEDS
SCORERS: Leeds – Bruce (4’, 38’), Verratti (49’), Kakuta (55’)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Marco Verratti – 9.4 (Leeds)
There’s not much more Leeds manager Mark Viduka could have asked from his side today. An absolutely clinical performance from the home side secured a thumping victory over a distinctly average Doncaster, whilst bolstering the Peacocks’ promotion credentials.
It was all about youth today, with youngster Marco Verratti turning in the game of his life to pick up the man of the match award. Verratti was involved in every Leeds goal picking up three assists in addition to a marvellous second half strike.
It was Alex Bruce who opened the scoring with a powerful header from a classy Verratti corner, much to the delight of the Leeds crowd, who began chanting light-heartedly about the size of his head, inherited from his father Steve. Doncaster never looked the same after the opener, with Bruce slotting another header from close range, again from a Verratti corner, just before the break.
Verratti continued to carve up the pitch after the resumption, with a goal of the season candidate. The young Italian smoked a curling drive from 30 yards which flew into the corner of the net. If the Leeds crowd were already delighted with Verratti, they could thank him even more as he split the Donny defence open once more with Gael Kakuta pouncing to score a lovely finish on his debut.
The smile could not be wiped from manager Mark Viduka’s face after the game. “What can I say except, exceptional. Marco, Alex, the whole group were unbelievable today. I’m really proud of the boys, we are all so keen to keep this run going.”
Pundits across the nation are beginning to see the massive improvement VIduka has made with the squad. Some experts tip United to top the league – but there is a very long way to go. What’s for certain, though, is that this year’s Championship is going to be one of the most contested ever.
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Championship - Match 3
BRISTOL 0 – 0 LEEDS
BRISTOL 0 – 0 LEEDS
Bristol frustrated, Leeds content with scoreless draw
Allan King
ELLAND ROAD
[FONT="]Leeds, England
MAN OF THE MATCH: Max Tonetto – 7.8 (Leeds)
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Bristol City and Leeds United played out a relatively uneventful nil-all draw at Ashton Gate today. Bristol looked the brighter of the two sides, but they were unable to convert a number of gilt-edged chances that came their way.
[/FONT] [FONT="]For the first half, Bristol had much to thank former England goalkeeper David James for. Now in the twilight of his career, James showed why he spent much of it between the sticks for Liverpool and his home country, pulling off a number of age-defying saves, despite his ridiculous hairdo. Leeds striker Ross McCormack did make it relatively easy for James, scuffing a number of chances, and sending a couple straight at him.
[/FONT]
[FONT="]
[/FONT] [FONT="]David James had a good day between the sticks for Bristol
[/FONT]
[/FONT] [FONT="]David James had a good day between the sticks for Bristol
[/FONT]
[FONT="]After the break, the Bristol attacking trio of Federico Macheda, Sam Vokes and Danny Rose sought to pry a way through the Leeds defence, but they held firm. Max Tonetto had a cracking game defensively on the left flank, but Steve Finnan more than held his own on the opposite side. Had Tonetto and Finnan matched their defensive displays with some attacking prowess, the deadlock may well have been broken.
[/FONT] [FONT="]Marco Verratti came on for a particularly lacklustre Ramon Nunez for Leeds, but neither that nor the introduction of Gavin Williams for Bristol could alter the outcome. A fair one, albeit – however both sides will need to improve to pick up points from here on in.
[/FONT]
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[/FONT] [FONT="]
[/FONT]
[/FONT] [FONT="]
[/FONT]
League Cup – Second Round
LEEDS 3 – 0 READING
LEEDS 3 – 0 READING
Dominant performance from Peacocks ensures progression
[FONT="] Stephen Waller
ELLAND ROAD
SCORERS: Leeds – Grella (48’, 58’), Nunez (84’)
[/FONT] MAN OF THE MATCH: Kasper Schmeichel – 8.8 (Leeds)
Kasper Schmeichel led a thoroughly professional performance by Leeds United against Reading this afternoon. The young Dane held firm between the sticks, making save after glorious save to keep the Reading attack at bay.
Reading were relentless in the first half, having numerous shots on goal. Shane Long used his prodigious pace to threated a shaky Leeds centre-half pairing, but super-stopper Schmeichel was more than up to the task, producing a string of top-drawer saves. Reading boss Brian McDermott had every reason to be stroppy with his team at half time; the Royals just couldn’t take a trick against a determined Leeds defence.
The second half opened brightly for the hosts. Mike Grella was on hand to latch on to a lovely Ramon Nunez through ball to open the scoring just after the break. This goal spelled a turning of the tide of the match, with Leeds running away with it from that point on.
