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Leeds have confirmed that keeper Paddy Kenny has left the club. The former Shef Utd and QPR stopper has seen himself frozen out of the picture with the signings of Silvestri and Taylor. Cellino has claimed he was overweight and the writing has been on the ball for a while. Not likely to be the last out of the door either, with Leeds looking at overhauling and streamlining their squad. Kenny made 70 appearances for the club Team News: Silvestri, Byram, Pearce, Cooper, Warnock, Murphy, Bianchi, Austin, Ajose, Sharp, Doukara Subs. S Taylor, C Taylor, Wootton, Tonge, Cook, Poleon, Smith A week isn't usually a long time in football, but Leeds United fans have known that not to be the case for the past decade, and the past seven days have seen a renewed optimism around the place, not least due to the arrival of some key players for the club. When Leeds took to the field last weekend, no-one was expecting that much, and no-one was disappointed. A poor display against Millwall seemed to sum up the season fans were expecting after a number of departures and the arrival of a number of unknowns. Jump forward seven days, and message-boards and forums are full of hope and expectation again, not least due to the arrival of three new players. Guiseppe Bellusci, a central defender signed in a season long loan deal from Catania brings what Leeds fans hope to be an air of quality and strength to an otherwise shaky looking defence. Bellusci has all of the traits the fans want to see. Young, strong, intelligent and fast. He can burst forward and create as much as providing a 'Radebe-esque' last ditch tackle as well as proving to be strong in the air. Overshadowing the arrival of a quality central defender with a wealth of Seria A experience though was the signing of Southampton striker, Billy Sharp. Sharp has long been keen to sign for Leeds United and jumped at the chance to join this week. Despite a frustrating season last year, which included a number of spells spent on loan, he is never far away from his next goal and is seen an ideal replacement for Ross McCormack at this level. Lee Cooper is the third signing to join the Whites from Chesterfield. He impressed in the pre-season friendly as a left-sided Centre back and gives further strength exactly where it is needed. With new signings, Doukara proving a Leeds player does know where the goal is, Bianchi free to play and Byram looking increasingly like to stay, the game should give us the first real insight into what the season could hold for us. Middlesbrough meanwhile have started the season how they finished the last - confidently! They opened their campaign with a dominant display against Birmingham last weekend winning 2-0 and progressed in the cup at the expense Oldham with a 3-0 victory. Ex-Leeds striker, Adam Clayton joined mid-week and could slot straight in. Hockaday needs to have the confidence to build the team around the new arrivals if he is to get different performances to last season, and the fans need to be patient if it doesn't come together straight away, but the building blocks are there now (and a few more arrivals promised!) for a brighter future for Leeds although it may be a few weeks too soon to expect a performance against an in-form Middlesbrough. Don't forget it is an early kick-off at 12:15pm in front of the Sky Cameras. Our prediction - Leeds United 1-2 Middlesbrough - Predict your own score below! Disagree? Join our Leeds United Messageboard - it's quick, free and easy! Leeds have confirmed that Billy Sharp has signed a 2 year deal with the club. The striker, from premiership side Southampton, is just the kind of player that Leeds need to help replace the loss of Ross McCormack. Sharp has scored goals regularly for a variety of clubs, and seen some multi million pound transfer to clubs like Southampton, Doncaster and Sheffield United. His career tally is 146 goals in 341 appearances. Two more players are expected to be announced anytime.. David Hockaday's debut as Leeds United Manager/Head Coach/Whatever he is got off to a poor start, losing 2-0 to Millwall, but perhaps more telling, a poor performance from the Whites.
Leeds gave debuts to three players signed over the summer with Marco Silvestri in goals, with Souleymane Doukara and Nicky Ajose taking to the field, but the new faces did little to inspire a team dominated by last years selections. With the departure of Tom Lee's, it fell to Wooton and Pearce to hold the defence steady in the centre, and as you would expect, they failed miserably. A midfield pairing of Murphy and Austin created as much as they did last season, which was next to nothing and Hockadays decision to keep faith with Noel Hunt up front did not win him any favour with the Leeds fans. Millwall dominated the first 45 minutes, certainly in terms of attacks. It took just 11 minutes for them to open their campaign with a goal from a well worked short corner that was converted by Beevers on the volley. A second could have followed just five minutes later when Mark Beevers headed wide of the goal when it would have been easier to score. Further chances calm and went for Millwall, including a valid penalty claim and it was Leeds that ended the half thankful the score was only 1-0. The second half was better, but remember this was better than being absolutely dire! Hunt had a clear cut chance in the opening moments when the Millwall keeper failed to deal with the ball - but he fluffed the finish, and Millwall broke to the other end to create a chance of their own. Although Leeds enjoyed some possession, they failed to create real clear cut chances. Millwall looked dangerous against a shaky defence and always looked like getting a second. With Leeds pushing, and Smith and Poleon on, there was a glimmer of hope of stealing a draw from the game, but it would have been daylight robbery. On 87 minutes, the match was settled when substitute youngster, Lewis Cook was deemed to have brought down Lee Gregory in the box. Shaun Williams converted the spot kick and Millwall took the three points. Hockaday was resolute after the game, pleased with how the players had responded in the second half and promised discussions would be taking place today (Sunday) with the President, Cellino about the strength of the squad. It was clear from the performance that further strength is needed and quickly before the transfer window shuts. A defender and proven goal-scorer are essential but if the truth be told, we need to build in all areas of the park. The defeat, and the manner of the performance has given further doubt to the supporters as to the ability of Hockaday and three home games coming up over the next ten days are going to be very telling to the Elland Road faithfull and the ex-Forest Green manager. Millwall 2-0 Leeds United - Player Ratings (give your ratings and see how they compare). |
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January 2020
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