Leeds Accept Bid For Howson

FROM THE CLUB WEBSITE

Leeds United can confirm the club has received an acceptable offer for Jonny Howson from Norwich City.
The club has reluctantly accepted the offer on the basis that the player only has six months of his current contract remaining and has expressed a desire that he would like to play Premier League football at the earliest opportunity.
The club has been in discussions with the player about a new contract at Elland Road for more than 12 months, but he has been steadfast in his position that he would like the opportunity to play Premier League football and on that basis Jonny hasn't felt in a position to commit himself to Leeds United at this moment in time.
The player would be able to leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.
While accepting the offer on Tuesday the player has still to agree terms with Norwich and we are disappointed the matter has become public at this stage.

Howson set for knee scan

Leeds skipper Jonny Howson is hoping to learn the full extent of his knee injury after consulting a specialist on Friday.Midfielder Howson, 23, sustained the injury during last weekend's home win over Millwall and looks set to miss this Saturday's clash at Watford.Manager Simon Grayson said: "Jonny will be seeing a specialist on Friday morning. We've been looking at every angle this week and have been assessing him and the severity of it."Sometimes these things can look worse than what they are. We should know more after the weekend."Howson has not missed a game through injury since Leeds returned to the Championship in 2010 and started in all 46 league games last season.

Howson and Brown Doubtful for Watford Game

Leeds United are awaiting news on the severity of Jonny Howson’s injury after seeing their captain limp out of Saturday’s victory over Millwall.Howson suffered a knee problem in the first half of United’s 2-0 win at Elland Road, leaving the field after contesting a challenge with Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdou.The 22-year-old slid into a tackle in an attempt to dispossess Abdou on the edge of Millwall’s box, and Howson’s painful reaction led to his substitution soon after.He thought briefly about returning to the pitch but was withdrawn after discussions between manager Simon Grayson and club physiotherapist Harvey Sharman, and Grayson is hoping for a positive assessment amid concerns that United’s captain is facing a spell on the sidelines.Grayson said: “We’re not sure how badly damaged his knee is. He was on crutches at the end of the game when he came back out to the dug-out but it’s too early to diagnose at the moment.”Howson’s injury was one of two which forced Grayson into first-half alterations, and Michael Brown is an early doubt for this weekend’s visit to Watford after hurting an ankle.Brown was making only his seventh start of the season but Howson, who maintained an ever-present record during the 2010-11 campaign, has missed only one fixture through suspension this term.

Sublime Snodgrass secures win

Elland Road played host to its biggest league crowd of the season for a game that was dominated by a memorial to the passing of title winner Gary Speed.There wasn't a dry eye in the house as fans watched a moving tribute to Gary ahead of the game before a minute's applause and wreath laying by both managers and some of Gary's former team-mates.It meant for an emotional occasion, and just as at Nottingham Forest in midweek, Leeds started on the front foot with the fans quick to chant the name of their hero.Luciano Becchio came within a whisker of opening the scoring inside nine minutes when he headed an Aidy White corner just wide. Jack Smith also cleared off the line after some great play by Robert Snodgrass.Just as at Forest, the Leeds fans adopted a chant of Gary Speed after 11 minutes of the game and the contest was being played out in an emotionally charged atmosphere.At the other end, Alex McCarthy had to make a couple of decent saves while White had to clear one for a corner.It was lively opening 30 minutes or so with both sides looking to get forward, and challenges were flying in thick and fast.Jonny Howson received treatment for a lengthy period during the first half and United played a short period with 10 men before Lloyd Sam was introduced as his replacement.Five minutes before the break, Grayson was forced into making another change when Michael Brown limped out of the action to be replaced by Andy Keogh.One of those subs, Sam, almost made an immediate impact, but he couldn't quite get his head on the end of a Snodgrass ball into the box.
There was another worry for Grayson at the start of the second half when Tom Lees appeared to be holding his leg, and Leigh Bromby was immediately dispatched to warm-up.Millwall also had an opportunity at the start of the second period when McCarthy had to push away a Scott Barron free-kick after Paddy Kisnorbo had picked up a yellow card on the edge of the box.When Leeds attacked, Sam fired wide and Snodgrass sent a low effort skidding wide of the upright.Sam also weaved his way into the Millwall box and as his shot was blocked there were claims for a handball by a Millwall defender.Shortly after the hour as Leeds slowly looked to get a grip on the game, Adam Clayton won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Snodgrass stepped up to take it, and delivered a superb strike that left Steve Mildenhall with no chance. The Scot's celebration included a poignant gesture towards his black armband.Moments later, the Scot made it 2-0 with his second goal of the afternoon and United were suddenly in complete command.Snodgrass was also the cross provider when he linked up superbly with Andy Keogh, but his ball into the box was just too quick for the Irishman to steer home.United almost added a third, but Mildenhall made a great save to deny Becchio, and the keeper also made a terrific save to deny Sam in stoppage time,But it was a comfortable enough victory for Leeds and was a fitting tribute for Gary Speed, a man who had started his career on the same turf some 23 years earlier.

