On the way to glory

14 December 2012
Last updated at 16:50


Birmingham City have this afternoon appointed Gary Smith as their new manager, with him joining from npower League One side Stevenage.

The Blues were expected to be battling for promotion to the Premier League this season, but are currently battling against relegation at the wrong end of the table, with the club lying in 21st place, with them having won just five league games all season, and chairman Graham Taylor sacked former boss Lee Clark, just ten days ago.

Smith, 44, celebrated his birthday earlier this month, and has signed a deal until June 2015, with The Blues board looking for him to keep the club in the npower Championship this season, despite their financial future being uncertain.

It will be a tough start to life at St. Andrews for Smith, with trips to Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Peterborough United, before taking on Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace at home.

Gary Smith on his new move from Stevenage to Birmingham City. "It is great that the board here have trusted me with this position, and I hope to reward their trust they have shown in me today, by keeping them up this season and showing the fans my abilities as a manager."

Jones out and Sheridan in at Hillborough.

Last updated: December 15, 2012 5:40pm.





Sheffield Wednesday have this evening sacked manager Dave Jones, less than an hour after their 4-1 defeat away at Huddersfield Town, with ex-player John Sheridan taking over as caretaker manager.

Jones, 56, has been sacked after the defeat away to Huddersfield Town less than an hour ago, which has seen the club slip into 21st place, and chairman Milan Mandaric has had enough of Jones, with him wielding the axe less than an hour after the defeat.

The man who Mandaric has appointed until the end of the season is John Sheridan, who has made the step up from his coaching role. Sheridan, 48, did play for Sheffield Wednesday during his playing career, and fans have seemed pleased on the internet as to his appointment, which is until June 2013, with them hoping he can keep them up this season.

The Owls were tipped for a relegation battle in the summer, and so far they in one, but fans will be hoping Sheridan can turn their fortunes around, especially with the likes of Abdul Razak, Jay Bothroyd and Chris Kirkland at the club.

Your going to be writing more managerial sackings then match reports at this rate! Hahaa fantastic still though!

Haha yes that is true, think nearly half of the league have sacked their managers.

15 December 2012
Last updated at 20:25


Leeds United grabbed all three points in a 1-0 win away to Barnsley this evening, with Luciano Becchio grabbing the only goal of the game.

Barnsley made three changes from the side that won 4-1 at Birmingham City, out went Kelvin Etuhu, Matty Done and Mido, with Jim O'Brien, David Perkins and Marlon Harewood replacing them.

Leeds United boss Phil Walker named the same team for consecutive matches for the first time, so the team that defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-0 started today, with Rodolph Austin, Ross McCormack and El-Hadji Diouf returning to the bench.

The visitors had the first good chance of the game on seven minutes, and hit the woodwork twice in the space of a few seconds. The first player to rattle the woodwork was Davide Somma, he took a free kick which was won by Paul Green on the edge of the penalty area, and Somma hit a shot which had beaten Luke Steele, but came back off the crossbar and fell to David Norris, who hit a low drive against the foot of the post.

The next chance of the game fell to Leeds United midfielder David Norris, but he put his shot wide. The chance for the number 19 came from a poor clearance by the home team, centre-back Rob Edwards failed to clear a Sam Byram cross properly, and the ball came to Norris, but he drive his shot just wide of the goal.

Barnsley was forced into a change in the first half, after midfielder Jim O'Brien was forced off injured. The Barnsley number eight picked up a bruised thigh, which came from a heavy challenge from Sam Byram, and the Barnsley man was replaced by Jacob Mellis, in the midfield.

The only time Barnsley tested Paddy Kenny was on 54 minutes, and it was striker Marlon Harewood who forced the goalkeeper into a save. The chance came for the striker from a David Perkins pass, which played the Barnsley number 16 in on goal, he then fired a low shot at the bottom corner, but Kenny was there to make a good low stop.

It was Leeds United who had the next chance of the game, and with 15 minutes left of the Yorkshire derby, Luciano Becchio headed home the only goal of the game. The assist for the header from Becchio was from Paul Green, he picked the ball up from a David Norris pass, before curling a shot which cannoned back off the crossbar, and with Luke Steele still on the floor, Becchio headed the ball into the back of an empty net, to make it 1-0 to Leeds United.

Full time here at Oakwell and in this Yorkshire derby, it is Leeds United who take all three points this evening, thanks to a header goal from Luciano Becchio. This win moves the visitors back up into second place, although Bolton Wanderers face Wolves on Monday night, but Barnsley stay in 13th place but what a great season they are having so far, with them just three points off the play-off places.

Barnsley boss, Keith Hill, on the defeat. "Of course losing in a derby game is always disappointing, but Leeds United were too good for us this evening, and our finishing was wasteful, so for me to lose to lose by one goal was a let off, but we are having a great season so far."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the victory. "A great victory for us against one of our Yorkshire rivals this evening, who are doing great so far this season, but we deserved the three points for the way we played and controlled the game, and it is also great to keep consecutive clean sheets, which is something we have struggled with this season."

Barnsley starting line-up (4-4-2). Steele, Hassell, Stones, Edwards (Foster 69), McNulty (c), O'Brien (Mellis 39), Cranie, Perkins, Ameobi (Etuhu 45), Davies, Harewood.
Subs not used. Alnwick (gk), Done, Cywka, Dagnall.
Booked. O'Brien.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Peltier (c), Lees, Pearce, Pugh, Byram (Diouf 66), Norris, Green, White (Varney 45), Somma (McCormack 66), Becchio.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Drury, Thompson, Austin.
Goal. Becchio 75.

