retired_bbcarr

this is a good start :thup: viduka is always the first out of the door whenever i manage leeds. he just brings in too much cash to ignore, plus it's £30K+ off the wage bill

retired_jkat116

Thanks Terk True about Viduka's wages, but I was not confident I'd get his transfer money to buy anyone better. Thanks for reading!

Saturday 23rd August
Premier League Game 3
Leeds United vs. Southampton
Starting XI:Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Barmby, Wilcox, Batty, Morris, Viduka, Bridges

I had some decisions to make for this one, and as I took my seat in the dugout, I was nervous as to whether they would pay off. Despite the recent speculation, Mark started up-front, and I brought in Jose de la Cuesta at the back to make his full debut, replacing Matteo.

We were lucky not to go behind after only 7 minutes, as Gary Kelly had played Phillips onside, but Paul was equal to his drive and he held it well. Twenty minutes had passed without us making any real chances, as I got a message to Lucas to tell Nicky and Jase to push on down the flanks. But it was to no avail, as the first half ended at as slow a pace as it had begun, with neither side managing to outwit each other’s back lines frequently enough. 0-0.

“…and keep it tight,” were my final words to the lads as they filtered out of the white changing room door. Although never really threatening, Southampton had had too much of the play for my liking, and the chances of them sneaking a goal were not to be ignored.

The tempo of the game had picked up with only 19 minutes left on the clock, but the scores were still tied. However a few minutes later, we were on our feet, when a moment of Aussie magic lifted the spirits in the ground. Michael Bridges had beaten their fullback on the inside right of the penalty area, which was followed by a deft cut-back chipped behind Mark, whose overhead kick into the right hand bottom corner sent the fans into hysterics. My heart racing, I was convinced that would be the goal that sealed victory. A James Beattie header was the only piece of action left in the game, however the crossbar ensured we kept all 3 points.

Mark’s celebration told me he did not receive the satisfaction some of the other lads did from our inevitable win; I was to understand why, early the next week. But for now, I could breather easier as we held ground in 7th place, a position I would give anything for to remain in by the time May came around.

Leeds United 1 – Viduka ‘74
Southampton 0
Attendance : 38,860
MoM: Michael Bridges (8)

retired_jkat116

Tuesday 26th August

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Daily Mail

“Viduka hands in transfer request”

Mark Viduka is sensationally set to walk out on Leeds after handing in a transfer request, Sportsmail can exclusively reveal. With a host of Serie A clubs and others set to join the race for his signature, Leeds will be rocked by the news that fans’ favourite Viduka is about to make their season even more uncertain. Sportsmail understands that representatives of Juventus, Real Sociedad, and the two Milan giants were present at Elland Road last Saturday, and their reports on the player will be glowing after Viduka’s glorious overhead kick wet the appetites of his admirers to send Southampton down 1-0.

A friend of Viduka told Sportsmail: “Mark has been frustrated with life at Leeds, who he believes are deteriorating. I am not surprised that he has announced his imminent departure since Juventus and the likes have come knocking. He would be foolish not to speak to those interested.”

In other news, David Batty, a league winner with Leeds and also his previous side Blackburn, has announced he is to retire from professional football at the end of the season. Leeds United released this statement:

“Yesterday we spoke to David about his future in football. He has decided he will not stay on for the remainder of his contract at Leeds United. The club would therefore like to express their dismay that such a fantastic player is leaving the game, however would like to congratulate him on a splendid career, and wish him and his family all the best for the future. His commitment to the club has been second to none, and he has assured us the remainder of his playing career will be spent helping Leeds through a tough season ahead.”
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_jkat116

Saturday 30th August
Premier League Game 4
Middlesbrough vs. Leeds United
Starting XI: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Barmby, Wilcox, Batty, Johnson, Viduka, Bridges

Once again the build-up to this match had been shrouded in the off-field activities of that week, so as one could imagine I was keen to get a result to forget what had happened.

