After the terrible news of the fifteen point deduction only a few days earlier we are now into the final week of pre-season, is there any chance of a bit of good news and can we finish the week off with a win?
Sunday: Dennis Wise states that he now feels Leeds must gain 105 points to get promoted from League One this season. Whilst I like his optimism, I am sure 100 points will be enough!
Monday: Let the signings begin! The first player to come to Leeds isn’t announced until late on Monday, Casper Ankergren, who had a loan spell at the club last season returns to Elland Road. I am sure it comes as great relief to all fans to finally see someone join the club, also the fact that we already know him and I think most fans will be happy he is with us. The manager is also hopeful of tying up a few of the other players in the next few days. My optimism is growing!
Tuesday: It all kicks off today, Wise is a very busy little man with a number of signings. Matt Heath, Dave Prutton, Rui Marques and Leon Constantine all put pen to paper and sign for the club. Dennis also confirms that Alan Thompson will be club captain, but doesn`t explain why he hasn`t signed yet!
Leeds also sign up a few of the youngsters in Tomi Ameobi, Scott Gardner, Ben Parker and Gavin Rothery.
Wednesday: Ken Bates writes a letter to all other 71 League chairmen explaining the situation at Leeds and why we shouldn’t be deducted 15 points. It`s a very well worded document but unfortunately I think it will fall on deaf ears at the hearing on Thursday.
Thursday: It comes as no surprise to me that the majority of the 71 chairmen of Football League clubs decide that the decision was correct and also the fifteen point deduction handed out was fair! The 75% needed by the chairmen to agree with the football league was reached and the penalty would not be changed.
Unfortunately, part of the agreement between Leeds and the Football League states in return for the “golden share,” Leeds are now unable to take the matter to any further Football League appeal
I hope this now galvanises the team to say ‘stuff the rest of you, we will show you we can overturn the penalty and still have a successful season’
On a better note Leeds make two very important signings with new club captain Alan Thompson and Tore Andre Flo signing one year deals at the club. These two players are hugely experienced at the highest level and hopefully they can stay fit.
Friday: Leeds finally bring in a player who has no experience of playing at the club in 29 year old Andy Hughes who signs from Norwich City on a two year contract. He’s a very versatile player and will play in almost any position on the pitch. I used to see him regularly when he was at Reading and he’s always a fan favourite for his 100% commitment. I am sure he will soon win a new army of admirers at Leeds.
The club also announce the squad numbers for the new season; the biggest worry is we only have one keeper with a squad number! I know Andy Hughes is versatile but can he play in goal?
Saturday (The big day): At last after a turbulent summer of off field antics we can finally start to talk about the thing that really matters; doing the business on the pitch.
It doesn’t start off to well and Leeds fall behind in the first half when Chris Greenacre scores to put Tramere 1-0 ahead (just did he give the Leeds fans “the salute” after scoring?) The score line stays that way until the break.
In the second half Leeds improve considerably and Matt Heath scores Leeds first goal in League one with a far post header after a good free kick from Thompson. Leeds continue to press but are let off when Chris Shuker has a goal disallowed for offside (it was clear; I could see it from here!)
Going into the last minute and Leeds get the winner when another good ball into the box, this time from Hughes, is met by the majestic Tresor Kandol who stoops to head into the Tranmere goal.
Kandol has not won many admirers since arriving at the club but he’s improved pre season and had a very good game against Tranmere. Let`s hope this will give him a huge confidence boost and he can score 29 goals this season! For those who know I promised on the forum to show my backside in Woolies shop window if he gets 30!
I think the win at Tranmere is a huge result for the club, players and fans and we are now only thirteen points from safety (Careful Dazza we`ve only had 1 game! Ed) and still fifteen points from the top of the League! With three points for a win we can soon turn that around if we show the desire and commitment that was shown in the second half at Tranmere.
Lets look forward to the week ahead with a Carling Cup tie at Macclesfield in midweek and then our first home fixture in the League against Southend on Saturday.
The greatest comeback in the history of football has started!
MARCHING ON TOGETHER!
(Thanks go to Dazza, whos name I forgot to put at the bottom as author…again!)
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