Attendance. 19,530.
Referee. Anthony Taylor.
Man of the Match. Tom Lees (Leeds United), rated at 7.5 over 90 minutes. The centre-back put in a great performance for the visitors tonight, and helped his side come away from Oakwell with all three points.

Always good to win the derby and with such a late goal it must of felt even better!

It was a good win for us against our Yorkshire rivals, and we deserved to win with the way we controlled the game, but i did not think we was going to do it towards the end

WHITE OUT FOR AROUND FOUR WEEKS.

16 December 2012.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
White strains his groin in the victory at Oakwell.



Aidan White has today been ruled out for around four weeks, after picking up an injury in the win at Barnsley yesterday.

White, 21, has been a key player for us this season, playing 15 times in the league, and 17 times in all competitions, while also scoring his first ever goal for us this season, so he will be a big loss for manager Phil Walker.

It is expected White will be back in around four weeks after picking up this injury, so he will miss the coming weeks, which will be busy ones.

16 December 2012
Last updated at 17:15


Blackpool have today appointed Stuart McCall as their new manager, with him moving from Scottish Premier League side Motherwell.

The Seasiders lost manager Ian Holloway earlier this month, when he went to West Brom earlier in the month, but they have today unveiled Stuart McCall as their new manager, who has left struggling SPL side Motherwell today.

McCall, 48, has taken over a side that are flying high in the npower Championship, with the club currently in the play-off places, and the supporters will be hoping McCall can keep their good form up, and hopefully get the club promoted back into the Premier League.

In terms of the deal that McCall has signed, he has signed a deal at Bloomfield Road until June 2015, with The Seasiders hoping he can get them back into the Premier League, and with the players at the club, that may well happen this season.

Life at Bloomfield Road will start off tough for McCall, he starts off with a trip to Blackburn Rovers next weekend, before facing a trip to strugglers Ipswich Town, before facing Barnsley and Leicester City at Bloomfield Road, and he will then face a trip to Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup to face Liverpool.

Stuart McCall on his new challenge at Blackpool. "Of course this will be a tough challenge, as there are a lot of ex-Premier League teams in this league, but this is a challenge I am looking forward to, I have come to a club who are fighting for promotion, and I want to give the fans promotion in May."

22 December 2012
Last updated at 18:05


Ipswich Town were close to snatching a point against Leeds United today, but El-Hadji Diouf struck a last minute winner for the visitors, for them to go back to West Yorkshire with a 1-0 victory.

Ipswich Town came into this game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City, and were unbeaten since November the 17th, and manager Billy Davies made two changes from that draw, out went Massimo Luongo and Callum McManaman, to be replaced by Carlos Edwards and Luke Hyam.

Leeds United came to Portman Road on the back of a 1-0 win at Barnsley, and manager Phil Walker made just the one change, out went the injured Aidan White to be replaced by Luke Varney, on the left of midfield.

The first chance of the game fell to the away side, and they had the ball in the net, but the strike from Luke Varney was disallowed for offside. The move started for the visitors when Paul Green won the ball with a tackle on Luke Hyam, he then sprayed the ball out to Sam Byram on the right flank, who then whipped the ball into the far post to find Luciano Becchio, and he cushioned a header down to Varney, who then fired a shot through the legs of Scott Loach, but the flag was up on the far side, with the linesman flagging Becchio offside.

Ipswich Town had their first chance of the game on 24 minutes, and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas forced a good save from Paddy Kenny. The ball came to the Ipswich number nine from a Michael Chopra pass, and he hit a low shot which was going into the bottom corner, but Kenny got his fingertips to the shot, and he tipped the shot wide to concede a corner.

Leeds United had the last good chance of the first half, but Sam Byram put his shot wide of the goal. The chance for Byram was created by David Norris, he picked the ball up from a Davide Somma pass, before laying the ball into the run of Byram, and the number 25 fired a shot just wide of the goal, with Scott Loach beaten.

The first good chance of the second half did not come until 16 minutes from the end, and it was Michael Chopra who was guilty of missing a great chance. The chance for Chopra was created by Carlos Edwards, he picked the ball up from a Luke Chambers ball down the line, before whipping the ball into the far post to find Chopra, and he somehow headed the ball wide of the goal, with Paddy Kenny beaten.

It was Leeds United who had the ball in the back of the net on 90 minutes, and it was El-Hadji Diouf who scored the winning goal. The goal came from a counter attack by The Whites, David Norris won the ball from Guirane N'Daw with a great tackle, and he hit the ball forward into the run of Danny Pugh, who then played a wonderful pass for Ross McCormack, who then layed the ball across goal, and Diouf fired home to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Full time here at Portman Road and it is Leeds United who have won today, thanks to a strike from El-Hadji Diouf, who made it four goals for the season, but his contract does run out in January, and it looks like he will not be handed a new deal. The defeat for the home side leaves them dropping down to 19th, while the away side move four points clear in second place, after Bolton Wanders lost 2-0 to Derby County today.

