Warnock:Danny Webber knows what i want

Leeds United boss Neil Warnock says that new signing Danny Webber has something to prove after joining the club until the end of the season.Webber has been without a club following his release from Portsmouth at the end of last season but he has been keeping himself fit by training with Manchester United.The 30 year old has played for Warnock before at Sheffield United where they helped get the blades promoted to the Premier League in 2006 and Warnock believes Webber will be wanting to prove something after being without a club since the summer.Speaking in the Yorkshire Post , Warnock said, "Danny came in to train with us and did well. Danny is also someone who knows what I want."I also believe he has something to prove. He is a player who should walk into any team at this level. So, this is a big chance for him to show that."Webber can play either up front or out wide but it is more likely that Warnock will be wanting to utilise his pace on the wing with Andros Townsend returning to Tottenham Hotspur last week leaving a gap in that position.Warnock had him on trial at former club Queens Park Rangers last summer but this was cut short after Webber suffered an injury that kept him on the sidelines for two months.

The new Leeds boss says Webber has managed to keep himself fit during his time without a club and he is desperate to make an impact at Elland Road. "Danny did really well for me at Sheffield United and I know he is desperate to make a big impact here. Danny has kept himself fit and been training hard so I don`t have any problems with his fitness. He could easily be in the squad for Southampton," continued Warnock.

Webber played his first 45 minutes for the club in a 2-1 behind closed doors friendly win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday in a game where Billy Paynter scored twice for Leeds.

Paul Robinson set for Leeds Loan Move?

Bolton defender Paul Robinson could be set for a loan move to Leeds United after falling out of favour at the Reebok Stadium.Robinson has been pushed out of the first-team picture after some below par performances and with Marcos Alonso set to return to fitness and challenge Sam Ricketts for the left-back spot, Owen Coyle is happy to loan him out.New Leeds boss Neil Warnock is keen to bolster his defence as the Yorkshire outfit push for the play-offs and Robinson is said to be on his list of possible targets.Robinson looks certain to leave the Reebok in the summer no matter which division the Trotters find themselves in and a loan move to Elland Road could give him an excellent opportunity to earn a permanent deal.Coyle has already loaned out Sean Davis to Bristol City, while there is every chance striker Robbie Blake could also be on the move if Birmingham firm up their interest.

Portsmouth 0-0 Leeds

Neil Warnock's first game in charge of Leeds ended in frustration as Portsmouth turned in a battling display in a bid to stave off relegation from the npower Championship.Warnock saw his latest side snatch a last-gasp win from the stands at Elland Road last week, but will be disappointed Leeds failed to convert one of several chances.Leeds striker Ross McCormack came closest to breaking the deadlock when his shot hit the bar and bounced down on to the goalline early in the second half.Robert Snodgrass headed home the rebound, but his follow-up effort was ruled out for offside.The point gained is of little use to either side.Leeds remain four points adrift of the play-offs and Portsmouth, who dropped into the bottom three after being docked 10 points for going into administration, slipped another place courtesy of Coventry's win over Barnsley.
Pompey manager Michael Appleton, forced to sell top goalscorer Erik Huseklepp to Birmingham this week, once again struggled to fill his substitutes' bench and handed a debut to 21-year-old midfielder Scott Allan, who joined on loan from West Brom on Thursday.Defender Greg Halford returned to the side, while striker Dave Kitson was suspended.Michael Brown was back in Leeds' starting line-up in place of the departing Andros Townsend, while Warnock handed the captain's armband to Snodgrass. Leeds were dealt an early blow when defender Alex Bruce was forced off injured in the 11th minute and replaced by Leigh Bromby.Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan tipped away Portsmouth midfielder George Thorne's corner soon after, while Adam Clayton drove the wrong side of the post for Leeds.Allan almost made a dream start when his long-range shot flashed wide and Pompey team-mate Hayden Mullins' angled effort was blocked.
Both sides were finding it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances.Pompey defender Tal Ben-Haim tried his luck with a wayward 30-yard shot before Leeds came closest to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when Snodgrass's shot from a half-cleared corner was brilliantly saved by Stephen Henderson.Leeds almost took the lead with their first meaningful attack in the second half.McCormack's thumping drive from the left edge of the penalty area hit the crossbar and bounced down on the goalline and although Snodgrass followed up to head home, the Scot was deemed to have been in an offside position by referee Phil Gibbs.Pompey pair Ward and Mullins fired in long-range efforts that were blocked and comfortably saved respectively before Henderson rescued his side again, this time saving with his feet to deny Luciano Becchio inside the penalty area in the 58th minute.Henderson saved with his feet again to keep out Bromby's close-range shot, but just as Leeds began to dominate, Thorne unleashed a 20-yard shot that forced Lonergan into a fine save.Aidy White almost caught Henderson out with a cross-shot that was tipped over, fellow Leeds defender Darren O'Dea headed straight at Henderson in the closing stages and Brown lashed a shot over the bar in the 94th minute.

