1st July, 2004

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ormer Leicester City midfielder Craig Hignett has joined Leeds United on trial.

Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell told the club's official website: "Craig rang me and asked if he could train with me at the club. He had a couple of offers elsewhere but said he would like to give it a go here. I could not promise him anything but I agreed to let him train with us for six weeks pre-season training, I am fine with that because I still need more options and if he can offer us one of them then that's great. I want to be able to look at the bench this year and know I can change games. That was a luxury that wasn't afforded to Peter Reid or Eddie Gray last year and many times you'd look at the bench and there was no option to change it. This year I am determined to make sure I have the option to change things."

How do you rate Hignett? Let everyone know in our Leeds' fans forum

2nd July, 2004

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urnley have rejected two six-figure bids from Championship rivals Leeds United for Richard Chaplow. Who? More later. Lancashire papers are reporting that an initial £250,000 offer for the England U21 midfielder was instantly dismissed. Perhaps they've heard we've sold Milner?

Unhappy Chappy?

Leeds United, who have last season's Clarets' assistant manager Sam Ellis working for Kevin Blackwell, have confirmed making a second, improved bid believed to be over £500,000.

However, Burnley seem determined (don't they all?) to resist attempts to prise the 19-year-old away from Turf Moor, where he enjoyed an excellent campaign last season. They were even trying to persuade the Accrington-born midfield star to sign a new long term deal, despite having two years remaining on a current deal signed only last year. Sadly for Burnley 'persuade' and 'persuaded' are different tenses and mean a world of difference in football. As we have learnt with Milner, money speaks as does, in this case, the lure of playing for a much bigger club.

Sam Ellis, now assistant manager at Leeds United, confirmed: "Yes, we have made a bid for Richard, but that is as much as we are saying. We do our business in private and try to be discreet as we can. We don't like going public on these things."

Richard 'Chappy' Chaplow's rise in stature is phenomenal considering he was not even a first team regular at Turf Moor just twelve months ago. But after forcing his way into the Burnley first team he became a lynchpin of former manager Stan Ternent's midfield.

After the loss of Milner the Leeds Board will need to splash out to assuage the anger of the fans and even more importantly convince the new Leeds manager that they are prepared to invest in the team not just harvest the profits at the first opportunity from any kid that does well in the reserves. It is annoying from Burnley's point of view but they would do well to note the player's wishes in the current climate. Port Vale ignored McPhee's wishes and Leeds' bid and they ended up with nothing but egg on Chairman Bratt's face. £75,000 in the bank would have been better. A half-a-million bid from Leeds is a serious matter and represents the first major purchase attempt since the joke signing of Nicky Barmby by Cockney Tel two years ago.

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

Friday, 2nd July, 2004

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arnsley, now controlled by Peter 'Satan' Ridsdale, have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Stephen McPhail from Leeds United on a free transfer. Owing to the mismanagement of Leeds United by the very same Ridsdale and his cronies we cannot afford to keep McPhail, (or Viduka, Mills, Smith, Seth Johnson, Duberry, Harte etc) The 24-year-old midfielder, who has earned 10 caps for his country, signed a two-year deal at Oakwell on today after passing a medical on Thursday.

The badge on which McFailure is turning his back

McPhail will hardly be missed as he only made 107 appearances for Leeds United after joining the club as a trainee in 1997. His most memorable occasion was probably a double strike against Chelsea in a game that saw Le Boeuf sent off for stamping on Harry 'Cruel' Kewell. He turned out 12 times for Leeds last season and made very little impression when he did, and he also spent a period on loan at Nottingham Forest under the previous manager Paul Hart. Leeds will get much better value for money from the replacements that Kevin Blackwell is bringing into the Leeds. McPhail is another example of the huge wages wasted on a batch of youth players at Leeds that failed to deliver the goods after being brought on by David O'Leary.

I won't be hypocritical and wish him well at Barnsley. If he had any feeling for the club that nurtured him or its fans he would not contemplate a move to a club run by the despicable Ridsdale. Ridsdale should be banned from running any football club, and so for any club run by that scumbag I wish nothing more than financial and footballing oblivion.