Ipswich Town boss, Billy Davies, on the loss. "Yes I am a little bit disappointed about this defeat today, we were the better team out there this afternoon, but this is our first defeat in over a month, so I am pleased on that front."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on another win and clean sheet. "Another win and clean sheet today which is a great outcome, but we have to keep this form going, and of course it will be tough at Brighton on Boxing Day, with them just three points off the play-off places."

Ipswich Town starting line-up (4-4-2). Loach, Chambers, Smith, Booth (c), Cresswell, Edwards (c) (Luongo 90), Hyam, N'Daw, Martin (McManaman 90), Chopra, Emmanuel-Thomas (Scotland 82).
Subs not used. Flahavan (gk), Whight, Yeates, Ainsley.
Booked. N'Daw, Chopra, Hyam.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Peltier (c), Lees, Pearce, Pugh, Byram, Norris, Green, Varney (Drury 69), Somma (Diouf 58), Becchio (McCormack 69).
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Poleon, Thompson, Austin.
Goal. Diouf 90.

Attendance. 16,231.
Referee. Mark Clattenburg.
Man of the Match. Jason Pearce (Leeds United), rated at 7.6 over 90 minutes. It was fellow centre-back Tom Lees who won this award at Barnsley last weekend, and Pearce did great today, helping his side to their third clean sheet in as many games.

26 December 2012
Last updated at 18:25


Brighton and Hove Albion got revenge over Leeds United for defeating them in August, by beating them 2-1 this afternoon, to give their fans a treat on Boxing Day.

The home side came into the game against the boys from Yorkshire this afternoon, on the back of a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City here on Saturday, and manager Gustavo Poyet made no changes from that match.

Leeds United however made four changes from the 1-0 win at Ipswich Town, out went Tom Lees, Sam Byram, David Norris and Davide Somma, to be replaced by Patrick Kisnorbo, El-Hadji Diouf, Rodolph Austin and Ross McCormack, with manager Phil Walker changing things around, with the club entering a busy festive period.

It was Leeds United who had the first real chance of the game, with Paul Green forcing a good save out of Tomasz Kuszczak. The chance for The Whites midfielder came on nine minutes, and the chance was created by Luke Varney, after he cut the ball inside to the number seven, and he then hit a low drive along the skiddy pitch, which Kuszczak did well to get down to and save the shot.

The home side had their first real chance of the match on 27 minutes, and they had the ball in the back of the net, with defender Marcos Painter heading the ball home. The goal was created from a free kick out on the right, and that free kick was won by Dean Hammond, who was pushed by Leeds United centre-back Jason Pearce, up stepped David Lopez to float a cross into the box, that cross found Marcos Painter unmarked in the area, and his header went in via the fingertips over Paddy Kenny and the post.

Leeds United were very unlucky not to equalise eight minutes later, with them having three great chances in one attacking move. The move was started off when Rodolph Austin won the ball off Liam Bridcutt, he then laid the ball out wide to Danny Pugh, who then whipped the ball into Luciano Becchio, who headed against the post, the ball then fell to Ross McCormack, who had a shot blocked by Adam El-Abd, and the ball then came to El-Hadji Diouf, but his low shot was well saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.

The visiting side equalised just two minutes before the hour mark, with Ross McCormack hitting his 10th league goal of the season. The goal was created from a brilliant passing move by the away side, Luke Varney moved inside before playing it back to Danny Pugh, the left-back then played it into Paul Green out on the left, and he whipped the ball into the penalty area to find McCormack, who headed home into the roof of the net.

The scores did not stay level for long, as the hosts made it 2-1 just six minutes later, with Vicente heading the ball home, after a mistake from Paddy Kenny. The goal came from another Brighton set-piece and this time it was a corner out on the left, it was David Lopez who floated it into the far post, a ball which Paddy Kenny came and failed to collect, and that allowed Ashley Barnes to head the ball back across goal, to find Vicente who met the ball with a diving header, and that went in off the near post.

It could have been a third goal for the home side, but Paddy Kenny made a fine save to deny striker Ashley Barnes. The chance was created by another David Lopez cross, something he had given the visitors problems with all afternoon, and that found Ashley Barnes in the centre, who put a fine header in towards goal, and it looked like it was going in until Paddy Kenny got there, to push it over the top.

Full time at the Amex Stadium and it is a Boxing Day victory for the home side, with Leeds United returning to West Yorkshire after a 2-1 defeat today, the goals for the home side came from Marcos Painter and Vicente, but Ross McCormack got a goal in between those two goals, with a goal on his first start on his comeback from injury.

Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Gustavo Poyet, on the three points. "A good win for us this afternoon, okay we are doing well this season, but the visitors today have been in good form, and did give us a tough afternoon, but I am delighted to claim all three points, and give the fans a late Christmas present."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the defeat. "Of course I am disappointed to lose this afternoon, but it was not a surprise as we were poor in every area, and allowed them to score from two set-pieces, which is not good enough, but we need to look forward and maybe add in the January transfer window."

Brighton and Hove Albion starting line-up (4-3-3). Kuszczak, Bruno, Greer (c), El-Abd, Painter, Bridcutt, Orlandi (Barnes 59), Hammond (Vincelot 90), Lopez, Vicente, Dobbie (Mackail-Smith 64).
Subs not used. Ankergren (gk), Buckley, Dunk, LuaLua.
Goals. Painter 27, Vicente 64.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Peltier (c), Kisnorbo, Pearce, Pugh, Diouf, Austin (Lees 75), Green (Norris 68), Varney, Becchio, McCormack.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Drury, Byram, Poleon, Somma.
Goal. McCormack 58.
Booked. Lees.