[FONT="]
[/FONT]
Kasper Schmeichel was a chip off the old block against Reading
Grella popped up for a lovely poached goal from close range on the hour, before Nunez wrapped up the points from just inside the 18-yard box with a clever finish. In the end though, the match will be remembered not for Grella’s brace, but for excellent rearguard action topped off by a simply brilliant performance from Schmeichel. His father would certainly approve.
“Wonderful work from the lads today, especially in defence,” Viduka mused in the post-match press conference. “We really got going in attack in the first half, and although I’m a little disappointed that the burst didn’t come earlier, you can’t take anything away from us today. Kasper was superb, Mikey was great too.”
[FONT="]Leeds can maintain their winning home form with a victory over Doncaster on Saturday.
[/FONT]
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[/FONT] [FONT="]
[/FONT]
[/FONT] [FONT="]
[/FONT]
BREAKING TRANSFER NEWS
GAEL KAKUTA COMES TO YORKSHIRE
Leeds United sign Chelsea starlet on loan for the season to bolster midfield stocks
In Leeds for BBC Worldwide
MARK VIDUKA AND Leeds United have pulled off yet another coup for the West Yorkshire club, signing Chelsea’s young French midfielder Gael Kakuta on loan for the rest of the season in a deal reported to be close to £250,000.
[FONT="]
[/FONT] Kakuta was delighted to have signed for Leeds
[/FONT] Kakuta was delighted to have signed for Leeds
The young Frenchman is reportedly looking forward to first team action, which he has only tasted once since his signing for Chelsea from RC Lens in 2007. The signing could not come at a better time for Leeds, with first choice left winger Robert Snodgrass still injured, and youngster Aidan White still developing into a league player under the tutelage of Max Tonetto.
“I think Gael is a great signing, and represents a fantastic statement from the club,” manager Mark Viduka noted at the press conference. “Gael is a fine player and can slot into the midfield at virtually any position. He’s a prodigious young talent and I believe we can give him the football he needs. I think he’ll love the Leeds lifestyle, so don’t blame me if he falls in love with the place, Carlo!”
Chelsea manager Ancelotti was also among the first to give his blessing to the new Leeds signing, adding that the experience Kakuta would get would be “invaluable.” Ancelotti added that he fully expected Kakuta to return to Chelsea a stronger player as a result.
The signing of Kakuta comes at a wonderful time for Leeds. Lacklustre displays down the left midfield flank from Aidan White and Brad Johnson have been highlighted by pundits, and no doubt by Viduka and the Leeds coacing staff. With this hole seemingly plugged, United can continue their quest for promotion, which is appearing to gather momentum by the day.
Leeds legend Lucas Radebe took the opportunity to both hail the signing of Kakuta to sing the praises of manager Viduka. “Mark’s doing wonders for the club, and he’s got the whole playing ground onside. I really hope Kakuta stays on past the promotion push and becomes a part, hopefully, of our Premier League revival.” Radebe was spotted at Elland Road at the Reading match, fuelling speculation he is to be offered a role as coach or scout for the club.
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Championship - Match 4
LEEDS 4 – 0 DONCASTER
LEEDS 4 – 0 DONCASTER
Four of the best from United as Rovers destroyed in clinical display
Murray Albrighton
LEEDS
SCORERS: Leeds – Bruce (4’, 38’), Verratti (49’), Kakuta (55’)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Marco Verratti – 9.4 (Leeds)
There’s not much more Leeds manager Mark Viduka could have asked from his side today. An absolutely clinical performance from the home side secured a thumping victory over a distinctly average Doncaster, whilst bolstering the Peacocks’ promotion credentials.
It was all about youth today, with youngster Marco Verratti turning in the game of his life to pick up the man of the match award. Verratti was involved in every Leeds goal picking up three assists in addition to a marvellous second half strike.
[FONT="]
[/FONT] Verratti was simply brilliant against Bristol today
[/FONT] Verratti was simply brilliant against Bristol today
It was Alex Bruce who opened the scoring with a powerful header from a classy Verratti corner, much to the delight of the Leeds crowd, who began chanting light-heartedly about the size of his head, inherited from his father Steve. Doncaster never looked the same after the opener, with Bruce slotting another header from close range, again from a Verratti corner, just before the break.
Verratti continued to carve up the pitch after the resumption, with a goal of the season candidate. The young Italian smoked a curling drive from 30 yards which flew into the corner of the net. If the Leeds crowd were already delighted with Verratti, they could thank him even more as he split the Donny defence open once more with Gael Kakuta pouncing to score a lovely finish on his debut.
The smile could not be wiped from manager Mark Viduka’s face after the game. “What can I say except, exceptional. Marco, Alex, the whole group were unbelievable today. I’m really proud of the boys, we are all so keen to keep this run going.”
Pundits across the nation are beginning to see the massive improvement VIduka has made with the squad. Some experts tip United to top the league – but there is a very long way to go. What’s for certain, though, is that this year’s Championship is going to be one of the most contested ever.
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