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

2nd July, 2004 11am

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eeds United's Board have confirmed that they are considering an offer for the highly-rated James Milner from a Premiership club, however, not they have not disclosed the identity of the bidder.

James Milner: Soon to be an ex-white?.

Speculation has been rife over the past few days that the player is set for a move to Newcastle United.The Magpies are believed to have offered £3.6million for the 18-year-old with the final transfer fee expected to rise to £5million depending on appearances.

Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner told the club's official website: "The board is not going to be rushed into a final decision because decisions are irreversible and it needs to be carefully considered." So that James gone then!

James Milner turned down a move to Spurs so whether he moves this time may still be down to the player himself and the identity of the Premiership club that has made the bid. Clearly, having enjoyed an extended run in the first-team last season he does not want to become a squad player spending his time on the bench again. At a young age more is to be gained playing in Championship matches than warming the bench in the Premiership (A fact that Alan Smith may become aware of next season). Plus the quality of the coaching at Leeds, under the highly qualified Kevin Blackwell, is second to none.

Milner made his debut for Leeds in the 4-3 win at West Ham United in November 2002 and scored five Premiership goals for the club. He enjoyed a brief loan spell at Swindon Town last season scoring two goals in six appearances for the Robins.

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2nd July, 2004 3pm

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espite assurances from the Leeds Board that he was the future of the club, James Milner completed his move to Newcastle today; but it was with a "heavy heart" that he left our club.

So long and thanks for all the fish!

The 18-year-old signed a five-year deal which could be worth up to £5million to Leeds, and said he hoped the transfer would help safeguard the future of the club.

Milner only signed a new five-year contract at Elland Road last year and was due to renegotiate his salary next week. However, it was clear to him that cash-starved Leeds needed the money his move would generate so he agreed to talk to Newcastle after the clubs decided a fee.

Milner's agent, Professional Footballers Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire, told the Press Association: "There has never been a more committed player to Leeds United than James and he will always be a huge fan of the club.

"He signed a five-year deal last year, he bought a house in the area and his mum and dad have already renewed their season tickets for the coming season. [Presumably they, like hundreds of others will be asking for a refund under the Trade Descriptions Act 1969]

"However, it is common knowledge that, as part of Leeds' survival plans, they need to generate income from transfers, so we appreciate their dilemma and understand their decision to let James go because the money this raises helps safeguard the future of the club.

"However, things have moved on since then and once Leeds agreed a fee with Newcastle and gave him permission to speak to Sir Bobby Robson [Sir Robbly Bobson, get it right!], he felt that it was only fair and proper to talk to a club of that magnitude. ["Magnitude" - Yeah!, top club in a one-club city which can't even get through the qualifying rounds of the Champions League!]

"James is excited about joining one of the premier clubs, who can offer him a major stage and European football.

	“...he will always be a huge fan of the club.”

"However, he leaves with a heavy heart and is glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term."

In a move reminiscent of Alan Smith and his infamous departure to Scumchester United, James Milner has forfeited some of his financial entitlements from Leeds in a bid to further help the club. Brings a lump to your throat doesn't it? Pity the useless lumps like Harte, Duberry and Mills haven't the grace to do the same.

Well, there it is, new Board, same incompetent, stinking, liars as before. Short of an airliner ploughing into the Boardroom during a Board meeting we are stuck with these pusillanimous, mendacious, recidivists for the foreseeable future. To misquote Rt. Hon. David Steel MP, PC,

"Return to your stand seats and prepare to watch a decade of non-Premiership football"

3rd July, 2004

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eeds United target Steve McPhee has spoken about his failed move to Elland Road. The 23 year-old who netted 27 times for Port Vale last season was a free agent but was prevented from joining Leeds when his Chairman would not agree compensation that due because of his age. McPhee, has now signed a pre-contract agreement with Beira Mar, a Portugese side that means it is a free transfer because it is outside the UK and it means the Valiants have also missed out on the £175,000 they were offered for the player by Division Two rivals Bristol City. However, Steve McPhee says his desire to play at a higher level meant the Portuguese Premier League side were his only option after Vale rejected a £75,000 bid from Championship Leeds United. His agent labelled Port Vale a "two-bob operation".

