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Good Morning. It's Tuesday 2nd December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Why O'Neill would be the sensible choice for the ER hot seat
Despite Leeds United’s spirited 3-2 showing against Manchester City at the Etihad over the weekend, a result many fans saw as a “good defeat”, strong rumours started circulating that Daniel Farke’s tenure at Elland Road would be coming to an abrupt and imminent end before their midweek clash against Chelsea. Officially, the word is that his job is safe for at least the next two matches, but whispers around the club suggest otherwise. Yesterday, in a twist nobody saw coming, Gary O’Neill’s name suddenly entered the conversation.
By mid-afternoon, the former Bournemouth and Wolves boss was being discussed as an unlikely contender; by the evening, the betting markets had reacted sharply, with his odds plummeting from 12/1 to an 11/8 favourite with most major bookmakers. The question now on everyone’s lips is simple: would O’Neill actually be a good fit for Leeds?
O’Neill has quickly earned a reputation as one of the game’s most promising young managers, thanks to a blend of tactical flexibility and a calm, measured approach to leadership. At Bournemouth, he famously took over during a chaotic period and defied expectations to keep the Cherries in the Premier League. That achievement was all the more remarkable given the limited resources at his disposal, and many felt his sacking was harsh. He never had the chance to properly stamp his identity on the squad, but the club opted for a change, seizing the opportunity to appoint Andoni Iraola. It was a brutal call, but one that proved shrewd for Bournemouth. Perhaps Leeds should have taken a similar view last summer with Daniel Farke?
It wasn't long until Wolves, another team deep in the mire came knocking. O’Neill once again delivered safety, instilling belief and organisation throughout the squad. For Leeds, whose supporters crave a manager with resilience and a proven track record of getting more from less, O’Neill’s profile ticks many of the boxes. He may not be the big name many Whites fans crave, but as far as reliability is concerned - he's a safe option for a club like Leeds who do not have a great deal of money to throw around.
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Blowing the whistle on fake keeper injuries
Goalkeepers feigning injury, almost always at a moment when their team desperately needs a regroup has become a talking pointing on social media outlet 'X' following Gianluigi Donnarumma's antics against Leeds at the weekend. With rules preventing keepers from receiving treatment off the pitch, the Manchester City shot-stopper went to ground, allowing his team mates the chance to re-group, as Pep Guardiola organised a team huddle.
It left Daniel Farke fuming as Manchester City took advantage of yet another footballing loophole. If football’s lawmakers can’t figure out a punishment that doesn’t backfire when a keeper is genuinely hurt, maybe it’s time to change the rules! Use the U.S. model: give each team one short, structured timeout per match, clock paused, captain as the only messenger, and resume play once the minute’s up.
Not only would it cut out the pantomime of “mystery injuries,” it’d add an extra spark of drama and give managers one more tool to change the game; all without dragging the spectacle down with endless play-acting. If footballers were punished for simulation (or any act of cheating), they wouldn't do it. I'm not saying that every foul should be scrutinised, but certainly blatant acts deserve repercussions.
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