Contracts exchange between GFH and Cellino as Leeds Takeover nears completion.

Leeds United have confirmed they have signed contracts to sell a 75% stake in the club to Massimo Cellino. The deal is subject to Football League approval.Chairman Salah Nooruddin will remain in his post and managing director David Haigh will become chief executive. In a statement, Nooruddin said: “I am delighted to announce that we have exchanged contracts for the sale of 75 per cent of the club to Eleonora Sport Ltd, subject to Football League approval. “GFH Capital and its investors will retain a 25 per cent stake in Leeds United. I will remain the club chairman and David Haigh will be the club CEO. “The board has always had as its principal aim the creation of a long term ownership structure through partnership with sound and strategic investors to build on the foundations we have laid for sustainable success for this great club. “We believe we will have achieved that with this deal. It provides the basis from which Leeds United can move forward to a position which will enable it once again to compete at the highest levels of football. “That is where this great club belongs and it is nothing less than its fans deserve. Throughout the difficult years, as well as the glory years, they have remained second to none in their support of the club and we as a Board have always appreciated their passion. “Following the introduction to GFH to the Cellino family which owns Eleonora Sport Limited it quickly became apparent that the family and the company offered both the long term investment and the footballing knowledge necessary to take their place as majority owners of Leeds United. “Everyone on the Board is looking forward to working with our new partners who we hope will be in place at Elland Road very soon.” Gulf Finance House chief executive Hisham Alrayes said: “It has always been our aim since taking over Leeds United to create an ownership structure through partnership with like-minded strategic investors who would help us take the club forward on a long term and sustainable basis. “It has taken us some time to get the right deal in place with people who truly shared our commitment to, and faith in, the future of Leeds United. “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Massimo Cellino and Eleonora Sport Ltd who share our determination to move the club forward. “Despite media and market speculation, we have refrained from making any official comment on this matter until this point when contracts have been exchanged. “We understand that the speculation has been unsettling for the fans and, even though it was not of our making, we apologise to them for that. We are happy now to inform them of the accurate position with regard to the new ownership which will, we believe, enable the club to achieve promotion in the shortest realistic time possible. “GFH Capital and its investors continue to show its commitment to Leeds United through the minority 25 per cent shareholding we will be retaining.”

Match Report :Leeds 0-1 Leicester

Leeds United came away with no points from their game against Sky Bet Championship leaders Leicester City at Elland Road.The table toppers were made to look ordinary, but after the Leeds missed a hatful of chances in the first half-hour they were made to pay as they fell to a cruel 88th minute winner scored by David Nugent from Leicester’s only shot on target. Brian McDermott made four changes after the shocking 6-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday and went back to basics as he had indicated with a 4-4-2 formation and Luke Varney brought in up front to play alongside Ross McCormack. In midfield Michael Brown returned while Sam Byram and Stephen Warnock were restored to their full-back positions. The biggest change was in attitude as Leeds came out fired up and got in their opponents’ faces right from the start, forcing mistakes and dominating the early exchanges. They were unlucky not to go in front in the fifth minute when Varney latched onto a loose clearance to cross the ball and McCormack’s header hit the post. Leicester replied in kind as Jamie Vardy got in behind a hesitant home defence to strike a shot against the outside of the post, but it was United forcing the pace and they came close again on eight minutes. Following a weak punch by former Leeds stopper Kasper Schmeichel the ball fell to McCormack and his lob beat the keeper only to be headed off the line by Matty James. A follow-up shot by the United top scorer was then deflected and tipped wide by Schmeichel. Varney headed wide from a corner a minute later then Jimmy Kebe sent a header into the side netting from a Rudy Austin cross. United continued to swarm forward and more great chasing down by Varney led to Leicester defender Paul Konchesky playing a loose pass. McCormack latched onto it and ran clean through only to be denied by a superb save by Schmeichel. The follow-up fell to Varney only for his header to be easily cleared. Leicester were fortunate to survive again on 26 minutes when Tom Lees somehow headed over a gaping goal after Schmeichel had misjudged a cross. But after all the chances and misses the visitors survived and gradually got a foothold in the game. Anthony Knockaert showed that they could still be a danger as he flashed a shot over from the edge of the box. The second half was an even contest and lacked the excitement of the first. Brown saw a shot from the edge of the box comfortably saved while James was not far wide from a similar range at the other end. Cameron Stewart, who was disappointing on his home debut, did have a couple of shots deflected wide, but in contrast to earlier Leeds struggled to create openings for all their endeavour. Leicester did not look any more likely to score, but they did late on when Liam Moore’s ball into the box was dummied by substitute Kevin Phillips and Nugent took a touch before being quicker than Lees and Paddy Kenny to the ball to poke it home from close range. Defeats do not come much tougher to take than this, but the facts are that Leeds have now lost five games on the trot and have only scored three goals in their last seven matches.