Leeds thrash Forest to honour Speed

Leeds kicked off what promises to be a long goodbye to Gary Speed with an emotional and impressive 4-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Wales manager Speed was found dead at his home on Sunday aged 42 and Leeds, with whom he won the old First Division title in 1992, were the first of his five former clubs to play since the tragic news broke.Manager Simon Grayson, who forged a lifelong friendship with Speed after they signed schoolboy forms with Leeds on the same day when they were 14, asked his players to win the game in Speed's memory.And they duly produced their best performance of the season to do so, with first-half goals from Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson and second-half strikes from Luciano Becchio and Adam Clayton doing the damage.Leeds' dominant on-field display was almost a backdrop to a celebration of Speed's life off it, though.Prior to kick-off the two sets of fans shelved historic animosities dating back to the feuds of Brian Clough and Don Revie to join together in a minute's applause, while the travelling support chanted Speed's name for 11 minutes during the first half.Speed predominantly wore that shirt number throughout his 312 appearances for Leeds and it was during that vocal tribute that they opened the scoring.They had started the better of the sides with Snodgrass twice going close, before Becchio's flick played in Howson and he drew a save from Lee Camp. Michael Brown, making a first start since September 10, then worked the keeper somewhat harder from 30 yards.The pressure soon told and in the 20th minute, Leeds took the lead. Snodgrass picked up possession midway through the Forest half and, after a handful of paces, he beat Camp with a crisp left-footed drive from 20 yards. The goal was celebrated no more vehemently than by Grayson who was close to breaking down on the sidelines.

Forest had no answer to Leeds' pressure and Becchio soon broke through looking to make it two but Joel Lynch made a last-ditch saving tackle, before Lynch's defensive partner Wes Morgan made an even more impressive block.Seven minutes before the break Snodgrass got clear and, although Camp left his goal to meet him, Snodgrass won the tackle between the two. He then tried to find the vacant goal but Morgan managed to get back and deflect his 25-yard effort over.A jinking run from Snodgrass then laid on a simple chance that Howson should have finished, although it mattered little as the two combined to greater effect just seconds later.Becchio's touch found Snodgrass, whose cushioned pass set Howson free down the right. He was still 25 yards from goal but hit a first-time half-volley that gave Camp no chance and found the top corner for his first goal since his effort during a 4-1 win over Forest in April.Forest introduced the powerful Ishmael Miller at half-time in a bid to start a rescue mission, but their task got all the harder in the 49th minute when Becchio rose to head in a Brown cross for his second of the season.Miller's arrival did give his side a new outlet, though, and his header, although comfortably held by Alex McCarthy just before the hour, marked his side's first real chance.However it was only a momentary spark for Forest and with 24 minutes left Leeds made it four. Howson robbed Greg Cunningham of possession just outside the area and, although his shot was parried by Camp, Clayton was on hand to despatch the rebound.Forest midfielder Andy Reid saw red for a second yellow card with 11 minutes to go to cap an awful night for his side.

Howson Set To Sign New Leeds Contract

Jonny Howson is close to agreeing a new deal at Leeds which will keep him at Elland Road beyond the end of next season.The 23-year-old skipper is currently under contract until the end of the 2012/13 campaign but is in talks over extending his stay.Howson said: “They’re going well. We’ve been in talks for the past month or so and although it’s taking a bit of time, I’m not in a massive rush.“That’s always the way with negotiations but I’m sure they’ll be finalised and I’ll sign soon.“I think for any professional player it’s an ambition to play at the highest level and I’m no different.“In an ideal situation I’d love to do that with Leeds and hopefully that’s where we’ll be next season.”

