Not quite a month into the new season but it's been eventful to say the least.........
A good number on here, myself included, we're waiting to see how the club was shaping up at the end of the transfer window.
So, a few hours' on, what's your view on the Cellino era thus far?
We wanted new blood,we've got it. In abundance. Youngsters with the potential to blossom here at Leeds United for the long term.
I still think we need to move a few on, Hunt, White, Austin, Tonge, possibly Norris and possibly Morison. I suspect we'll see a few loaned out and a few having their contracts terminated "by mutual consent".
On the football front it's been little hit and more miss. The experiment with Hockaday didn't work. Clearly got the team more united but his selections and tactics weren't what the doctor ordered. An end to hoofball is probably the one positive we can draw from his brief tenure.
Cellino needs to get the next appointment right. Not as though he's limited with his options. Clarke, Garcia (if he hasn't already gone to Watford), the former Watford manager Sannino or even Di Matteo. I saw Cooper mentioned, not sure about him except his father was a true legend.
As I've said before, the ground is not a priority for me but understand why others see the importance of buying it. If he does, great.
I still believe Cellino is the man to restore our presence in the Premier League. I still believe he'll do it within two seasons. He'll make mistakes granted, he's a maverick but ambitious and prepared to back that with investment. Finances appear to be getting on the right track too.
First report: Lacks consistency but showing signs of good progress.
What's the view now?
posted on 2/9/14
Guys, with all these changes and a high proportion of young players we will have our ups and downs this season, but it's a roller coaster ride that will be entertaining hopefully. At least we have the chance of an improving team and excitement in the future. Never was the saying " Rome wasn't built in a day" more appropriate.
posted on 2/9/14
The year we came back up to the Champ, I said with the team we had we could challenge to get promoted again and people laughed at me, we finished 7th, the season after, I said we needed to improve the defense, because the division was tougher and we struggled, because we didn't strengthen.
Also predicted the year Warnock took over we would struggle with the team as was even weaker and we did, same last season too, could tell after a few games we would really really struggle.
I go to football, because I enjoy the game and the atmosphere, but I look at the players and tactics and can see if it's not working, this year there are so many new players and some look poor to me so far, but with a really good coach like Clarke, we might be at least organised and start to see some potential.
Teams who go up usually stick to a close 11 every week and play with simple formations with width. I just see 30 odd players and no best 11 yet.
Would love to say promotion is on the cards, but cant see it this season, nice to get younger players into the team though. So it's not all doom and gloom.
posted on 2/9/14
MIchael, Eric - I will be very very happy to admit I'm wrong if we're pushing for play-off places (or better) come the end of the season.
I did say in my post that I'm genuinely optimistic for the future. We've had lots of transfer activity when we've had talk but no action for the past few years and young players coming in instead of journeymen on loan.
But I do think it will take time for players to learn how each other play, and for whoever is in charge to work out his preferred formation and strongest line-up.
We have no manager and lots of young players (many of whom are new to English football), and there are dangers to a lack of leadership if we continue to struggle and the pressure builds. That's why I say it's important that we avoid relegation.
posted on 2/9/14
Credit where credit is due - this has been the most productive transfer window since August of the -15 points season.
Young players with potential, instead of older players, have been brought in - there is hope.
Finances - not so sure on this one. We have been conned by the past two ownerships as to the state of the club's financial situation so will have to wait for accounts in 7 months or so.
Elland Road - again, let's wait and see.
Coaching staff - complete failure other than Redfearn being retained as youth coach.
At least there are some reasons for optimism this season!
Marching On Together!!!!!!
posted on 2/9/14
Gelder - yes:
https://twitter.com/philhayyep/status/506562612860321792
posted on 2/9/14
There's more reason for optimism than pessimism.
We need to get away from the idea that because Bates and GFH did things a particular way Massimo Cellino is going to do the same.
He's different in so many ways from both of them.
MOT!!!!!!!!!!!
posted on 2/9/14
Warwick said it: Many of the players are new to English football. I hope, but am not convinced, that they can adapt to a style and pace of play that is totally different to that on the Continent. Also, are Neil Redfearn's youngsters part of the plan or just assets to be sold on?
posted on 2/9/14
Not going to praise Cellino.
We have no manager. 6 points from 5 games.
It's all well and good saying look how many players we've signed, but they have to be good enough.
People who are the first to say to give time to owners and players, and the first to hype up players they've never once seen play.
I'm happy that we've been focused on the football and signing players. We've signed a few that I've seen good things from. One thing I'm not happy with is we still lack width in this team, and haven't addressed that this transfer window.
posted on 20/9/14
We have ten points from 7 games, players gelling on the pitch, new players yet to start, a new coach arriving imminently, apparently, so I guess it's all coming together nicely.
Genuinely.
posted on 20/9/14
We're three points off the playoffs...!
We're two wins off the automatic places...!
Whilst this is a work in progress, we are moving forward. Massimo Cellino stated clearly that he has a two year plan, to me he's stuck to his word.
Ok we've not spent 10.75 million on a player...! But let's face it that hasn't shown a club will do well has it...?
I'm happy with our current position at this stage in the process.