Attendance. 22,717.
Referee. Lee Probert.
Man of the Match. Paul Green (Leeds United), rated at 8.4 over 68 minutes. The midfielder put in a great shift in the midfield for nearly 70 minutes, mixing his passes well and also laying a goal on for his team, as he covered every blade of grass on the pitch.

27 December 2012
Last updated at 14:55


Barnsley are this afternoon looking for a new manager, after Keith Hill left the club, to take over struggling Premier League club Newcastle United.

The South Yorkshire club have been exceeding expectations this season under Hill, but they have lost him this afternoon, with struggling Premier League side Newcastle United appointing him as their new manager, after sacking Alan Pardew eight days ago, and that was after handing him an eight-year contract in the summer.

In terms of the deal handed to Hill, 43, the Bolton-born manager has signed a deal until June 2015, and it is thought to be worth £29,000 a week, with The Magpies faithful hoping he can keep them in the Premier League, and look to build in the summer.

It will be a tough start for the new man at St. James' Park, first up is a trip to mid-table Wigan Athletic, before then travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, he then faces Manchester United at home in the third round of the FA Cup, before going to Goodison Park to face Everton in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final, and then faces Manchester United at home again, but this time in the Premier League.

Rumours have already started circulating as to who will take over at Oakwell, Peter Houston of Dundee United is the early favourite, but Danny Lennon, Malky Mackay and Craig Brown are also being linked with the vacant job, in South Yorkshire.

Unlucky buddy! Tough boxing day result that!

Ye I think the team ate too many christmas puddings over the festive period.

29 December 2012
Last updated at 17:55


Leeds United got back to winning ways this afternoon against Leicester City, with the side from the Midlands beaten 2-0, thanks to a brace from Luciano Becchio.

Leeds United came into this game on the back of a 2-1 defeat on Boxing Day at Brighton and Hove Albion, so manager Phil Walker made six changes in total from that game, out went Lee Peltier, Danny Pugh, Jason Pearce, El-Hadji Diouf, Luke Varney and Ross McCormack, to be replaced by Sam Byram, Adam Drury, Tom Lees, David Norris, Dominic Poleon and Davide Somma.

Leicester City manager Roy Keane made five changes from the 3-0 defeat at home to Hull City, out went Paul Konchesky, Richard Wood, Richie Wellens, Ben Marshall and Martyn Waghorn, with Tommy Spurr, Sean St. Ledger, Neil Danns, Paul Gallagher and Danny Drinkwater coming in.

It was The Foxes who had the first real chance of the match, with midfielder Andy King going close on 13 minutes. The chance for King was created by Danny Drinkwater, he picked the ball up from a Neil Danns pass, before cutting the ball back to the number 10, and King fired his shot just wide of the goal, with Paddy Kenny scrambling to get there.

The home side had their first chance of the match on 22 minutes, and found the net with that chance, with Luciano Becchio punishing some poor defending by the visitors. The assist for the goal went to goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, he took a free kick from just outside his penalty box, after Jermaine Beckford was flagged offside, and the ball was hit long into the Leicester City half, a ball which City defender Ritchie De Laet failed to deal with, and Becchio fired home his 15th of the season past Kasper Schmeichel, but also claimed his 75th league goal for Leeds United.

Leeds United could have doubled their lead just six minutes before half time, but Rodolph Austin put his free kick just over. The free kick was won by striker Luciano Becchio, he received the ball from a Dominic Poleon pass inside along the floor, and the Argentinian striker was brought down 25 yards from goal by Ritchie De Laet, up stepped midfielder Austin to fire a free kick at goal, and the shot went just over the crossbar, with Kasper Schmeichel beaten.

The day for the Leicester City went from bad to worse on 49 minutes, when Lloyd Dyer was stretchered off with an ankle injury. The Leicester City winger picked the ball up from a pass from Tommy Spurr, he then knocked the ball inside to Jermaine Beckford, but Dyer was caught late by a tackle from Sam Byram, and was then stretchered off injured down the tunnel.

Leicester City had the next best chance in the match on the 57th minute, and Ben Marshall brought a brilliant save out of Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. The move for The Foxes started from a corner, Andy King whipped the ball into the box, but the ball was headed away by skipper Patrick Kisnorbo, the ball then fell to Neil Danns, who then played the ball was played into Marshall, and he fired in a curling shot towards the far post, which everybody thought the shot was going in, but Kenny somehow got his fingertips to the shot, to turn it around the post.

Leeds United clinched all three points on 89 minutes, with Luciano Becchio hitting his second goal of the game, to make it 2-0 to the home side. The move for the goal was started from a mistake by Leicester City, midfielder Danny Drinkwater lost the ball to Danny Pugh who timed his tackle perfectly, he then paid the ball out wide to Dominic Poleon, he then hit the shot in search of a run from Becchio, defender Ritchie De Laet cut the ball out, but he slipped on the wet pitch and Becchio latched onto the ball, before slotting it home for 2-0.

Full time and all three points will be staying in West Yorkshire today, thanks to a double from Luciano Becchio, but The Foxes will be more concerned on the injury to Lloyd Dyer, after he was stretchered off injured. This win for the home side in the sleet keeps them in second place, but the visitors drop down to 20th place.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on getting all three points. "It feels good to get back to winning ways this afternoon, and we have also kept a clean sheet which is a great thing. This is a difficult period of the season, as there is so many games in a short period of time, so of course we have to keep making changes, so I will be trying to add to the squad when the transfer window opens, which is on Tuesday."