Blackburn and Bolton Battling to Land Howson

Blackburn boss Steve Kean and Bolton manager Owen Coyle are battling to land Leeds United skipper Jonny Howson.And the East Lancashire neighbours will try to snap up the restless Elland Road midfielder in the January transfer window.Howson, 23, is in the final year of his contract with the Yorkshire outfit and is stalling on the Championship club’s offer of a new deal.Former England Under-21 international Howson, who has played 214 times for Leeds since making his debut in a Carling Cup clash against Barnet five years ago, has made no secret of his desire to play in the top flight.Coyle and Kean are both anxious to grant him his wish as they look to strengthen squads which are currently in the thick of a relegation dogfight.Under-fire Kean has made regular checks on Howson since the start of the season, but Coyle is a long-term admirer of the Leeds-born playmaker who was instrumental in Simon Grayson’s side’s 3-0 win at Doncaster on Friday night.Coyle inquired about Howson’s availability in the August transfer window. But he was told by Leeds that they were not interested in selling their current longest- serving player.But, if contract talks break down completely, United may decide to cash in on Howson during the January transfer window rather than lose him for nothing when his current arrangement with the Elland Road club expires.

Blackburn and Bolton Eye Howson

Leeds United are hoping that club captain Jonny Howson will accept a new contract at the club, despite the midfielder so far refusing to accept a new deal.Leeds had opened discussions during the summer, but Howson is yet to give the club an answer as he considers his options. The 23-year-old's current deal runs out in the summer and should the midfielder decide not to sign a new deal then he will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Leeds boss Simon Grayson is still confident that Howson will sign a new deal and extend his stay with the club he joined when he was just nine years old. "Discussions have been ongoing since the August transfer window shut," revealed Elland Road chief executive Shaun Harvey. "We have made an offer to Jonny and we are waiting for a response."Leeds just missed out on the play-off's last season and will be hoping they can finish in the top six this year, despite a difficult summer in which they lost one of their most influential players, Max Gradel. A number of Premier League clubs, including Bolton and Blackburn, are said to be monitoring the situation at Leeds as they attempt to land the former England Under-21 international.

England coach Praises Howson

England under 21 coach Stuart Pearce praised the mentality of Leeds United captain Jonny Howson after working with the player last season.Pearce handed Howson his first under 21 cap in the England friendly in Italy back in February after the midfielder had played a pivotal part in Leeds climb into the play off places.
The former defender has been in Leeds with the England under 21 squad this week, as they prepare for two Euro 2013 qualifiers against Iceland and Norway in the next week by training at Leeds Thorpe Arch training ground.Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Pearce said, "Mentally he`s above his age, there is no doubt about that. I can quite understand whey he has just been given the opportunity to captain Leeds United. It is a big club and to bestow that honour on a young player, but I think once you meet the player you realise how mature he is as an individual and obviously he has been central to most things that Leeds have done that have been good over recent years."Howson is now the clubs longest serving player having come through the academy and making his first team debut at the age of 18.He has now made over 200 first team appearances for the club and holds the record as the youngest ever Leeds captain when he was given the honour against Millwall in April 2008 at the age of 19.

Despite only being installed as the official club captain this season after the release of Richard Naylor in the summer, Howson was the regular captain last season, wearing the armband on 37 occasions.

Leeds Offer Howson New Contract

Leeds United have made a contract offer to Jonathan Howson in a bid to keep their influential captain at Elland Road beyond the end of this season.The club are awaiting a response from Howson’s representatives after proposing to extend the midfielder’s deal.Howson, an England Under-21 international, is in the last 12 months of his contract and could become a free agent when he reaches his 24th birthday in May.He is potentially vulnerable to rival interest but Leeds confirmed today that they are in negotiations to secure the future of a player who has appeared more than 200 times for the club since emerging from their academy in 2006.“Discussions have been ongoing for a period of time and since the transfer window shut,” said United chief executive Shaun Harvey. “We’ve made an offer to Jonny and we’re waiting for a response.”Howson signed a new contract with Leeds shortly after their defeat in the League One play-off final in 2008, and United’s promotion from the Championship last year activated a clause which automatically extended his deal by a further 12 months, to the summer of 2012.The 23-year-old was installed as club captain by manager Simon Grayson this summer following a long stint as vice-captain.Harvey, meanwhile, also confirmed contract talks have also opened, or were set to begin, with other prominent members of United’s first-team squad.