Missed target Steve McPhee off to sunnier climes

Steve McPhee added, "My agent was pretty much saying either take the Leeds offer or I was off to Portugal. That might look like blackmail, but it was just the reality, because Leeds were the only Division One club to have made an offer."

"I wanted to help Vale out, but the only way I could do that was if a Division One club came in, because I didn't want to play in Division Two. It doesn't matter how much Bristol City would have offered me. It is not about the money it is about bettering myself."

So the player and his agent wanted him to come here but he is forced to play abroad because of the petulance of a football Chairman who neeeds to wake up and smell the coffee. Refusing to face reality is no way to run any business. So whilst the British game continues to suck in sub-standard but cheap imports from Eastern Europe a true British talent is forced abroad and the English game doesn't get a penny. Well done Port Vale, you must be so proud of your Chairman.

What have we missed out on? Tell us in our Leeds' fans forum

3rd July, 2004

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he inaugural Coca-Cola Championship season will kick off in style after Sky Sports announced they will be providing live coverage of five massive games in the opening four days. And to Leeds United and Elland Road goes the honour of kicking of the whole football season at lunchtime Saturday, August 7, as we welcome long-time rivals Derby County to Elland Road (ko 12:15pm).

	Follow The Whites from the comfort of your local!

Live TV interest doesn't finish there for Leeds fans because at 5:35pm ex-Leeds and new Coventry City boss Peter Reid will welcome his former club Sunderland to Highfield Road! A chance to see Mick McCarthy's undoubted promotion rivals in action hours after the "Blackwell Revolution" has seen action for the first time!

On Sunday, August 8 the Sky cameras move to the Britannia Stadium as Stoke City host fellow relegated Premiership team Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ex-Captain of Wolves, Paul Butler is one of the new faces at Elland Road and a key part of the "Blackwell Revolution".

And the action continues as first newly promoted Queens Park Rangers (ex-QPR defender Clark Carlisle was the second Blackwell signing) travel to Watford on Monday, kick off 7:45pm, before beaten Play Off Finalists West Ham United look to begin another promotion challenge as they welcome Reading to Upton Park on Tuesday, kick off 8:00pm. Leeds United fans will want to see both The Hammers and Reading in action as soon as possible to judge their potential as serious promotion candidates.

Here's a summary of the live coverage:
Date		Kick Off
Sat, Aug 7	Leeds Utd v Derby County	12.15 pm
Sat, Aug 7	Coventry City v Sunderland	5.35 pm
Sun, Aug 8	Stoke City v Wolves	to be confirmed
Mon, Aug 9	Watford v QPR	7.45pm
Tue, Aug 10	West Ham Utd v Reading	8.00 pm

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

4th July, 2004

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oalkeeper Steve Simonsen has been in talks with Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell over a potential move to Elland Road. Simonsen, who is just 25, was released by Everton at the end of last season. Simonsen played just 37 times for Everton during his six-year spell with the club and there must be some concern over his lack of experience. After all, we have a good young keeper in Carson already on the books what we need in an experienced old campaigner like another Everton Keeper, Nigel Martyn!

	LeedsUtd365.co.uk

However, Kevin Blackwell is a former goalkeeper and should be a good judge of goalies!

"Steve Simonsen is one of three or four goalkeepers that I'm actually speaking to at present," Blackwell told the Everton website. Blackwell is looking for a goalkeeper before the new season begins to replace England international Paul Robinson, who has joined Tottenham.

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

4th July, 2004

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t's summer and the silly season is with us already.The Sunday Mirror reports that Sir Alex Ferguson may sacrifice Alan Smith for Wayne Rooney because the Old Trafford board are not willing to sanction a deal for the £50m asking price because they know Rooney wants to play for them and no one else. (Situation is similar to the Liverpool-Kewell rip-off last summer).

	Oh God, what have I done? Leeds fans don't want me, Ferguson doesn't want me, and Everton DO want me! I'm not a Division 1 player but I'm CERTAINLY not an Everton player!

They also know that with debts of £40m, the pressure will increase on Everton to sell at any price.

