Ross McCormack is Leeds United's new captain

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott has confirmed striker Ross McCormack as the club's new captain. McCormack, the club's leading goalscorer with 18 goals in all competitions this season, will replace Rudy Austin who was appointed as club captain at the start of the season. McDermott revealed he took the decision to hand McCormack the armband following talks with Austin earlier this week. "The situation is that I had a good conversation with Rudy Austin - he is a great guy and we had a good discussion." McDermott told the club's website. I want Rudy to play his game. He feels his personality isn't conducive to that role. "You can see his leadership qualities in the way he plays and tracks back. Leeds United means so much to him. I just want to take that pressure away and I want him to play the way he wants with freedom. "I actually spoke to Ross in April and said 'we need leaders and you are leader.' Whether he saw himself as a leader then I don't know. "I see him as a talisman and a leader. He has matured an awful lot. Everyone knows what he thinks about Leeds United." McCormack's first match as club skipper will be the lunchtime clash at home to Sky Bet Championship leaders Leicester City on Saturday, The Scotland international tweeted: "Absolutely delighted to be the captain of Leeds United. Really looking forward to it. A proud day for myself and my family."

Match Report: Leeds United 4-0 Birmingham City

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

Match Report: Birmingham 1-0 Leeds

Brian McDermott suffered his first defeat as Leeds United manager when the Whites went down 1-0 at Birmingham to a second half goal from Hayden Mullins. The result ended any last lingering hopes of reaching the Npower Championship play-offs, but scores elsewhere ensured that United were safe from relegation, which was McDermott’s first aim when he took over. After victories in the new manager’s first two games and encouraging performances, Leeds faced their first away game under McDermott and struggled to get going initially at St Andrews. The first chance fell to Birmingham and United were fortunate to survive when Ravel Morrison hit the woodwork. Leeds went close soon after as Rodolph Austin’s strike from distance was spilled by keeper Jack Butland and Luke Varney’s follow-up was blocked. Michael Tonge saw an effort tipped over by Butland and Ross McCormack was also denied by the England man while at the other end Morrison went close again for the hosts. In the second half it was United’s turn to be denied by the woodwork as McCormack’s free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. McCormack went close twice more and Sam Byram hit an effort into the side netting after Butland had fumbled a McCormack cross, but Birmingham’s goal survived intact and it was they who came up with the winner. This time it was Paddy Kenny’s turn to parry a Nathan Redmond strike and the ball fell to Mullins, who was able to find the net from close range. Leeds looked to hit back, but never went closer than in the 76th minute when Butland saved well from Austin and it was a familiar tale of woe from them on their travels this season as they failed to halt their poor away record.

Leeds shock highflying Everton

Neil Warnock was forced into making a number of enforced changes due to injury with Paddy Kenny, Lee Peltier, and Adam Drury all missing out on the starting line up due to injury. Aidy White was one of those players recalled to the starting line-up and he fired Leeds ahead inside four minutes. The youngster showed great skill to beat two men in the middle of the park and was allowed to advance before drilling the ball home for a stunning individual strike. It was a wonderful effort, coming after Rodolph Austin won the ball, and was a great start for Leeds against the Merseysiders. United played some good stuff early on and looked to pressure the Premier League side. Everton were clearly unsettled after the goal and were on the back foot. The pressure won United a free-kick on the edge of the box shortly before the half-hour, and Michael Tonge sent the shot just wide of the upright. As the game headed towards half-time, United threatened to open up Everton again, and White forced another save out of visiting goalkeeper Jan Mucha. There was also an injury stoppage before the break when Jason Pearce needed bandaging up after a head collision. In first half stoppage time, Luciano Becchio thought he had scored with a header, but the ball was cleared off the line. United were good value for the lead, and started the second half on the front foot, El-Hadji Diouf drilling in a low early cross. Sam Byram also sent a shot just wide after more good work. But Everton did create a good chance shortly before the hour when Victor Anichebe did well out wide to pick out Steven Naismith, but his far post header was wide. Anichebe also sent a shot fizzing across the goal-line. When United came forward again, Austin won a free-kick on the edge of the box. When the set-piece was taken, Danny Pugh drilled it into the box, and Austin got the decisive touch to turn the ball home. Everton's response came when a long range shot from Marouane Fellaini called Jamie Ashdown into action for the first time, and the United keeper made a great block. But still United continued to press and Byram won a corner after more good work in the box. The visitors did throw themselves a lifeline with 10 minutes remaining, though, when Sylvain Distin looped a header over Ashdown from a free-kick into the box.David Moyes' men pushed forward desperately and were unlucky not to get a spot-kick when Victor Anichebe was bundled over by Jason Pearce, but Leeds deservedly clung on.