“Discussions with all of those players who we’d want – and who you’d expect us to want – to keep beyond the end of their existing contracts have taken place and or will commence shortly,” he said.

Clayton wants Leeds Stay

Howson hails young duo

Leeds captain Jonny Howson has praised young players Adam Clayton and Zac Thompson after the pair recently broke into the first-team.Former Manchester City trainee Clayton has started every league game for the Whites this term while Thompson was handed his first start in the Carling Cup tie with Doncaster.Howson told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Clayts, since he has come back in pre-season, he has been on fire, every day in training and you can see that in the games."He's been brought up at Premiership standard with Manchester City and you can see that with some of the different things and the way he plays."And I think Zac is in a similar situation to Adam."He has definitely got talent and if he keeps working hard and keeps looking up to the likes of Adam, myself and the older players, then I'm sure he can be in the same sort of situation."

Leeds United V Hull City Pre-View

Leeds' new loan signing Andy Keogh is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, signed initially on loan until January, is a likely starter as manager Simon Grayson is still without strikers Luciano Becchio, Billy Paynter and Davide Somma, while winger Max Gradel is suspended.Becchio (hamstring) and long-term absentee Somma (knee) have yet to play this season and Paynter missed out on Saturday with a thigh strain.Leeds will also be without suspended skipper Jonny Howson. The midfielder and Gradel were both sent off during Saturday's home defeat to Middlesbrough for two yellow card offences and will sit out respective one-game bans.Grayson could turn to Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam, who both stepped off the substitutes' bench against Middlesbrough, while young defenders Tom Lees, 20, and Zac Thompson, 18, will be hoping to feature again after making their debuts at the weekend.

Hull manager Nigel Pearson will pick from a virtually full-strength squad.

Defender Liam Rosenior (knee), striker Dele Adebola (back) and Aaron Mclean (calf) all returned to action as the Tigers secured their first win of the season at Ipswich.

Rosenior started at Portman Road and is expected to retain his place, while Adebola and Mclean were both late substitutes' and may have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare said: "There's a few aches and pains and niggles, but they all reported in [on Sunday].

"They'll train again and there are a couple who might just do a bit less, but we'll wait and see how they are on Tuesday morning."

Defender Paul McShane (calf) and winger Cameron Stewart (knee ligaments) are still unavailable.

Leeds 0 Middlesbrough 1

Simon Grayson shuffled his pack from the side which beat Bradford City in midweek with Tom Lees, Leigh Bromby, and Darren O'Dea all coming into the back-four. Rob Snodgrass and Max Gradel also returned while Aidy White and teenager Zac Thompson were named among the subs.United were looking to get off to a good league start at home and after one early raid that cut Boro open, Lees went close with a header from the resultant corner.Leeds started the game well and on the front foot, looking to exploit a nervy looking Boro side. Michael Brown broke up play well early doors and was the architect of a couple of United attacks.United also looked sold enough when Middlesbrough attacked and Bromby and Lees made good starts to the game.Boro goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was called upon to make a save on 22 minutes from Gradel when United threatened again. Clayton also did well to win the ball to get Leeds moving again, but his run was ended by a crude challenge by Rhys Williams.
United were dealt a blow on 26 minutes, though, when Gradel received a second yellow, after he was adjudged to have commited a foul. His first yellow had come early on, following a melee involving a number of players.
And as Boro put the ball into the box, following the free-kick, Andy Lonergan pulled off a superb fingertip save from a Marvin Emnes header.
The home fans were further angered shorty after the half-hour when Robert Snodgrass came off worst in a tussle and Boro were awarded a free-kick, but moments later a near champagne moment followed.

Clayton picked up the ball and delivered the most audacious of attempts from distance which almost caught out Ikeme, who had to react to turn the ball over the top. It would have been one of the most spectacular goals seen at the stadium.
But it was Lonergan who was called upon to make two more timely interventions. First, he raced off his line to collect then he saved a powerful strike from Justin Hoyte by tipping it on to the bar.
At the other end, Stephen McManus had to make a vital clearance to head a Robert Snodgrass cross over his own bar when Jonny Howson was well-placed.
There was still time for more drama, though, when referee Anthony Taylor levelled things up in the third minute of stoppage time by sending off Tony McMahon for a second yellow. McMahon's second card was for an apparent foul on Howson.
And so it was the second half would see a 10-a-side contest following the two dismissals. Boro started by winning a corner, but it was Leeds who again looked to apply some early pressure and Ross McCormack was first denied by some good defending, then by a foul.