Match Report: Leeds United 4-0 Birmingham City

Striker Ross McCormack inspired a first-half demolition of Birmingham as Leeds strolled to back-to-back home Sky Bet Championship wins. Leeds were out of sight by half-time as they found the net three times, firstly through McCormack after 18 minutes. The Scotland international, who missed last week's World Cup qualifying win over Croatia, then played a major part in the next two goals from Rodolph Austin and Matt Smith. Smith added a fourth in the 74th minute to ensure his side's 4-0 win. McCormack was twice the victim of desperate saves by Birmingham goalkeeper Darren Randolph before making it third time lucky in the 18th minute. Randolph rushed out of his goalmouth but his attempted clearance cannoned off Leeds captain Austin to McCormack who shot into the unguarded net from 20 yards for his sixth goal of the season. With both teams using wing-backs there were forays galore down the flanks. Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was twice relieved to see shots by winger Chris Burke zip just wide of the far post and Lee Novak had a goal disallowed for offside. The energetic McCormack felt Dan Burn had fouled him inside the box but his claim for a penalty was waved aside by referee Paul Tierney. McCormack was involved again when Leeds doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Austin picked McCormack out on the left with a superb pass from inside his own half before sprinting into the goalmouth to send a downward header past Randolph from the Scot's deep cross. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Smith released McCormack whose shot was parried by Rodolph back to Smith and the former Oldham striker reacted quickly to fire home Leeds' third. Birmingham manager Lee Clark replaced defender Burn and striker Novak with Andrew Shinnie and Nikola Zigic at the start of the second half, but Leeds continued to create openings and Austin shot straight at Randolph when he should have scored. With Shinnie improving Birmingham's midfield play, the visitors were unfortunate not to cut the deficit three times in a five-minute spell. Tom Lees made a goal-line clearance to deny Burke, Kenny brilliantly tipped over a sizzling drive by Zigic and David Murphy smacked a free-kick against the near post. Leeds survived again when Sam Byram cleared Burke's angled shot off the line but with 74 minutes gone Austin and youngster Alex Mowatt combined on the left for Smith to head his second goal and Leeds' fourth. Austin received a deserved ovation on being replaced by Michael Brown just before the final whistle. Birmingham were left glancing over their shoulder at the relegation places while much-improved Leeds completed their biggest home win since a 4-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the Capital One Cup first round in August 2012.

