Neil Warnock Quits LeedsUnited

Neil Warnock has vacated his position as Leeds manager after offering his resignation to the club's board. The 64-year-old said in the wake of United's 2-1 loss to Derby on Monday - a sixth game without a win - that he would not be in charge at Charlton on Saturday, and the club later confirmed his departure in a statement. Academy coach Neil Redfearn has been placed in charge while the club's owners, GFH Capital, search for a replacement. Monday's game was Warnock's 62nd in charge of Leeds and much of it was spent with the former QPR boss the subject of abusive chants from his own supporters. He signed an 18-month deal to replace Simon Grayson in February last year and openly said it would be his last job, with the sole aim being to get a record eighth promotion before retirement. That has not happened, though, and he leaves Elland Road with the team in 12th position. "We would like to thank Neil for his efforts during his time as our manager and share his disappointment that we could not achieve promotion this season," said chief executive Shaun Harvey. "We now need to look to the future and the search for his replacement is under way, for which there is no fixed timescale as securing the services of the right person is the primary objective, so as to give us the best chance of promotion next season. "We would also like to thank Mick Jones and Ronnie Jepson, who will leave the club with Neil, for all their hard work since coming to the club."

Match Report:Leeds 2-0 Blackpool

Neil Warnock made five changes from the side which lost 4-0 at Manchester City at the weekend. David Norris opened the scoring in the second half when he scored with a well-controlled half-volley, before Steve Morison recorded his first goal for the club with a lovely lofted finish. Leeds also went close through Luke Varney and Ross McCormack. Blackpool's Ludovic Sylvestre had a 30-yard strike tipped over and Gary Taylor-Fletcher had the ball in the net, but he was ruled offside. The result is Leeds' first win in four league games and moves Neil Warnock's side to within six points of a play-off place. They were the better side in the first half with Varney twice going close with headers, the second well saved by Matt Gilks. Scotland forward McCormack then made a mess of a shot from three yards before he had an effort cleared off the line by Craig Cathcart. The visitors came back into the game later in the half. Sylvestre was first to test the goal with a fantastic strike that was heading into the top corner only for Paddy Kenny to deny him with a superb stop. Moments later, Taylor-Fletcher thought he had scored after he tucked the ball past Kenny after the keeper had parried Matt Phillips's shot - unfortunately for Ince's side the forward was offside. The second 45 minutes was also entertaining, but it was Leeds who made the most of their chances. They took the lead when Norris, who had quite a quiet game, gave Gilks no chance with a great half-volley. But that finish was bettered by Morison, who got himself between both centre-backs before lifting his effort over the Blackpool keeper. Tom Ince nearly gave his father something to smile about in the closing minutes, but directed his header over the bar.

Warnock:Mancini would struggle to manage Leeds United

Leeds manager Neil Warnock claims Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini would struggle at Elland Road.“People like Roberto Mancini, and I’m not being disrespectful, they need financial support,” said Warnock. “Like [Jose] Mourinho and all them, I don’t think they could manage at Leeds in the current climate, or manage anywhere else other than the top of the top level. That’s the way they are. “Mind you, I don’t think I’d be able to cope if we did a job swap. I only had six months in the Premier League [at QPR] with the current crop of players and I didn’t enjoy that at all. “I don’t envy Roberto in his job dealing with 11-12 world-class players who think they should all be in the side and agents who think their players should be in the side.“They’ve got two teams. That’s a major issue to deal with for managers like that. I wouldn’t enjoy it at all. Good luck to him. If he loses his job at City, it’s not like he’ll be short of offers or money.”“They’re under pressure because they’re in second place in the league,” added Warnock. “They’re not going to win the league. They’ve come across the maestro that is Sir Alex Ferguson. “He’s the only difference because they’re way above the rest of the pack and if it wasn’t for Ferguson they would be right in it. The lesson is that you don’t ruffle his feathers by winning the league, that’s what they’ve found out.” Although the pressure is off him this weekend, Warnock’s position at Elland Road is also in doubt. Fans chanted “Warnock, Warnock, time to go” during and after Leeds’s 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in midweek, which left the club eight points adrift of the play-off places in the Championship. But the Yorkshireman insists he is unruffled by the negativity in the stands and suggested his doubters should be careful about what they wish for. “It’s frustrating for me when, probably the fans don’t realise I’ve been here just a year this week,” he said. “It’s as tough a job as I’ve ever had. I don’t warrant getting stick, but every manager gets it. “Even at Sheffield United when we were winning, there’d be 300 or 400 always wanting a change. But be careful what you wish for. If you look at the clubs I’ve left, are they in a worse position now?”

