retired_nicolemdalton

Tuesday 9th August 11:00 PM (TV Report)

Sky Sports News

...and tonight in the Championships evening games, Leeds United fought back superbly from a 2-1 defecit to win the game with 4 minutes to spare, the introduction of new Dutch striker Demouge seemed to inject some spark into the until then, lacklustre Leeds side, grabbing a goal and an assist in his brief 20 minutes on the pitch. Leeds Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Einarsson deservedly won man of the match although reports suggest it was a close call between him and Eddie Lewis.

Billy Davies is said to be "Furious" that his side conceded two late, late goals to see Leeds take all 3 points back to Elland Road, I'm sure thats a view that all Preston fans are sharing at this moment in time...

retired_nicolemdalton

Friday 12th August (Transfer Update)


I slam the phone down, "I can't believe the cheek of that bloody man, £525,000 for a £100,000 player, does he think I was born yesterday?"
I'm shouting at no one, the office only has me in it, Rose comes running in and asks if theres a problem. I calm down and tell her its nothing to worry about, just me letting off steam. The phone call was with the manager of Excelsior, he was replying to my enquiry for Juanito Sequeira, I politely told him where to stick his deal, in the nicest possible way of course.

It's been a fairly fruitful morning as I've spoken with the managers of several clubs and had offers and enquiries accepted or replied to.

Bournemouth require £80,000 for Brian Stock, Brians a young Welsh central midfielder and looks to have a lot of talent for a player in his division and it's been reported to me that he's got a brilliant pass on him and his flair and creativy can really turn a match on its head. I look forward to meeting with the Brian and seeing if we can thrash out a deal to bring his talent to Leeds.

Another young prospect that I'm extremely excited about is Junior Livramento of Dordrecht. He's a 17 year old midfielder, he's got pace and he's got some fantastic skills for a player his age. I've had my bid accepted and offered him what I think is a fair contract for a player his age. I look forward to hearing his response.

The final player I'm hopefully looking to capture is the attacking midfielder Geoffrey Knijnenburg of ADO Den Haag, he's known at his club as "The flying Dutchman.", hes lightning fast and hopefully strikes more than twice. Hes young, only 22 and has considerable talent for a player of his tender age. I await their response to my bid, I think it's a fair one.

It seems O'Driscoll, Adelaar and Koolhof don't want to keep young talent at their clubs.

retired_nicolemdalton

Saturday 13th August - (Elland Road, Leeds United V Reading, Championship)

I've told the lads I want a tighter game against Reading today, we've got to keep our goals conceded down. The players are still pleased at beating Preston during the week and I'm slightly worried that they're getting complacent. I think nothing more of it and announce the team, I've decided to give a debut to new full back Hooiveld at the expense of Richardson, other than that it's the same team we took to Deepdale.


Starting Line Up:
Bennet, Harding, Kilgallon, Kelly, Hooiveld, Lewis, Derry, Douglas, Einarsson, Healy and Cresswell

Kick Off:

What an abysmal performance, I feel intensely sorry for the fans, neither team seems to want to win. We get forward a couple of times but lack the telling ball or telling finish, I'm beginning to think it's going to be a boring nil nil. The crowd are singing their hearts out in an attempt to spur the players on, but to no avail, the half draws to a close and the teams is clapped as they leave the pitch, theres a couple of players arguing in the changing room as I get there. I tell them to knock it off and that we're not going to win working against each other, "We have to get forward, we've not produced anything remotely like a chance the whole half, thats got to change. Right get out there and justify the ticket prices."

