I went to the game yesterday. Sat low down in the East stand. Met Joe Root and Johnny Bairstow parading the county one championship trophy before kick off and prepared myself for a tough afternoon.
However after a fairly even fifteen minute exchange we then exploded into life and looked to have a real swagger and hunger about ourselves. Rudy Austin in particular looks like a new player in his more advanced role and on this form he is going to be a big player for us this season. I owe him an apology because I thought his days at Leeds were over after a lot of poor performances last season.
The midfield as a whole looked confident on the ball and weren't scared of the ball either, using it intelligently and our style of play now reminds me of the way Swansea passed their way out of this league. Cook at just 17 is a real find and it won't be long before word gets out to the whole football world about this young mans ability and premiership scouts come sniffing.
The front two are strong and skillful and a real handful and they were like deadly assassins with their clinical finishing yesterday. If they can stay injury free then we don't need to worry about a lack of firepower because given half a chance these two will knock them in for fun.
Defensively there is still room for improvement but definitely better than last season, Warnock was class yesterday and I think Byram will now cement his position at RB now Beradi has got to serve a suspension. I have to say that Pearce although lacking in a bit of pace didn't put a foot wrong and looks to be forming a really strong partnership and understanding with Bellusci beside him.
So all in all I would say after witnessing the game yesterday and even taking into account the opposition's lack of confidence we still played the best we have played I would say since we beat Man U in the cup in 2010.
It's a risky thing predicting Leeds future because as we all painfully know there have been many false dawns but you just sense that Leeds will go from strength to strength and have a very good season. I think the negativity that has been around us for so long is shifting and it was hilarious to see Massimo Cellino run across the Elland Road pitch from the John Charles stand and be warmly applauded and welcomed up and into the East Stand.
The feel good factor is back. Thank God and let's all look forward to brighter times. We deserve it!
Very impressive display
posted on 21/9/14
Emily, you've got it
posted on 21/9/14
I have a feeling MC (& Salerno) are more comfortable with Darko than they were with the Hock. Saying that,
they might still prefer an Italian in the long run.
In a way I'm glad Redders is not the coach. Hate to lose him period. He's proven to be a much needed member
of the club. Keep him out of the firing line please.
posted on 21/9/14
Like it or not, redders will be gone this season. He has said himself only yesterday that he wants to manage. He us now well and truly in the shop window.
I think if that happens celluno will get carbone in to manage the kids.
posted on 21/9/14
I think Cellino will gvet the guy from Reading to manage the kids remember one good one equals £ mucho denerio
posted on 21/9/14
Have to agree with Golanwhite, I cannot see Mr Redfearn staying. Any job he gets from here will be financially better, albeit he'll maybe not step up in quality of club.
Any sensible man would look to financial security first and foremost and I am sure he's a sensible man.
I think, and this is only if we lose him, he'll go to a Championship or League 1 outfit and have a reasonable success. The thing is he'll not have what he has here, and he knows that.
I'd be sorry to see him go.
posted on 21/9/14
Eric, stop it with the negative vibes.
Redders will still be here in 2115 and we're gonna win every game 3-0 (insert players name) hat-trick
posted on 21/9/14
I like negative, it's fluffy and ...............
posted on 21/9/14
Redders ain't going anywhere. If he really wants to be front line he'll get his chance at Leeds soon. Cellino gets through head coaches at the rate of one every eight months. He won't have long to wait on that basis.
posted on 22/9/14
I can't see him leaving. He's on a good number here. Has a lasting legacy in the youth set up and will always be the safe pair of hands in which the club will be entrusted should the Head Coach come up short.
Imagine the pressure the HC will be under to emulate what Redfearn has done of late?
Nope, he'll stay.
posted on 22/9/14
I hope he stays Stefano, I just think he'll get 'made an offer he can't refuse' that's what success brings you.
I do say he'll not get what he has here and I reckon he knows that. But financial reward might, dare I say it, 'turn his head?'