Leeds move for Gorkss

Leeds United are reported to be lining up a move for Reading defender Kaspars Gorkss. Gorkss has found himself out of favour at Reading in recent weeks and has not featured for Brian McDermott's men since the Premier League defeat to Arsenal in December. The 31-year-old is thought to be interested in a move away from Reading in search of regular first-team football. The news has alerted a number of clubs to Gorkss' possible availability before the close of the transfer window. Leeds are thought to be in the market for a new defender after seeing Alan Tate return to Swansea following a loan spell at Elland Road. Leeds boss Neil Warnock is a big fan of Gorkss having worked with him during his time in charge of Queens Park Rangers and he is thought to be considering a move to be reunited with the Latvian stopper.

FA Cup Leeds 1-1 Birmingham

Luciano Becchio was Leeds’ saviour once more as his second-half goal against Birmingham kept Leeds in the FA Cup. The in-form Argentine scored his 19th goal of the season on the hour to cancel out Wade Elliott’s opener and keep Leeds in with a chance of making the fourth round, although a replay was the last thing either manager wanted. Both Neil Warnock, absent through sickness, and City counterpart Lee Clark have long injury lists to deal with and could have done without another game. The goals were the only real high points on an otherwise forgettable afternoon, with clear-cut chances at a premium. The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes after Elliott finished a surge forward with a blistering 25-yard drive. Nathan Redmond might have extended their lead but his shot went narrowly over, and the near-miss soon came back to haunt City as Becchio found his range on the hour, neatly slotting under Doyle after David Norris showed good feet to send him clear.Leeds coach Mick Jones said: “We spoke to the manager on loudspeaker at half-time and he made the decision to change the team based on what he heard on the radio coverage he was listening to.“We’ve had a lot of illness and had to sit some players out. “We’re hoping that we will be clear by the time we get back to the league games.” The game, a pretty dismal affair in front of just 12,000 fans at Elland Road, was marred by a serious leg injury to Birmingham’s Will Packwood who collapsed under an aerial challenge. “Will Packwood’s early diagnosis is a break to both tibia and fibula,” said Blues boss Clark. “His young team-mates were in bits, in tears on the pitch. We will give him the best care possible and look after him. I heard the snap and it was a right downer. Even experienced Leeds players like Michael Brown told me it was horrendous.

Leeds 2-1 Middlesbrough

In-form striker Luciano Becchio continued his impressive goal scoring record against Middlesbrough to help Leeds kick off their new era with a 2-1 win. The day after GFH Capital confirmed their 100% buyout of the Whites, Becchio scored either side of the break to cancel out Lucas Jutkiewicz's opener and earn his side a fifth win in six npower Championship games. The 28-year-old took his tally for the season to 17 in the process - just three short of his best-ever return for the club - and improved his record against Boro to five in four games. The former Barcelona B man still has 18 months to run on his contract at Elland Road but it is likely that manager Neil Warnock will be knocking on the door of his new bosses soon to try and arrange an extension as he looks to kickstart a promotion push in the new year. In this form that looks likely for Leeds, although they still have a number of teams above them, including a Boro side who saw Scott McDonald and Jutkiewicz pass up glorious chances before the latter broke the deadlock after half an hour. El-Hadji Diouf's lay-off was missed by all of his team-mates and allowed the visitors to pick up the ball, with Jutkiewicz racing through on Paddy Kenny's goal and drilling in a low strike which the keeper did well to save with his feet. Leeds were slow to the rebound, however, and Jutkiewicz picked it up and beat Kenny at his near post via a deflection off Alan Tate. Leeds responded well to the goal and would have been level had Jerome Thomas squared to Diouf and not shot across goal, but the equaliser did come on the stroke of half-time, with Becchio half-volleying in via the angle of post and bar after Jonathan Woodgate failed to clean up Byram's cross. Jutkiewicz was twice foiled by Kenny after half-time and he was forced to rue those misses with 17 minutes left. After Becchio's header from a Diouf cross was tipped over by Steele, he rose the highest from the resulting corner to beat the goalkeeper with another nod of his head, this one taking a deflection off former United defender Woodgate.

