Happy New Year. Wishing you and yours health and prosperity in the new year. Here are the latest headlines from Elland Road. Leeds frailties exposed at Hawthorns Leeds irratic form away from home continued on Friday night, as West Brom became the latest side to inflict maximum damage on Daniel Farke's Whites. Grady Diangana's 37th minute strike was all that separated the two sides in the end, and although the Whites spent large periods camped out in the Baggies final third, managed just one effort on target all night. It's easy to point fingers at individuals, but in truth Farke's men have found it difficult all season, breaking down opposition when all ten men get behind the ball. Similarly, Leeds last line of defence has proved frail to say the least, with many managing to breach it at first sight of goal. It didn't help that the referee missed a blatant penalty, when Gnonto was bought down in the box, yet even without the rub of the green; with the players at Farke's disposal, had more than enough to put the game to bed. I can't help but think that Farke left it too late to start rotating the squad, and keep the team fresh. Whilst the squad players may not be first choice, there is no point having them unless they are going to be utilised. Leeds are now fourth, six points shy of Southampton, and nine points away from Ipswich Town in second place. please log in to view this image Will Leeds stick or twist With the New Year now upon us, it will be interesting to see whether Leeds stick or twist in January. Daniel Farke has claimed that its going to be a quiet transfer market for the Whites, but with three defeats in the last five games, he may well rethink his strategy! Failure to win promotion this season will have a devastating effect on the squad. Leeds are looked upon as being a soft touch, and easy to bully in the transfer market. We could lose the services of all our best talent for a fraction of their worth, should we not reach the promised land. Messrs Radrizzani and Orta have a lot to answer for, but even before their tenure, Leeds have rarely been able to keep hold of their better players, or have come out a lot worse when deals are put together. If Leeds spend big, and are not promoted, they risk the wrath of financial fair play, but without investment, look confined to a long stint in the Championship with their best players leaving on the cheap! please log in to view this image Leeds linked to Serie A flop in search for left back Leeds are eyeing up Hellas Verona's left back Josh Doig in a potential £5.2m deal. The 21yo wing back, a product of the Heart's academy joined the Serie A outfit via Hibs in a £3m deal 18 months ago but has slipped down the pecking order at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi this season. With 676 minutes of game time under his belt, and an average 'Whoscored' rating of 6.40 (15th in squad), the Italian outfit see it as being the perfect time to double their money. At 21, Doig shows potential, especially with his attacking prowess down the left flank, but surely Leeds need someone who can hit the ground running now!!! please log in to view this image
Doig now valued at £6m and did really really well last season in Seria A. Napoli were looking at him but Verona knocked them back. Torino are chasing him again after also been knocked back last season. Only played 8 games so far this season so looks to be on the move. Get the feeling he may opt to stay in Italy, but Rangers want him but probably can’t afford him. One to watch and Di Mario is a very good guide as a rule for Italian transfers and Italys version of Fabrizio Romano, he mentions Leeds and Leeds talks?
Plenty of speculation yesterday and today about Cooper wanting his future sorted out this month as he is wanted by Stoke. Cresswell had enough and wants out with Blackburn offering to buy him, another 4 Championship clubs asking about him. Firpo to Real Betis is probably wishful thinking on our part. Joffy wanted. FARKE said a quiet January window but I wonder as I can see some moving out
Good morning all and a very happy New Year as well. Game day and if we can win today then 2 wins from 4 over the festive season will at least not be totally disastrous. Don't win though and we're probably goosed as far as auto's go. Also on the calls for Farke to go it was noticeable that Arsenal also lost 2 very winnable Xmas away games at Fulham & West Ham and no one is calling for Arteta's head.
Today as a 4-0 win, 1-0 defeat kinda feeling about it. Patience doesn't seem a virtue with Leeds fans, agree with some of the comments about Farke needing to adjust to games better but he deserves the season, I seem to remember some folk, not on here,I don't think, expecting back to back relegations, personally I was expecting one just outside the play offs, with tnext year after sorting out the squad going for a promotion push, but we're here in 4th and looking good for the play offs, come season end. Unless folk believe Scott Parker is the answer,?
Also Arsenal struggled to get past the teams that play the low block aka park the bus and break the high press.
Rangers, Middelsboro, Sunderland, Blackburn and Ipswich all talking to Leeds about Charlie Cresswell according to YEP. Still find it amazing that the better clubs in the Championship and Scotland want Charlie but we don’t?
Probably just OLOF although Doc is a serious doubter and is only giving him until mid January to sort it out
Only read the one page and no names mentioned iirc. Did read somewhere else but can't remember where, may even have been on here, that Scott Parker has a better championship record than Farke so we should have gone for him
Just read a couple more pages, majority want him gone,comments like,out of his depth, was never going to be good enough, he's clueless and the only name mentioned to replace him .....no trophies for guessing, Steve Cooper