Leicester City boss, Roy Keane, on the defeat. "Well of course I am disappointed to lose today, but we just did not get the rub of the green out there, and the home side did. It was also a big loss having Lloyd Dyer stretchered off, but hopefully he will not be out for too long."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Green, Lees, Kisnorbo (c), Drury, Byram, Austin (Diouf 60), Norris (Pugh 82), Poleon, Becchio, Somma.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Pearce, McCormack, Varney.
Goals. Becchio 22, 89.
Booked. Austin, Norris.

Leicester City starting line-up (4-5-1). Schmeichel, St. Ledger (Moore 74), De Laet, Morgan, Spurr, Gallagher, Drinkwater, Danns, King, Dyer (Marshall 49), Beckford (Knockaert 79).
Subs not used. Logan (gk), Schlupp, James, Wood.
Booked. De Laet, Marshall.

Attendance. 25,339.
Referee. Phil Dowd.
Man of the Match. Luciano Becchio (Leeds United), rated at 8.8 over 90 minutes. Every player in a white shirt put in a great performance this afternoon, but Becchio won the game for them today, with his two goals, and the way he put himself about up front, ensured he was voted the best player out there today.

Becchio ruled out with injury.

Last updated: December 30, 2012 1:35pm.





Leeds United have confirmed they will be without striker Luciano Becchio for around ten days, after he picked up an injury in the win over Leicester City yesterday.

The Whites striker Becchio, 29, sustained a bruised head during the 2-0 win against Leicester City yesterday afternoon, following a robust challenge between himself and opponent Wes Morgan, in the closing stages of the match, and has been ruled out for around ten days, while he is treated by the club's physios.

The Argentinian striker is currently the top scorer at Elland Road this season, with him finding the net 16 times this campaign, with all goals coming in the npower Championship, and the two goals yesterday were his 75th and 76th league strikes for the club, meaning he is now the tenth top league scorer for the West Yorkshire club, just one goal behind Mick Jones in the rankings for league goals.

Another player who will miss the next match against Peterborough United is Rodolph Austin, he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Leicester City, and has picked up a one match ban.

We will look to add to our squad in January.

Last updated: December 31, 2012 11:00am.





Leeds United manager Phil Walker has confirmed he will be looking to sign new players in the January transfer window.

The Elland Road boss is yet to sign a player during his time with the West Yorkshire club, but he is looking to add to his squad during the January transfer window, especially with it being a small squad, but he has not confirmed who he will be looking to sign in January.

There have not been any names being linked with a move to Elland Road, but that does not mean Walker does not have any transfer targets, but he could well have to sell before he can buy, especially with talks he only has a small transfer budget to work with.

Phil Walker on the January transfer window targets. "I will make it no secret that we will be looking to add to our squad when the transfer window opens, but whether I can do that is another question, because sometimes the players you want are overpriced, but I do have my targets in mind, it is just trying to sign them at the right price, and we are also trying to move a few players out, as I will look to balance the books in order to sign new faces."

Good win against leicester, losing Becchio will be a big hit though, excited to see who you bring in come January!!

Ye it was a good win against Leicester, but as you say Becchio will be a big loss, and yes I am excited to see who I can add to the squad aswell

31 December 2012
Last updated at 16:10


With the January transfer window opening tomorrow, BBC Football now looks at what movement could happen at Leeds United.

We believe Leeds United manager Phil Walker will be busy over the coming month, with us naming who we believe he will make a move for, and who is expected to leave the West Yorkshire club, but also who could leave the club, if they receive a ridiculous offer for the player.

Who could be joining in January.
Dan Gosling, Newcastle United. The Magpies midfielder joined the club from Everton in 2010, and was tipped for big things, but he has failed to produce that hype with the club, and finds himself in the reserve squad, so The Whites may move for him in a loan deal.

Anton Ferdinand, Queens Park Rangers. Despite having played 13 times for the first team this season, Mark Hughes has told the centre-back he is not wanted, and could drop down into the npower Championship, to grab some first team football

Shaun Maloney, Wigan Athletic. The ex-Celtic midfielder, 29, is available from Wigan Athletic, but he could prove too much to buy from The Latics, but Walker could exploit the loan market to sign him.

Dexter Blackstock, Nottingham Forest. The Forest striker is yet another player who is not wanted by his club, and Walker could make the move for Blackstock, to try and bolster his attacking options.

Who is expected to leave Elland Road in January.
Adam Drury. The left-back only signed in the summer, but manager Phil Walker has preferred Danny Pugh in that position this season, and with Aidan White and Jason Pearce who can also play there, this could signal the departure of Drury from Elland Road.

El-Hadji Diouf. Everybody will be surprised by Diouf being included in this list, but with him being out of contract in January, and yet to be offered a new one, he could decide to leave and find a new club.

Andy Gray. The Scottish striker like Diouf and Drury was signed in the summer, but unlike them he has been a fringe player at Elland Road, only featuring twice in all competitions, so he could may well be sold to another club.

Davide Somma. The striker made his comeback from a long injury lay off earlier in the season, but has not got back to anywhere near his best, and he could be moved on in the January window, to boost some extra funds to strengthen the squad.