Match Report:Leeds 2-1 Brighton

Leeds' first million-pound player in eight years made an immediate impression on his new club as Luke Murphy scored a 94th-minute winner to see off Brighton at a sold-out Elland Road. The 23-year-old midfielder joined United from Crewe last month and his eight-figure fee - the first time the club have paid such an amount for a player since they signed Richard Cresswell in 2005 - has installed him as a beacon of hope to Leeds' fans. On a day which saw them celebrate the start of an advertised new era following the summer ousting of controversial former chairman Ken Bates, it was perhaps fitting for them that Murphy should make a late run into the box and down last season's play-off semi-finalists.Prior to Murphy's intervention a draw was on the cards, with Ross McCormack having cancelled out Leonardo Ulloa's opener for a Brighton side coming to terms with changes of their own, with manager Oscar Garcia having replaced Gus Poyet over the summer. But the crowd of 33,432 would be left celebrating come the end as Murphy struck, giving former Barcelona man Garcia a rude awakening to life in the hustle and bustle of the SkyBet Football League. Had Paddy Kenny not made three brilliant saves to deny them it could have been a different story, but with Leeds having squandered chances of their own, it was always going to settle with the side which could make an opportunity count. Leeds had not appeared so sure-footed early on, however, and it was Brighton who made the first impression as Andrea Orlandi forced Kenny into action from 25 yards.The early stages certainly gave a nod to Garcia's philosophy - Brighton were happy to roll the ball around - and with 13 minutes gone it bore fruit as Ulloa haunted Leeds again. The ex-Almeria man booked Brighton's play-off place with a last-minute winner against Leeds in April and was on the spot again today, nipping ahead of Tom Lees to tuck an Andrew Crofts cross under Kenny's body. Ulloa's strike briefly took the sting out of the atmosphere, but within five minutes Leeds were level. Michael Tonge dug out a cross from wide on the right, and when Luke Varney's flick fell to McCormack, the Scotland international did the rest from just inside the box.he goal appeared to give Leeds an assurance they had lacked early on and Murphy was unfortunate to see a 25-yarder flash wide, while fellow debutant Noel Hunt lifted one over from six yards as he fell under pressure from Matt Upson. Clear chances dried up after that and it was not until the 55th minute that either goal was threatened again - Varney cutting in on the counter attacking but fluffing his lines and dragging wide. Brighton had been largely contained since their goal at that point, but suddenly reintroduced themselves to the game at the three-quarter mark with only Kenny stopping them from regaining the lead.Substitute Will Buckley cut in from the right and pulled back for Crofts, whose instinctive first-time shot was well saved by Kenny, but the former Republic of Ireland international had to be even better on the follow-up as he smothered an Inigo Calderon strike at his near post. Tonge was then left in a heap and appealing for a penalty as Leeds looked to regain some momentum, while substitute Poleon could have put them ahead without the need for a spot-kick had he done better when hooking a loose ball goalwards. Poleon - rated highly by McDermott - then nodded a cross wide from six yards as United sought a second, which really should have arrived when Paul Green crashed over after Tomasz Kuszczak parried another Poleon shot in the 90th minute. Even then there was time for Kenny to deny Buckley with a stunning two-handed stop, before Murphy ran on to a Matt Smith flick to beat Kuszczak from six yards.

Leeds Chasing Derby Striker

Leeds United are rumoured to have made a move for transfer listed Derby striker Steve Davies.Leeds are believed to have tabled a bid of around £400,000 well short of Derby's £1m valuation of the player.The 24-year-old striker was offered a new three-year deal following conclusion of the 2011-12 season, in which he scored 12 goals and finished joint-top goalscorer.However due to family circumstances, Davies made the decision to turn down the offer.Subsequently he has been made available for transfer.He remains under contract with Derby until the summer of 2013 after the Club took up the option to extend his contract by a further year.The promising forward can operate as a centre forward, a lone striker and also in an attacking midfield role.His Derby career has been stop-start due to injuries, but when Davies has been fit his ability and potential has never come into any doubt.After returning early for pre-season training in 2010 he was unfortunate to suffer a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him for six months, but he returned to be available for every game in the second half of the season.He began the 2011-12 npower Championship in fine form, netting five goals in 10 games, before injury struck. The Liverpudlian was ruled out for almost four months after suffering a fractured skull in the side's 1-1 home draw with Southampton in October. After undergoing surgery he made a full recovery and returned to action during the closing months of the campaign, scoring five times during March.Derby boss Nigel Clough said: "There's no falling out with Steven, no disagreement about money, no lack of ambition by the Club or anything like that. He has genuine reason why he has turned the offer down and it's one that we accept and understand."People might be sceptical about this news but we completely respect Steven's decision. He's available for transfer and if a bid comes in which matches our valuation, then we'll move on and wish Steven and his family all the very best."
It is believed Leeds made a move for the player as their leading goalscorer Ross McCormack contract talks have stalled ,and he looks set to exit the club during the summer with several Premiership clubs showing interest.

Leeds Close in on Second Pompey Defender

Portsmouth defender Joel Ward in action against Leeds in February,

Portsmouth defender Joel Ward could seal a move to Leeds United next week after holding transfer talks with the club.Ward is in line to follow Jason Pearce from Fratton Park to Elland Road – but three other Championship clubs are vying for the right-back’s signature.Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Burnley have all expressed a firm interest in Ward but he is understood to have spoken with Leeds in the past 48 hours.The 22-year-old is likely to make a decision on his future after considering his options over the weekend.Ward was a fixture in Portsmouth’s team this season, making 46 appearances in a defence which also included Pearce.He turned professional at Fratton Park and spent a year on loan at Bournemouth before making his debut for his parent club in 2009.Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton admitted recently that Ward was likely to be next to follow Pearce through the exit door at Fratton Park, predicting a mass scramble for his services.
Appleton said: “There could be five or six in the race for Joel. That can only be a good thing. I’d be very surprised if he’s not the next one to move on.”