From the resultant free-kick, Lees appeared to head home his first goal for the club, but the ball was somehow cleared off the line by Nicky Bailey just as the crowd erupted.
With 10 minutes of the second half gone, Grayson made his first change, introducing Ramon Nunez in place of Brown.
The game was taking on something of a ridiculous nature and Howson was next to feel the wrath of the referee when he was given a second yellow card for an apparent foul on Marvin Emnes. Both players protested, the Leeds players appearing to claim Emnes dived.
The numerical advantage was back in Boro's favour, and Bromby made a block on the line to deny Barry Robson. There followed a double change by Boro and the introduction of Zac Thompson, making his debut for Leeds.
But the visitors were in the lead on 67 minutes after Emnes cut inside from the left and blasted in from the tightest of angles.
It was a cruel blow for the nine-men of Leeds and, once in front, Boro looked to slow the game down and dictate the pace of proceedings.
Grayson did bring on Lloyd Sam for the final 15 minutes, but Boro were looking resolute and were making the extra man count.
The visitors also carved a couple more opportunities as the game edged towards its conclusion, Lonergan being called upon to make two more blocks. He also came out quickly to deny Scott McDonald after the ball fell kindly to the Boro man.
In the final minute, Clayton forged an opening that ended with Nunez winning a corner after his shot was blocked. Lonergan even came up for the resultant corner as United looked to force an equaliser.
The goalkeeper continued his impressive afternoon in stoppage time, though, saving well from Julio Arca, who tried his luck from distance.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time a free-kick from deep was cleared by Boro, and a Bromby throw-in was also hacked clear from inside the box as Leeds looked to press.
But there was to be no way back for United as the nine men slipped to a second league defeat of the season.

Howson Named as Club Captain

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has confirmed midfielder Jonny Howson will be the club's captain this season.Howson has worn the armband on numerous occasions in the past after deputising for Richard Naylor for much of last season.The 23-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the Whites after coming through the Academy and Grayson feels Howson will thrive in the role.Grayson said: "Jonny will be our captain this season."We've got other people in the team who could be captain but they all lead in different ways."I think Jonny's thrived on the responsibility that he's been given. He's a local lad, he loves the club and he leads by example."He's got all the attributes to make that position a success."

Leeds 1 - 0 Burnley:Match Report

Leeds kept their Championship play-off hopes alive with a victory over Burnley, whose own chances of a top-six finish were damaged as a result.United led at half-time thanks to Ross McCormack's neat finish - his first for the club since joining in the summer.Brian Jensen produced a string of saves to deny Leeds, who also hit the post through McCormack in the second half.Jack Cork fired a shot wide and Ross Wallace saw a free-kick saved, but the home side held on for a deserved win.The win completes the double for Leeds over Burnley, but more importantly keeps them in the hunt for the final play-off spot.The Yorkshire side are now level on points with sixth-placed Nottingham Forest - who host Scunthorpe later on Saturday - ahead of the final day of the season, which sees United travel to league-leaders QPR.Burnley remain in the play-off picture, but trail Forest by two points and must now beat high-flying Cardiff in their final game and hope other results go in their favour.Leeds persisted with Billy Paynter in the absence of leading scorer Luciano Becchio, even though the striker has failed to offer as potent a goalscoring threat as the Argentine in recent weeks, and the big front man was involved early, firing a half-volley narrowly wide of goal as Leeds had the best of the opening exchanges.Having weathered the early storm, Burnley fashioned a great chance at the other end when Michael Duff ghosted behind the defence to latch on to a Chris Iwelumo flick-on from a free-kick, but home keeper Kasper Schmeichel blocked with his head.In order to assist Paynter, Leeds boss Simon Grayson gave McCormack his first start since January, and the Scot linked up well with his strike partner midway through the half, crossing for the former Swindon man to draw a scrambling save from Brian Jensen with a header.

This was a rare start for McCormack, but he demonstrated no rustiness in the 33rd minute when he latched onto a superb Bradley Johnson through ball and swept in past Jensen for his first goal since moving to Yorkshire from Cardiff eight months ago.

Having taken 10 points from their previous four games, Burnley were a side in form, and they almost hit back immediately when centre-back Andre Bikey flashed a header wide from Daniel Fox's inswinging corner.