Diouf set for Leeds return?

Leeds striker El-Hadji Diouf could return to contention for the game at Derby. The Senegalese missed last week's derby win at Huddersfield due to a slight groin strain, but returned to training this week and is likely to feature. Ross McCormack made his first start since returning from a long-term ankle injury to partner Luciano Becchio at Huddersfield and manager Neil Warnock may be tempted to stick with a winning formula. Another forward, Luke Varney, will return from his three-match ban following his dismissal at Millwall, while centre-half Jason Pearce and midfielder Michael Brown have both had to patient following their respective suspensions by making do with a place on the substitutes' bench. Warnock has no new injury or suspension problems and must decide whether to retain Jerome Thomas, on loan from West Brom, or hand a start to fellow winger Ryan Hall, who made an impact when introduced off the bench last week. Leeds are chasing a fourth straight league win in their bid to close the gap between themselves and the top six.

Leeds land winger

Leeds have completed the signing of Southend winger Ryan Hall on loan with a view to a permanent deal.The 24-year-old has teamed back up with Leeds manager Neil Warnock, his manager at former club Crystal Palace, initially on loan until January."I've known Ryan for many years and was a big fan of his at Crystal Palace," Warnock told the club's official website. "All credit to him to come back into my thoughts."I'm looking for a player of his quality. I don't know if he can do it at this level yet, but he offers something different in the squad. He can give us an option where he could change a game."Hall, linked with both Peterborough and Blackpool before sealing his move to Yorkshire, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison in March 2011, later reduced to 12 weeks and suspended for a year, following an incident outside a Southend nightclub. Warnock added: "I'm not right every time, but I do forgive and forget. I always remember one player who had everything, but had a few off-the-field problems. Ryan has to put his own house in order, but this is a great opportunity for him. He needs to get away from the south and grasp the opportunity we've given him."

Leeds United striker Somma returns to light training

Davide Somma is closing in on a return to full training for Leeds United. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since suffering tearing his anterior cruciate knee ligaments in pre-season training for the 2011/12 season. Somma had been earmarked for a return back in March but suffered a major setback in his rehabilitation. But now manager Neil Warnock has revealed he could be ready to join the rest of the Leeds squad in the next few of weeks, although he did warn it could be some time before Somma is ready to play first-team football again. "He's doing a little bit more training now, not just straight line running," Warnock says. "I asked about him two weeks ago and was told it was going to be four weeks before he started full training. By that reckoning it should be another four weeks before he's having some sort of a game." Warnock added: "But it's like anything – when you've not got a striker and you're desperate for one, you only think of the good things about him. You don't think that he hasn't played for God knows how long or how unfit he'll be, irrespective of the training he's done. "I've got to be careful or the expectations on him will be massive but it would be great to have him in the squad, even on the bench for a 25-minute cameo – something to change a game, which I believe he can do." Somma's chances of winning a place in the South African squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations would depend on being able to prove his fitness in time. But with no sign of him playing any part until at least November, coach Gordon Igesund will be unlikely to take the risk.

Warnock: " if we only concede six goals today it will show we are making progress."