Who could leave the club if they receive a silly offer.
Ross McCormack. The Scottish-born striker, 26, has hit 11 goals in all competitions this season, and if a silly offer from a Premier League club comes in, he could be leaving Elland Road in January.

Luciano Becchio. The Argentinian striker is the top scorer for the club this season, but like McCormack, if a big offer comes in from a Premier League side, he could be on his way, after over four years at Elland Road.

Jason Pearce. Having only arrived at Elland Road in the summer from Portsmouth for £500,000, Pearce, 25, has settled into the Leeds United side very quickly, and it is reported he is now worth £3,000,000, and a club may see that as a bargain, and may try to sign him in January,.

Rodolph Austin. Having only joined English football from Norway in the summer, the Jamaican midfielder has settled in very quickly, and the Elland Road club could maybe sell the tough tackling midfielder, but it would have to be a very silly offer for them to do so.

January npower Championship award winners are confirmed.

Last updated: January 1, 2013 9:30am.





The npower Championship awards have been announced today for the month of December, with all four awards going to different clubs.

The award for Manager of the Month has gone to Derek McInnes, of Bristol City, after he guided the club to five wins in seven npower Championship games, with the club picking up five clean sheets in the process. Wolves centre-back Roger Johnson has again won the Player of the Month award, which he won in September, after he put in a series of solid performances last month. The Young Player of the Month has gone to Jason Lowe, of Blackburn Rovers, after he turned in a series of impressive performances last month, making seven outstanding performances in total. The Goal of the Month award went to Cardiff City, with midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung winning the award, for his lob against Barnsley, which came from all of 58 yards out.

The top two yet again is made up by Wolves and Leeds United, the Midland club are seven points clear at the top, and look like bouncing back into the Premier League, while the West Yorkshire club are five points clear in second place. The play-off places for a second month are made up of Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace, with three of those teams all located in Lancashire. The relegation places are made up of Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic, with all three clubs having sacked their managers, since the start of the season.

Manager of the Month. Derek McInnes (Bristol City).
Player of the Month. Roger Johnson (Wolves).
Young Player of the Month. Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers).
Goal of the Month. Kim Bo-Kyung. Barnsley v Cardiff City.

GRAY DEPARTS WHILE ROGERS RETURNS.

1 January 2013.
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Striker moves to Scotland while midfielder returns from his loan spell.



We can confirm striker Andy Gray has today left the club, while Robbie Rogers has returned from this loan spell at Stevenage.

Gray, 35, has joined Scottish Premier League side Dundee this morning, moving to Scotland on a free transfer from us. The striker did begin his career in football with us, making a total of 22 league appearances in his first spell here at Elland Road, he then left to play for nine clubs in total (Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, Oldham Athletic, Bradford City, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Burnley, Charlton Athletic and Barnsley) before returning in the summer, but he was signed under former boss Neil Warnock, and only featured once in the league under Phil Walker, coming off the bench at Leicester City in August.

We may have let one player leave the club today, but midfielder Robbie Rogers has returned to the club today, following his loan spell at Stevenage. The wide midfield man has been on loan at League One side Stevenage this season, making a total of 23 appearances in all competitions while at Broadhall Way, but he has returned to us with a broken ankle, and will be out for around three months.

Wolves look to be running away with the title now, hopefully you can catach them matey

Ye they are looking like there going to win the league, but hopefully I can add the right players to my squad, and try and win the league.

1 January 2013
Last updated at 18:15


Peterborough United came from behind to secure a point at Elland Road, with Leeds United disappointed they conceded a goal in the last five minutes.

Leeds United manager Phil Walker made seven changes from the win at home to Leicester City, out went Paul Green, Tom Lees, Patrick Kisnorbo, Sam Byram, Dominic Poleon, Rodolph Austin and Luciano Becchio, with Zac Thompson, Lee Peltier, Jason Pearce, El-Hadji Diouf, Luke Varney, Danny Pugh and Ross McCormack replacing them in the starting line-up.

Peterborough United came into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory away to Cardiff City, and manager Darren Ferguson made five changes from that win, with Kgosi Ntlhe, Danny Swanson, Tommy Rowe, Lee Tomlin and George Boyd making way, with Mark Little, Daniel Kearns, Grant McCann, Emile Sinclair and Joe Newell replacing them.

Leeds United had the first chance of the match and put the ball in the back of the net, with striker Ross McCormack scoring the opening goal. The move for the goal started with left-back Adam Drury, he won the ball off of Michael Bostwick, before playing it into Luke Varney, the Leeds United attacker played the ball into Davide Somma, he then played the ball past Gabriel Zakuani before floating the ball into the box, and that found the head of Ross McCormack, who headed the ball home for 1-0.

The next chance of the match came on 23 minutes, and it was Davide Somma who had the chance. It was Danny Pugh who started the move off, he picked up the loose ball in the middle of the pitch, before slotting the ball into striker Davide Somma, he took a good first touch before hitting a low drive, which Bobby Olejnik saved well with his foot.

It was Peterborough United who had the next best chance of the match, with Tyrone Barnett going close on 34 minutes. The chance was created from a free kick by The Posh, the free kick was taken by Grant McCann out on the right, he whipped the ball into the box which found Kelvin Wilson, he nodded the ball down to find Barnett, and he hit a low drive at goal, which was well saved by Paddy Kenny.