Unhappy Townsend leaves Leeds Uniited

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has revealed that on-loan winger Andros Townsend as returned to Tottenham Hotspur.The youngster featured seven times for United after joining on New Year's Day and scored the first goal in last weekend's win against Doncaster Rovers - but the new boss says the player has opted to cut short his loan spell."I've lost Townsend," confirmed the boss."His agent told me he didn't like here, he wasn't happy, and he hadn't settled. I've heard that Birmingham want to sign him, I don't know if that's got anything to do with it."I'm disappointed because we've lost a player, but I don't want people who don't want to be here so good riddance I say if that's what he wants to do."Townsend is the second loan player to see his spell with club cut short after Fabian Delph formally departed earlier this week due to an ankle injury that could see him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Warnock has top-flight ambition - Bates

Chairman Ken Bates is confident Neil Warnock can fulfil his ambitions at Leeds.Warnock, sacked by Barclays Premier League side QPR in January, took over the hotseat at Elland Road on Saturday following the sacking of Simon Grayson.And Bates has revealed Warnock, who is in charge until the end of the season, is determined to win promotion and resume unfinished business in the top flight."Neil was on his way to Wolverhampton to be interviewed when I spoke to him and he was on the plane the next morning with Shaun and we met in Monaco," he told Yorkshire Radio."We had a long session and Neil wasn't particularly motivated by money. He has an ambition in that he has won promotion seven times and he wants to be one of the few managers to make it eight.
"In the way the game is going it will be difficult to do that. His ambition is to take Leeds into the Premier League."

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.

Leeds United Confirm Warnock Appointment as Manager

Leeds United have confirmed that Neil Warnock will become the club's new manager.Warnock will appoint his own backroom staff and has agreed a contract to the end of the 2012/13 season.The appointments will now end speculation about the manager's position at the club.Leeds United chairman Ken Bates said: "We believe the appointment is arguably the most important we have made. The objective was to appoint a manager who had for a proven track record of getting teams promoted and in Neil we have a man whose record is second to none. We want to be in the Premier League and we will support Neil in the quest to get us there."The club's new manager said: "I feel I have one big challenge left in me and believe Leeds is a club that should be in the Premier League. I want to be the man who is able to deliver this for a set of fans who never cease to amaze me with their numbers and their loyalty."Having met with Ken Bates it was an easy decision to take up the challenge and with his support, we share the same vision of getting Leeds United in the Premier League."
Neil Redfearn remains in charge for Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers, and will return to his role with the club's Academy next week.

Warnock Set for Leeds

Neil Warnock is ready to return to management, with Championship side Leeds United understood to be his likely destination.The 63-year-old is a free agent after losing his job at Queens Park Rangers last month and has been linked with the vacancies at Wolverhampton Wanderers and former club Huddersfield Town, both of whom parted company with their managers.But Elland Road seems to be Warnock's next home, with United owner Ken Bates looking to fill the gap created by Simon Grayson`s departure on February 1.

Warnock was photographed meeting Bates and Leeds chief executive Shaun Harvey in Bates's home city of Monaco and it rumoured he has been interviewed for the post.Writing in his column in the Independent, Warnock admitted he is ready to return to the dugout."It's been an interesting week," he said."There are possibilities cropping up that may offer the chance to get back into the game and I have to admit they whet my appetite."There are good clubs looking for a manager - my old club Huddersfield, one of the top six clubs in England in Leeds, as well as Premier League Wolves."All top clubs and each offers a different opportunity for the right person. I'm not writing anything off regarding taking a job on until the end of the season."