Leeds have only one recognised right-back in their squad – Paul Connolly – and the former Derby captain is surplus to requirements after being transfer-listed by Warnock.

Somma back in the frame at Leeds

Davide Somma is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season and will return to the training pitch with a vote of confidence from the club's assistant manager, Mick Jones.The Yorkshire Evening Post report that the South African international appears to be winning his battle against the knee injury which required two operations and forced him to miss the whole of this season.Somma suffered cruciate ligament damage in the early stages of Leeds’ last pre-season programme and saw his hopes of an on-schedule comeback ended when Leeds sent him for a fresh bout of surgery in March.The 27-year-old was expected to play a major role in the 2011-12 campaign having broken into Leeds United’s first team during the previous year but his recent set-back left him fighting to be ready for the opening day of the forthcoming Championship term.
Manager Neil Warnock revealed that Somma is on course to take part in pre-season, which begins provisionally for Leeds on July 4 and in earnest on July 11, and he admitted that Jones had identified much to admire in the striker’s game.
Warnock said: “Mick loves him. I’ve not seen a lot of him but Mick has and he loves him.
“But you just don’t know when you’ve had injuries like that. When you’ve been out for the length of time he has it’s difficult to predict if a player can sustain the top level of Championship football.”

O'Dea finished at Leeds United

Darren O’Dea has played his last game for Leeds United with manager Neil Warnock announcing that the on-loan defender will not be offered a permanent deal at Elland Road.O’Dea is to leave Leeds at the end of his season-long loan from Celtic after failing to convince Warnock to sign him when his contract at Parkhead expires in two months’ time.Warnock considered the option closely and met with O’Dea’s agent for preliminary talks last month, suggesting that he would recruit the 25-year-old on a free transfer ahead of the 2012-13 Championship season.But O’Dea’s time at Elland Road has ended with the red card and suspension he incurred at Blackpool on Tuesday night and Warnock is pursuing other options to play in the centre of Leeds’ defence next term.

Warnock said: “Whilst he’s done well, I’ve spoken to him and told him I’ll be going in a different direction next season.

“I’ve got people in mind who I want to bring in during the summer and I’m working towards making that happen.”

Paynter puts gloss on Leeds win

Goal-shy striker Billy Paynter finally found his scoring boots to help Leeds to a crushing come-from-behind win over Peterborough that earned Neil Warnock his first home victory as manager.The 27-year-old, signed from Swindon two years ago, had managed just one goal for the club prior to this afternoon and, when he was announced as one of five changes made by Warnock following defeat to Derby on Monday, his name was greeted with sarcastic cheers from fans who had grown tired of waiting for him to prove his worth.He answered them though, scoring twice as Warnock's men replied to Joe Newell's opener in some style, with Ross McCormack also grabbing a brace to take his tally for the season to 19.Paynter's first and McCormack's double came in a chaotic 180-second burst either side of the interval and killed off a Posh side who are still not mathematically safe from relegation and require a point to survive.It was Paynter's day, however, and after being handed a rare start ahead of Luciano Becchio, he set about proving to Warnock that he wants to remain in a squad that the veteran boss has repeatedly stated since his February arrival needs major surgery.He had a first-minute one-on-one saved and then had a second-minute header cleared off the line, while Robert Snodgrass was also denied under the bar as Leeds looked to have heeded Warnock's post-Derby warning that one of his sides would never play so badly again.That quickly looked likely to be a false statement, though, as Posh got on top.George Boyd missed two presentable chances, one after Andy Lonergan came for and missed a cross, the other after teenage defender Charlie Taylor slipped and lost possession.Leigh Bromby's deflected header then clipped Peterborough's bar, but Leeds looked shaky at the back and, after another Taylor error, the visitors took the lead when Newell robbed him of possession in the 37th minute and tucked under Lonergan from an acute angle.Boyd should have made it two seconds later but could not adjust his feet after the home keeper shelled Paul Taylor's shot, meaning that when Paynter scored from a yard in first-half injury time after Paul Jones dropped a Snodgrass shot, it brought Leeds level rather than giving them a lifeline.If Peterborough were stunned by the goal then they were even more shellshocked after the break as McCormack's quickfire double put them out of sight.First, his weak back-post volley after a Paynter flick somehow bobbled over the top of Jones and then, as Peterborough poured forward, Snodgrass, Danny Webber and Adam Clayton picked them apart to give the Scot a two-yard tap-in.

