retired_confal2

Glad to see this one up and running again. Nice one :thup:

Heard Viduka was signing for Middlesborough in real life...Can't imagine that's gone down too well with the Leeds faithful -though perhaps not as bad as Alan Smith going to the Mancunian bÃ*stards... :thdn:

retired_jkat116

Cheers OMDave - although at least Smith has got his priorities right :p

Saturday 3rd April
Premier League Game 32
Portsmouth vs. Leeds United
Starting XI: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Milner, Batty, Johnson (Bakke 69’), Morgan, Viduka, Bridges

I now understand how Terry Venables felt. When he was in charge of Leeds, he claimed he’d drive Olivier Dacourt abroad to complete a move away from the club, simply to get him out of the way. That was how I felt with Mark. After his midweek comments, I was sorely tempted to leave the words ‘poor baby,’ up on the tactics board next to his strike partner Bridges' name, however I thought that may be dipping under the bar slightly.

Everyone at the club knew that the task of beating Pompey would not be easy. Currently lying in 12th place, Redknapp’s side had been extremely successful on their own turf, and getting a result would be by no means straight-forward. My talk to the lads was not long nor fiery, for my message was simple, that they should know, as professionals, that we had to sort it out today.


Maybe that should be my new approach. As the 90-second mark arrived, James Milner took an awkward tumble in the area under a mistimed lunge from Linvoy Primus. The backroom staff & subs leapt from their seats in joy, as Clive Wilkes pointed to the spot.

Morgan stepped up, usually so reliable…and he didn’t disappoint, driving it low into the right hand corner.

The main threat from Portsmouth came from Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Although having already agreed to join Valencia in the summer, he looked like a man on a mission, hitting the post twice from separate drives in the space of only seven minutes.

On 28 minutes, a Portsmouth corner lead to the second goal of the game. Matt Taylor’s ball in was headed away to the feet of Johnson, who booted the ball over the last line off the Portsmouth defence, for Bridges to run on to. Despite clumsy swipes from primus once more, Michael stayed on his feet to nudge the ball under Hislop, and give us a two-goal lead, which we held onto until half time.


We continued to pressurise Pompey after the break, searching for a third to avoid the heartache similar that of after the Birmingham game. Seth Johnson really should have put the game beyond doubt with half an hour to go, as his weak header trickled past the far post from only twelve yards out.

But our pressing was rewarded on the seventy-five minute mark. Johnson and Batty made sure Amdy Faye could not retain possession on the half way line, before Seth fed the ball into Viduka’s feet. A deft touch and swivel around Primus meant he could race towards goal, still with 3 men around him. A turn reminiscent of Maradona then followed, amazingly taking two men out of the game. One on one versus Stefanovic, the Serbia & Montenegro defender was made to look like a sedated Laurent Blanc, as Viduka simply beat him for pace. As he closed in on Hislop, he took no time in stroking the ball through the legs of the Trinidad stopper, to make it 3-0. It was a truly stunning goal; even I applauded as he ran off the supporters, embracing those on the front row. How ‘nice’ of him.


Portsmouth 0
Leeds United 3 – Morgan 2’ (pen), Bridges 28’, Viduka 75'
Attendance: 19,423
MoM: Mark Viduka (9)

retired_jkat116

Wednesday 7th April

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Football365.com


Bridges may walk out on Leeds

Leeds United striker Michael Bridges looks set to leave Leeds United at the end of the season, after he rejected an improved contract offer.

Newcastle-born Bridges has been at Leeds for almost five years, since joining the club in 1999 from Sunderland. After having drifted in and out of the starting XI all this year, the 27-year-old is likely to join Viduka out of the doors of Elland Road in what seems to be the start of an exodus this summer.

‘The offer Leeds put down for Michael does not reflect his real value to this side.’ His agent told football365.com . ‘There are other clubs knocking to take him off Leeds’ books at the click of his fingers.’