Leeds Pay The Penalty

Gary McSheffrey’s stoppage-time penalty against former club Leeds United clinched Coventry City’s first win in four matches to haul them off the foot of the Championship table.Sky Blues striker McSheffrey, who had already converted a 21st-minute penalty, slammed home his second spot kick in the 92nd minute after Aidan White’s foul on Alex Nimely to inflict on managerless Leeds a second straight defeat.Leeds, for whom caretaker-manager Neil Redfearn was taking charge for the third time since the sacking of Simon Grayson, had earlier equalised before half-time through Ross McCormack, but after a third defeat in four games their play-off chances are fading fast.Coventry created enough chances to have sealed the points inside 90 minutes, but were let down by wayward finishing and remain six points from safety.Injury-hit Coventry recalled midfielder Carl Baker and defender Jordan Clarke in place of latest casualties Sammy Clingan and Richard Wood, while Leeds were unchanged from the side which started in the weekend defeat to Brighton.Neither side had created a chance of note before referee Pat Miller deemed visiting midfielder Pugh’s challenge on Coventry striker Nimely in the penalty area to be a foul.McSheffrey, on loan at Leeds for the second half of the 2009/10 season, stepped up to place the subsequent spot-kick into visiting goalkeeper Andy Lonergan’s bottom right-hand corner in the 21st minute.Leeds forward McCormack had pulled a chance for the visitors wide from 20 yards in only the third minute, but he was on target for his 16th goal of the season 11 minutes later to haul his side level with a smart finish from inside the area.Coventry then enjoyed their best spell.Nimely dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area, Clive Platt’s goalbound header was cleared by Luciano Becchio and McSheffrey’s 20-yard effort was well saved by Lonergan.McSheffrey was then inches wide with a blistering volley just before half-time.
Leeds enjoyed more possession after the break. Midfielder Adam Clayton’s rising shot cleared the crossbar and after Baker fluffed a gilt-edged chance from six yards soon after, Leeds defender Aidy White forced Coventry goalkeeper Joe Murphy into a fine save with a shot from 12 yards.

The visitors were dealt a blow just after the hour-mark when midfielder Fabian Delph, on loan at his former club from Aston Villa, was withdrawn through injury and replaced by Michael Brown.

Chances dried up midway through the second period, but Coventry still looked the more likely side to break the deadlock.

Midfielder Gary Deegan lashed a 25-yard shot over the crossbar, Nimely’s effort was blocked by Pugh and Oliver Norwood failed to get enough curl on his 30-yard free-kick.

Leeds sent on Ramon Nunez for McCormack in the 82nd minute before defender Darren O’Dea threatened to snatch the points for the visitors from close range.

But in the second minute of time added on White brought down Nimely in the area and McSheffrey took no chances with his power penalty as Leeds went down to a stoppage-time goal for the second time in four days.

Leeds 1 Brighton 2

An injury-time goal from Alan Navarro handed Neil Redfearn his first defeat as Leeds United caretaker manager as the Whites lost 2-1 to Brighton at Elland Road.After a goalless first 75 minutes Saturday’s Npower Championship game exploded into life in the final quarter as Leeds went one down then hit back and appeared to have done enough to earn a point only for the late strike to leave them empty handed against one of their rivals for a play-off spot.There was little to choose between the teams, but United started well and should have been in front inside four minutes only for Luciano Becchio to head wide from a delicious Robert Snodgrass cross.The Whites were then denied a stonewall penalty on 12 minutes when Ross McCormack was felled in the box by Gordon Greer, but referee Graham Salisbury, who went on to have an awful game, denied the massive shout.Becchio headed over and McCormack was off target with a long range strike before Brighton finally got their first effort in on goal on 24 minutes, Navarro firing over from just inside the box.The visitors then showed why they were unbeaten in eight coming into the game as they had a good spell, but aside from a couple of straight forward saves for Andy Lonergan there was no huge threat on the home goal up to half-time.The second half got off to an exciting start as only desperate defence denied Becchio as he came in to meet a Snodgrass cross that squirmed out of the grasp of Brighton keeper Peter Brezovan.
At the other end, Joe Mattock saw his shot deflected just wide and Sam Vokes was denied twice in a minute by Lonergan, the first time with a superb save after the ex-United striker was left unmarked in the box to get his shot in.Leeds’ on loan right-back Adam Smith, who in the first half brought a save out of Brezovan, fired over when well placed and the game had really opened up. McCormack hit two strikes over and Tom Lees saw a header from a corner saved on the line by the keeper.But it remained scoreless until the introduction of Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who scored with his first touch after Lonergan was caught out by a near post corner.United’s reply was swift as Aidan White won a corner and Becchio then met Snodgrass’s delivery with a fine header that saw the ball creep in at the far post.Leeds went for the winner, but it was their opponents who got it in the first minute of injury-time as Navarro found space on the edge of the box and beat Lonergan with a low shot.