Extracts from Leeds United manager Neil Warnock's column in today's Independent

Someone said to me this week if we only concede six goals today it will show we are making progress. I think they meant it tongue-in-cheek, but we are playing Nottingham Forest, who beat us 7-3 at Elland Road last season. Since then they have spent millions under their new owners and Sean O'Driscoll has put together a cracking side which is unbeaten this season. Meanwhile, we have lost four of our best players, including star striker Ross McCormack, who could be out until Christmas. It doesn't sound very promising, does it? But one of the reasons I have been in football so long is that I love challenges like this. Besides, when you see the news, what with Hillsborough and the terrible death of the two lady police constables in Manchester, it makes you realise how lucky we are to get paid for playing and managing in this wonderful game. Any manager will tell you it is always the better players that get injured. McCormack, who had an operation yesterday, is obviously a major blow, especially coming after losing Adam Drury, Paul Green and David Norris. We also have a few more doubtful after the Hull match in midweek so it's all hands on deck. When I was a younger manager I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with losing players through injury or suspension, but as you get older you realise that these things happen and hope someone else grabs the opportunity. With all these injuries it has not gone unnoticed that the takeover of the club is an ongoing saga, but I am hoping a conclusion will be forthcoming soon and we can strengthen the squad to give us a chance of moving up the table. While today's game pits two big names against each other, Tuesday's televised Capital One Cup tie against Everton will bring back even more memories of the glory days for our fans, who I am sure are relishing the occasion. It will be nice to see Phil Jagielka, who played for me at Sheffield United, but I hope he doesn't have too good a game. I usually rest a few in this competition but there is no selection dilemma this time: I'll be picking everyone who is fit.

Warnock comments on Leeds takeover

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock admits it has been a frustrating time for Leeds fans but says people are working behind the scenes to change the finances."People have just got to stick with us. It doesn't seem as if there is ever an end to the end of the tunnel but I still think people are working behind the scenes to change the finances"."If I'm honest I didn't envisage the situation being like it is at this stage of my career where I do desperately want to try and get that eighth promotion. There is lots of ups and downs being manager of Leeds United and being a supporter of Leeds United. I am trying my hardest to do things and I will continue to do that until it becomes a situation where you can't. If you can't, you can't. Everyone is working hard behind the scenes to change all that now. Hopefully, we will have some good news in the next 10 days, couple of weeks".

Leeds interested in Tonge

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock is considering making a loan move for Stoke City midfielder Michael Tonge.Warnock has been assessing a number of different options since injuries to David Norris and Michael Brown left him critically short of central midfielders, and he wants to bring in some midfield cover ahead of Leeds' weekend trip to Cardiff City he is also rumoured to be interested in Tottenham's Jermaine Jenas.The Yorkshire Post believes the Leeds boss, who managed Tonge for six years at Sheffield United, wants to bring him to Elland Road after the 29-year-old was left out of Stoke's 25-man squad for the Premier League.Tonge moved to the Britannia Stadium in 2008 but has made just 19 first-team appearances for Tony Pulis' side and has had loan spells in the Championship over the last four years with Preston North End, Derby County and Barnsley, who he played for in the second half of last season.

Leeds land Diouf on permanent deal

Leeds United have confirmed permanent signing of midfielder El-Hadji Diouf on a short term contract until January The experienced Senegal international player had been at Elland Road on a non-contract basis.The twice-former African footballer of the year joined Leeds on the eve of the League cup tie against Shrewsbury earlier this month and he has been involved in all five of Leeds games so far this season.Leeds boss Neil Warnock and Diouf had a public falling out in January 2010, when Warnock likened the player to a sewer rat but Diouf says that is all now behind them and he is enjoying playing for a manager who believes in him.

Diouf stated recently , "Neil believes in me and gives me confidence. What happened is in the past. I just need to play my football and help the young lads we have got and help the team win games."

The 31 year old says he is relishing the challenge at Leeds and he is enjoying the fight of trying to win promotion to the Premier League than at a club fighting relegation. "In my life I only love one thing in football, the challenge. I had it at other clubs, Liverpool, Rangers, and leagues and now Leeds.

"To play for Leeds is a big challenge. We have 25,000-30,000 fans for home games and who doesn`t want to play for a big club like this with all the history?