Paynter had two great chances in the space of a minute early in the second half to extend Leeds's lead, but he headed the first, from a McCormack cross, straight at Jensen and put the second wide from a tight angle after taking the ball past the Burnley keeper.

Leeds kept coming and saw two other goalbound efforts denied by Jensen shortly after.

McCormack's free-kick from the right was met with power by Andy O'Brien six yards out, but his downward header was straight at the keeper and he was able to parry it away.

Then, seconds later, McCormack swivelled in the box and shot at goal but his bobbling effort was tipped onto the post and wide by the Dane.

Burnley were not out of the game though and Cork served warning of this when he fired a superb 30-yard effort just wide of the top corner of Schmeichel's goal.

The Leeds keeper had to be alert to tip a free-kick from substitute Wallace over the bar soon after, while at the other end Jensen produced further saves to deny McCormack and Jonny Howson.

Leeds substitute Sanchez Watt could have wrapped up the game on a couple of occasions with late efforts, but as it transpired one goal was enough for the home side.

Leeds midfielder is March's top dog

Leeds United midfielder Jonathan Howson is enjoying an outstanding season and his consistent displays have led to the 22-year-old being named the ESPN PFA Fans' Championship Player of the Month award for March.

The England U-21 international is currently United’s longest serving player having made over 150 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit since making his debut in September 2006, while Howson has already served under four different managers at Elland Road.

Howson scored an impressive brace in the 5-2 victory against Doncaster at the start of March, while on Saturday he took his seasonal tally to 11 after netting the opener in the impressive 4-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.

Leeds 4 - 1 Nott'm Forest

Leeds scored four second-half goals to defeat 10-man Nottingham Forest after a feisty contest at Elland Road.Forest dominated the first half but had Chris Cohen sent off after challenging George McCartney for a loose ball.Jonny Howson put Leeds in front from close range after the restart before Luciano Becchio headed a second goal.Garath McCleary pulled one back with a superb curling effort but Max Gradel then struck with an 18-yard shot and fired home a rebound close to the end.It was a competitive, bad-tempered and engaging contest, packed full of the sort of effort and desire that you would expect from two teams in patchy form but desperate to secure their place in the top six.Leeds, who went into the contest in fifth - one place above Forest - had won just two of their previous seven fixtures but started the match on the front foot.

Lee Camp saved at the feet of Bradley Johnson in the second minute after referee Mark Halsey played an advantage following a crude lunge on Gradel by Wes Morgan.Play was brought back after Camp's save but Gradel could only smash the ensuing free-kick wide of the Forest goal.The visitors had collected just four points from their previous seven games but, after weathering the early storm, Billy Davies's side took a definite grip on the contest.Radoslaw Majewski was slippery throughout the opening half playing on the left side of a front three and he almost scored with a crisp strike that deflected off Johnson but flew narrowly wide with Kasper Schmeichel beaten.Lewis McGugan, one of three recalled players, forced two stops from Schmeichel, while Marcus Tudgay was inches away from slotting home a cross from the left by Joel Lynch.
Forest lost Paul Anderson to injury before the half-hour mark but continued to look composed in possession and should have scored after Majewski jinked through the Leeds defence and played a square ball to an unmarked Tudgay.

Schmeichel was out of his goal and Tudgay had time to pick his spot but his effort was blocked by Leigh Bromby, who also denied Kris Boyd with a follow-up.Seconds later Cohen challenged McCartney for a loose ball and within seconds a melee had broken out as tempers threatened to boil over.Leeds manager Simon Grayson angrily invaded the field of play but replays suggested Cohen won the ball cleanly and he can be regarded as unfortunate to have been sent from the field.Forest remained on top for the remaining 10 minutes of the opening half but found themselves behind five minutes after the restart when Robert Snodgrass and Eric Lichaj combined to play in Howson.The Leeds skipper used a touch to control the ball before guiding it past the advancing Camp.Shortly afterwards, the Yorkshire side appeared to take a decisive grip on the contest when Becchio headed his 17th goal of the Championship season after Bromby's initial effort cannoned off the post.Snodgrass then struck the crossbar with a curling strike but Forest would not lie down and McCleary, who replaced Anderson in the opening half, wrong-footed Barry Bannan before hitting an exquisite strike from a tight angle that found the top corner.In the end, it took Gradel's superb strike 18 minutes from normal time for Leeds to secure the points.
The Ivory Coast international controlled a header with his first touch before striking a precise strike from a central position on the edge of the box that nestled into the bottom corner.
Forest, who now face back-to-back home games against play-off hopefuls Reading and Burnley, brought on Nathan Tyson and Robert Earnshaw in the second half and the former was inches wide with a left-foot strike.
But the final goal fell to the energetic Gradel, who fired home a rebound from six yards minutes before the end after Camp had denied substitute Jake Livermore and then Becchio.