Ken Bates Snubs Eriksson

Ken Bates has told Sven Goran Eriksson to forget about being Leeds boss.Eriksson wants a return to management after leaving Leicester and has applied for the post at Elland Road.But Leeds owner and chairman Bates told the former England boss he will not be considered.Bates said: “We have been inundated with applications, from the cheeky to the outlandish. We have had Sven Goran Eriksson apply, but he won’t be coming.“We are in no hurry because the next one is a big appointment, not necessarily in name, but for the future of Leeds United.”Neil Warnock and Roberto Di Matteo remain favourites to succeed Simon Grayson, who was sacked last week.Bates has drawn up a shortlist and is expected to hold talks with his targets within the next week.But he confirmed that caretaker boss Neil Redfearn will remain in charge for the next three games.

Redfearn Edging Closer to Elland Road Hot Seat?

Ken Bates says the Leeds United are in no rush to appoint a new manager and caretaker boss Neil Redfearn will be in charge for the next three games. Bates says Redfearn since taking over from Simon Grayson last week has impressed him and he will be given his opportunity to show his credentials whilst giving Leeds time to consider their options.Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Bates said, "We have decided that Neil will be in charge of the team for at least the next three games against Brighton, Coventry and Doncaster. "Those three games are all very winnable. We are only two points of the play-offs. Win those three games and we are back in the play-offs, then who knows."We have decided after the impressive start Neil has made, not just with the win but his presence and his attitude around Thorp Arch that he will be given his chance to demonstrate, a longer opportunity to demonstrate his abilities whilst we consider the matter carefully."Defender Aidan White is the latest Leeds United player to publicy give his backing to Redfearn."He's a good manager, he's experienced, I enjoyed playing under him for the under-18s so I know what he can do and what a good manager he is. We've just got to concentrate on that," White told the club's official website."You hear a lot of rumours and names. One day it's this person, the next it's another. Whoever does get the job we will enjoy working with them."The 20-year-old left-back added: "he was a fantastic player and has bags of experience. He played a lot of league games and I've enjoyed working with him over the past week or so. I'd back him all the way, however long he is in charge for."|Ross McCormack is another player to publicly back Redfearn."Redders has come in and given the players a lift. Everyone is focused on trying to get to the play-offs."If we go and win six in a row, you would think Neil will get the job, but we've got to take it one game at a time. We're striving to be the best we can be and trying to climb the league. If we can win a few in a row it'll give the chairman a headache in terms of giving Redders the job,McCormack told the club's official website.

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.

Leeds Bounce Back to Savage Nine Man "Robins"

Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio were all on target at nine-man Bristol City as caretaker-manager Neil Redfearn steered Leeds a 3-0 win - their first npower Championship triumph on the road in five matches.

Redfearn, who has refused to rule himself out of the running for the job on a permanent basis after Simon Grayson was sacked on Wednesday, made a winning start to life as temporary boss thanks to Snodgrass' 12th of the season at the end of the first half, McCormack's 15th in the 79th minute and a late Becchio strike.

But Redfearn and Leeds were given a big helping hand by City pair James Wilson and Yannick Bolasie, who were both sent off by referee James Linington.

Defender Wilson was shown a straight red card for a professional foul after bringing down McCormack in the 44th minute and the home side were reduced to nine men when winger Bolasie was booked twice in three minutes early in the second period.

Former Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny was back in City's starting line-up against his former club, while defenders Liam Fontaine and Wilson were also recalled to the side.

Danny Pugh replaced Andros Townsend on the left side of midfield for Leeds and new loan signing Adam Smith made his debut in the back four following his deadline-day arrival from Tottenham.

City began to look the more impressive side after a scrappy opening. Bolasie forced Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan into a full-length save with a shot from outside the area and Kilkenny was also on target with a thumping drive that was well held.