The game was over as a contest now and Leeds probed for chances seemingly at will, with Paynter taking one with 17 minutes left.

Tom Lees' cross found its way to him at the back post and his clinical 12-yard finish belied a man who only 40 minutes previous had scored his maiden home goal for the club.

He could and should have had a hat-trick after that, blazing wide when played in by Webber, before Warnock afforded him a standing ovation when he withdrew him with seconds remaining.

Leeds 0-2 Derby-Match Report

Neil Warnock welcomed Paul Connolly, Darren O'Dea and Ramon Nunez into his starting line-up for the second game of the Easter weekend.While the club's Play-Offs had all been extinguished, the new boss was challenging his players to prove their worth for next season and was also demanding a positive finish to the home campaign.Warnock was still searching for his first win at Elland Road since officially taking over, and after one early header over the top, Tom Lees did well to shut out Nathan Tyson.United's first serious raid came to an end with a penalty appeal when Ramon Nunez appeared to be bundled to the ground while looking to advance inside the box.At the other end, Andy Lonergan had to punch away one inswinging delivery while Tyson sent another header wide of the park.There was little to excite the fans during the opening 25 minutes, but Leeds were once again reduced to 10 men when Michael Brown was dismissed for a high foot.United almost immediately carved out another chance and Darren O'Dea went close with a header from a free-kick.But it was the visitors who took the lead on minutes when Craig Bryson found the space to get in a clean strike on goal which beat Lonergan.Leeds looked to get back on terms and McCormack went close, but Derby also tested the home defence once again before the break.The second half started at a frenetic pace, but Derby again looked the more threatening and United had more defending to do.
There had been an edge to the game throughout and tempers flared after Connolly was booked for a challenge on the hour.Derby keeper Frank Fielding was called into action for the first time on 63 minutes when he had to get down well to scramble away a shot from Nunez.But it was Derby who scored a second when Steven Davies capitalised on a loose ball after a good block by O'Dea and was able to stroke the ball home.With 20 minutes remaining, Warnock made his first change, introducing Billy Paynter in place of Becchio.But as the game headed into the final 10 minutes, United made little in terms of headway and match appeared to be slowly petering out into a routine away win.Substitute Danny Webber had an opportunity with six minutes remaining, but his shot was wide of the mark.Derby substitute Jamie Ward also had a chance at the other end, but he was denied by Lonergan after a clinical break by the visitors.
The visitors also had a couple of near misses in stoppage time, but it mattered little as they collected a 2-0 victory to move above Leeds.

Late goals sink ten man Leeds

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock hailed the effort of his ten-man side, who held out until six minutes from time before two goals from substitute Adam Le Fondre put Reading top of the table.The United manager was left to rue the red card shown to Zac Thompson for a wild lunge on Jobi McAnuff after only 12 minutes – but he insisted the crime did not merit its punishment.“We had the best chances,” he said. “I can’t ask any more. I thought they were fantastic today under the circumstances. We had a makeshift team and to have a man sent off so early on made it even harder.“I thought he was unlucky. The trouble is he set off with two feet but he’s landed two or three feet before.“What the assessor’s saying is if two feet are off the floor it’s a red card but he’s not hurt the kid.”Leeds’ Danny Pugh was fortunate not to also see red before the first half was up, as his studs-up challenge on Jem Karacan went unnoticed by referee Darren Drysdale.Warnock admitted: “I thought Pugh’s tackle was far worse. I thought Pugh should have got sent off.”Leeds dealt well with their one-man disadvantage and held Reading until the 84th minute, when Le Fondre chested home Hal Robson-Kanu’s headed centre.The forward notched again five minutes later, again from close range, to seal a victory Reading boss Brian McDermott admitted his team had worked hard to get.“We just had to keep going,” he said. “Leeds knew what they were doing today, and their manager knew what he was doing, so it was very difficult for us.”He paid tribute to the impact made by substitute Adam Le Fondre. The former Rotherham man’s last five strikes in Reading colours have all come in appearances from the bench but McDermott insisted he has not pigeon-holed the 25-year-old as a super-sub.

“If you want someone to score a goal for you to win a game, we’ve got the perfect man and he’s done it again today,” he said.