The key to this story appears to be the fact that Alan Smith, 23, who only deserted Leeds United six weeks ago in a £6m deal was courted by Everton before Sir Alex Ferguson secured his signature. Smith has yet to debut for the Old Trafford club and the Sunday Mirror would have us believe he never will, as he journeys down the East Lancs Road to become a Toffeeman with Rooney going in the other direction in a £30m cash plus player deal.

There is a similarity between the players, except that Rooney can score. So why didn't Ferguson buy him before Euro 2004 in Portugal? Well he's done it before hasn't he? He could have had Rio for £10m but waited until after the World Cup 2002 performances before shelling out £30m for the part-timer. (If only he and the Scum Board had known they could have had him for peanuts, 'Ripper' Ridsdale was that desperate). Rooney has come on in leaps and bounds at international level in Euro 2004 and Ferguson covets him. There is just the slight problem of Alan Smith now being surplus to requirements. Everton would doubtless want Smith and are resigned to losing Rooney.

	“...Everton is about as enticing as a bout of dysentry...”

The only fly in the ointment is Alan Smith himself who is not prepared to move to Everton. Apart from looking incredibly foolish in his utterances about the move to the Theatre of Queens, who on earth would he want to move to Everton, a club once again on the slide and one that finished in the next-to-relegation spot last season, again! Everton is about as enticing as a bout of dysentry to a player who was courted by several teams before his move to Old Trafford.

The Sunday Mirror scenario is unbelievable, Alan Smith and his agent wouldn't stand for it. But what if Ferguson signs Rooney anyway? That would change matters. Alan Smith would be warming the bench all season exept when Rooney's thugishness comes to the fore and he is banned for reckless challenges on goalkeepers! But as a Man Utd player the referees will go easy on him anyway, so that's less likely to happen next season. In those circumstances Smith would be looking for a move away to get first-team football, after all he moved from Leeds to further his international career and that is unlikely to happen whilst he sits on the bench (though it didn't do Nicky Butt any harm but even he has had enough). Maybe Smith's move has become one to the 'Theatre of Nightmares' rather than dreams but it is not a clear cut as the Sunday Mirror would have us believe.

Presumably, we should stand-by for a bid from Sir Robbly Bobson and NewLeeds United as he pursues his only strategy of turning the Toon Barmy into David O'Leary's Leeds Utd team.

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

5th July, 2004

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t hasn't taken long for the media to begin spending the sale proceeds from James Milner's move to NewLeeds United. Moreover, several other clubs suddenly feel they are entitled to a slice of it too!

Lancashire Hot-Shot?

Take rivals Burnley for example. We made a bid of £250K last week for Richard Chaplow, the 19 year-old midfielder who has had one good season in Division 1, (now The Championship). Considering our recent financial past some may think that excessive. It now turns out that Burnley have rejected a further bid of £500K (rising to over £1 million!) and are doubtless awaiting a bigger share of the "Milner Millions". Well, Port Vale Chairman Bratt tried to turn the screw on Leeds United and he ended up with nothing but egg on his face and, indeed, lost the player for nothing. Hopefully Kevin Blackwell will treat the Turf Moor club with equal disdain and refuse to be taken into a bidding war.

Frankly, Kevin Blackwell has secured the services of some interesting and potentially exciting players without spending a penny and there is no need to go silly now.

"I am delighted with the players we have managed to bring in so far, they all have past Premiership experience or are proven in this division, and having this money now will help us get a better calibre of player," said Blackwell

We didn't want Milner sold but that is now water under the bridge. It is important not to waste the money we gained on other lesser players whose prices have been hyped-up just because clubs think we a). loaded again and b). rubbish at transfer deals. One of those statements is true, guess which one? Anyway, the sooner the debt is paid off the sooner we are no longer a selling club and the £3.5million down-payment on James represents 10 % of the outstanding debt of the club. We need Kevin Blackwell to continue to be a modern-day Autolycus to get us out of this trouble, and not to be profligate with the only cash we'll see in a long-time. Remember, even after the high profile sales, the likes of Ian Harte and Michael Duberry remaining with us means that our wage bill will still be a staggering £20 million for our first season out of the Premiership!