"I prefer to play for Leeds than go to a Premier League club and have to play not to go down. It`s more exciting here and to help them achieve something special.

"This season we will try to get promotion to the top and make the fans happy. That`s what everyone wants, the manager, the players, the fans. And I want to let my football do the talking for me," added Diouf.

Diouf prefers Leeds to Premiership Clubs

Senegalese forward El Hadji Diouf has revealed he prefers to be at Leeds United over a Premier League club and how the Elland Road side has helped him rekindle his love of football.

Diouf signed non-contract terms at Leeds earlier this month and after impressing with a series of assured appearances, both the 31-year-old and the Championship club are keen to agree permanent terms.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sport360, Diouf said: “I hope I’m always enjoying playing football and people see that. Right now, it’s like the first time I started. Football is my life. God gave me good luck to play football and to make people happy so that’s what I want to do.”

A troubled past, though, has not always endeared Diouf to the public, rival players or managers. Current boss Neil Warnock referred to him as a “sewer rat” after allegedly showering Jamie Mackie with abuse in January, 2011, after a challenge left the QPR forward with a broken leg.

But, in recognition of the player’s undoubted ability, Warnock put personal impressions and the past aside when he surprisingly moved for Diouf – who had spells at Bolton, Sunderland, Blackburn, Rangers and Doncaster after leaving Anfield in 2005 – to bolster his Leeds attack.

It was a signing that left the Elland Road support perturbed as many recalled the Mackie incident, unsavoury past tales of him spitting at players and fans, and his involvement in a tunnel bust-up last season when he played for Doncaster against Leeds.

Warnock even joked: “It’ll take the pressure off me as well because [the fans will] have a go at him, not me!”

But Diouf won over many doubters following a confident and classy cameo in his side’s 1-0 opening-day win in the Championship over Wolves. The Leeds crowd rose to give him a standing ovation as earlier jeers turned to cheers. He threw his shirt into the Kop end and then affectionately embraced Warnock, who praised his attitude on and off the pitch.

“People say and think things, but they don’t know me,” adds Diouf, who knows he will have to remain a reformed character to appease his critics.

“Neil believes in me and gives me confidence. What happened is in the past. I just need to play my football and help the young lads we have got and help the team win games.

“In my life I only love one thing in football, the challenge. I had it at other clubs, Liverpool, Rangers, and leagues and now Leeds.

“To play for Leeds is a big challenge. We have 25,000-30,000 fans for home games and who doesn’t want to play for a big club like this with all the history?

“I prefer to play for Leeds than go to a Premier League club and have to play not to go down. It’s more exciting here and to help them achieve something special.

“This season we will try to get promotion to the top and make the fans happy. That’s what everyone wants, the manager, the players, the fans. And I want to let my football do the talking for me.”

McCormack Set to Stay at Leeds

Leeds United striker Ross McCormack wants to stay at the club and is hopeful of signing a new deal with the Yorkshire giants soon.The Scottish international scored 18 goals in 45 Championship appearances for the club last season but rejected a contract extension, leading to speculation about the 25-year-old's future.The likes of Wigan Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace were all linked with the forward, with United manager Neil Warnock confirming that the club had received 'a number of offers' for his services in July.But after wearing the captain's armband in a friendly against Sandefjord of Norway on Tuesday, McCormack declared his intent to remain at Elland Road."Everyone knows there has been offers for me which have come into the club," McCormack told the club's official website."The club have turned them down. I'm just waiting on an offer of a new contract and we'll take it from there."I've said from day one, I've got a house here, I've got an eight month old baby, my missus is happy here, and my choice would be to stay at Leeds so hopefully the offer is one that I think is acceptable."After losing former captain Robert Snodgrass to Norwich City last week, Leeds are reticent to lose another of their star men, with Warnock confirming that contract talks were underway.

"Ross knows I want to keep him," Warnock said.

"I've had a chat with him. His representative will be talking to the club over the next few days. We've had a couple of enquiries for him, but I don't want to sell him unless something happens that we can't turn down."