Warnock set to wield the axe and play the Kids

Neil Warnock is ready to give the kids a chance after another poor performance by his senior first team squad and suspensions mounting.Leeds go to Premier League chasing Reading on Friday afternoon, with both Darren O`Dea and Paul Connolly out through suspension.O`Dea is serving the second of his two game suspension for his tenth yellow card of the season at Millwall last weekend whilst Connolly will miss the trip flowing his red card in the defeat to Watford on Saturday.Connolly was shown his second yellow card of the game in injury time against Watford and Warnock questioned the defenders desire to play against the inform Reading next week.Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Warnock said, "Heaven knows what team I will put out next week. We have Connolly and O`Dea suspended. The sending off was irresponsible. He obviously does not want to play at Reading does he? That is how I look at it."If we have to play the kids we might has well. We are going to be beaten anyway with performances like this. I might has well put one or two in and have a look at them."Warnock could be without Aidan White next week after he limped out of the game at half time with an ankle injury.

Match Report Leeds 0 Watford 2

Neil Warnock made one change to his starting line-up with the suspended Darren O'Dea being replaced by Paul Connolly, who returned at right-back.But United got off to the worst possible start, conceding inside the opening five minutes. Chris Iwelumo was the goalscorer after Troy Deeney ended an advancing run by slipping the ball into his strike partner's path.United did look to respond immediately, Robert Snodgrass had a shot blocked and Alex Bruce headed the resultant corner over the bar. A free-kick was also directed over the top, but when Watford threatened again on 20 minutes, Andy Lonergan had to spread himself well to deny Deeney.It was a pretty untidy opening half hour or so with plenty of misplaced passes and scrappy challenges, yet neither side was able to take a firm grip on proceedings.There was a stoppage in the time leading up to half-time when Aidy White took another bang on the ankle, and he received lengthy treatment. Almost immediately afterwards, Bruce needed treatment for a head injury after he went up for a challenge with Iwelumo.Four minutes of time were added on and in the first minute, Snodgrass forced Tomasz Kusczak into making a good save. Lonergan also made a good save in the final minute to deny Deeney.
Warnock made a change at half-time, withdrawing White due to the injury and replacing him with Danny Webber. The second half started with Adam Clayton picking up his 10th booking of the season, meaning he will now miss the games against Reading and Derby.United started the second half on the front foot and looked to press Watford, but as the game hit the hour mark, Leeds still had nothing to show and the visitors were still looking to move on the break.With 23 minutes remaining, Warnock made his second change, Ramon Nunez replacing Clayton in the middle of the park. And, his first touch was to send a shot curling just wide of the upright from outside of the box.The game continued to be scrappy, and Snodgrass had a penalty shout waved away when he drilled a shot against a Watford defender.The game should have been all over on 82 minutes when Deeney cashed in on a defensive slip to find himself one-one-one with Lonergan, yet the Leeds keeper made a terrific save before Bruce cleared the follow-up off the line, allowing Lonergan to make a second vital stop to deny the visitors.But with less than two minutes remaining, Watford did wrap it up. Lonergan made a good save to deny Deeney, following good work by Sean Murray, but the ball fell to Iwelumo who drilled home the visitors second of the game.To compound United's woes, Paul Connolly received his marching orders in stoppage time for a second bookable offence.

Leeds Land Robinson

Leeds United have signed Bolton Wanderers defender Paul Robinson on loan.The 33-year-old, who is predominantly a left-back, but can play anywhere across the back line, joins on an initial loan deal until April 9.Robinson arrives having made over 500 career appearances since starting out as a trainee with Watford.
He made almost 250 of those appearances for West Brom before joining Premier League Bolton in a £1m deal in January 2010 after impressing on loan.Paul, who was a regular in the Bolton side up until the turn of the year, has made 76 appearances for the club and has featured 20 times this season.Leeds boss Neil Warnock was delighted to complete the deal to bring the defender to the club."I've been looking to see if I can get one or two leaders in," he said."Paul is a player who I have had my eye on for a couple of weeks - since I came in - but for whatever reason we just couldn't quite get it over the line."Now we've been able to do that I'm delighted. This is a great club for him and it gives us a chance to have a look at him with a view to next season."Paul, who is eligible for Tuesday's clash with Hull and has been allocated squad number 33, becomes the new manager's second signing, following the recruitment of former Portsmouth utility man Danny Webber on an initial deal until the end of the season.