City were the dominant side but created little and save for Albert Adomah's angled drive, which was brilliantly turned away by Lonergan in the 38th minute, had nothing to show for their efforts.

Leeds then took the lead against the run of play with their first meaningful attack.

A swift break involving Becchio, Pugh and McCormack set up Snodgrass on the edge of the area and his low shot wrong-footed City goalkeeper David James.

The home side were then reduced to 10 men just before the interval. Wilson gave chase after McCormack had darted clear on goal and after hauling down the Scottish striker, the City defender was dismissed.

City manager Derek McInnes sacrificed playmaker Kilkenny in order to send on Ryan McGivern, another defender, at half-time.

But McInnes' plans were in disarray within 12 minutes of the second half following the sending-off of Bolasie.

Having just been booked for his foul on Leeds debutant Smith, the Congolese was shown a second yellow card for another poor challenge on the same player and City's uphill task suddenly became mountainous.

Leeds moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the other to stretch City's nine men and after creating numerous chances made the game safe with a second goal in the 79th minute.

Midfielder Adam Clayton clipped a fine ball over the City defence into the path of McCormack, who lashed home a low angled shot inside the far post from the edge of the area, and Becchio completed the scoring by firing home Aidan White's cross in stoppage time.

Leeds United Warnock Bookies Favorite for Managers Job

Neil Warnock has emerged as the early favorite to replace the sacked Simon Grayson and become the Leeds United manager.Grayson’s three year spell in charge came to an end yesterday with former QPR manager Warnock now set for a return to his native Yorkshire.The 63-year-old, who was sacked from his role at Loftus Road in December, is the 1/2 favorite with bookmakers, after guiding both the Londoners and Sheffield United to promotion to the Premier Leauge on limited budgets.The situation at Molineux with Wolves fan’s calling for the head of Mick McCarthy has also led to the former Ireland manager emerging as a contender for the role.The appointment of McCarthy would be interesting as Warnock is also amongst the favorites for the Wolves job should the Premier League strugglers opt for a change.Roberto Di Matteo has also been linked he remains a close friend of Bates and his wife Suzannah from their days together at Chelsea.

The former Italian international led MK Dons to the League One play-offs before being lured away by West Bromwich Albion.In his only full season at The Hawthorns, Albion won automatic promotion to the Premier League.He is now on Andre Villas-Boas’s coaching staff at Stamford Bridge, meaning any return to the Championship is likely to involve a pay cut on his part.A further complication could be his links with SW6 given how reluctant Leeds supporters were to embrace another Chelsea old boy when Dennis Wise succeeded Kevin Blackwell in 2006. Other contenders for the role at this stage include former Leeds assistant manager Gus Poyet, currently at Brighton, former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, a league winner with the club, and highly rated Huddersfield Town supremo boss Lee Clark.While internet and newspaper rumors are also linking BBC pundit Alan Shearer with the role however the former Newcastle United’s lack of experience, not to mention his comfort on the television couch could play against him.

Ken Bates Explains Why Leeds Had To Part company with Grayson

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates speaking today on Yorkshire Radio
"First of all we have to acknowledge that in the previous three seasons Simon got us to the play-off semi-finals, won us promotion the next year and last year we finished seventh."Contrary to some of the nutters on twitter we backed him all the way. The first time I said no to a player that Simon wanted to buy was last Thursday when he wanted to sign a player who was going to cost us £600,000 a year. I said, 'you`ve already got six centre backs` all of whom he has signed."At 30, we have probably got one of the largest squads in the championship and a bigger squad than many clubs in the Premiership. Our wage budget was £9.5 million this year and we have spent over £12 million. So these people who are blaming me for the results do not know what they are talking about."Every penny we have made from transfer fees as gone back into team on transfer fees or wages.

"If you sign a player on a free transfer on £500,000 a year on a three year contract you are committing up to £1.5 million, which is a tremendous amount of money.

"We have six strikers and six centre backs and all of a sudden I cannot understand why any of them are not good enough. We have three teenagers in the back four.

"He is the manager and he decides who he wanted to buy. We as a club and me as chairman just authorise it. We just pay for it. The facts of the matter are we have conceded more goals than almost any other club in the championship has. Therefore we have reached as far as we can and the present system isn`t working.

"We have got eighteen games to go, nine at home and nine away. We can still get into the play offs. I think automatic promotion is looking a bit remote. I think we need a fresh start, fresh attitude and we will move on."

