Showing posts with label nunez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nunez. Show all posts

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Nunez Sign New Contract with Leeds

Honduran international Ramon Nunez has signed a new contract with Leeds United.The 25-year-old, who can play up front and in midfield, has signed a deal that takes him up to 2015 with the option of a further year.
The deal comes as reward for a player who has netted five goals in 10 appearances so far this season.
"I'm delighted," said Ramon."Leeds is the club that gave me an opportunity and I'm happy here. It's all about concentrating on my football and working hard to get into the team."Obviously getting in the Premier League is the goal of everybody here. We certainly have enough good players to do that."Having joined Scunthorpe United on loan last season, Ramon returned to Leeds impress during the pre-season campaign. He netted his first goals for the club in the Carling Cup win against Bradford and followed that with one against Hull and another Cup brace against Doncaster.With a number of attacking options at Simon Grayson's disposal, Ramon has been restricted to five starts and five substitute appearances, but he is confident his opportunities will come."I've no doubt that I'll get my opportunity and when I do I'll be looking to take it," he added.
Ramon follows in the footsteps of Tom Lees, who recently agreed a new, extended deal with the club.

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Nunez on Target Again As Leeds Remain Unbeaten

Leeds maintained their unbeaten run in pre season with a draw in Norway against Sandefjord.The game finished 1-1 after both sides scored inside the final five minutes.Sandefjord took the lead only for Nunez to equalise with a long-range effort.Simon Grayson named just a seventeen-man squad with trialist Alexandre Mendy again in the starting line up.There was no place in the squad for fellow trialist Boldiszar Bodor who played at Sheffield Wednesday who was supposed to be making the trip.Ross McCormack had Leeds first effort on goal but his shot went wide of the post.McCormack should have opened the scoring after he was fouled inside the box.The striker stepped up and fired his penalty kick wide of the post, his second miss from the spot in pre season.Mendy had the final chance of the first half but headed over.Ramon Nunez was the first substitution of the evening replacing Michael Brown ten minutes into the second half.Nunez quickly made an impact seeing a shot go just wide of the post.Adam Clayton had a decent effort tipped over the bar as Leeds controlled the game.Tom Lees had a great chance from a corner when he sent a header over the bar when free inside the area.Max Gradel replaced Ross McCormack inside the final five minutes and he was quickly involved, firing a shot over the crossbar.The home side scored in the final minutes of the game when Stokke fired in from close range.Leeds still had time to find an equaliser when Nunez fired home from distance with the assistance of a deflection.

It was to prove the final meaningful action of the game as Leeds maintained their unbeaten pre season.

Leeds now prepare for their final pre season game of the summer when they entertain Newcastle on Sunday.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

Nunez Earns Manager's Praise

Ramon Nunez enhanced his claim to a frontline role at Elland Road with a goal against Motherwell which Simon Grayson described as “Ramon all over”.The Leeds United midfielder produced a sublime finish at Fir Park on Saturday to earn his club a 2-1 victory over Motherwell and secure their second pre-season win.
Nunez, a Honduran international, is looking to break into Leeds’ first team next season after a year at Elland Road in which he featured predominantly in the reserves.He also moved briefly on loan to Scunthorpe United.
The 25-year-old produced the performance of most note in United’s 2-0 defeat of Falkirk last Wednesday night and his strike against Motherwell – coming at the end of a run past several defenders – strengthened his growing reputation.

Grayson said: “That’s Ramon all over.

“He’s doing what we’re asking him to do and what we believe he’s capable of doing. There’s a talented player in there.

“He’s got great feet, great imagination and a lot of flair.

“You can see his trickery and his skill on the ball and I’m delighted with the way he’s coming on.

“He’s shown us this ability many times in training and that’s why we wanted to keep him here.

“He’s showing it on a slightly bigger stage now and I’d like to think he’ll keep on improving.”

Leeds took up the option of tying Nunez to a new 12-month deal earlier this year, and his performance in United’s first two summer fixtures have increased the possibility of Grayson blooding him properly next term.

Grayson heaped praise on Leeds’ performance against Motherwell – a club who begin their own season on Saturday – and said he was happy with the progress made by his existing squad during their week-long tour of Scotland.

“At this stage it’s still about fitness more than anything,” said Grayson.

“But I thought we showed quite a bit of sharpness in the final third against Motherwell.

“It goes down as a very good tour and it’s served its purpose as far as I’m concerned.”

