Eire - I started watching Leeds in the George Graham era so have definitely seen more downs than ups. Although I still vividly remember the O'Leary days when we had a young, exciting team. I think those days will come again but it will take time after Bates has run the club down for the last 8 years. I'm not 100% happy with GFH, particulraly their lack of transparency, but in fairness to them they never promised to spend large amounts of money on the team. They have strengthened the squad and if we can get a decent winger on loan then there's no reason why we can't get to the play-offs (other than the fact that Warnock isn't actually that good a manager). But at least things are heading in the right direction for the first time in many years.
Are we stronger now than we were 12 months ago? Maybe only slightly, there isn't much in it if I am honest, either way we are still a mid table team just as we were this time 12 months ago. On paper we have a bit more strength in depth but a bit more strength of average, I can't get excited about Barkley because he is only on loan, yes nice to have him here but he isn't permanent. GFH are an investment bank, they invest other peoples money to make a profit for them. If we do not make a profit on the pitch player sales will continue, gates dropping to below 20k would suggest there will still not be a pot left to piss in come the end of the season. Read between the lines folks, NW targets gone from Boyd and CMS to Habibou and loans. Been following them since mid seventies
Been watching since early 60's, middle of Div 2 when I started. Then the glory started, amazing times. I always expected it would be a long haul back (2020 is both a reference to vision and to the date I expected us to be back at the very top). Must admit though I am getting worried if it will happen even by then. Personally I blame the Grayson years- they were an opportunity to get some momentum back and go up two divisions in 2-3 years. By failing, we set ourselves up to lose the good players who would have been the core of a future Leeds Prem team. Very sad. Just hope we can do it the dirty way with NW and recapture the momentum somehow. btw, I meant I blame the Grayson years, not Grayson specifically (though he has to take part of the blame, he lacked astuteness in my view, particularly in his signings).
I have to agree, a promoted team with Beckford, Gradel, Howson and Snodgrass would have at least given us something to build on. Lees and Byram would have still progressed through the ranks, as it stands now should we get promoted and we would look like sitting ducks.
How come you cod heads can come on out site with sarcastic comments yet when i put one on yours i got struck off? Or can,t you stand any micky taking.
