Good Morning. It's Thursday 6th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Malicious hackers target Leeds Utd retail website Between February 19th and 24th, Leeds United became the latest football club to fall victim to a cyberattack, with hackers targeting their online retail website. This malicious campaign resulted in the theft of customer details, specifically card information, from a number of Leeds fans. While the club's official statement described the incident as impacting only "a small number of customers," the breach still raises serious concerns about the security of fan data and highlights the growing vulnerability of sports organisations, even those at the EFL level, to sophisticated cyber threats. “Leeds United suffered a cyber-attack between 19 and 24 February 2025, targeting the retail website, resulting in the card details of a small number of customers being compromised. “The club has communicated with all of those directly impacted and is continuing to work with the Information Commissioner’s Office. A forensic investigation was undertaken by a specialist third-party as soon the club discovered the breach, and measures were implemented to stop and recover from the attack. “The club is disappointed that the attack was successful despite layers of cyber security, and offer our sincere apologies to anyone who has been adversely affected.” please log in to view this image Leeds replace Chelsea as hosts of annual talent hunt Leeds United have replaced Chelsea as hosts of an annual talent hunt in Halmstad, Sweden this Summer. According to media reports, the Championship leaders will ‘take over’ the event, partnering with Cosmo International Football Academy (CIFA) who previously organised the Chelsea Football School in the region. Last year saw 100 young hopefuls participate at Vapnö IF's facilities under the Chelsea banner, but this year, Vapnö will welcome coaches from Elland Road. Ola Svensson, vice-president of Vapnö, suggests Chelsea's withdrawal may be financially motivated, implying that Leeds, a club on the rise and potentially heading back to the Premier League, is a more economically viable partner for CIFA. The Swedish club are enthusiastic about the new collaboration, especially considering Leeds' positive trajectory and recent partnership with Red Bull, hoping it will be a beneficial opportunity for aspiring young footballers in Scandinavia, building on the success of last year's event which saw several talents gain trials in England. please log in to view this image Feyenoord eye Struijk capture Media reports in Holland claim Feyenoord are actively monitoring Leeds centre-back and vice captain Pascal Struijk as the Summer transfer window approaches. Sources suggest that initial contact has already been established between Feyenoord and the player’s representatives, signaling the club's interest in the talented defender. Struijk joined Leeds in 2018 and has swiftly established himself as a key figure in the team's defense after making strides through the U21 ranks. Under the apprenticeship of Marcelo Bielsa, he successfully transitioned into the first team, showcasing his skillset and earning a reputation as a reliable defender. At 25, he already boasts a wealth of experience, nearing the milestone of 150 league appearances, and has become an integral part of Leeds' ambitions in the top flight next season. Leeds will be eager to retain Struijk's services, especially with his current contract running until the summer of 2027, which provides the club with considerable negotiating power. Nonetheless, Feyenoord's interest presents a potential challenge for the Yorkshire club. A return to the Netherlands may appeal to Struijk, especially considering the emotional and professional ties he has with his homeland. please log in to view this image Bielsa galvanised Leeds - Cooper During a recent interview, former Leeds United stalwart Liam Cooper reflected on his time under legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa, asserting that the Championship-winning squad wasn’t the best in terms of individual talent but was transformed into a “fearless” team under the Argentine's guidance. Cooper’s insights highlight the remarkable journey of a Leeds side that had been haunted by near misses in the playoffs, only to rise to new heights, culminating in a ninth-place finish in the Premier League after years of struggle. Bielsa’s unique approach and tactical acumen galvanized the squad, creating a strong sense of unity and resilience that allowed them to compete fiercely against more established teams. During his tenure at Leeds, Cooper, who has played under 14 different managers, testament that Bielsa stood out as a transformative figure at Elland Road. Cooper had transitioned from lower-tier football to becoming a key player and captain, noted how Bielsa’s foresight before matches was unparalleled. “He galvanised the whole club and took us from being mediocre to top half of the Premier League. We became fearless. “Our Championship team that won promotion wasn’t the best squad but we’d take it to teams and fight to the end. “Before games, the manager would predict exactly how things would pan out. I’d never seen anything like it, before or since. “I played the best football of my career under Bielsa. I still wish him happy birthday every year and receive the occasional voice note, in English!” “Probably the only time in history Leeds have been everybody’s second favourite team!” please log in to view this image
Morning all. Look at the happy little head on Bielsa, such a gentleman. Awful for everyone how things turned out. Such a pity the muppets at the top in the club didn't sell up after that first season. They didn't have anything about them to sustain our survival. Who knows where wed be today had they sold up at that point
Those ‘muppets at the top’ actually managed to get Bielsa to the club in the first place so credit where credit’s due.
Obviously and then fked up the entire project. We had a string of poor to awful coaches before him but most importantly after him. Imagine Marsch taking over the reins from Bielsa. Anyway it’s all in the past except Matt brought up the Coops interview
It was that first season back in the PL where we finished 9th that undid us. A flattering performance that kidded people we didn't need major investment.
and kept him there…. A mercurial manager whose fairly eccentric demands and micro management, meant few clubs could tolerate him for an extended period stayed longer at Leeds than he did in any other club management job. ... Before results and confidence were so bad his position was pretty much untenable
Only time he did. He can't handle fans making any sort of noise obviously. The medical term is phonophobia
I think you'll find he has in fact got Amphiblestronophobia - fear of nets, which explains why he can rarely find the back of one.
Morning all Was having my hair cut today at one of these “Turkish” (Bulgarian) barbers. Pleasant enough young guy (he is 20, I asked him). Anyway, he said “you like football?” and I answered in the affirmative. He said “which team do you support?” So I said, “no, you go first”. Chelsea was the answer. I didn’t have my father’s gun so I smiled and proudly said “Leeds United”. He answered “not one of the big clubs then” which, evidently was hilarious Anyway, he did a reasonably good job with the mop (and, yes, ears and eyebrows these days) so I generously said “would you like a tip?”. It was his turn to answer (eagerly) in the affirmative so I said “take the piss out of your customers football teams after they have paid you”
Although I don’t like to rake up the past, I disagree with this. Bielsa told the board that the squad would not be able to go again but they didn’t replace sufficiently. Then after nothing but an upward trajectory they (and some of the players, who owed their premier league status to him) baled at the first sign of difficulty. Replaced him with a far inferior coach who brought in crap, the likes of Mckennie. We went from Bielsa to Allardyce in what, a year? And wasted all his hard work.
If we hadn’t had Bielsa and those years in the PL we wouldn’t be top of the championship today, sometimes teams need a bounce. Replacing Bielsa with Jesse was our downfall and then ignoring alarm bells when he complained players we’re not buying into his coaching and ideas so spending a load on more players most worse than what we had