Now let's hear what you've got to say about this story... or anything else happening in the world of football. Send your opinions, rants, praise or abuse to theeditor@football365.com

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retired_jkat116

Friday 9th April

The media, eh. The picture they had painted was completely different to actual goings-on. With no help from his agent, negotiations had seemed sour, when that was far from the truth. The deal we had offered Michael was neither insulting nor derogatory. He had told us, amicably, that he was reluctant to sign when he was unsure of his future as a first team regular. Fair enough, I knew, he had acted professionally and told me in confidence. Unfortunately that’s not enough nowadays with too many parties involved in the deal.

Still, the game the following day was a priority. Leicester at home would often be seen as one of the 'must-win' games, and at this stage of the season, I was grateful to be playing one of the weaker teams in the League. But this did not distract from the fact that although easier than some other sides, it did not mean it would be easy . I told the lads this in training, and hoped they would react positively and get the job done.

retired_jkat116

Saturday 10th April
Premier League Game 33
Leeds United vs. Leicester City
Starting XI: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Milner, Batty, Johnson, Morgan, Viduka, Bridges (Smith 81’)

Smithy and Nick Barmby were both back for this game, however after our last performance, I decided to keep it the same. 12-goal striker Marcus Bent was back in the Leicester side, partnering Jamie Scowcroft in an attempt to cause us problems.

But with 14 minutes gone, it certainly wasn’t us worrying. Michael was fouled on the edge of their penalty area, and who should step up but Lionel Morgan, to slash one home into the roof of the net.

Credit to the visitors, they didn’t lie down. Four minutes before half time, Muzzy Izzet’s low free kick found its way through a forest of legs, and Bent was on hand to make it a lucky 13 for Leicester, and send the sides in level at the break. We had some work to do.

Thankfully the lads realised that. The dressing room was relatively quiet; they knew that this result would be a big disappointment. Not that they seemed to do much about it, as it took a good ten minutes for them to really get into gear. Bakke nodded down Ian Harte’s ball into the box on 57 minutes, straight into the path by Michael Bridges, who could only hit a tame shot into the body of Ian Walker. Luckily for us, the former England ‘keeper allowed it to roll under his torso, as the ball crept over the line.

Now we were storming at Leicester's expense. Two minutes later, Lionel’s driving run through the heart of the defence, opened up space for Bakke once more, however his thunderous drive was matched by the woodwork.

Three minutes on from that incident, and we had a corner. A peach of a delivery by Lionel was matched by Jose’s head, the centre-back powering the ball through the crowd, into the corner to seemingly put the game beyond doubt. This theory was bolstered on seventy-one minutes, as Riccy Scimeca was made to walk by referee Steve Dunn, showing the defender his second yellow for a poorly timed tackle on Bridges.

Goalmouth action was scarce up until the 85-minute mark, as Tommy Wright converted a penalty after Jose had handballed. It left us to endure a nervous last five minutes, but thankfully Dunn’s whistle came without any further additions to the scoreline.

Leeds United 3 – Morgan 15’, Bridges 67’, de la Cuesta 72’
Leicester City 2 – M. Bent 41’, T. Wright ’86 (pen)
Attendance: 39,928
MoM: Lionel Morgan (9)

retired_jkat116

Hello once again, the completion of this story had been delayed to due a missing save game file :O But I’ve finally obtained a copy of it, and I’m looking forward to continuing :thup: The cobwebs have been dusted off my fingers, and my rear planted firmly in front of the screen

Monday 12th April

The ability to scrap for results in games where things don’t go as planned, is invaluable. The lads had shown against Leicester, that we had that quality. We were in fourth spot, only 3 points behind fierce rivals, Manchester United. Monday morning was spent working on our set pieces for the arrival of Blackburn Rovers the following weekend.

They were a side who had become renowned over the course of the season for their prowess from dead-ball situations, with the likes of Lorenzo Amoruso and Martin Taylor having chipped in with their fair share of goals. The talent possessed by David Thompson and Alan Mahon had proved critical in propelling them up to 6th place in the table. We were conscious of this, and a rigorous session on the Monday had hopefully prepared us well.

I picked up the paper cut-outs I had kept from the beginning of the season. I mulled over the headline ‘Rookie O’B not up to the job.’