McComack injury blow as Leeds lose

Neil Warnock handed a debut to new loan signing Michael Tonge in the centre of the park, while Luke Varney dropped down the bench with Sam Byram and Aidy White taking up the wide midfield roles.But Varney was involved inside the opening seven minutes when, worryingly, Ross McCormack left the field with what appeared to be an ankle injury.And the sub had an early shot blocked after Sam Byram did well down the right and delivered a cross into the box. That was in the 12th minute, and by then United had to deal with a couple of threats from the home side with balls into the box.Chances were at a premium during a bitty opening half hour with neither side really taking a grip on proceedings. Paddy Kenny did have a couple of balls to collect, one an effort from distance from Heidar Helguson which the United keeper dealt with comfortably.The first half had largely been a stop-start affair, littered with stoppages, and there was little fluidity about the game.Cardiff did head over, following a corner, in the first of the three minutes of stoppage time, and Varney looked to latch on to a long ball as Leeds broke, but there was little else before the whistle went to end a half completely devoid of entertainment.

El-Hadji Diouf replaced Adam Drury at the start of the second half while Leeds were looking solid, in terms of entertainment value, they game was crying out for a spark, and Kenny had to save from close range at the start of the half. Jordan Mutch also sent a shot wide for the home side.
When the hosts threatened again, Jason Pearce made a good block to avert the danger, and when Leeds came forward the referee's whistle brought a halt to proceedings as Luciano Becchio looked to forge a chance. A close offside call also denied Diouf when he volleyed over the bar.
Cardiff threatened again with a ball from deep into the box while Varney drilled a cross into the six-yard box which was cleared. And Tommy Smith wasted the best chance of the game shortly after the hour when he volleyed over from close range.
Kenny also had to save well when Mark Hudson found space in the box and attempted to steer a header wide of the United keeper.

But Cardiff were in front in on 66 minutes when Craig Bellamy drilled home an angled free-kick from the edge of the box after Michael Tonge was booked for a foul. The former Liverpool man unleashed an unstoppable strike which left Kenny with no chance.Five minutes later, Cardiff had an opportunity to double that advantage when Tom Lees was adjudged to have given away a penalty. Peter Whittingham stepped up to take the spot kick and his cool left foot finish made it 2-0.But Leeds did get back in it on 76 minutes when Rodolph Austin levelled with a long range free-kick. Like Bellamy, the Jamaican international picked his spot, the bottom left hand corner, and drilled the ball beyond the flailing dive of David Marshall.The Cardiff keeper was called upon again moments later to clear an Aidy White cross when both Becchio and Varney were advancing dangerously. At the other end, Kenny got down well to deny Smith, who drilled in a low shot from distance.
But United fashioned out another chance with less than five minutes on the clock when Austin found space on the right and picked out Peltier with a great cross. The skipper got up well, but his header was over the top.
That proved to be the last meaningful action of the game as United's frustrating record at Cardiff continued.

Leeds and Blackburn share the spoils in six goal thriller

Leeds United’s 100 per cent home record was ended by Blackburn at Elland Road, but they put up a fantastic fight to earn a draw after trailing 2-0 in the first half-hour.So good was the Whites’ comeback that they went 3-2 up by the 66th minute only to concede a controversial late equaliser and in the end they could count themselves unlucky not to get all three points.Blackburn were a class apart initially as they played some cultured attacking football and opened up a two-goal lead with identically made goals.With El Hadji Diouf caught out defensively down the flank speedy left-back Markus Olsson got in behind and fired an angled shot past Paddy Kenny for the opener on 19 minutes. Eight minutes later he was free again and this time his low cross was put away by former Portuguese international Nuno Gomes.It was no more than Rovers deserved after Morten Pedersen and Gomes saw shots saved by Kenny, Gomes volleyed wide and Pedersen’s corner clipped the crossbar.
In the first half-hour Leeds’ only real response was a Rodolph Austin shot from range that was saved by former Leeds keeper Paul Robinson . But it all changed towards the end of the half with the crowd and players pumped up following a big penalty shout turned down when Ross McCormack went down in the box.

United pulled a goal back on 41 minutes when Robinson failed to deal with David Norris’s high ball and Diouf pounced to force the ball home following a six-yard box scramble.

Robinson was soon called into action again to tip over a Diouf header and half-time came with renewed hope for the Whites.

Blackburn came in for a real aerial bombardment early in the second half and were lucky to stay in front as Jason Pearce headed a good chance over and Luke Varney saw a goalbound shot blocked.