Simon told me in November we were going to win promotion. These players have not become bad players overnight.

"There is a problem somewhere and we do not know what it is. I am a little bit disappointed what Simon said after last night, when he said he was working within financial constraints, Jesus, he has spent nearly 30% over budget on players wages. Some people are banging on about loan players. Who scored the winner against us when played at the Emirates? It was a loan player wasn`t it. Thierry Henry.

"It is not a question of money we spend on transfer fees, it is the quality of player you get. He is a free player, free transfer. Do we pay £35 million for Carroll or £50 million for Torres? So money itself doesn`t mean anything. The important thing is the quality and value for money. What I do not understand is why we are where we are with what we have spent.

"Don`t forget, when we were beaten by Barnsley 4-1. Their wage bill was £4.5 million and ours was £11.5 million, so we were clearly not getting value for money are we. So seeing as the present system is not working we need a fresh look. Having said that, thank you to Simon for what he has done and his two assistants but we have to move on."

Grayson axed

Leeds manager Simon Grayson has been sacked after just over three years in charge.

Grayson, 42, who replaced Gary McAllister as manager of his boyhood club in December 2008, has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as Leeds have fallen out of the top six in the npower Championship.

A heavy 4-1 home defeat to Birmingham last night appears to have been the final straw for chairman Ken Bates, who is now in the hunt for his fifth Leeds manager during his seven years at the club.

Zigic Stuns Leeds

Three goals in seven second half minutes from giant striker Nicola Zigic stunned Leeds United.After somehow getting out of jail in their previous two home games it was the other way round this time for the Whites as they took a 19th minute lead through Ross McCormack and were the better side for the first hour only to suffer a sudden and unexpected collapse.The young United back four was taught a harsh lesson by Serbian striker Zigic, who scored all four of Birmingham’s goals in their eventual 4-1 win to become Leeds’ tormentor for the second time this season after netting the winner in the sides’ previous meeting at Birmingham in October.Remarkably the 6ft 7 Zigic has only notched nine goals all season - and five of them have come against Leeds.Yet it was all about the other centre forward in the game in the early stages as Luciano Becchio could have had a hat-trick in the first four minutes.Leeds were fast out of the blocks and Becchio beat keeper Boaz Myhill to meet an Andros Townsend cross only to see his header cleared by defender David Murphy. Robert Snodgrass got to the rebound, but took too long to get a shot away and was blocked out.The ball was quickly played in again by McCormack only for Becchio to be unable to get much of a touch on the ball as he stretched to meet the low cross on the edge of the six-yard box.The Argentine striker had a much clearer opportunity soon after when McCormack’s pass sent him clean through, but he shot wide with only the keeper to beat.Birmingham showed they carried a threat when Andy Lonergan had to turn a Wade Elliott shot over, but it was United who went ahead when McCormack was allowed to bring a long ball down and easily got round Curtis Davies to plant a shot past Myhill from the edge of the box.The visitors got over their early wobbles and gradually settled to play some good football in midfield. The movement of Elliott and height of Zigic were to become a threat and the two combined for an equaliser on 31minutes as the Serbian got ahead of Tom Lees to head home.The Leeds response was good and after Fabian Delph and Lees sent efforts wide they were unlucky in first half injury-time when McCormack’s goalbound shot was blocked.More chances followed early in the second half as Becchio’s header was well saved by Myhill and he had a great 30-yard thunderbolt turned over by the keeper, who also made an easier save from Darren O‘Dea‘s header.
But the whole game changed just after the hour mark when Chris Burke was allowed to get to the bye-line and his pull back was met by the unmarked Zigic, who finished emphatically into the top corner.It seemed that Leeds heads dropped and Zigic was left unmarked again to head home his hat-trick goal.The Birmingham player then helped himself to his fourth when out jumping Lonergan to meet a corner.Mercifully Leeds were spared more punishment as the Serbian striker immediately limped off, but there was precious little fight from the Whites and they rarely looked like reducing the arrears in a dire last 20 minutes.Becchio had one last chance, but could only head wide at the near post. It was one of those nights for him and for the Leeds team, although ironically they had played their best football for some time at Elland Road for the first hour with Delph showing glimpses of the talent he showed first time round at the club and Snodgrass outstanding on the right wing.