I may as well of said nothing, we give away a cheap free kick that results in Dave Kitson receiving a bloody 55 yard pass with only the goalie to beat, which of course he duly did 3 minutes after the restart. I can't believe it and neither can the fans, they boo the Reading team as they celebrate and I have to resist the urge to join in. The game continues in much the same way as the first half, our defense seems to be coping with Kitson, I'm sure he could have grabbed a couple more If he'd of taken his time. We don't seem to have any creativity or ideas going forward and full time draws closer. With 20 minutes left I bring off the dissapointing trio of Douglas, Einarsson and Healy for Rothery, Richardson and Demouge. Rothery and Demouge immediately make an impact and the Leeds team seems to wake up and starts passing with some conviction, still we can't get the goal. The Reading away fans and the manager must think they've got the 3 points today when Cresswell heads a brilliant ball through to Demouge on the 90th minute, he takes a touch forward bringing out the keeper before deftly chipping him and sending the Leeds fans into wild celebration. I jump out of my seat and show how happy I am with that strike.

Final Score (Leeds United 1-1 Reading)

My Man Of The Match: Another tough decision as we we're basically awful all over the pitch, but I decide upon Gary Kelly again as he won all of his tackles and his passing wasn't as dire as others I could mention.

I wave off the fans who are still chanting Demouge's name as the team leaves the field, they may be happy but I'm certainly not. In the dressing room I don't hold back on telling them how dissapointed I am in the result. "We've got a tough game against Cardiff next week and I want a better bloody performance than that, I can tell you that for nowt." The lads agree and express their agreement that they weren't good enough today.

retired_nicolemdalton

Saturday 20th August (Quiet on the western front)

It's been a fairly uneventful week. I've had no enquiries which is a good think I guess, but worst of all I've had to replies to my bids or contract offers. I start to feel a little paranoid that some other Championship club has swooped in for my targets and pipped me to them. I tell myself to think no news is good news.

I've been at the training ground with the lads again this week, it's gone rather well, all the lads are training hard and Blake looks like he'll back with us fairly soon, I consult his physio and he says between 1-3 weeks.

I'm looking forward to the match against Cardiff tomorrow, this fixture seems to have gained some notoriety in the past few seasons and I know its a match the lads both dread and at the same time look forward to. I have no doubts that it will be a passionate affair, I just want us to give a good account of ourselves, but I would love to stuff them for knocking us out of the cup a few years ago.


Sunday 21th August - (Ninian Park, Cardiff V Leeds United, Championship)

As I said to the lads in the changing room on last saturday, I want a better performance tonight as they'll be up for it and will love to beat us. I decide to recall Richardson as he knows about this match and I don't want Hooiveld stuck in a warzone this early in the season, I also swap the strangely quiet Healy with Demouge and other than that it's the same team that drew with Reading.

Starting Line Up:
Bennet, Harding, Kilgallon, Kelly, Richardson, Lewis, Derry, Douglas, Einarsson, Demouge and Cresswell

Kick Off:

We start well and threaten early, I'm pleased to see it's a different side that drew with Reading. Our hard work pays off in the 13th minute when a sublime chip from Lewis is met by Cresswell who heads it across the goal and past the keeper. 1-0 and a brilliant start for us. Suddenly the game turns, the Cardiff fans are looking restless and somethings going to happen. It does in the 20th minute, a free kick seemingly out of shooting distance curls round the wall and past the keeper, the lads can't believe it, I motion for them to keep their heads up but just 10 minutes later, nobody deals with Jerome on the left flank and his cross is met by Alan Lee, a quickfire double and we're behind undeservedly. We keep our heads up and keep fighting away but their keeper is playing inspired football. As the lads come off I tell them how happy I am with their performance. "We can win this lads, we really can."

The second half starts brightly, we throw wave after wave of attacks at Cardiff but again and again their keeper frustrates us.
Cardiff never have a meaningful attack again and we keep up the pressure, its bound to pay off soon I think. The final whistle goes after what only seems like 10 minutes, Cardiff have kept the 3 points and we have the long journey home empty handed. On the way back I tell the lads that their effort was a credit to the club and that it's a tough test going to their intimidating ground. They seem slightly cheered up and fortunately we have a 3 day break coming up and an easy game against Carlisle in the league cup coming up.

Final Score (Cardiff 2-1 Leeds United)

My Man Of The Match: Gary Kelly is my man of the moment, he played outstandingly today, marking his man well and passing with confidence.

retired_nicolemdalton

Tuesday 23rd August (Warnock comes'a knocking)

I'm sat in the office when the phone rings, I let it ring a little bit longer before picking up. "Hello, Chris Marsh speaking."