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

5th July, 2004

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urther transfer news involving Leeds: The Sun is linking us to David Unsworth who is a free agent having failed to agree a new contract with Everton. Rumours still circulate that Leeds-born, ex-Leeds striker, Brian Deane may return; but the Blackwell Revolution already has three new strikers and there is a limit as to how many players Blackwell can afford

	Forever Leeds

On his way out of Leeds may be Norwegian international Eirik Bakke to Premiership new boys Crystal Palace or West Brom The fee mentioned is £1.5 million which would represent a rare profit on a purchase from the David O'Leary days. Leeds were interested in West Ham winger Matt Etherington, but the Hammers are reluctant sellers and our interest is cooling. Incrediby, talks to shed the dead wood that is Nicky Barmby are still on-going, but there is lttle doubt that he's off to his home town club of Hull City as soon as his agent has pried as much of the James Milner transfer fee from our coffers as he can. You'd really think he'd already had enough wouldn't you?

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7th July, 2004

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eeds will launch the second of three new 2004-05 kits on Thursday 29th July. The shirt will cost a wallet ripping £ 39.99 from club shops, though a small discount should be available in the high street. (Click here for my review of the new home shirt).

	New Away Kits?

The second strip being launced at the end of July 2004 is a new light blue away strip. This is reminiscent of the best selling 'Lazio' away kit of the 1999/2000 season. Judging by the photos from the training sessions this week the third strip will be the ugly dark blue of last season, but thankfully without the naff pinstripe. Personally I cannot understand why the club would want two blue away strips.

Strangely, it would seem there is no yellow/gold strip which of course is part of the traditional two colours of Leeds United. Sales, not tradition, govern strips these days though it is unusual not to have a yellow strip. Light blue has only a vague connection with Leeds United in that the club played in blue and white striped shirts during the formation 1919-20 season, probably borrowed from Huddersfield Town given the connection at Board level between the clubs at that time.

What do you think of our new strips - have your say in our Leeds' fans forum

7th July, 2004

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ominic Matteo has completed his move to Blackburn Rovers today. The 30-year-old passed a medical at Ewood Park and has now agreed personal terms on a three-year contract. Although the move has been rumoured for some time, it does come as a surprise as most Leeds fans were waiting for confirmation of Mark Viduka's exit to Middlesborough which was due sometime today.

	Leeds Captain Matteo

Dom's departure will be one of the few truly regretted by the majority of Leeds United fans. Leeds Chief Operating Officer Shaun Harvey said: "I would like to thank him on behalf of everyone at Leeds United for his efforts whilst at the club and we wish him every success in the future." For what it is worth Dom you have the thanks of leedsutd365.co.uk as well. One disappointing aspect of the transfer is that it is a FREE one! It had been suggested Rovers would part with £1 million for his services. However, with Ridsdale-inspired wages to match it is no surprise Rovers declined the invitation to cough up some dosh!

Dominic Matteo was an inspirational figure during his time at Elland Road, having played through considerable pain, because of knee problems, for the club over the past two seasons to try to save the club from relegation.

Dominic was handed the captain's armband by former boss Terry Venables following Rio Ferdinand's treacherous departure for the Theatre of Queens in the summer of 2002.

He made 146 appearances in all competitions for Leeds, scoring twice in Europe including a memorable goal against AC Milan, and twice in the Premiership - both goals coming last season.

Thanks and good luck to Dom in his new role at Blackburn.

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7th July, 2004 :: by Autolycus

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evin Blackwell faced more frustration today as another target slipped from his grasp. As we revealed at the weekend Kevin Blackwell, himself a former keeper, had been in talks with Steve Simonsen over his future. However, today those talks have shown to be fruitless as the former Everton keeper has rejected Leeds United's Blackwell Revolution to sign a 2 year contract with Championship rivals Stoke City!

	Forever Leeds

The former Tranmere shot-stopper attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer, but has opted to join the Britannia Stadium outfit. Steve Simonsen made a controversial move to Goodison Park for £3.3 million in the summer of 1997, but failed to make an impact.