Saturday, 16 July 2011

Motherwell 1 Leeds United 2

Having beaten Falkirk in midweek, United manager Simon Grayson was again looking to utilise his full squad for the game against SPL side Motherwell.And it was Leeds who created the first opening of the game when Lloyd Sam sent over a cross which Billy Paynter puled back across goal inside the first minute.It was a lively opening to the game and Paul Rachubka was also called into action inside the opening five minutes to make a decent save at the near post after good build-up play by the home side.Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley received a stern talking to early in the game following an altercation that was ended by an intervening Paddy Kisnorbo.Leeds were backed by a terrific away following at Fir Park, too, giving some atmosphere to the game.Michael Brown and Adam Clayton were the sitting central midfielders for United with Jonny Howson being given licence to play in an advanced role.And Clayton was the instigator of what appeared to be the opening goal. The youngster whipped in a cross from the left and Paynter poked the ball home from close range - but the effort was ruled out by an offside flag.
Moments later, Motherwell mounted a raid down their left and Steven Hammell smashed a shot against the post after cutting in at an angle.
As the half wore on the rain started to fall, making the pitch greasy, and two Motherwell defenders may have struggled a little when they combined to send Sam sprawling on 34 minutes to win a penalty for United.
Ross McCormack, Scotland international and one-timer Motherwell favourite, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Darren Randolph, who dived low to his left.
Motherwell had an opportunity themselves after Kisnorbo was somewhat harshly penalised on the edge of the box, but the resultant free-kick was over the head of Paul Rachubka and over the bar.
The hosts did get their noses in front on 39 minutes, though, when Chris Humphrey found space on the right and his low cross was converted by Jamie Murphy who slid the ball home at the far post.
Just over 60 seconds later, McCormack had the ball in the net at the other end after good work by Sam, but the whistle had already gone for an infringement.
And shortly before half-time, Aidy White embarked on a run that saw him carry the ball a full 50 yards before his pull-back cross was cleared over his own bar by Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson.
Grayson made four changes at half-time with Alex Bruce, Ben Parker, Max Gradel and Rob Snodgrass all being handed run-outs. The rain also returned with vengance at the start of the second period as the game kicked off in a torrential downpour.
The home side started brightly and after Paul Connolly cut out one cross, Alex Bruce headed away a corner from underneath his own bar.
But Bruce was involved at the other end moments later when he had a header turned over the bar after McCormack saw a shot turned wide.
Snodgrass was also denied with a header, following a good cross from Gradel after Paynter had charged down a poor clearance.
Gradel threatened again on 60 minutes when he had a shot deflected to Randolph in the Motherwell goal, but the home side came storming back up the park and Rachubka showed good command of his box by coming out to punch the ball clear.
Zac Thompson was next to be denied after a move he started and finished. He released McCormack with a good ball and collected the return before being denied by Randolph. Thye Motherwell goalkeeper also pushed the resultant corner over the top under pressure from Snodgrass.
But the next corner proved decisive as Randolph failed to collect and Bruce was on hand to convert from close range to make it 1-1.
Motherwell responded when Rachubka had to save a Michael Higdon header and on the break Thompson saw a shot deflected wide for United. The hosts again failed to deal with the set-play and Randolph had tol be alert to make an instinctive block to deny Bruce once again.
Moments later, United were in front, though, courtesy of a stunning solo effort from Ramon Nunez. The Honduran showed great skill to weave his way through on goal before working an opening for himself to slip the ball home to make it 2-1.
Having surrendered leads like this last season, Grayson was looking for his troops to close the game out and both Rachubka and Parker made good clearances when Motherwell came forward.
Gradel almost created a third, but was denied by a good challenge when McCormack was waiting in the middle, while at the other end substitute goalkeeper Alex Cairns warmed his hands by collecting a free-kick, curled in from just outside of the area. Cairns also made another decent save late on.
And that proved to be the last real action of what was another impressive pre-season outfit as United ended the week in Scotland by recording a second successive victory north of the border.