Danny Murphy went close with a shot from the edge of the box as the visitors showed they still has some attacking capability, but they were soon back pedalling again and Leeds were level on 56 minutes as Becchio got away with a little nudge and Adam Drury’s long ball was latched onto by McCormack who finished emphatically past Robinson.

United now threatened to run riot as Austin sent a header just wide and Becchio saw a header cleared off the line by Murphy with the keeper well beaten. It was no surprise when they went in front as Becchio was left unmarked at the far post to head home after Diouf’s cross had not been dealt by the Rovers defence on 66 minutes.

Fans were celebrating soon after when Pearce headed the ball into the net from a McCormack free-kick, but the joy was shortlived as referee Neil Swarbrick controversially spotted a push by the home defender.

Leeds continued to pour forward and McCormack saw a shot well saved before Diouf headed wide a good chance from another McCormack free-kick wide.

But there was a sting in the tail and more controversy as Blackburn were wrongly awarded a free-kick, from it won a corner and then equalised through substitute Ruben Rochina’s finish from close range.

With five minutes injury-time there was time for more drama as Blackburn survived a handball appeal against Murphy as he blocked McCormack’s shot then as the game switched to the other end Dickson Etuhu got free in the box only to shoot over.

There seemed to be one final twist in the very last minute when comical defending left Diouf with only Robinson to beat, but he somehow fired over. An amazing end to an amazing game.

Leeds brush aside Oxford

Austin celebrates after opening the scoring

Neil Warnock made several changes to his side for the Capital One Cup second round clash with Oxford United.Handing a debut to Jamie Ashdown, a return for Andy Gray, and starts for Paddy Kisnorbo and El-Hadji Diouf.Oxford were lively enough at the start and United had some defending to do. Jason Pearce had to head away one cross while Kisnorbo blocked a shot from Alfie Potter.But it was United who went in front on 27 minutes when Aidy White pulled the ball back on the edge of the box, Diouf allowed it to run, and Rodolph Austin smashed home his first goal in a Leeds United shirt.It was 2-0 shortly after the half-hour when Sam Byram showed real quality to not only work himself the opening, but to deliver a top quality finish for his first goal for the club. He skipped past a defender and showed real quality to chip the goalkeeper.

It was almost 3-0 when Byram was again involved, feeding an advancing Diouf, but Ryan Clarke got a hand on the strike as Diouf looked to slip it back across him.
United also started the second half on the front foot and it took some desperate defending to prevent a third goal, although there were claims from Leeds for a foul inside the six-yard box.
Pearce had an effort blocked as United looked to kill the tie off during the early stages of the second period. Austin also ratted the crossbar with a thunderous strike from around 40 yards out.
It was a night of spectacular strikes and Byram was next to try his luck when he sent a volley over the bar after great work by Diouf in teeing him up.
At the other end, Adam Drury cleared the danger when Simon Heslop was closing in on a low centre as Oxford mounted a rare raid. United were soon back on the attack, though, and Michael Brown had a shot blocked.
A third goal did come on 73 minutes when Diouf delivered a cross from the right and Tom Lees powered a header past Clarke in the Oxford goal to seal the tie.
The visitors did look to salvage some pride, Capaldi sending a shot wide, but they were always huffing and puffing against a Leeds side who looked well in control and could have had more goals.

New look Leeds fire Championship Warning

Neil Warnock's new-look Leeds cruised past Shrewsbury in the first round of the Capital One Cup as goals from Luciano Becchio, Luke Varney, David Norris and Ross McCormack secured an easy 4-0 win.
Warnock named eight debutants, including Varney and Norris, and teenage defender Sam Byram, with the hosts taking the lead through Becchio in the 20th minute.Another summer signing, Rodolph Austin, fired in a shot from outside the penalty area and, although Shrewsbury goalkeeper Chris Weale got down well to keep the ball out, Argentinian Becchio slid home the rebound from six yards.Leeds doubled their advantage six minutes later following a sweeping move that ended with striker McCormack's shot blocked, allowing Varney to pounce and apply a neat finish.Shrewsbury's Luke Summerfield lashed a shot wide for the visitors soon after, while team-mates Paul Parry and Jermaine Grandison had both gone close with long-distance efforts earlier.But Leeds looked the more assured in possession and midfielder Norris twice went close to adding a third, before eventually slamming home a shot into the bottom corner from Varney's headed knockdown.

McCormack stroked his penalty into the bottom corner to make it 4-0 in the 70th minute after Shrews defender Michael Hector handled in the area.


Leeds: Kenny, Byram, Peltier, Pearce, White, Green (Poleon 76), Austin, Norris, Varney (Brown 86), McCormack (Diouf 76), Becchio. Subs: Ashdown, Drury, Kisnorbo, Gray.