The 25-year-old is now hoping a change of clubs can resurrect his career and the remote chance he has to force his way back into Sven Goran Eriksson's England fold.

"Steve's delighted to have sorted his future. He was looking for a fresh start, that's why he turned down Everton's offer," said Simonsen's agent Lee Payne.

"There were a number of clubs interested in signing him, but once he saw the set-up at Stoke he knew that's where he wanted to go." (I find it hard to believe it is better than Thorp Arch)

"He's only 25 and he hopes that he can prove himself again and get back into the England set-up as he is very ambitious."

I don't want to pour cold water on the lad's prospects but he would have been far better off at Leeds United as a showcase for his talents than at Stoke where he will go unnoticed. The Sky schedule already shows three Leeds matches due to be shown in the first months of the season with doubtless many more to follow. Besides look at the recent international goalies that have developed at Leeds; Nigel Martyn, Paul Robinson and the current U-21 goalie, unless of course he couldn't handle the competition from Scott Carson? After just 37 games in seven years you could understand him having a fragile ego.

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7th July, 2004 :: by Autolycus

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ith so much going on at Leeds here's an attempt to bring everything up-to-date as at Wednesday afternoon. Of course it'll be out-of-date by the time I finish the article as the Leeds Board is acting as though it is on steroids at the moment.

First of all, note that tomorrow, Thursday is the draw for the Carling Cup and Leeds are in the first round for the first time in er.. eons! The draw is regionalised and seeded so that Northern seeded teams meet fellow Northern non-seeded teams, and we're seeded! (for some unknown reason given our history in the competition). Actually it is to keep apart Championship sides in the first round. Also each tie must also be settled on the night, no second legs or replays; it's definitely the Carling Cup not the League Cup nowadays!

7th July, 2004

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eeds have had two more games selected for Sky and consequently the dates have been moved. Both are home games against what should prove difficult opposition.

	Forever Leeds

The home game against Sunderland has been brought forward from Saturday 25th September to the Friday night, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Mick McCarthy's Black Cats were unlucky to miss out on promotion last season and have to be favourites against an untried Leeds. The season before last Peter Reid's Black Cats, in their relegation season, won at Elland Road for the first time in 41 years of trying!

The home game against Wigan Athletic has been put back to Sunday 31st October from the Saturday, and the game will kick off at 1.00pm. Wigan doesn't draw huge support but has money to spend. A chance to see if Leeds target, striker David Graham, made the right choice in moving to Athletic rather than Leeds.

Other non-Sky related fixture changes see the Reading away game kick-off time changed from a 7.45pm kick-off to a 8.00pm kick-off.

Also the Sheffield United away fixture at Bramall Lane will now kick-off at the ridiculous time of 11.30am. Perhaps the South Yorkshire Constabularly have to be home in time for lunch or down the pub for 2pm?

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

8th July, 2004

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arling Cup draw Round 1 is as follows: (all ties played week commencing 23 August 2004)

	Round 1 draw

Lincoln City v Derby County
Sunderland v Chester City
Darlington v Barnsley
Hull City v Wrexham
Nottingham Forest v Scunthorpe United
Rochdale v Wolves
Bradford City v Notts County
Bury v Burnley
Tranmere Rovers v Shrewsbury Town
Crewe Alexandra v Blackpool
Mansfield Town v Preston North End
Sheffield Wednesday v Walsall
Sheffield United v Stockport County
Hartlepool United v Macclesfield Town
Doncaster Rovers v Port Vale
Oldham Athletic v Stoke City
Grimsby Town v Wigan Athletic
Rotherham United v Chesterfield
Leeds United v Huddersfield Town
Colchester United v Cheltenham Town
Peterborough United v Milton Keynes Dons
Gillingham v Northampton Town
Brighton & Hove Albion v Bristol Rovers
Leyton Orient v AFC Bournemouth
Wycombe Wanderers v Bristol City
Boston United v Luton Town
Watford v Cambridge United
Queens Park Rangers v Swansea City
Kidderminster Harriers v Cardiff City
West Ham United v Southend United
Ipswich Town v Brentford
Rushden & Diamonds v Swindon Town
Oxford United v Reading
Yeovil Town v Plymouth Argyle
Coventry City v Torquay United

Discuss this story in our Leeds' fans forum

Paul Butler has been handed the captain's armband, for the forthcoming season, to lead the Blackwell Revolution. Paul succeeds Dominic Matteo who completed his move to Blackburn Rovers earlier this week.