However, the little Brazilian Juninho did his best to ensure this wouldn’t happen. His fantastic individual run and chip over Robbo just before the 15 minute mark saw our heads drop, and I couldn’t help but feeling we’d be leaving empty-handed.

But credit to the boys, we didn’t lower the tempo and only a minute later hit back through Bridges after Jason Wilcox had whipped one in from the left straight onto the striker’s head.

Just as Middlesbrough began to put their mark on the game, we took the lead. A most unlikely goalscorer, Jose de la Cuesta, rose higher than anyone else after 22 minutes, planting the header past Schwarzer before reeling away to celebrate his first Leeds goal with the travelling faithful.

Chances came and went for Middlesbrough in the second half, but we were able to grab a vital goal on 65 minutes when Bridges’ through ball was neatly slotted through the keeper’s legs by, you guessed it, Mark Viduka. The Aussie was starting to prove such an invaluable asset with a move away from the club seeming just around the corner.

Middlesbrough 1 – Juninho 14’
Leeds United 3 – Bridges 16', de la Cuesta 22', Viduka 65'
Attendance: 35090
MoM: Mark Viduka (8)

retired_jkat116

Saturday 13th September

We had to wait for 2 weeks before we could attempt to win our second game on the bounce, and when the chance arrived, Newcastle were the visitors to Elland Road. In an intense encounter with no fewer than 11 bookings, we did well to gain a point. We took the lead on the stroke of half time through Viduka, only for it to be cancelled out 7 minutes after the break by a vicious Laurent Robert volley. The scores stayed locked at 1-1, where it was 1 point gained for us, and 2 lost for Sir Bobby’s men in their title challenge.

Saturday 20th September

Our trip to Molineux only a week later was not convincing. In a game we dominated, poor finishing by the usually clinical Viduka & Bridges meant that we were not able to break the deadlock until late on. After sustained spells of possession, Colin Cameron gave his side the lead with a free kick after 13 minutes, only to get sent of 20 minutes later for elbowing Seth Johnson. It was not the last part Seth would play in the match, as he pounced on some catastrophic defending by Wolves to tap home from 4 yards, 3 minutes into injury time. Another 1-1.

Tuesday 23rd September

Our Carling Cup adventure began the following Tuesday, as the lads faced a trip to Darlington. I did not hasten to name a full strength side, as this was a cup I wanted to win, so the youngsters would not be called upon. The only new face in the squad was substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson, but he would not have gained any real experience, as Darlington failed to register a single shot on goal all match. Lionel Morgan’s 24th minute penalty separated the sides, as we travelled home confident we were in with a shout of exceeding expectations for the season.

retired_jkat116

Monday 29th September

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Daily Mirror
‘Leeds beginning to hit harsh reality.’

It has now become apparent that the early form Leeds stumbled across was simply temporary. Yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool made it no wins in 3 for the white army, with a performance O’Brien described as ‘the worst of the season.’

Leeds seldom threatened, and they were lucky not to be on the end of a thrashing, and for that, Paul Robinson is the man to thank. A marvellous double save from Michael Owen’s efforts in the first half was rivalled by several moments of breath-taking agility in the second, denying the likes of Gerrard, Hamman, and Diouf. The Leeds manager had no hesitation in removing his lacklustre pair up front, replacing Viduka and Smith with Bridges and Milner with only 55 minutes gone.

It remains to be seen how Leeds will fair, although with a trip to Stamford Bridge next Saturday, the immediate future will be tricky for Leeds United.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_jkat116

Thursday 2nd October

The rain hit me hard as I stepped out onto the training field, so I was glad for Michael Duberry’s invitation for me to step back inside for a quiet word. The normally loud, and confident character had become somewhat subdued over recent weeks, I was suspicious that his lack of first team football was the cause for this.

“Have a seat Doobs,” I ushered Michael into the seat opposite mine. “Everything ok?”

“Not really boss. I’m having a hard time.” His face was glum, and I stayed quiet as he began to give me the ins and outs of his marital problems.