"The Beast" excited by challenge of playing for Leeds

Rodolph Austin says he will apply himself in order to return  Leeds United to topflight football.The six-foot tall Austin, a former Portmore United player, spent five seasons with premier Norwegian Club SK Brann before joining Leeds last month.Austin made his debut for Leeds on Tuesday night in a preseason match against League Two outfit Burton Albion. Leeds won 1-0.“It feels very good to be here and I’m looking forward to it,” Austin said on the club’s official website.Leeds have been tracking the Jamaican “for a while” and Brann facilitated the transfer when he picked up a fifth yellow card and was suspended for the final game of the season in the Tippeligaen(Norwegian League).“I heard about it (the interest) and knew it would be good move,” he added.“It’s a big club with fans all over, and the club is trying to get back in the Premier League, so the possibilities are very nice. The club is going forward and I want to be a part of it,” he added.Nicknamed, coincidentally, “The Beast” in Scandinavia, Austin has become “something of a cult figure”, noted the website after fans saw footage of him in action in Norway.He arrives at Elland Road with the reputation of being a no-nonsense midfielder.“I can’t speak for the fans, but I’m a person who likes to win and I always try to do my best. It’s for them to judge me. Fans like players who play with passion and I think it’s up to them to be honest, but I’ll keep doing what I’m doing,” Austin pointed out.Despite signing with Leeds for £300,000, the Clarendon-born player is worth far more as manager Neil Warnock, when he was at Queens Park Rangers from March 2010 to January this year, wanted Austin for some £2 million.
Relegated from the Premier League in 2004, Leeds will open their season with a League Cup match against Shrewsbury Town tomorrow at Elland Road in West Yorkshire at 9:00 am Jamaican time.Austin, with 48 caps and three goals for the Reggae Boyz, made 98 appearances for SK Brann and scored 15 goals.

Leeds United Squad Numbers Announced

Leeds United have announced the squad numbers for the coming season with six new recruits figuring in the first 11 numbers.Paddy Kenny has been given the number one shirt, Adam Drury wears three, Jason Pearce will wear five, Paul Green gets the number seven shirt, Rodolph Austin will be eight, and Luke Varney has been allocated 11.Tom Lees also steps into the first 11 numbers with the number four shirt while Luciano Becchio retains the number 10.Aidan White will wear 14 for the new season while Andy Gray is 18 and David Norris 19. Michael Brown will wear number 21 this season and Zac Thompson has been given the number 23 shirt.
Ross McCormack will wear his favoured number 44.

1 PADDY KENNY
2 
3 ADAM DRURY 
4 TOM LEES 
5 JASON PEARCE 
6 
7 PAUL GREEN 
8 RODOLPH AUSTIN 
9 
10 LUCIANO BECCHIO 
11 LUKE VARNEY 
12 JAMIE ASHDOWN 
13 
14 AIDAN WHITE 
15 
16 DANNY PUGH 
17 
18 ANDY GRAY 
19 DAVID NORRIS 
20 
21 MICHAEL BROWN 
22 ROBBIE ROGERS 
23 ZAC THOMPSON
24 PAUL CONNOLLY
44 ROSS McCORMACK

Leeds Land Austin

Reports from sources in Norway suggest that Leeds United have secured the capture of SK Brann's Jamaica international Rodolph Austin.Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has been a long-term admirer of the midfielder and took Austin on trial during his time in charge of Queens Park Rangers.Austin is expected to join up with the rest of the Leeds united squad for their pre season tour of the West Country this week after the two clubs finally reached an agreement for the player.

Leeds move for Jamaican International

{EAV:c1bd42a8c22c5c17}    Leeds United are lining up a move for Jamaican international midfielder Rodolph Austin.The combative defensive midfielder, capped 45 times by the Reggae Boyz, is out of contract in December and has refused to sign a new deal, with Brann’s asking price believed to be between £200,000 and £300,000.Austin comes highly rated,former Liverpool and England star John Barnes who had Austin played under during his spell as Jamaican National coach " I've said it since I saw him the first time. He can do anything. He can attack, defend, and he has a very good attitude,I remember that he often took a few extra sessions with the national team. Jamaicans are tough, and it fits in the Premier League. I think he could easily clear up there".Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has confirmed his interest in bringing Austin to Elland Road, having previously had him on trial at former club QPR in January of last year.Warnock said: “He’s a player I had at QPR. I had him over for a week and he’s a smashing lad. I’ve always liked him, but it’s always been a bit too much money.“The last time I spoke to them, it was around the £2m mark. But his contract runs out in December and he’s one that we are looking at as well as several others.”

Austin saw a move to Stoke City in 2008 fall through due to work permit issues.Austin, 27 was voted as the best player in the Norwegian premier division in 2011