Leeds chasing Craig Mackail-Smith

Leeds are closing in on a deal for Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith.The two clubs are locked in talks as they try to thrash out a deal for the Scotland international.Leeds boss Neil Warnock has made Mackail-Smith his top target as he looks to bolster his attacking options at Elland Road.A possible swap deal with Ross McCormack going to Brighton has been mooted, but it is believed a number of other clubs are chasing the former Cardiff man.Brighton are thought to be willing to offload Mackail-Smith despite paying a club record £2.5million to sign the player from Peterborough last summer.Mackail-Smith scored 10 goals for the Seagulls last term, but Gus Poyet is ready to sell him to bring in a new target man.Brighton are thought to be waiting to bring in a replacement before sanctioning the sale of Mackail-Smith.

Leeds set to offer Cranie a Contract

Leeds United are set offer Martin Cranie a contract after the former Coventry City defender impressed Neil Warnock whilst training with the club.Cranie is available on a free transfer after rejecting a new deal at Coventry, and he has spent the past fortnight training with The Whites.The former England Under 21 international, who can play at centre-half and left-back, has shown enough to warrant Warnock to follow up his interest.Warnock will now hold talks with the 25-year-old to see whether Cranie is prepared to accept the role he has in mind for him at Elland Road."He's a steady player and what I'd call a squad player," said Warnock in the Yorkshire Evening Post."Where it goes from here really depends on what Martin's looking for and what we can afford to offer him."He's calm, collected and a good lad who's fitted in well with the other players. We just need to chat things over and see what happens."

Aidy White Sign new deal with Leeds?

Following weeks of speculation over his future reports are emerging that Leeds defender Aidy White has signed a new three year contract with the club.White had been strongly linked with a move away from Elland Road with Championship rivals Derby County rumoured to be leading the chase for his signature.The news,if correct,will please Leeds United manager Neil Warnock  speaking earlier in the week about White said "It's like Aidy White, there's a couple of people spoken to him. I'd like Aidy to stay but we have to negotiate with his advisors and come up with an agreement that he's happy with as well. I don't think he's looking to leave."

UPDATE:Manager Neil Warnock was delighted when he confirmed the player's intentions before Friday's pre-season game at Farsley.
"Aidy is a young player who we have high hopes for and we're delighted he's agreed to a new deal," said the boss.
"He's good going forward and he's good defensively, and he's a big part of our plans here."

Norwich in New bid for Snodgrass

Reports are emerging that Norwich City have submitted a new bid for Leeds United Captain Robert Snodgrass.Leeds United revealed earlier this week that they had rejected a bid from Norwich for the player with Leeds manager Neil Warnock stating "It's been made public that they (Norwich) have bid, but from our own point of view it's not what we're looking for."We'd like to keep Rob, and Rob knows that. Whether that will be possible we'll have to wait and see. "It's difficult when players get their heads turned, but I'd like to keep Rob at the club and that's what I'm trying to do at the moment.Unless they come up with a valuation that the club thinks is satisfactory then that's what we want to do."The Scottish forward has been offered a new deal at Elland Road which would reportedly make him the highest-paid player at the club.The new offer is believed to be closer to Leeds United's valuation of the player and is believed to be under consideration by the club,however  rumours in the Midlands are that former Norwich manager Paul Lambert who is now at Aston Villa,is also set to launch a bid for the 24-year-old.

Warnock wants Brown to stay

Leeds manager Neil Warnock is confident midfielder Michael Brown will extend his stay at Elland Road.Brown, who joined the West Yorkshire club from Portsmouth last summer, was an ever-present in Warnock's starting XI until a red card picked up at Easter effectively ended his season.The 35-year-old former Sheffield United and Tottenham player was offered a new one-year contract at the end of the season following the expiry of his current deal and Warnock expects him to put pen to paper in time for the new season."We've offered Michael another year and I think we'll start that from next month," Warnock told the club's offical website.Brown, who joined Leeds on a free transfer from Portsmouth last summer, made 26 first-team appearances last season, most of them coming after the arrival of Warnock as manager in February.