He finished speaking, and I stayed silent for a couple of seconds, pondering over how to deal with this delicate situation. This was not a part of management I had banked on succeeding at, so I hoped I would be able to help him by any means possible. He seldom looked me in the eyes, as if embarrassed by what he was telling me.

“Ok Doobs, I’m glad you’ve told me. Take time off, as much as you need, I want you to get over this. And believe me mate, you will.” He finally seemed at ease now, as he sighed and said “Cheers boss.” I felt I had helped him for now, yet it had a big effect on me over the next few days, thoughts of his home life even crossed my mind, during our next tough Premiership game…

retired_brinker317

Excellent stuff this :thup:

retired_jkat116

Thanks d_s, I appreciate your kind remarks KUTGW in your story :thup:

Saturday 4th October
Premier League Game 8
Chelsea vs. Leeds United
Starting XI: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, de la Cuesta, Radebe (c), Barmby (Sakho ’61), Morgan, Batty, Johnson, Viduka, Bridges

I was possibly too confident going into this game, although it did not affect my team selection. I started with the same side that faced Liverpool, confident that they would wrong the rights of that shambolic performance. The only change to the squad being Dom Matteo on the sidelines in place of Michael Duberry.

Our vibrant opening to the match was ended with only 9 minutes on the clock, when Adrian Mutu curled a free kick round the wall into an unguarded far corner. We created openings, but I watched as we squandered 2 golden chances, once again by Viduka, and the other from Lionel from only 12 yards out.

The second half was encouraging; Chelsea’s Italian Carlo between the sticks helping them to stay in front, saving from Morgan and Seth Johnson. I couldn't help but feel we could nick a point.

The game was sealed, however, with 11 minutes to go, Argentine Hernan Crespo cooling sliding the ball home after a through ball by substitute Joe Cole, putting Chelsea fans into a jubilant and carnival mood.

Chelsea 2 – Mutu 9', Crespo 79'
Leeds United 0
Attendance: 42,263
MoM: Carlo Cudicini

It was a result I expected, however the lads couldn’t help but feel depressed on the coach journey home. We dominated for much of the game, and should have punished them. It was, as they say, back to the drawing board, I would assess our tactics, and I had a few ideas about a new training regime. I still thought we needed to strengthen, so I got on the phone to my head scouts, I wanted to talk about potential signings in January to shake this lot up.

retired_jkat116

Monday 13th October

It took a while before I could get the guys back from their respective 'missions,' to update me on what they had found, however once I did I was pleasantly surprised with what they had uncovered.

“Ok fellas, you’ve been out and about all over the past few weeks, what have you got for me,” I stood staring my two scouts Andy Harris and Simon Hall as they trawled through their notes to pick out their recommendations.

“Here’s one young lad, saw him play in Everton’s reserve teams last week. Name’s Iain Turner, plays in net, great prospect,’ Andy told me, however I did not hasten to add that I was more than happy with those currently available for selection between the sticks.

“Ok then,” Andy continued, sounding less confident now that his first suggestion had been knocked back. “I’ve got some sources in Germany who have giving me glowing reports about this Charisteas fella at Werder Bremen. Seems as though they’d sell him aswell, he’s out of favour there at the moment. Strong, good in the air, and can finish.”

“Leave me his agent’s number and the profile, I might just take a look. What’ve you got for me Si?”

Simon Hall cleared his throat and began to speak. “This week boss, I’ve done a bit of scouting around over in England, I’ve heard a few whispers about who’s available, one of them being Shaun Wright-Phillips. Would sort us out on the right for a while, his agent tells me he’s looking to get out when his contract finishes in June.”

Now this, I was interested in. I saw him as a perfect addition, quick, athletic, imaginative in his play, but most importantly, we could get him for free.

With no other real notable findings to report of, I cut the meeting short to get over to Gregg’s before the first batch of meat and potato pasties ran out.