Good Morning. It's Thursday 10th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Leeds see off Shrews to reach second round of Caribou Cup A crowd of 35,129 were in attendance to watch Leeds safely progress to the second round of the Caribou Cup, but like just they did against Cardiff last weekend, took the long route! The Shrews, to their credit, more than played their part. They were a well disciplined unit, operating a high press, forcing Leeds into mistake after mistake (in the opening half). Leeds would work hard to retrieve the ball, only to give it away seconds later, a common theme, seen all too often from the Whites, in recent times. Leeds started brightly. Dan James, Leo Hjelde and Archie Gray all sent early warning shots across Shrewsbury's bow, but failed to test Marko Marosi, between the sticks. The visitors struck first, just before the half hour mark. Tom Bayliss played a clever ball into Taylor Perry whose strike took a wicked deflection off Leo Hjelde, leaving Karl Darlow stranded. The ball looped up, crashing against the woodwork, on its way in. Chorus's of boos were heard from large sections of the Elland Road crowd as Farke's side retreated to the dressing room at half time. Whatever was said during the interval did the trick, and within seven minutes were level. Marosi was only able to parry away Ian Poveda's effort, and Gelhardt was in the right place at the right time to stab the ball home from close distance. Whether he knew too much about it, is another question. Leeds now had the bit between their teeth, and five minutes later took the lead. Ampadu jumped highest, trying to connect with James' corner. This drew Flanagan out of position, as the ball bounced across the penalty area where Pascal Struijk was on hand to volley Leeds into the lead! Leeds had chances to extend their lead as Matt Taylor's team began to tire, but as we saw against Cardiff, poor finishing let them down. Leeds face a trip to Salford City in the second round. please log in to view this image Gnonto asked to be left out of squad Multiple media reports are predicting Wilfred Gnonto's day a Elland Road are numbered, after he asked to be left out of last nights squad that faced Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the Caribou Cup. Gnonto, 19, was plucked out of obscurity from FC Zurich, and became a Premier League star overnight, but following relegation, has been linked with a host of top clubs, and Everton. Fortunately for Leeds, Gnonto does not have the same relegation clauses which has seen the majority of their talent depart on loan, or on the chap in Tyler Adams case. He has four years left on his contract, which means Leeds should be able to command a decent fee for the Italian International please log in to view this image Leeds left shell-shocked as Cherries steal Aarons from under their noses The Elland Road hierarchy have been left in a state of shock after the Max Aarons deal was hijacked from right under their noses. Fee's had been confirmed with Norwich, personal terms agreed, and even the medical was booked; only for Bournemouth to scupper the deal at the 11th hour. Leeds rarely fare well when dealing with Norwich City so this was a big deal to many. Bradley Johnson, Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson and Luciano Becchio were all plucked away from Elland Road in the prime of their careers for next to nothing. In exchange, Leeds picked up Steve Morrison (swap for Becchio), and Adam Drury (whose only contribution was to persuade Snodgrass to join the Canaries). A deal to bring Spurs defender Joe Rodon to Elland Road IS still progressing, as long as nobody else wants him!!! please log in to view this image
Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo was spotted in the stands at Leeds’ opening Championship clash with Cardiff. Could he be on his way to Leeds, or is it true, that we in fact ALL love Leeds!
Morning all. Busy couple of days trying to tidy up loads of stuff before the holidays, Sometimes wonder if it's worth all the extra running around. Time the 49ers start showing their worth. Almost all transfer activity in one direction and now were set to run the crap out of a 17 year old because of lack of bodies. Our subs bench last night was made up almost of goalies ffs
Matondo started his career at Cardiff coming through the academy. He knows some of the Cardiff players. Why would we want another winger who struggles to be fit enough to play for Rangers
The first half was as awful as anything i've seen recently at Elland Road. Gyabi and Hjelde just aren't ready. The second half was pretty much as i'd expect, nothing special. Once again the game turned when Byram came on for Hjelde. Ampadu was much better when he moved in the 2nd half and Gray looked much better playing alongside him rather than Gyabi. Gelhardt didn't offer as much as I hoped despite the goal. Gray and Cresswell both were moving gingerly after taking knocks at points last night. Lets hope they've both fit for Saturday. We could do with another winger.....
Nice to see Drameh come on for a few minutes yesterday although I don't know what position he was playing and I'm not sure he did either. Bate looked lively in the couple of minutes he was on, he should've been given more time.
Think FARKE now needs to pull the trigger on a few players, either sell or loan them out. Meslier Hjelde Gnonto Shackelton Gelhardt Gyabi
Don’t think we really have the luxury of loaning anyone atm. Looks like Adams is off so if Gray or Ampadu get injured Bate, Shackleton or Gyabi will be needed until we sign another CM and I think there are more pressing positions needed.
Exactly. They might not be deemed good enough by most but they'd still have to play and do their best. The other thing is if they actually had a run in the team and Farke's coaching hey who knows as many a player takes time to adjust to first team football. Shackleton is slightly different and can definitely do a job as a utility player for us this season.
Good morning all Is it just me Or do other teams seem to spot a player make their minds up quickly and put in an offer, and if accepted sign them, done and dusted or so it would seem, within hours or days. (job done) With us for the first few weeks it’s rumours then it’s speculation for another few weeks, then a few weeks to agree a deal, then days to agree personal terms, then god knows how long to book a medical, in the meantime if their possibly any good as in the Aarons deal, their snapped up by someone else. I know it’s probably not really like this, just seems like it. N.B I just realised of course (silly me) that the Leeds Utd medical centre has a waiting list.
Any criticism of Darlow last night was totally unjustified as he had virtually nothing to do all game and what little he did have to do was perfectly acceptable. One forum member was unhappy with his distribution but I'd say expectations there were unrealistic.
One forum member is in the minority as when Darlow did eventually get a clean connection with the ball and nearly got it to the half way line then most of the KOP cheered sarcastically. See, anyone can be passive aggressive.
Heard that half Darrow’s problems were caused by players if front of him trying tippytappy crap. If the useless crap from last season caused our downfall then an inexperienced defence and new keeper was stupidity if in doubt launch it
Morning all A shame the fans booed the players off at half time, we are down to the bare bones and Farke cannot afford to get another player injured. He really is having to play a few who are not ready or good enough. Joe Rodon has apparently signed but we have no option to buy at the end of it
Yep it was our defenders and holding midfielders who couldn't play out from the back with any sort of consistency that caused the problems Doc As soon as Ampedu, Gray, Struijk & Byram were all on and in their proper positions there were no further issues.
That was the issue first half though. When he did try and boot it under pressure he sliced it out of touch or it didn't leave the ground. Happened on a few occasions. Like I say the Kop behind him actually cheered when one went straight. He did okay with the short stuff but sometimes put the likes of Gyabi and Gray under pressure on the edge of their own box. Gray handled it but Gyabi was a liability.
On the pass to Archie Gray he actually had 5 yards of space to receive the ball and so plenty of options (go wide/go back) so not an issue Darlow giving it to him. The fact Archie is class and and feinted left before turning right and away his marker just shows he's a proper footballer.