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Leeds Set to Raid Pomey for Pearce

Leeds United are attempting to land Portsmouth defender Jason Pearce.The Yorkshire club are believed to have approached cash strapped Pompey to take the player on loan with a view to a permanent move.Leeds have tried to tempt Portsmouth with a part payment up front,and with the south coast club deep in the financial mire and desperate to raise cash to pay their outstanding £1.6 million tax bill it looks as if a deal could be on the cards.It appeared that the 24-year-old was on his way out of the club on transfer deadline day but a move to Ipswich failed to materialise.Pearce, who made the switch from Bournemouth in the summer, has established himself as a first-team regular making 26 appearance for the club He became an instant fan favourite establishing himself as one of the most consistent quality players in the team. On Saturday Pearce took the captain's armband in the match against Middlesbrough in a 3-1 loss which could possibly be the clubs last match, this was too much for the 24 year old captain who was reduced to tears at the end of the 90 minutes.

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Warnock Facing Defensive Crisis

Leeds manager Neil Warnock could be without three defenders for the midweek clash at Hull.Alex Bruce was already ruled out after missing the weekend defeat to Southampton with a hamstring strain, while both Aidy White and Leigh Bromby sustained knocks against the Saints and are rated very doubtful.Warnock said he will leave a decision on both White and Bromby until Tuesday afternoon.Paul Connolly and teenage pair Zac Thompson and Charlie Taylor could come into contention, while versatile midfielder Danny Pugh offers Warnock an alternative option.New signing Danny Webber made his debut for the club when replacing White early in the second half against Southampton and will be pushing for his first start.Striker Billy Paynter, out of favour under previous boss Simon Grayson, is another player hoping for a recall after returning to the bench at the weekend as Leeds chase only their second win in six league matches.


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Lucky "Saints" complete Elland Road Smash n Grab Raid

Neil Warnock made one enforced change to his starting line-up for his first home game in 'official' charge with Leigh Bromby coming in for the injured Alex Bruce at right-back.Elland Road gave Warnock a warm reception as he took to the home dugout for the first time, and his players responded in kind with a high octane start to the match.Adam Clayton had an early close-range effort smothered by Kelvin Davis, but for all their cavalier efforts they were not able to make the most of their dominance before Lambert opened the scoring on 16 minutes.Against the run of play, Jack Cork's cross from the right was headed back across by Tadanari Lee and Lambert was well-placed to hammer home a volley for his 20th league goal of the season.
Warnock joined the rest of the home crowd in screaming for a penalty when a shot struck Jose Fonte's elbow inside the area, but referee Nigel Miller ignored the appeals.New Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack and Aidan White all went close but were unable to beat Davis in the Southampton goal, but they went into the break on terms having lost defender Leigh Bromby to injury midway through the half.Despite being ahead it was Saints manager Nigel Adkins who made the changes at half-time, bringing on Guly do Prado and Dean Hammond.Warnock responded by bringing on Danny Webber for his debut 10 minutes into the second half as Leeds continued to enjoy the bulk of the attacking possession.Davis was a rock for Southampton as he first made an exceptional close-range double-save from Luciano Becchio before, just moments later, denied Webber with a fingertip save.Lloyd Sam came on with a quarter of an hour remaining, but even though he injected some pace and impetus into a Leeds team that was becoming increasingly frustrated he could not help them find a way through.The closest they came was during an almighty scramble in the six-yard box following a corner,Unbelievably, and summing up Leeds evening, one attack ended with two headers hitting the bar after Southampton failed to clear, the second one coming from Darren O'Dea.But, amazingly, Southampton held on to walk away with all three points to deny United.