The next chance in the match did not come until after the hour mark, with El-Hadji Diouf having a shot from distance for the home side. Leeds United began the move for the chance from the back, it was Paddy Kenny who played a goal kick short to Jason Pearce, he then slotted the ball into Luke Varney on the halfway line, who played a first time ball into Danny Pugh, he then played a brilliant ball over the top into Diouf, and he then brought the ball down, before hitting a shot from distance, which Bobby Olejnik did well to push away.

The home side handed youngster Simon Lenighan a senior debut on 68 minutes, he was an unused substitute against Blackburn Rovers earlier in the season, but this time he came on and replaced fellow midfielder David Norris, to a warm welcome from the Elland Road crowd.

With just three minutes of normal time left in the match, Peterborough United punished the home side to equalise, with Tyrone Barnett finding the net. The home side were down to ten men at this point, manager Phil Walker had used all three substitutions, but saw Luke Varney limp off with an injury, and the visitors punished the home side, Gabriel Zakuani hit a ball over the top to find striker Barnett, and he fired home from 24 yards out to equalise.

Full time here at Elland Road and the home side will see it as two points dropped today, while the away side will be delighted to have picked up a point here, after losing the game until the 87th minute. Leeds United fans will be pleased to have seen the latest youngster make his debut today, midfielder Simon Lenighan came on for the last 22 minutes, and impressed the Elland Road crowd with a good display.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the draw. "I am quite disappointed to have drawn the match today, I felt the lads had wrapped all three points up today, until Peterborough equalised in the final five minutes, but the players are suffering from fatigue, and that showed in the closing stages, with us ending the game with ten men."

Peterborough United manager, Darren Ferguson, on the point. "I believe this was a good result for us this afternoon, we did not let our heads drop after conceding the first goal, and got the equalised on 87 minutes, which is something the lads deserved."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Thompson, Peltier (c), Pearce, Drury (Lees 58), Diouf, Norris (Lenighan 68), Pugh (Green 83), Varney, McCormack, Somma.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Kisnorbo, Poleon, Byram.
Goal. McCormack 7.
Booked. Pugh.

Peterborough United starting line-up (4-4-2). Olejnik, Little (Rowe 57), Wilson, Zakuani (c), Alcock (Brisley 82), Kearns, Bostwick, McCann, Newell (Ntlhe 82), Sinclair, Barnett.
Subs not used. Letheren (gk), Howard, Swanson, Boyd.
Goal. Barnett 87.
Booked. McCann, Alcock, Zakuani.

Attendance. 20,042.
Referee. Richard Townsend.
Man of the Match. Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough United), rated at 7.6 over 90 minutes. The Peterborough United skipper had a poor start to the game, but he shrugged that off to have a great game at the back, and even set up the equaliser for the away side.

Diouf released by Leeds United.

Last updated: January 2, 2013 3:45pm.





El-Hadji Diouf has this afternoon been released by Leeds United, after coming to the end of his current deal.

Diouf, 31, only joined the West Yorkshire club in the summer as a free agent, signing a short term deal with the club which ran out today, and manager Phil Walker has decided against offering him a new deal, with him being released from the club this afternoon.

The Senegalese attacker, played 22 times for the club in total this season, all coming in the npower Championship, and he found the net four times for the club, including both goals in the win away at Peterborough United, back in September.

It has not been confirmed as to why Leeds United have released Diouf, it is rumoured that he wanted to stay with the club, but it is reported that the club would not meet his weekly wage demands.

Michael Tonge joins Leeds United.

Last updated: January 4, 2013 11:15pm.





Leeds United have tonight completed the signing of Michael Tonge, with him joining from Premier League side Stoke City.

Tonge, 29, has joined the West Yorkshire club tonight for a reported fee of £65,000, with him signing a deal at Elland Road until June 2014, worth a reported £8,000-per-week.

The midfielder had been at the Britannia Stadium since September 2008, joining the club for their first season in the Premier League, but since that move that cost The Potters £2,000,000, he has struggled for first team football, playing just 12 league games for the club, and spending time at Preston North End, Derby County and Barnsley on loan in that time, with his only appearance this season coming in the 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Capital One Cup, and that was only 12 minutes of football.

The Manchester-born player will not be available for the cup clash against AFC Wimbledon tomorrow, but he has been handed the number 18 shirt by manager Phil Walker.

Michael Tonge on his move to Elland Road. "I am delighted to have joined a great club like this tonight, this is a club who are doing great in the npower Championship at the moment, it is also a club which has Premier League facilities, but the city is also a city which deserves Premier League football, and I hope we can secure that for next season."

Phil Walker on the signing of Michael Tonge. "I believe this is a good signing for us this afternoon, he is a player with a lot of experience at this level, which is something I believe we need, especially if we are going to get promotion this season."

5 January 2013
Last updated at 10:05


Barnsley have this morning appointed St. Mirren boss Danny Lennon as their new manager.

The team from South Yorkshire are without a win in five games, with their last win coming against Birmingham City on the 8th of December, and in that time they have lost former manager Keith Hill, who has left to join Premier League side Newcastle United, but have this morning appointed Danny Lennon to be their new manager.

Chairman Patrick Cryne has handed a deal until June 2015 to Lennon, with the club hoping that they can keep up their good start to the campaign, and finish the season around mid-table, after being predicted to finish in 23rd in pre-season.