"Good morning, this is Neil Warnock at Sheffield United. I've been considering your player Sean Gregan and I reckon I've come up with a bid that will suit both clubs."

I raise my eyebrow and doubt that this will be true but I'd like to know what he proposes anyway, "Ok, try me."

"Right, I'm willing to offer a cool quarter of a million for Sean...", I interupt him, I probably shouldn't have but still, "Sorry Neil, It's £300,000 or no deal, we can't afford to let our players walk out for next to nothing, you of all people should know that." I know it's only £50,000 more, but still that's how much Seans worth and I'm not settling for anything less.

"Right, ok Chris, I'll have to think about this, I'll ring you back sometime soon." He hangs up, I wonder if I ticked him off.

Shock of the day

I put the phone down and look at my e-mails, my jaw drops as I notice I've got a bid from Newcastle offering
£1,000,000 plus %25 next sale clause for Frazer Richardson. I've got a dilemma on my hands, a million is a lot to turn down.

I arrange for Richardson to meet me ASAP. He arrives 30 minutes later and looks suprised that I've called him in. "Anything wrong boss?", I motion him in "Take a seat lad, got some news for you." He looks expectant.

"We've had a serious money bid in for you from Newcastle United, I won't tell you how much yet, I'd like to find out how you feel about it first. Do you want to go?

He looks taken aback "Well Newcastle are a huge club, I love it here but I have to think about my career. I would like to get in the England set up one day and playing in the Premiership would do my chances the power of good. Sorry boss, I'd like you accept the transfer, I'd be stupid not to go."

I pat him on the back and tell him it's not a problem, he thanks me for allowing him the opportunity to further his career. I feel like Judas though, I'd said I wouldn't allow our young talent to go but I need to money for the war chest and his wages will be a good deduction from the current bill. I pick up the phone to call Graeme, I'm sure he'll be pleased with himself, he's got himself a good player there.

"Hi Graeme, it's Chris Marsh at Leeds, I've spoken to the player and we've decided it's in the best interests of both the player and the team to accept your bid."

"Fantastic Mr Marsh, I look forward to bringing him here. Look I've got to go as I have a meeting. I'll call you personally soon." He hangs up and I think that it was a rather short conversation, but then again what would I know about Premiership management, you probably get called to board meetings all the time.

Well a £1,000,000 in the transfer kitty is a nice bonus anyway, I'm looking forward to spending it...wisely of course. Just hope that the players aren't too unhappy at his departure.

retired_karwes

You've got me hooked already mate.

KUTGW, I'll be monitoring this story very closely, the way your telling it, makes me feel like I'm there going through everything with you.

Lets hope you manage to keep Ken happy!!!!

retired_nicolemdalton

:thup: thanks man, good to know people are enjoying reading it as much as I am writing it. Hope so too, it's a tough job but someones got to do it!

retired_nicolemdalton

Wednesday Morning 24th August (Transfer News and Oh Yes, Ken Puts His Foot Down)

"Ok Mr Adelaar, July 2006, brilliant, can't wait to have him in the team. Pleasure doing business with you mate. Bye".
Get in we've just signed another target although we won't get him till next year. Knijnenburg will be a Leeds player in July and I reckon we'll need him, theres a lot of games to play and I don't think we have enough depth at the moment.

This is however my third phone call already of the day I've had so far as I've already had Bryan Stock and Sjaak Lettinga call to say they'll sign for us today.

Rose comes breezing in and lets me know that young midfielder Junior Livramento has accepted the contract offer and I wanting to sign for us. She also hastens to mention that Neil Warnock has left a message saying he's not willing to change his bid, hmm I thought I'd hacked him off but thats not a great loss. She also adds that Ken Bates wants me to call him, I wonder what it could be about? Cant be the results as we've not been playing that badly.