Wednesday, 13 July 2011

Falkirk 0 Leeds 2

United manager Simon Grayson used the majority of his squad for the opening game of the summer, Davide Somma, Andy O'Brien, Luciano Becchio, and Fede Bessone missing through injury.The boss planned to play almost two seperate XIs, and his first half side included summer signings Michael Brown and Paul Rachubka, along with Paddy Kisnorbo and the returning Ben Parker.The opening exchanges saw United play some decent football against the Scottish first division outfit and there were useful touches by the likes of Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam.In typical pre-season fashion, there were no real chances early doors although United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka did get down well to stop a Kallum Higginbotham effort inside the opening 15 minutes.United did come close on 25 minutes when Robert Snodgrass curled a free-kick into the side-netting and moments later Billy Paynter shot just wide after great work by Nunez.The lively Sam also went close when he saw his shot turned for a corner, but Leeds did go ahead on 36 minutes when a Nunez cross was turned in by Falkirk defender Thomas Scobbie.All in all it was a useful 45 minutes against a side who looked like quite lively, and as predicted Grayson made a number of changes at half-time, although not the predicted wholesale re-shuffle.There were six changes with Alex Bruce, Leigh Bromby, Aidy White, Jonny Howson, Max Gradel, and Ross McCormack were all introduced.United started the second half with some crisp passing, and it was 2-0 on 53 minutes when Aidy White fed Lloyd Sam who crossed for Snodgrass to head home from close range.Snodgrass almost repaid that favour moments later when his cross from deep found Sam, but the Falkirk keeper was equal to the header.Grayson made another raft of changes on 63 minutes and almost immediately United were denied a third goal by a goal-line clearance after McCormack swung the ball into the middle.The changes prompted a mass re-shuffle that saw Zac Thompson and Nathan Turner in the middle of the park, Lewis Turner at right-back, White moved to the right side of the midfield, and Tom Lees returned to the fray at left-back.The final 20 minutes or so saw the fluency disappear slowly with both sides have made so many changes, but Leeds still had some decent possession at times and showed good movement.With around six minutes left on the clock, Gradel was withdrawn after taking a knock and United headed into the final moments with just 10 men on the field.In the final minute, Falkirk did have a couple of opportunites when Higginbotham came within inches with a strike from distance before Scobbie headed into the arms of Cairns.
And that proved to be the final action as United picked up a 2-0 win to kick-off pre-season.

Monday, 9 May 2011

Leeds exercise Nunez option

Leeds have confirmed they will be taking up the option to extend Ramon Nunez's stay at the club.

The 25-year-old Honduras international was handed a six-month contract extension in January with a further year's option and he will be returning to Elland Road following his loan spell with Scunthorpe.

Manager Simon Grayson said: "He's a talented player and he's proved that by doing well at Scunthorpe so we have decided to exercise that option.

"Ramon will come back in the summer with an opportunity to make an impression here."

Nunez, initially signed from Deportivo Olim in August 2010, made two substitute appearances for Leeds during the opening half of the season, but he scored three goals in eight games during a loan spell at Glanford Park in April and May.

Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Nunez extends Loan

Scunthorpe's fight against relegation has been boosted after Leeds midfielder Ramon Nunez's loan deal was extended until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Honduras international can now feature for Alan Knill's men in the final four games of the campaign.
He has made four appearances since joining United and scored the winning goal in Saturday's vital 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.

Nunez told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to stay here until the end of the season. I've said it during my time here that I'm having a great time.

"I'm playing as part of a team with everything to play for and they're doing a good job.

"Initially I would have like to have signed for the club until the end (of the season) back in March."

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Kilkenny still waiting for Leeds United offer

Neil Kilkenny, whose contract at Leeds United expires in the summer, is still waiting for the club to offer him a new deal.

With Bradley Johnson already having turned down the club's 'final offer', two key midfielders could leave on Bosman free transfers in the summer.

Australian international midfielder Kilkenny, 25, cost £125,000 from Birmingham in January, 2008, and has made 137 first-team appearances.

He is currently away with his country's squad and United are reluctant to commit to a new deal until they know what division they will be playing in next term.

Kilkenny first announced his desire to stay at Leeds in December, a sentiment he repeated a month later, but he is still waiting.

The contracts of goalkeeper Shane Higgs, 33, and central defenders Patrick Kisnorbo, 30, and Richard Naylor, 34, are also due to run out in the summer. Higgs has spent most of the season on the substitutes' bench, kept out of the side by Kasper Schmeichel, while Kisnorbo is still in rehab after damaging his Achilles a year ago.

Naylor has been unable to recapture his regular first-team place since suffering a knee injury last October, though he made substitute appearances earlier this month against Doncaster and Preston.

The future of Honduras international Ramon Nunez is also in doubt.

He is currently on loan at Scunthorpe, having made just two substitute appearances for Leeds.

Nunez, 25, signed a short-term contract at the end of August after a month's trial.

The deal was extended to the end of this season with the club holding an option to keep him for an extra year.