Lennon, 42, will have a difficult start to life at Oakwell, first up is Carlisle United in the FA Cup later today, then it is fellow strugglers Ipswich Town next weekend at Oakwell, before trips to the Midlands to face Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, before taking on Brighton and Hove Albion at Oakwell.

5 January 2013
Last updated at 18:10


Ross McCormack fired Leeds United into the fourth round of the FA Cup today, by scoring all four goals in the win over AFC Wimbledon, at Elland Road, with new signing Michael Tonge in the stands watching this win.

Phil Walker rung the changes for the home side for this match against a side two divisions below them, only Lee Peltier, Adam Drury, Danny Pugh and Ross McCormack remained from the side that drew 1-1 with Peterborough United. They handed a full debut to teenage midfielder Simon Lenighan, while Monty Gimpel was named on the bench, with him being handed the number 36 shirt.

AFC Wimbledon came here with ex-Leeds United manager Peter Reid in charge of them, and Reid made five changes from the draw away to Bradford City, out went Sebastian Usai, Curtis Osano, Adedeji Oshilala, Louis Harris and Sanchez Payne, with Seb Brown, Jim Fenlon, Warren Cummings, Mat Mitchel-King and Rashid Yussuff replacing them.

It took the home side just 13 minutes to find the net for the first goal, with Ross McCormack firing them into the lead. The assist for the goal went to midfielder Paul Green, he picked the ball up from a pass by Dominic Poleon, before slotting the ball into striker McCormack, and he took a touch before firing home a fierce left footed drive, which went into the roof of the net for 1-0.

The next chance in the match fell to the home side, with Adam Drury forcing a good save out of Seb Brown, in the AFC Wimbledon goal. The attack started when the visitors lost the ball on the halfway line, Paul Green who got the assist for the opening goal picked the loose ball up, and played it out wide to Drury, he then hit a first time shot from distance, and Brown had to get down well to save the shot.

It was 2-0 to Leeds United on 31 minutes, with Ross McCormack finding the net with his second goal. The assist for the goal this time went to youngster Simon Lenighan, he was making his full debut this afternoon and picked the ball up from a Sam Byram pass, after the number 25 kept the ball in, Lenighan then slotted the ball into the run of McCormack, and the number 44 fired in a low shot, which went under the hands of Seb Brown and into the net.

The next chance did not come until the 48th minute, but the home side made it 3-0 with the chance, with Ross McCormack wrapping up his hat-trick. The goal was this time created by Danny Pugh, left-back Adam Drury knocked the ball down the line to him, and he was found free out on the left to whip a ball in, which found McCormack, who then flicked the ball home into the roof of the net with his head.

With the game won at 3-0 on 61 minutes, manager Phil Walker handed young centre-back Monty Gimpel his professional debut, with the number 36 replacing Lee Peltier on the pitch, with Tom Lees moving to right-back, to allow Gimpel to play at centre-back alongside Patrick Kisnorbo, who took the captains armband off of Peltier.

The fourth goal of the match came six minutes after that change, with Ross McCormack finding the net again, for the fourth time in the match. The goal this time was created by Tom Lees, he was found by a Simon Lenighan pass out wide, before driving a ball across the floor into the box, for McCormack to slot home and make it 4-0, in the snowy conditions.

Full time here at Elland Road and Leeds United are into the fourth round draw, which will take place tomorrow evening, after this 4-0 romp over League Two side AFC Wimbledon, with Ross McCormack firing all four goals today. The home fans will be delighted with the way their side played, with the visitors being restricted to three shots in the match, with none of them on target.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on progressing into round four. "It was a terrific victory for us this afternoon, which books our place in the fourth round draw, which will be made tomorrow evening.

"We were a much changed side from the draw against Peterborough United on Tuesday, but the lads were great out there, and even at 4-0 we did not switch off.

"I have to say a special mention though to Ross (McCormack), to get four goals against anyone is a great achievement, but it was made all the more harder with the conditions, with it snowing for the last 25 minutes."

AFC Wimbledon boss, Peter Reid, on the defeat to his old club. "That was hard to watch at times for me and I expect the fans will feel the same, we were second best all afternoon, and that shows on the match stats.

"Many people will argue that with the opposition being two leagues above us, we were not expected to win, that maybe so but we did not even give them a game this afternoon, which is highly disappointing."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Ashdown, Peltier (c) (Gimpel 61), Lees, Kisnorbo (c), Drury, Byram, Lenighan, Green (Thompson 71), Pugh, McCormack, Poleon (Austin 82).
Subs not used. Kenny (gk), Pearce, Norris, Varney.
Goals. McCormack 13, 31, 48, 67.
Booked. Lenighan, Gimpel.

AFC Wimbledon starting line-up (4-2-3-1). Brown, Fenlon (Osano 45), Balkestein, McNaughton, Cummings, Mitchel-King, S. Moore (c), McKenna (Nightingale 64), Long (Harris 84), Yussuff, Midson.
Subs not used. Phillips (gk), MacDonald, L. Moore, Harrison.
Booked. Midson.

Attendance. 18,292.
Referee. Richard Townsend.
Man of the Match. Ross McCormack (Leeds United), rated at 9.8 over 90 minutes. The Scottish international striker was in fine form today, hitting four goals today past Seb Brown, to move joint top scorer at the club with Luciano Becchio.

Good win over Wimbledon buddy!