I pick up the phone and give him a call at his base in Monaco, "Hi Ken, it's Chris, you wanted a word?" god I sound nervous.

"Good day to you Chris, I'd just like to say I think you're doing a good job so far lad, keep it up." Well I'm not getting the sack that's a relief, we have a long conversation on transfers and he states in no uncertain terms that he won't allow the £90,000 transfer of Livramento to go ahead, my attempts at persuading him fall on deaf ears and I'm left slightly frustrated. However he's allowed me all the other transfers so I decide it's in the interests of my job to let this one go. He laughs at the end and says he hopes we have a nice time in Carlisle.


Wednesday Evening 24th August - (Brunton Park, Carlisle V Leeds United, League Cup 1st round)

On the coach journey up to Cumbria I decide that I'm going to name a weaker side than we'd usually field, however not that much weaker, all my lads are capable. I give Pugh his first start this season ahead of Harding who's been ever present so far. I recall Hooiveld in the wake of Newcastles bid for Richardson, I don't want him gettin injured. Berkleef, Healy and Rothery get the nod ahead of the regulars. I let the team know that beating this team should be a formality and we shouldn't even need to break a sweat. I announce the line up and I notice Berkleef and Rothery look excited.

Starting Line Up:
Bennet, Pugh, Kilgallon, Kelly, Hooiveld, Berkleef, Derry, Miller, Rothery, Healy and Cresswell

Kick Off:

As I predicted we started off well and put them under pressure immediately, our payoff came on the quarter hour mark when some good one touch passing puts Healy through on goal, to their defenders credit they close him down well and dispossess him but the ball deflects awkwardly away from them and it's young Rothery who beats everyone to the ball and puts it past the keeper. This is going to be easy I think, but I'm to be proved wrong, Carlisle show they fear no-one they get a throw in which results in a cross thats dealt with poorly by our lads, it falls straight onto the head of Nade who nods it past the keeper. The lads look at each other in disbelief and then glance over at me, I'm not happy and they know it. They get back in my good books 10 minutes later when a punt upfield by Bennet bypasses everyone and goes to the feet of Rothery who controls well, jinks to the side and then slides an absolutely world class ball round a defender to the waiting Cresswell who had timed his run perfectly to get onto it and stick it past Williams. We look dangerous throughout the rest of the half but the lads are happy to sit back and play, plus their keeper is having a stormer and their defenders are desperately trying to keep us out which denies us any further goals.

The lads come off looking happy and chatting amongst themselves. I turn to Sam and let him know that I think we could be doing a little better, he agrees but says that the lads are probably trying to rest themselves a bit. I go and tell the lads to keep it up. "Right lads that was good but I want you to play with a little bit more passion please, their fans have paid to see us give them a game and we're hardly breaking a sweat at the moment. Give them something to remember."

The second half starts off the same as the first, we get into scoring positions again and again but their keeper thwarts us. Williams is having a fantastic game. Carlisle threaten a couple of times but are easily dealt with and again it's us who counters. Their defense is looking solid when Cresswell collects the ball from a wasted Carlisle corner and fires it through to Demouge whos promptly felled by Richard Hoban, he's the last man and receives his marching orders much to the chargrin of the manager and the protests of the players. We keep looking for a 3rd but it never comes, I bring off the outstanding Rothery and Demouge, Healy and Einarsson replace them. The game draws to an uneventful close.

Final Score (Carlisle 1-2 Leeds United)

My Man Of The Match: Gavin Rothery is definately the winner of that accolade. He was fantastic in his awareness and his finishing and looked like scoring another.

We leave Brunton Park very pleased and I'm glad to say £20,000 better off.

retired_nicolemdalton

Friday 26th August 9:00 AM (Press Conference and Player Unveiling At Elland Road)

The press and other onlookers are crammed into the conference centre, Lettinga and Stock look slightly bewildered by all the flash photography and questions. I turn to them and let them know that it's not long now and they'll be able to go to Thorpe Arch with the rest of the lads. "You two ok, it's all a bit of a hoo hah isn't it?, I'm just getting used to it all myself. Just stay calm and smile, It'll soon be done."