Leeds v Nott'm Forest Match Preview

On-loan midfielder Jake Livermore is poised for his Leeds debut against Nottingham Forest, which will be shown live on BBC One.Captain Jonny Howson should recover from a hamstring strain but Billy Paynter begins a three-match ban.Nottingham Forest could have up to four players back from injury, with Marcus Tudgay fit again, and Guy Moussi and Joel Lynch close to a return.But Rob Earnshaw is a major doubt with a torn hamstring.
It is said that Brian Clough reserved a special place in his heart - albeit not a compassionate one - for this fixture. The man reviled in Leeds but revered in Nottingham inextricably links these two clubs and continues to fuel the antipathy between them.
The fact that United and Forest are also promotion rivals ensures that this match should be played amid a derby atmosphere, despite the 74 miles that separate them.
Leeds fans still sing anti-Clough songs, embittered by his notorious 44-day reign in 1974 before he turned Forest into domestic and European champions. There is no love lost on the pitch or in the dugout, either. The two clubs were charged by the FA with failing to control their players following a mass brawl during this season's reverse fixture in August. After the game, Forest manager Billy Davies and his Leeds counterpart Simon Grayson accused each other's players of deliberately stamping on opponents.
Both sides are clinging on to a play-off spot after struggling for form of late. Leeds were blamed by Grayson for lacking desire following the defeat at Sheffield United, while Forest are winless in seven matches and have dropped out of the automatic promotion places. It is also 15 years since Forest beat Leeds, and they have not defeated Yorkshire opposition this season.

Howson in Fitness battle

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson was running his eye over a full squad for the first time in almost a fortnight today, with doubts persisting over the fitness of captain Jonathan Howson.United’s preparation for their vital Championship clash with Nottingham Forest began in earnest this morning following the return to Thorp Arch of the players released for international duty.Neil Kilkenny, Eric Lichaj and Max Gradel were due to report back today, in time to make themselves available for the visit of Forest to Elland Road on Saturday, but Leeds were continuing to assess the hamstring strain which forced Howson to drop out of England’s Under-21 squad last week.The 22-year-old was called up for games against Denmark and Iceland having initially been placed on stand-by, but an injury sustained in Leeds’ 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United prevented his inclusion.Howson is the only ever-present in Grayson’s squad having appeared in all 42 of Leeds’ competitive fixtures this season, and United’s manager is hopeful that his current skipper will be available to feature in Saturday’s televised play-off battle with Forest.

Grayson’s international contingent appear to have returned to England unscathed, with Kilkenny and Gradel sitting as unused substitutes through matches involving Australia and the Ivory Coast respectively and Lichaj completing the final half-hour of the USA’s 1-0 loss against Paraguay. But Leeds chairman Ken Bates has voiced criticism of the arrangement of a spate of friendlies so close to the end of the domestic season.

Bates said: “They’re all bloody meaningless. As we’ve seen on TV, a few players have come back injured and it’s damaged their respective clubs’ run-ins to the end of the season. Most of these friendlies are useless and for making money.”

Grayson will be without Billy Paynter on Saturday as the striker begins a three-match suspension, but Patrick Kisnorbo is the only other senior professional certain to miss the meeting with Forest.

Leeds were expecting ticket sales for the game to pass 30,000 today, the sixth time this season that the attendance at Elland Road has exceeded that figure

Howson up for award

United midfielder Jonny Howson is among the front-runners for the ESPN PFA Fans Player of the Month Award for March.
Jonny is following in the footsteps of United team-mate Robert Snodgrass, who won the award in both January and February.
Jonny has continued to captain the United side during the month of March, and he also scored twice in the 5-2 demolition of Doncaster at the start of the month.
Other players in contention are QPR's Adel Taraabt, Danny Graham at Watford, Nicky Maynard (Bristol City) and Norwich marksman Grant Holt.
Leeds fans are urged to vote for Jonny to make it a hat-trick of United successes!

TO VOTE FOR JONNY CLICK HERE