Thursday, 17 March 2011

Connolly on the way back

Paul Connolly put himself in contention for a first-team recall at Sheffield United with a 90-minute appearance for Leeds United’s second string last night.Connolly came through a second reserve appearance in the space of eight days to prove his fitness and stake a claim for a role in Saturday’s Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane.
The right-back has not featured for United’s first team since pulling a hamstring in the club’s victory over Coventry City on February 5, but his comfortable outing in a 6-0 rout of Gateshead has given manager Simon Grayson the option of recalling him ahead of on-loan Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj.Connolly featured at centre-back last night and was joined in United’s line-up by seven other senior players. Club captain Richard Naylor did not play at Elland Road despite being named in the original starting team.The weight of experience on the side of Leeds threatened to tell from an early stage, and goalkeeper Jonny Ball kept Gateshead in the game by blocking three attempts in quick succession from Ross McCormack, Ben Parker and Ramon Nunez.
Gateshead’s best chance fell to Gary Mulligan, whose glancing header found the safe hands of Shane Higgs, but the Blue Square Premier club fell behind in the 31st minute when Nathan Turner slipped in behind their defence and knocked a pass from Nunez under Ball’s body.Nunez removed any doubt about the outcome by striking in the 63rd minute, his fifth goal in two reserve games, and McCormack and Sanchez Watt rounded off the scoreline with two classy finishes apiece in the final 20 minutes

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

Loads of International call ups

Leeds United duo Neil Kilkenny and Davide Somma are set for more international action after receiving call-ups for their respective countries.
Killa is named in the Australia squad for their forthcoming friendly against Germany in Monchengladbach on Tuesday March 29.
The former Arsenal youngster was a member of the Socceroos squad which reached the final of the Asia Cup earlier this year.
And striker Davide is set to return to South Africa for his third international call-up for their game against Egypt on Saturday March 26 in Johannesburg.
The pair joined Ramon Nunez who has already been called-up by Honduras, and a host of other Leeds players could follow suit.
Max Gradel could be named in the Ivory Coast squad for the same period while Robert Snodgrass and Barry Bannan will both harbour hopes of a Scotland call-up for their game against Brazil at the Emirates.

Monday, 7 March 2011

Nunez smashes Four

Honduran international Ramon Nunez scored his first Elland Road hat-trick as Leeds United reserves cruised past Lincoln City at Elland Road on Monday afternoon.Nunez is surely staking his claim for a return to the first team squad having managed just two substitute appearances this season.
The South American struck twice in either half as Neil Redfearn's charges recorded a comfortable 4-1 victory.While not quite as dominant as the first team on Saturday, the opening 45 minutes were again one-way traffic with Leeds bossing from start to the finish.Nunez opened the scoring inside the first couple of minutes and Leeds battered away at the visitors until the South American scored a second on the half-hour, following a 45-yard surging run from James Baxendale.
But it was Lincoln who struck first in the second period, Andy Hutchinson reducing the arrears in the first couple of minutes of the second half.United's lead was quickly restored, though, when Nunez, cutting in from the left, bent in a cross which eluded everyone and crept inside the far post.The Honduran was involved in a penalty shout moments after his hat-trick, when he appeared to be brought down in the box, and he tested Lincoln goalkeeper Draper again after good work by the returning Lloyd Sam down the right.
The fourth goal did come, though, on 61 minutes. A cross came in from deep and Nunez smashed home a left-foot volley giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Thursday, 3 February 2011

Nunez ready to take his chance

Leeds striker Ramon Nunez has promised he is ready to seize his chance at Elland Road.

The Honduras international has just been voted most valuable player at the Copa CentroAmerica, won by his home country for the first time in 16 years, but the 25-year-old has made only two substitute appearances for Leeds since arriving in the summer from Deportivo Olim.

Nunez said: "I'll keep working, I want to get in the team. I've been patient. Obviously the team has done well and I have to wait and be patient. A chance and an opportunity will come.

"I know what the manager [Simon Grayson] wants and expects of me in training and I try and carry it out the best I can. I have to be ready for when it comes."

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

RAMON NUNEZ THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

United's Ramon Nunez will return to England this week having been recognised as the Most Valuable Player at the Copa CentroAmerica.
Ramon played a key role in helping Honduras win the competition for the third time, scoring twice in the group games for his country.
He sat out the semi-final due to injury, but returned for the final against Costa Rica, from which Honduras emerged 2-1 winners.
Ramon was presented with the MVP award after the final game, and he dedicated it to the people of Honduras.
"We performed a spectacular tournament where we all worked together," he said.
Ramon agreed an extension to his short-term deal with Leeds United before his departure for the competition, and the club have the option of extending his stay by a further year.

EX LEEDS UNITED KEEPER SET FOR SPURS RETURN?