It’s funny how ambitions change. At the beginning of the season, the extent to which that statement was true relied upon the security of our Premiership status. Now, however, it was different. I couldn’t help but feel that the statement could be correct, if I allowed the boys to fall at the final hurdle in the race for a European dream.

retired_jkat116

Tuesday 13th April

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Skysports.com
Matteo : “I’ll be back�

Leeds defender Dominic Matteo has told Skysports.com that he has no worries about his future in professional football.

“The initial surgery went well, but it’s still a long wait before I’m back,� the Scot said. “I wouldn’t like to commit to time when I’ll be fit again, as you just don’t know with injuries like this one.�

Matteo, who recently turned 31, suffered damage to his kneecap and anterior cruciate ligaments last month, which required rebuilding and intensive rehabilitation. However Matteo maintains Leeds United fans will see him in a white shirt again.

“I owe it to the club, the staff and the fans to be back. My motivation to return is not only for personal gains, but for them too.�

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retired_jkat116

Saturday 17th April

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The Boss’ Programme notes

We need the fans as much as the staff right now

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, I’m sure you are looking forward, as I am, to an exciting conclusion to the events we have seen unfold before us here at Leeds United this season.

We’ve had a lot written about us, most of it has been good; but as I keep ensuring the players, in 5 games a lot can be undone. With the likes of today’s opponents Blackburn, and Arsenal still set to come here, we need you, the fans, more than ever. As we push on for our final destination (which will hopefully be a Champions’ League spot), we have already proved that we have the quality to finish in a respectable position. But at this stage of the season, other factors can affect us one way or another.

I am privileged to say I have been a part of a set up such as the one at Leeds this season, as I’ve mentioned countless times before, and the fans here make up a big part of my reasoning behind saying that. They have proved to be the twelfth man in games where we would have faltered without sufficient support. I believe confidence will play a big part in the success of this side over the last few games this season, so I urge you to continue to help me instil more in the boys.

May I finally welcome guests Blackburn Rovers to Elland Road today, I wish them a safe, enjoyable, yet completely unsuccessful trip.


Dan O’Brien
Manager of Leeds United FC

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mrsevans7177

Cant beleive I only just noticed this story, its great

KUTGW

p.s. what is the actual financial state at leeds for you? How far are you into debt? Is there any chance of some magical figure coming into to sweep it all away, maybe even getting some transfer funds :eek:

once again KUTGW

retired_jkat116

Thanks Bartley Financial situation not too good, about £20million in the red – with additional £92million debts to be paid :thdn:
Just praying on a possible Champions League adventure next season if we get there!
Transfer funds Maybe Abramovich could lend me some loose change Thanks again for reading!

Saturday 17th April
Premier League Game 34
Leeds United vs. Blackburn Rovers
Starting XI: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Milner, Batty, Johnson, Morgan, Bridges, Smith


With Manchester United facing a trip to Stamford Bridge to meet Chelsea, we had to pick up points to get closer to them if a red slip-up were to occur. Smithy came in for Viduka up front, who complained of migraines during the warm-up.

A quick, high-tempo start was exactly what was needed. Sadly it was something that never arrived. Our lacklustre passing in the midfield meant Blackburn were beginning to get a feel for the ball and were starting to dictate the play. We were the happier party therefore when the whistle blew for half-time.

But fans at Elland Road saw a rejuvenated Leeds side in the second half. The clock read only thirty-seconds, when Alan Smith’s driving run and shot resulted in the base of the post bearing the brunt of his thunderous effort. With the crowd lifted, chances were flowing, but we failed to put them away.

Twenty minutes left, and Ian Harte placed the ball delicately on the turf, 25 yards from goal. As Brad Friedel prepared himself and his wall, Ian cheekily lifted the ball over the five Rovers players, as the ball bounced into the vacated right-hand side of the net. Despite furious Blackburn protests, the goal stood, as we went on to earn a deserved 1-0 win.

Leeds United 1 – Ian Harte 69’
Blackburn Rovers 0
Attendance: 39,844
MoM: Seth Johnson (8)