The press are pretty unforgiving and I feel sorry for Bryan Stock as they question his ability to serve the club and whether he's just here for the money. He deals with them surprisngly well and professionally states that he's here to do a job and that he'll do that job well.

"Bryan, it's going to be a bit of a culture shock after joining from a team like Bournemouth isn't it?, how well do you think you'll adjust?"

Bryan responds well and doesn't say anything to insult his old club. "Yeah it's brilliant to be joining a team like Leeds but I still have a special place in my heart for Bournemouth and I'm sure I'll be playing against them in the Premiership in the future."

"Mr Lettinga, how are you finding your first day in England, are you finding it ok?" Sjaak can speak perfectly good English much to the surprise and embarassment of the reporter and informs her that he's been here before on visits and holidays and loves the country.

We pose for pictures in the ground, I stand in the middle and hold up the shirts with the lads, I can't wait to see them in the local newspapers. Hope I don't grin like an idiot I think as the press take as many photos as they possibly can in the 5 minutes allocated. After the fuss has died down I turn to the lads, "Well done you two, I think it went well, I want you to get to training ASAP and get yourselves fit and ready for the coming weeks. I'll be looking to integrate you into the squad and get you both up to speed quickly."

retired_nicolemdalton

Saturday 27th August - (Elland Road, Leeds United V Wolves, Championship)

Wolves are currently sitting top of the league and are unbeaten in 4. "Right lads, they're sitting pretty at the moment and no doubt high on confidence. I want us to be sharp and, pardon the pun, on the ball." The lads all nod and get ready to walk out, I leave them to it and go and make my way to the dugout.

Its a warm evening and the atmosphere is one of expectation, I can sense the apprehension and excitement in the air. The crowd are in good voice and belt out song after song, the match hasn't even started. I turn and wave to them in the stands and the crowd cheers and whistles back, boy am I looking forward to this. I'd love to beat any team managed by Hoddle.

Starting Line Up:
Bennet, Pugh, Kilgallon, Kelly, Hooiveld, Lewis, Derry, Douglas, Einarsson, Demouge and Cresswell

Kick Off:

I thought it would be a tough match but Wolves don't show why they're top of the league and it seems the players are giving them way too much respect. The lads come into it a lot more and start to look dangerous, Demouge is beating the midfielders and defenders in the air time and again, setting up play and delivering pinpoint passes. We hammer the goal but Oakes is on form and keeps everything out, the half draws on and at half time we're definately the better team.

In the dressing room the lads are looking relatively pleased with themselves. I turn to Cresswell and Demouge and tell them they can do it. I give the rest of the team a motivational speech and tell them they can easily take the 3 points. I remind them that this is probably our highest attendance so far this season.

The second half is fantastic. We look even better than I could have hoped, we turn their defense inside out with ease. They get a few breakaways and almost ruin the day but Bennet makes some fantastic stops to keep it level. Wolves get another breakaway and theres a race between Hooiven and Miller, Hooiven wins the race and neatly turns Miller and fires a ball down the right flank, Douglas runs with it and passes brilliantly to Cresswell who takes it past Edwards and brings the keeper out before squaring it for Demouge to pass into the net. The fans erupt into song and "Marching on Together" reverberates around the stands, I have to remember not to join in and make do with jumping up and down like a fool. We're looking unstoppable now and we take the ball of their player seconds after kick off and break quickly, 5 quick passes later and Einarsson runs through to poke the ball past the sprawling Oakes. 2-0 and the game is effectively over, 20 minutes remain and Wolves never look like getting back into it. The team and I applaud the fans at the end of full time as they go off to a standing ovation.

Final Score (Leeds United 2-0 Wolves)

My Man Of The Match: Matthew Kilgallon, the rock in the heart of defense today, never looked like getting beaten to the ball and used his possession wisely to set up some brilliant attacking play.

Me, the players and the fans go home happy in the knowledge that we're two points clear at the top of the league. Bring on Luton Town away, bring it on!