The former Wolves man has the qualities that Kevin Blackwell believes are vital for the role. Paul Butler, who has played over 500 senior games was the obvious choice from the day he signed.

Kevin Blackwell told the YEP: "Paul has shown leadership qualities at every club he's been at. He's captained Wolves, Sunderland and Bury and he's a great leader of men.

"One of the reasons I was so keen to bring him was because of his experience and the fact that he sets a good example to others.

"He's already shown those qualities in the six days we've been working and I think he is a fitting choice to take over from Dom."

Aside from his responsibilities on the field Kevin also thinks he has a lot to offer off the pitch as well.

"I think he will be a great addition to the management team," said Blackwell. "I want him to work closely with us and he will have a big role to play both on an off the pitch."

Paul responded to the appointment in an interview on Leeds United Television. "I am overwhelmed with by it. The boss offered it to me on Wednesday when Dominic left, he approached me straight away and he didn't need to offer it to me twice.

"It's a great honour and he told the rest of the players this morning and they are right behind me and I am looking forward to it and am very excited about the job."

"I shared the duties with Paul Ince at Wolves and at Sunderland when Kevin Ball was there, but this is the biggest job I have had as skipper to get the club back to where they belong.

"I just go along with my own job, I am vocal out there so that helps, and that's what Kevin Blackwell saw in us. He wants leaders out there, but from what I can see he has a team of leaders. [Oh God, all Chiefs and no injuns!]

"The players were happy with the choice as well, they all backed me and said they were right behind me.

"It's not just me that will be shouting out there, there's Kelly and Duberry who are very vocal. [Kelly: "Were da hell's me nephew gone?" , Duberry: "What colour are we?"]

"I am my own captain though and I will go about things in my own way and the players will get to know me and find I am fair with it.

"I am the middle man to go from the players back to the gaffer and vice-versa. If they have any problems I am the man who has to face the boss and the board.

"It's added pressure on me but I am going to thrive on it."

I'm sure we all wish Paul the best of luck in the job during the forthcoming season. He may need it!

Tell us your views on our new captain in our Leeds' fans forum

Saturday, 10th July, 2004 :: by Querpo

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e have pulled out of the deal that would have seen defender Michael Duberry move to Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Pause for collective sigh). Such were the terms of the proposed move that Kevin Blackwell has now decided he may as well hold onto the former Chelsea man particularly following the loss of central defender Dom Matteo. As such the club now have four experienced centre-halves and an exciting prospect in youngster Matthew Kilgallon.

	Dubes

Duberry had been set to depart after a contract termination had been agreed in principle although it had not been finalized as his advisors are still waiting on confirmation that any unpaid settlement would be protected as a "football creditor" under Football League Rules.

Blackwell and Leeds used the delay for a re-think and were then were not willing to pay off Duberry and pay over £15K per week of his wages while he's playing for our Championship rivals, Wolves. Wolves wanted the player but expected us to make up the vast bulk of his Ridsdale-inflated wages! Wolves must now be bitterly regretting trying to have their cake and eat it as Blackwell realized the paltry saving in wages meant the exercise wasn't worth it.

"What we were saving on wages was negligible," said Blackwell. "It was going to cost us as much to replace him.

"Michael expressed a desire to stay and I know he can do a very good job." said Blackwell somewhat optimistically. "I would have hated to see him playing for one of our rivals next season," Blackwell added contrary to the aspirations of every Leeds fan!

As for Duberry, following the signing of two new central defenders and the emergence of Kilgallon, the reality is that he will now sit out the remainder of the best years of his football career on the Leeds subs bench, in Ridsdale-luxury, whilst Leeds Utd allow his ridiculous contract to run-out, preferably before we go bankrupt!

Are you happy to see Dubes stay? Tell us in our Leeds' fans forum

Saturday, 10th July, 2004 :: by Querpo

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