Doncaster and Leeds players Clash in Tunnel Bust Up

Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United have both refused to comment on a post-match tunnel fracas that ended in players and staff from both sides being questioned by police. The incident happened after the full time whistle was blown on a firm but fair derby clash that was played in good spirit for the most part. But the game exploded into life in the closing stages as Leeds came from two goals behind and grabbed a stoppage time winner through Luciano Becchio - and tensions clearly spilled over in the tunnel after the game. Rovers forward El Hadji Diouf had been taunted by the home fans during a late stoppage in play, while Pascal Chimbonda was involved in an off-the-ball skirmish with Leeds' Ross McCormack as Tommy Spurr and Robbie Rogers were treated for a clash of heads. Diouf was then involved in a spat with McCormack during the post-match handshakes, shortly before the pair headed down the tunnel.It is believed the pair clashed again in the tunnel with players from both side becoming involved ,rumours on social networking sites last night suggested that a Leeds player was spat at. Moments later several police officers were also seen to rush down the tunnel. Both clubs could now face action from West Yorkshire Police and the Football Association as a result of the incident. Rovers boss Dean Saunders did not appear for his post match press conference - and, along with players from both sides, is thought to have spoken to police once calm was restored outside the dressing rooms. There was a large police presence when the Rovers team later boarded their team bus and left Elland Road to reflect on an eventful afternoon on and off the pitch

Late Late Winner Seals Points for Leeds(again)

New Leeds United manager Neil Warnock met the players for the first time before the game and was sat in the stand watching as Neil Redfearn took charge of the team for the last time. Doncaster kicked off with 10 men after Pascal Chimbonda was sent back to the dressing room to remove an earring.Leeds started well, the recalled Andros Townsend initiating one early raid, but it was Doncaster who had the first chance when Habib Bamogo hit the post with a header. Leeds came forward, Luciano Becchio put the ball over the top after a good ball from Adam Clayton.It was an untidy opening half hour with neither side really taking a grip on the game and chances being at a premium. Robert Snodgrass created one opportunity for Clayton, but the midfielder's shot was charged down.And it was Doncaster who took the lead on 31 minutes when Andy Lonergan made a good block from James Hayter and the ball fell to Mamadou Bagayoko who drilled it home into an empty net.United actually came close to an equaliser on 37 minutes when Chimbonda almost headed a free-kick into his own goal.But it was the visitors who should have gone further ahead early in the second half when Hayter found space to get in a powerful strike on goal - but his effort struck the bar and bounced to safety.
Almost immediately, United responded and Becchio headed an Alex Bruce cross just over the top.
But Doncaster were 2-0 up on 52 minutes when they again found plenty of space and Bagayoko converted from close range after good work by El Hadj Diouf.

United pulled one back within less than two minutes, though, when Andros Townsend levelled with a good low strike from just inside the box.Townsend went close again shortly after the hour when he tried his luck from distance with a shot that flew wide of the mark. And the on loan Tottenham midfielder also provided Becchio with an inviting cross, but his header was saved by David Button.United had built up a good head of steam now and were pushing forward in search of a leveller. Ross McCormack was next to be denied by the Doncaster goalkeeper as he looked to take the ball around Button.Robbie Rogers was introduced with 12 minutes to go, but it was Snodgrass who created the next chance with another good delivery for Becchio.
But Leeds were level with 10 minutes left when Clayton got on the end of a good ball in from Snodgrass and scored with a sweet strike to make it 2-2.
With the impetus firmly with United, Doncaster looked to slow things down and hold on to the point. As the game hit the 90-minute mark, and the fourth official displayed five minutes of added time, there was a lengthy and worrying stoppage after Rogers and Tommy Spurr had a clash of heads and both were stretchered off.
Play eventually resumed almost six minutes later, and in the 99th minute it was the Leeds who were celebrating when Becchio latched on to a loose ball to smash it home from just inside the box to settle the points.While police reinforcements were seen sprinting into the tunnel after the game following a huge altercation between players from both sides.

Ex- Barcelona and Real Madrid Coach wants Leeds United Job

Former Serbia boss Raddy Antic has set his sights on the vacant manager’s job at Leeds United.Sources close to Antic have revealed the hugely experienced coach is ready to return to the English game and would relish the opportunity to resume his career at Elland Road.Antic’s press agent Paul Gough said: “Radomir will undoubtedly be one of the most experienced and qualified coaches to apply for the Leeds job.“He is hugely qualified and immensely hungry for the opportunity. He would love the chance to boss at Elland Road - it is something he knows he would be very successful at.”Antic, who spent four years at Luton during his playing days, launched his coaching career at Real Zaragoza.He is the only individual who has managed FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. He was appointed as Serbia coach in 2008.He guided his side to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa,after an opening defeat by Ghana, the Serbians stunned Germany - who went on to reach the semi-finals - with a 1-0 victory in Port Elizabeth, before a 2-1 loss to Australia ended their Group D campaign and ensured a swift return home.He lost his job in September of the same year.